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Mental illness is no laughing matter.  It is also not something to be ashamed of.  More people than you know suffer from mental illnesses.  Unfortunately, in our society this is seen as a bad thing.  Depression, panic attacks, learning disabilities, postpartum depression, moderate to severe anxiety, chronic narcissism, etc. can all be classified as mental illnesses.

Our view of people living with mental illnesses comprises pictures of people locked in padded rooms and those in straight jackets.  While this may have been a perverted image of what happened decades ago, it just is no longer true.  With modern medicines, many people can live close to normal lives and live to older ages than they would never would have seen in the past.

While care techniques may be better, we are left with a crumbling mental health care system that, instead of institutionalizing those needing intense care, they are left out on the street without the care they need and eventually wind up in jail or prison.

Having these issues is nothing to be ashamed of.  I have serious depression and anxiety problems, yet I attempt to lead a normal life.  My problems do NOT affect my work life, just my personal life.  It may seem odd, but yet is true.  Don’t treat people differently because they may be living with something they cannot change or cannot easily change.  It takes time.  Be patient and help the people who want to accept help.

Tags:   depression · mental health · mental illnessNo Comments