It is easy for people to label a mentally disabled individual without knowing his or her underlying issue. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses have a stigma of negative attitudes following them. These stigmas can lead to discrimination, misconception, and embarrassment for those suffering from a mental illness and the ones who care for them.
It is important to talk about a mental illness instead of remaining closed off about the issue. People have tried to avoid these issues by not discussing them when discussing them can educate and clear up misconceptions.
I have seen the devastation that a mental illness can bring on a family. I knew a couple who had a son that suffered from schizophrenia. When he got older they became unable to adequately care for him. They were eventually forced to put him in a metal health facility which provided hourly surveillance and care for his condition. Very sad.
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Yes, it is very sad. When I lived out in the country a few years back, my neighbor, a teenage boy suffered from some form of mental illness. He would leave me messages/warnings in my mail box about the band Rage Against the Machine. I thought it odd, so I asked my husband to speak to our neighbor who was the Deputy Sheriff. He assured us that while the young man was disturbed, he was harmless. One year later, they found his father buried in the backyard. The young man had shot him in the back and put him there, but assured everyone it was OK because Hilary Clinton told him to do it. I wonder if the situation would have turned out differently if the police or his family ad truly understood his condition.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that education will clear up any misconceptions regarding mental illness. This has always had a negative image and that needs to change. Society does not know what will trigger an episode in a person with mental illness. It is often very hard on family members who want what is best for the mentally ill. You stated that the family was forced to put their son in a mental health facility because they were no longer able to provide adaquate care. That is sad, but necessary sometimes for the well being of the mentally ill person.
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