Week #13
One of the reasons I wanted to take this course was to gain some insight and understanding of mental health care and the history behind all the unfortunate stereotypes that accompany people who are suffering from mental health issues. As the parent of four adults and a grandparent of two teenagers, the problems of teens and young twenty-somethings became particularly relevant because, over the years, I have been personally involved in the different aspects/consequences of several crises.
Unfortunately I have witnessed a great deal of bias towards people that are struggling with mental health problems. These conditions often go “hand-in-hand” with drug and alcohol addiction, which is also quite stigmatized. Pete Earley’s book chronicles his journey dealing with a son who has mental health problems. I found it to be most compelling and could relate to the struggles of a parent who is dealing with an adult child and a system that does little to nothing to protect our vulnerable mentally ill young adults.
I truly believe the key to change is understanding. Educating people about mental illness will help take much of the fear and loathing out of just saying someone is “crazy.” Once we understand the truths of mental illness, we, as a society, can move forward to help these people with understanding in our minds and empathy in our hearts.
