Mental Illness Is A Taboo Subject

The disparity in treatment has been attempted to be remedied over the eras. Bills and Acts put into place in the 20th and 21st centuries have seeked to improve care and reduce stigma around those with mental illness. This began in 1942, when Harry Truman signed the National Mental Health Act, which requested the formation of a National Institute of Mental Health. Shortly after this, in 1949, the National Institute of Mental Health was established (“National Institute of Mental Health”). During the company’s 60 year lifespan they have focused on research about mental illness, educating the public, and improving the lives of the mentally ill by working to pass laws. One law that seeks to reduce the stigma of mental illness is the Mental Healths Service Act of California. "California 's Historic Effort To Reduce The Stigma Of Mental Illness: The Mental Health Services Act" from the American Journal Of Public Health illustrates how the Act will make improvements. Families and individuals who have experienced stigma had a big role in the process, specifically with developing a 10 year plan, the California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination. One component of the Act discussed is the work plan developed by California Mental Health Services Authority, which has three components: stigma and discrimination reduction, student mental health, and suicide prevention. Organizations such as the NIMH have made efforts resulting in the evolution of mental

Although about 450 million people in the world currently are suffering from a mental illness, many untreated, the topic still remains taboo in modern society (Mental Health). For years, people with mental illnesses have been shut away or institutionalized, and despite cultural progression in many areas, mental illnesses are still shamed and rarely brought to light outside of the psychiatric community. The many different forms in which mental illness can occur are incredibly prevalent in the world today, and there is a substantial debate about the way that they should be handled. Some people are of the opinion that mental illness is merely a variance in perception and that it either can be fixed through therapy or should not be treated at

I hear my best friend heavily breathing on the other end of the line. “I want to do it, Itzell, I want to do it so badly,” she brings herself to say, breaking through tears. My best friend of 7 years wanted to commit suicide. As I had no experience nor knowledge as to how I could appropriately comfort her in her darkest moment, I felt powerless. It was at this instant that introduced depression’s burden into my life. I have been, since then, inspired to enlighten others on the subject as I realized how little mental illness awareness was available within my own community. For this reason, I urged my group members at Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz’s Future Physician Leaders program to assist me in delivering a clear public service announcement about

As one’s condition worsens, the individual has choices to make which will impact their life for the better or maybe even for the worse. While growing up, I was acquainted with my neighbor, who I became friends with in middle school. She was cheery and optimistic, a people person. Overall, her family and friends would be delighted to see her around. In high school, my friend and I grew apart because she developed depression and was suicidal. She inflicted self-harm onto herself and had said, “I’m ready for death if it comes.” She crossed the line and tried to commit suicide which later resulted in her admittance to the mental hospital. I am not sure what treatments she received, but all I know is that it impacted her greatly because she came out of that place as if she were the same person before

As medical research progresses, and new technology advances the way we treat illnesses, people with mental illnesses are left in the dark without help. Mental Health America reports that one in five adults have a mental health condition, however, 56% of them do not receive proper treatment. Unfortunately, our society still has a stigma towards people with mental health problems. Many people fear judgement and choose not to tell anyone about their condition. These attitudes stem from the public perception of mental illness as a weakness. Hearing someone say, “That is not a real illness,” or “Get over it” is inconsiderate, and prevents people from seeking further help. Suicide in our society is increasing at an alarming rate, and as long as there is a social stigma towards mental health, we cannot work toward the solution.

Those willing to help are very important to the work force of the United States. My interest in mental illness drives my choice in career, so I can hopefully help more of those suffering with these diseases. Along with highly appreciated professionals who help mentally ill patients every day, I hope to become an educated American that can recognize the silent sufferers of this nation, while educating others about the ones who cannot speak up and say it for

In the fall of my junior year, I learned about the unexpected death of a former classmate of mine. Although I did not know him well, David’s passing had a significant impact on my life. I changed my own beliefs on handling mental illnesses.

should be able to understand that everyone could go through a mental breakdown during their life and instead of keeping it to themselves, it’s better to be honest about it, accept their situation and ask for help. Having a mental issue is not something to be ashamed of or not taking it seriously. Some mental illness could start with very few signs and seems not a big deal, but if the person doesn’t do anything about it, it could turn to a real issue.

The film described the difficulty those with mental health issues face regarding employment. Many times, a job can help and be beneficial to those with mental illnesses, as it gives them responsibility and a sense of purpose. Unfortunately, those with these issues are often discriminated against and viewed negatively due to their health problems. What many people don’t realize is that they are still capable of holding a job and performing well.

Mental Health is a topic that should be taken more seriously and should really be talked about more. There are so many people in the world that have a Mental Illness but are too afraid to talk about it because of the backlash or the weird looks. Nobody should feel that they are alone when dealing with any kind of illness. Having a support system is a big part of being able to fight that mental illness and will give you the strength to get through it. If you are to afraid to tell a love one, there are always counselors that are willing to help you through the process. It amazing to read the different ways each country portrays mental illness and to see most countries start

We don’t like to talk about it. Mental illness is a scary concept to comprehend, and because of the stigma surrounding it, those who suffer often times do so in secret. After all, nobody wants to be seen as “crazy.” I understand this quite well. For years I struggled, and continue to struggle with severe clinical anxiety and depression. There were numerous days in which I couldn’t even leave my bed due to my dark state of mind. As if this wasn’t enough of a burden to handle, I was incredibly ashamed. Crying myself to sleep every night was embarrassing. I was humiliated when I would have an anxiety attack in the school bathroom while the rest of my friends were at lunch. But I wanted to keep these issues hidden. I felt like a total freak, but above all, I felt alone. Little did I know, as I have only found out recently, many classmates around me were also struggling. But none of us talked about it. I only began to realize that I wasn’t alone in my

“One out of five Americans will experience mental illness in their lifetime, however, only a fraction will consider seeking treatment. Though evidence-based research shows that mental illness is a real medical disorder, stigma is on the rise instead of on the decline” (Deborah Serani, “On the ‘Celebrity Coming Out’ of Mental Illness”). Even though mental illness is a real medical disorder, the stigma of it will prevent many from seeking treatment. This stigma is caused by the misinformation, mistaking beliefs, and ignorance that surrounds mental illness because of the lack of shared stories as messengers and witnesses. These famous witnesses of mental illness are deciding not to keep quiet about their difficulties but to share it with the rest of the world and speak out.

“I want to be able to talk to someone in a pub and say ‘I have been mentally ill’ and for them to say ‘That’s interesting, what did you experience?’”, said a survivor from the UK in 1997 (Sayce 18). Almost twenty years later and this man 's wish still has not come true. People may ask why, and the answer is because of the stigma that comes along with having a mental illness. Mental illness is something not often talked about because of the fear of being judged. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in every four Americans has a mental illness, and only about 40% of them seek professional help (Hamid). People are being put into mental institutions instead of getting the help that they need to get better, because even people in the medical field are not understanding about this situation because they do not understand how it feels. The stigma and stereotypes towards mental illnesses are overwhelming, therefore people should be made aware of their impact and take steps to reduce stigma and stereotypes.

“A girl fell off the fourteenth floor!” was the response I got when I inquired about the multiple ambulances outside my dorm at the beginning of sophomore year. The truth of what happened was much more unsettling. Instead of an accident, the girl, Jenny, had actually jumped from her dorm window, leaving behind a note saying ending her life was the only way she saw to stopping her pain. I had known Jenny briefly when she was my Orientation Leader. By all accounts she was a cheerful girl who lights up any room she enters. Her friends and family all expressed shock and disbelief- there was no warning, no signs at all she was struggling or suffering. In midst of an outpouring of empathy from the student body, many students admitted that they also had suicidal thoughts, but likewise would never ask for help. Growing up as an Asian American, I was all too familiar with the stigma associated with mental illness. In high school, I watched my best friend resorting to self-harming when the pressure of college application became too much to handle. When she tried to tell her first generation immigrant parents about her depression, they merely told her depression is not real. Their biggest concern about her cutting was that no one should find out. Even educated parents like mine do not view depression as a real illness the same way they view diabetes or cancer. Having watched many friends struggle with mental illness, I have always wanted to make counseling more accessible to all.

Experiencing mental illness along with abuse and neglect has been almost a gift to me. It 's also been a major curse. I’ve learned a lot on my journey and I want to share it with others who may be afraid of the stigma. People don’t talk about it. we need to talk about it with more than just counselors.