To me,
respect is when one values, acknowledges, and appreciates another person simply
for them being a human being, a life in this world. Respect is a societal and moral standard in
which a person is admired and esteemed for simply existing in on this Earth,
rather than by the choices the person makes or the lifestyle they live. It is a form of unconditional love in which everyone
is entitled to receive.
But in my opinion
the mentally ill population are not receiving the respect that they deserve and
are entitled to. They are often looked
down upon by many people due to the severe and utterly ridiculous stigma that
has been bestowed upon them unjustifiably.
The stigma originated due to ignorance, that was then spread through
gossip, and ultimately resulted in the worldwide understanding that mentally
ill people are “dangerous, stupid, lazy, and lacking” individuals who are choose
not to work, because they want to “sponge off the government”. Some even believe that the mentally ill actually
choose not to be normal, and they choose not to help themselves.
In all
reality, the victims of mental illness do not choose their mental
illnesses. They do not choose to be depressed,
manic, psychotic, whatever… They do not
choose to hurt so much emotionally and feel so much inner turmoil, that they
feel suicide is the only answer. They do
not choose to be ridiculed, judged, and misunderstood by the unapproving general
public. The question being, “would you
choose that?”
We are
individuals who want to be happy and want to be productive members of
society. We are people who wish they
were never inflicted with illnesses that are so misinterpreted and unwelcomed
in our community.
We have “invisible
illnesses”, unlike those who use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. Our illnesses are just as real as others who
suffer cancer and heart disease. Our
illnesses are illnesses in which our brains are misfiring due to chemical
imbalances. And yes, they can be
terminal just like other illnesses. The risk
of suicide greatly increases when one suffers from a mental illness. But no, we are not dangerous, evil, or
possessed. No, we are not worthless, we
are not charity cases, we are not unhuman.
We need to
hope for more research to be completed on mental illness, but in the meantime, we
can all stop this horrible stigma by educating those around us. We need to all have respect for each other’s
differences, and respect for the victims of mental illness who suffer in silence
because of fear of judgement.
We have
disabilities too. And they are just as
real as other disabilities. Show a little
respect and reach out to those who are mentally ill. Help them as you would help someone suffering
from a terminal disease. The stigma is
causing mentally ill people not to seek treatment and to commit the ultimate act
of suicide, because that is the only answer they feel is probable. People often feel undignified, weak, and
unworthy when and if they seek treatment.
We can change that. We can make a
huge difference in this world. One step
at a time.
And a
message for those suffering from symptoms of mental illness: Have enough self-respect to reach out and get
help for yourself. You are worth
it! You have value and purpose. Not everybody will understand what you are
going through, but that’s ok. Love
yourself enough to help yourself by seeking the treatment you feel in your
heart that you need. Do not be ashamed. Life is worth it and you are worth it!
Written by Stephanie Anne Allen, author of:
- My Mental Madness Memoir
- How to Survive Depression
- How to Survive Bipolar Disorder
- How to Survive Schizophrenia
- How to Survive Anxiety
- How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder
- How to Survive PTSD
