Through Mental Illness Stigma Support and Hope Can Be Found

Mental illnesses come in many shapes and sizes and the impact felt by the individual and the individual’s family is strong. The impact felt seems more severe than anything else due to the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The individuals affected feel that there is no one to talk to and nowhere to turn for support. The truth is that these individuals are not alone. Mental illness affects one out of four people. The chances are that every individual knows someone who deals with mental illness; even if they are completely unaware about knowing someone with mental illness.
For those with mental illness the feeling of being alone can be immense. Along with feelings of being alone people with mental illness face the stigma that such a diagnosis can cause. Truly there are many who deal with mental illness and the supports are out there and available, but the key is these supports must be looked for.
Here in Chester County there are many support groups and places to find education about mental illness. There are also places that will assist with advocacy. Community Crossroads Peer Support Center is a place for individuals who deal with mental illness, run by individuals who have personal experience with mental illness. Community Crossroads, located at 825 Paoli Pike in West Chester, provides education, advocacy, support groups, and social events. It’s a place where individuals can go and not have to worry about dealing with stigma, a place to be accepted.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) can provide valuable support to both individuals dealing with mental illness and their families. NAMI-PA Chester County offers educational programs, specifically “Family to Family”, “Peer to Peer,” and “In Our Own Voice.” Additionally NAMI offers support groups for families and individuals who deal with mental illness personally. NAMI-PA Chester County also advocates for those with mental illness and their families. NAMI-PA Chester County is now also located at 825 Paoli Pike in West Chester.
Dealing with mental illness can seem insurmountable and can feel isolating. Knowing the available resources and having support can be the difference between an individual overcoming the illness or becoming subdued and having the illness take over. Mental illnesses are biologically based yet people think differently of a person as soon as they become aware that the person has a mental illness. This is stigma.
Beating stigma is a more arduous task than finding recovery from mental illness. Stigma grows every time someone who doesn’t know the facts mistreats a person with mental illness. Stigma grows when people don’t understand. Stigma grows every time mental illness is portrayed inaccurately in the media. Stigma grows when mental illness is used to make poor jokes. The power of stigma grows every time an individual is mistreated due to stigma. There are many ways that stigma grows and only a few ways to beat it. We can beat stigma through education and advocacy. We can beat stigma by having individuals talk about their experiences and shed light on the truths about mental illness.
The truth is, mental illness is no different than any other physical malady. The truth is, mental illnesses is treatable, and people with mental illness can and do recover. I know about treatment and recovery. I know about stigma. I know the truth of what having a mental illness means. I educate others on mental illness. I advocate for those who haven’t been able to find their voice. I talk the truths of mental illness. I’m no longer afraid. I know now that stigma will not go away without action. I know now, people can only come to understand mental illness if mental illness is talked about in an accurate manner. I know much of this because I have chosen to educate myself. I’ve learned about mental illness in books and on websites. I’ve also learned about mental illness through personal experience and that surprises people when I tell them. I’ve been told that I don’t “look” like someone with a mental illness. Who does?There’s no way to tell who has a mental illness and who does not by simply looking around. Chances are you know someone with a mental illness and may not even be aware of it. Rather than try to figure out who it is why not figure out what you can do to fight stigma and promote recovery? Learn about what mental illness really is. Learn about the resources available if mental illness touches your family personally. Stomp the stigma out!