Our Evolving Understanding of Mental Illness

It should be noted that the stigmatization of mental illness is often unintentional, albeit no less insensitive.  Awareness is the first step towards any form of change, and fortunately, our society has placed a greater priority on learning about and treating mental illness.  Defeating the stigmas surrounding mental health is a necessary part in creating a healthy society.  We fight physical diseases and illnesses in a unified manner.  However, we place less emphasis on mental health and stand divided on its severity.

In the U.S., there is approximately one suicide every 11 minutes, yet the ghoulish conditions that cause rash and destructive actions are often treated as lies, jokes, and helpless ailments. When will society begin to see mental illness as the abomination that it truly is, rather than regarding those who suffer from it as monsters? 

Mental illness is a disease that may never be cured.  It is almost impossible to prevent and even more difficult to cure and cope with.  However, with more public understanding for its various conditions, and more compassion for those who are suffering, a healthy way to approach mental health is well within reach.