Don’t Hate the Sick

One out of every five Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. It’s a common phenomenon, and yet the label “mentally ill” is not without its stereotypes. In fact, American media clearly portrays the mentally ill as unintelligent and weak, dangerous and violent, or sick and depraved. These myths are more than unfortunate: They are harmful connotations that result in stigma, division, and discrimination.

What’s Going On?

We as a country look down on those with mental illness. The negativity associated with mental illness leads to insurance disparity. Many workers find their companies’ mental health insurance policies inadequate. They cannot pay for their treatment, and would often prefer to remain undiagnosed to avoid the stained label of mental illness. Yet untreated mental illness seems to confirm uneducated stereotypes.

To suffer from mental illness, then, is to be stigmatized. Depression means a loss of social support. Anxiety means discrimination in the workplace; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) means difficulties in school. Schizophrenia means a lack of adequate housing, and diagnosis with any of the above disorders increase the likelihood of harassment or physical violence. The stigma of mental illness is a complex cycle that together, we must break.

What Can We Do?

• Pay Attention. Mental illnesses are biological – they are diseases. Yet most Americans would rather inform an employer of having done time in prison than admit to psychiatric hospitalization. No one hides their flu-like coughs for fear of social exclusion. Those who suffer from mental illnesses should not have to hide their symptoms, either.
• Fix It Up. Likewise, if you know someone who lives with mental illness, do not allow him to hide. Encourage him to seek proper and effective treatment. If society okays mental health, the stigma and stereotypes associated with such illnesses will disappear: Most of the symptoms associated with mental illness can be controlled.
• Figure It Out. Doctors still don’t know much about the brain. Mental health research offers help to those with illnesses of the brain. Support further study to offer information to those untouched by mental illness, and hope to those who suffer.
• Watch Your Mouth. Whoever said that words don’t hurt has never been hit in the head with a dictionary. Terms like crazy, loony, or psycho defame mental illness and support negative connotations and stereotypes. Racial or ethnic slurs are never acceptable. Such language directed toward the mentally ill is equally offensive and damaging. Be careful what you say.
• Take a stand. Refuse to allow stereotypes of and discrimination against the mentally ill. If you see a negative media portrayal of mental illness, document it! Send a letter to the offender. Take advocacy a step further with letters to local, state, and national leaders. Encourage legislation in support of those with mental illness.

The stigma associated with mental illness is a vast and complex problem – this article barely scratches the surface. Yet together with those who suffer from mental disorders, we can break the cycle of discrimination. We must educate ourselves. Visit the NIMH, NAMI, or IMHR websites for more information.