We are
conditioned to fear those with a mental illness. I remember, even in a group of other people
who live with such conditions, the fear associated with a young man who laughed
and talked to himself. There was no
reason for anyone to be afraid of him, yet many in the community did. They feared he was “crazy” or at least “crazier”
than they were. They thought he was
going to snap at any moment. He was, as
I remember him, gentle and very friendly.
Why are we so prejudiced
against those with a mental health condition?
I’ve mentioned before, but it needs repeating, the media is largely to
blame. Not just news media, but also
film and literature as well. We are
bombarded with images of violent people who are mentally ill. Perhaps a so called “psycho-killer” or some
other stereotype that has existed for so terribly long; perhaps some person
popping their medications to make the bad things go away. When a violent crime is committed, the news
media is very quick to find a sort of mental illness to blame away the violent
behaviour. Something near 25% of the
adult population suffers from some sort of mental health condition. It certainly stands to reason that a portion
of violent criminals may indeed be seeking treatment for an illness, but is
that really pertinent to why the crime was committed? Is it important to mention if the shooter
were diabetic or on blood pressure medications?
Why does the news
focus on such a singular aspect? I
wonder if it makes it more palatable; being able to turn the event into “us versus
them,” the sane, versus the insane. The
simple truth of the matter is when undergoing proper treatment those with a
mental health issue are not any more likely to commit a crime than any other
person. Likewise, today’s society is
biased against those with such an illness and tends to turn them into victims
themselves. Over simplifications,
stereotypes, and false information lead to the vilification of those with a
mental health condition.
It is precisely
these stereotypes that cause shame and fear in openly discussing mental health
concerns. Those that suffer are afraid
to speak up, and those who do not know better are afraid to ask at the risk of
incurring wrath and ire. As someone with
a mental health condition, I understand the importance of being patient and
kind in my dealings with those who simply do not understand, but equal
consideration must be given. That is, do
not be shocked if the answer you get is not the one you expected. Be patient with the person’s response. They simply may not be ready to talk about
it. However, both parties must be willing
to discuss these matters.
It is a problem
world over that an employer would hold in higher importance the mental health
of a person over their physical health.
In the United States,
at least, there is a provision that reasonable accommodations may be requested
by the employee in doing their job. What
is often the case is that they mean accommodations for physical limitations may
be requested, but mental limitations are met with skepticism because they are “in
the person’s head.” The only thing that
should matter is “can this person, with reasonable help, do this job?”
What can we do
about it? As a whole we can stand up for
those too timid to stand up themselves. Contact
news stations to ask what purpose did mentioning mental health serve in an
article. Don’t watch films that portray
the mentally ill in a negative and exaggerated light. Do not go to these Halloween haunted asylum
attractions, and write in protest of them.
Those with mental health issues can strive to be shining examples
whenever and however they can. They can
be open to questions, and try hard not to be offended by ignorance. Remember that they are just trying to
understand. Those in entertainment can
stand up and refuse to allow such stereotypes to be perpetuated. Make a stand and have mental illness cast in
a realistic light for a change. Together
we can end the discrimination against those with mental health conditions.
--JJM
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