Living under the stigma of silence

It is an odd paradox that a society, which can now speak openly and unabashedly about topics that were once unspeakable, still remains largely silent when it comes to mental illness. Even as the medicine and therapy for mental health disorders have made remarkable progress, the ancient social stigma of psychological illness remains largely intact. Families are loath to talk about it and, in movies and the media, stereotypes about the mentally ill still reign. What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation about illnesses that affect not only individuals but their families as well. Our society ought to understand that many people with mental illness, given the right treatment, can be full participants in our society. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by the year 2020 mental illness will be the second leading cause of death and disability. Every society will have to confront the issue.

The question is, will we face it with open honesty or silence?

#speakout #stigma #fear #silence #mentalhealth