Opinion: Mental illness – the invisible struggle

May 23, 2015

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Aleesha Young is a licensed professional counselor.

As a licensed professional counselor, I have worked in different capacities as a therapist in a traditional outpatient clinic, provided community-based outreach services, and currently direct a treatment team that serves individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.

I am passionate about this profession; however, the most challenging aspect of the field is managing preconceived notions about what mental illnesses are and how people with mental illnesses look and act. An estimated 1 in 4 adults suffer from a diagnosable mental health problem in any given year. Yet, the stigma about receiving mental health services is one of many barriers that prevent individuals from seeking treatment.

Mental illness is one of the most misunderstood health problems in our society. Signs of mental illness are not as clear as physical conditions and are difficult to differentiate from normal responses to life circumstances. For example, when one has a loss in the family, it is a normal response to experience sadness and be less motivated to participate in activities of daily functioning. However, the difference between normal behavior and a legitimate mental illness is how long these symptoms last and how severely they impact one’s daily living. I want to take this opportunity to dispel some preconceived notions and correct public attitudes regarding mental illness.

See the complete story at CT News Junkie.

Comments

One response to “Opinion: Mental illness – the invisible struggle”

Suzanne

May 23, 2015

It is hard to believe that there is stigma surrounding a health issue in 2015. I am of the belief this particular constellation of diagnoses and pathologies are stigmatized because everyone has a brain.

How we think and perceive is what gives us a sense of control, context and wayfinding in this confusing place. When that is taken away or compromised, those that do not suffer from mental health issues are afraid that this simple basis for existence is threatened in themselves. Mental illness, more than any other, reminds people how fragile self and health is.

And that this could happen to anyone.

Not so diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses of the body people cannot see but can be treated and controlled while the sufferer can still know who and where they are.

My wish for those with mental health issues would be that everyone views them the same way as those suffering from other illnesses, just higher up on the food chain.

Not to be forgotten: one of many organizations working toward de-stigmatizing mental illness, BringChange2Mind.

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