[color=#FF0000]STIGMA[/color]

I was appalled!!

I thought, I would share this, and see what others think about this. I will probably add more on this subject to this thread, as I get more info.

MENTAL ILLNESS CAUSED BY LACK OF GOOD OLD FASHIONED WILL POWER.

You may have read this headline and reacted negatively to whoever would be so ignorant to write such a statement. Yet this is just one of the many myths that is perpetuated each and every day by millions of people about mental illness.

There should be no doubt in anybody's mind that these myths reinforce a terrible and sustained stigma surrounding the numerous brain diseases that are termed mental illness. The word "Stigma" is defined as a mark or sign of shame, disgrace or disapproval, of being shunned or rejected by others. Perhaps you have experienced this definition first hand as a person with a brain disorder or as a parent, spouse, sibling, other family member or friend of a person afflicted with a mental illness. You may have experienced this stigma with co-workers, friends, other family members or possibly at church.

The truth is that you cannot speak about schizophrenia, bi-polar, depression, etc. the same as you would about cancer, diabetes, asthma, or any of the other "recognized physical illnesses" with most people. There is a powerful veil of silence that is applied to speaking about mental illness that has a devastating effect on the person with the illness, family members or friends, and also the community in general. When it is talked about, it is often in derogatory or demeaning terms.

How is it that when a person suffers a heart attack, he/she is taken to a hospital for treatment and care, but a person whose brain chemistry is out of balance is sent to the funny farm, nut house, booby hatch or some other such place. Diabetes is treated by a doctor, mental illness by a head shrinker. Isn't it amazing to compare the terminology used to describe hospitalization and treatment between illnesses.

People with a mental illness suffer several labels or stereotypes which makes a difficult illness even more difficult to cope with. Several of these are routinely, and without thought, reinforced in movies, TV, and the media. Common among the labels or stereotypes are: lazy, unsafe to be around, unintelligent, dangerous to children, irresponsible, untreatable, without conscience, and on and on. These negative stereotypes result in discrimination and isolation for the individual suffering from a brain disease and effectively close the door to adequate insurance coverage, employment opportunities, and the chance to be participating and productive members of society.

The facts about mental illness

oThey are disorders of the brain that disrupt a personò³ ´hinking, feeling, moods, and ability to relate to others. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are brain disorders that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

oMental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income.

oDespite media focus on the exceptions, individuals receiving treatment for schizophrenia are no more prone to violence than the general public.

oOne in five families is affected in their lifetime by a severe mental illness, such as bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression.

oMost importantly, these brain disorders are treatable. Most people with serious mental illness need medication to help control symptoms. Supportive counseling, self-help groups, housing, vocational rehabilitation, income assistance and other community services can also provide support and stability, leaving the focus on recovery.