Passionate

     Mental Illness is said to be a neurological chemical imbalance found with in the brain. Most people are unaware of this imbalance which has caused the unknown number of reported cases. Awareness of mental illness is very important because it will play a major role in reducing the stigma and create a more positive dialogue that will encourage people to seek help.  Looking at foundations like Susan G Komen’s for Breast cancer awareness or Magic Johnson’s    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome awareness, we have learned that bringing diseases and illnesses to the forefront of society helps with coping. Also, by creating nationally publicized platforms for any deficiencies creates an unwavering amount of support for the cause that will provide people who do not have the opportunity to get help a chance. Dr. Graham C. L. Davey indicated in his journal that organizations like A Time to Change  helps to “improve attitudes towards people with mental health problems, increase future willingness to disclose mental health problems, and  promote behaviors associated with anti-stigma engagement” (PH.D Davey). Although, there are organizations like the one Dr. Graham mentions, National Alliance on Mental health, and the American Psychological Association; Unfortunately, these organizations are over shadowed by other causes such as foundations for lupus. There is not much rallying done by these organizations that would propel the process of change in the way the mentally ill are publicly treated. Where are the ads like the ones for AIDS the encourage people to get tested? The fact is those type of ads of encouragement rarely exists which is why the call for awareness need to be heavily discussed. Just by being aware can assist with created resources that can assist all of society.

    

      As the number of cases involved with mentally ill people grow, the stigma and blame towards them continues to grow as well. We as a nation must utilize education and awareness to accept those who are different from us despite any mental deficiencies. People with mental illness can still be a productive part of society. Erasing the stigma involved with mental illness will create a platform for many people to get the mental health treatment that they need. With understanding and awareness certain issues such as the Columbine shooting, and other school shootings can be avoided. Awareness may not cure all problems involved with mental illness, but it is diffidently a great start to creating a positive change. If we bypass the stigma for mental illness and focus on the person we will see that they are just ordinary people with extraordinary circumstances. Education and awareness of mental illness will help create a better quality of life for those who suffers with it. Exposure to both the good and negative aspect of mental illness will help people conceptualize the day to day reality that people with mental illnesses are still human beings and should be treated as such. Mental illness affects us all and with education or awareness we can close that gap between people who suffer and the ones who do not. Having a mental illness is something that is very hard to cope with but having a support system makes it easier for victims to manage their illness. Former democratic president William J. Clinton said it best “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shames us all” (Clinton).