WE ALL SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS
By Jerry Kearney
While all of us may not suffer the debilitating personal effects of a diagnosable mental illness, we all suffer, nonetheless, from the pervasive presence of mental illness among us.
The prevalence of mental illness in our society has been documented many times over in this column. We know that workplace productivity and economic achievement is adversely impacted by mental illness. We know that the balance of productive relationships among families is impeded, and sometimes even destroyed, by mental illness. We know that serious medical conditions are worsened by the concomitant presence of mental illness. We know that the
growing problems of homelessness, the overpopulation of our jails, and the abuse of drugs and alcohol are, in part, results of mental illness.
We, individually and as a community, cannot be indifferent or ignore the mental illness from which we suffer, for to do so consigns those who personally suffer to a lifetime of preventable malaise and imposes unnecessary constricting burdens upon all of society.
What can we do?
First, we must recognize that there may be a problem. If I have been progressively more reclusive, sad, angry, alone, anxious, confused, maybe there is something more at play here than just having a “bad day.” If my child has had a change in academic performance, lost interest in formerly pleasurable activities, isn’t eating, is increasingly more preoccupied with violent video games, there may be good reason to take special note. If my parent is increasingly forgetful, isolating, progressively less concerned about hygiene and dress, drinking more, there may be more to this phenomenon than just the inevitable effects of aging.
The presence of disturbing behaviors in me or in those around me needs to be recognized and addressed. A haughty attitude that such “stuff” could never happen to me or my family, or a moralistic attitude that such behavior should be rectified by just pulling up the proverbial “bootstraps,” or sticking one’s head in the sand and pretending that nothing is wrong – are all responses that mask the problem. Inattention and inactivity to the presence of real and remediable problems in our midst are irresponsible and inexcusable. Recognize the presence of a potential problem and get help.
Secondly, be supportive. Be understanding, and not judgmental, of those with some form of personal mental illness. That is not to say that you should absolve them of any responsibility for their actions or choices, but be accepting of the struggles with which they deal; be willing to lend a helping hand; take some extra time to listen. Recuperation from any physical illness generally requires help from others, so too with mental illness. Successful recuperation from mental illness is dependent upon being encouraged to continue on the prescribed course of medication – even after one starts to feel better -- being encouraged to continue to take the difficult steps of changing previously destructive patterns of behavior that may have been built up over many years. We must also examine our own behavior and understand how we may have, even unconsciously and unwittingly, contributed to the problems of the other, and then potentially engage in the sometimes painful process of change ourselves. We must also refrain from imposing higher standards of expectation and behavior on others than we impose upon ourselves, and conversely refrain from not believing in the other and calling them to a greater attainment of their potential.
Thirdly, understand the deleterious impacts that mental illness has on our societal structures and become an advocate. Challenge the thinking of your friends and colleagues when they are too glib to dismiss someone because they are unusual or “insane.” Take some time to learn about the costs to our society of untreated mental illness -- how the homeless population increased as we reduced capacity at mental institutions, how the criminal justice system has become overrun and its mission impeded by persons suffering from untreated mental illness, how the child and adult protective services caseloads have exponentially exploded because of untreated mental illness, how funding for the effective treatment of mental illness has gradually, progressively and quietly been eroded over recent years. Challenge the thinking of our leaders when they refuse to hear the cries of those with mental illness.
We all suffer from mental illness, but we suffer more, and more needlessly, when no one cares or cares enough to act!
Jerry Kearney is the CEO of the Abilene Psychiatric Center. Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com. Need help? Call the Hope Line (325) 673-2300.