Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Blog #12 The stigma and shame of mental illness
The thing that I think of first of all is bringing more awareness to mental illness. When I think of all the commercials I watch, none of them are ever about mental illness. I think there could definitely be more awareness in that area. Media is such a huge outlet for information. The second thing that I think of is in the areas of our schools at all levels. We should all have to take classes related to this subject when we are old enough to really grasp the concept. But, especially in college. I know we can't take classes on every subject out there, but this definitely falls into our line of training. The last thing that I can say is that we all need to be more compassionate not only to those with mental illness, but to the families that deal with them. I'm sure that they feel very alone. This is probably the hardest concept for me to grasp. It is so easy to stay in our own bubble and not associate with them, but we need to!
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4 comments:
Media coverage is a great way to create awareness for mental illnesses. I have seen some coverage on depression, you see different commercials for drugs. But these commercials could have more of an educational portion. THe education system could defienetely get involved in educating its students on mental illnesses and what to look for if a person has one.
By bringing in to effect the suggestions listed in your post, i believe that the many negative stigmas surrounding mental illness would be greatly reduced. Awareness and education are key components to successfully fight the stigmas and shame of mental illness. Basic human compassion also goes a long way! Good Post!
Jenn,
It is very important for people to be aware of mental health these days. The more people know the better. I understand your opinion about awareness, but I think people are too quick to diagnose themselves as having a specific mental disease, such as depression. If someone is pouting about something going on in their life, it does not necessarily mean the person is depressed, and should use that as a crutch for the rest of their life. I think the proper diagnosis is necessary for the amount of information being produced and thrown to society. Look how many advertisements there are on depression now a day. There are too many.
I agree, awareness is the key to a more accepting society and to a more healthy society. If more people were aware, they could possibly help someone they know (or don't for that matter) to get help and to manage their condition. I hear what you are saying about not being able to take every subject in scholl but I can tell you that I am sure I would benefit more from a realistic course like that rather than a REDICULOUS calss like World Dance Forms for Multicultural core requirement! Sometimes I think "political correctness" comes before reality in the public education system.
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