Recent studies have shown that approximately one in four American adults have a diagnosable mental disorder. This means that just a little more than 26 million American adults deal with mental illness in their own lives and countless others are affected by it. Add to this the many other people that suffer from less serious, but still challenging issues and problems, and it can be seen that in American society mental illness is a problem of almost pandemic proportions.
Even though mental illness is so prominent in our society there is still a definite stigma attached to it. The fact that mental disorders, just like physical disorders, have definite causes and are diagnosable does not seem to give them any legitimacy with most people. Whereas a person with cancer would not be blamed for their disease or told to ‘shake it off’, it is not uncommon at all for a person who is clinically depressed to be given this very advice by family and friends. This lack of acceptance by peers only deepens the shame and feelings of inadequacy that those suffering from mental disorders have, further isolating them and making it less likely that they will seek help from qualified professionals.
The American public must be educated about the causes and symptoms of mental illness. This education should start with our children to empower them to deal with their own issues and those of the important people in their lives. Children tend to accept the blame for everything negative in their lives. Imagine a young child living with a depressed parent and feeling as if their parent’s sadness is caused by something they are doing wrong. This child will most likely develop serious problems of their own simply from lack of knowledge thereby perpetuating the problem.
Knowledge is power; it is up to the educators of today to teach the children about mental disorders and by doing so change the future of our society.
David A. Hall, MD
Janice Ivy
#1 by Ruby Faye on November 6, 2009 - 8:40 am
I believe it is very important for children to be educated about mental disorders in hopes of reducing the stigma for future generations.
However, I do have concerns about children self-diagnosing because of something they have learned.
For instance, the teenage years are usually tumultuous at best, and largely the result of hormonal and physical growth patterns, sleep patterns, etc.
I believe the best ‘cure’ for most ‘disorders’ through those years is making our relationships with our children the priority of our lives, and educating ourselves about what is happening within their bodies and emotions.
Not to diminish or dismiss the importance of the reality of mental disorders in the teenage years, but to be vigilant in learning and growing our own knowledge base ourselves in order to be able to distinguish between something that is happening as a natural course of growing up, and a true mental disorder, and seeking help when necessary.
Ruby Faye
#2 by brian on June 18, 2009 - 6:15 am
I have been wrestling with depression and anxiety since i can remember. My mom was the only parent willing to listen, but she is so religious she would tell me it was “satan” and not to let him get to me. I will be forty this year and i still have not been able to find a balanced treatment. I do know what helps “me” personally, but unfortunately medicines like “zoloft” etc. left me in an unconcious foggy state. I was releived of my symptoms though. What helped me most was counseling and the desire to feel confident. I have made that a priority,although i still have some really tough moments. My 2 children are my main worry now. Especially my youngest who reminds me of myself, and i am constantly trying to help his mind develope as normal as possible by addressing topics, questions and any subjects that may draw a worry card etc..
#3 by "Sally" on December 20, 2008 - 7:41 pm
Years ago, my father was diagnosed with Clinical Depression and prescribed drugs (Prozac) and counseling. A little later, I was, too. For me, learning that Depression is chemical in nature, not just emotional, was liberating. Still, there was a lot of painful work to be done.
My dad and I are still not in an ideal state, though I have been able to get off the drugs by means of naturally replacing them (proper exercise, better eating habits, utilizing the skills learned in counseling in dealing with people/situations, and simply making better life choices). I can say, however, that our lives now are much better than they were thanks to intervention and education.
Although I have some concern about what is considered a “mental disorder,” the philosophies of treatment, and what’s considered “healthy,” I support this idea of education and understanding of mental disorders.