Stigma at a snail's pace

For several years "Tom" held a prominent job and considered himself to be successful in the field of finance. He was happy, had good friends, enjoyed life. Without warning, his behavior and life changed dramatically. Job performance declined, relationships lost. His sudden and contrasting shifts from extreme euphoria to severe sadness unsettled others. He was shunned. Tom was living Bi-Polar Disorder and the mindless stigma that accompanies mental illness.

What does stigma look like? An employee at a behavioral health organization where he received mental health services presented his story of recovery to local service organizations so that attendees could gain knowledge and understanding of mental illness. The CEO scheduled these presentations and accompanied the consumer to provide an overview of programs and services.

The consumer was well-liked, professional, personable and well-spoken; an unassuming and inspiring man whose story prompted interest, empathy and an abundance of queries about mental illness. On one occasion they were scheduled to present to a women's service organization held in a member's home, but when the host learned that one of the speakers had a mental illness, she informed the CEO that he was welcome to present but not the man with mental illness.

When asked why, she said, "If he comes in my home once, I'm afraid he'll return and do harm." This man was Tom.

Starting in 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness month. Advocates work hard to bring mental health issues to the forefront and to tackle stigma associated with mental illness. Supporters organize walks and memorials and utilize media to raise awareness about mental illnesses and suicides, but after 66 years of effort, society has barely budged beyond the conviction that mental illness is a "disorder" equating with "un-normal," even though 25 percent, or 60 million Americans, experience mental illness each year. Mental illness causes more disability than cancer and heart disease. Mental illness is common!

Why does stigma persist? Historical language used to describe mental illness primed the underpinnings of stigma. The terms "crazy" and "lunacy" became synonymous with insanity. To its credit, the classification of mental illnesses in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the "Bible" of psychiatric diagnoses, lessened confusion and provided a common language for mental health professionals to communicate. To its discredit, the generational language used by the mental health community has added to the stigma. Over time, professionals have learned that labeling of certain pathologies perpetuates stigma and causes harm. Sadly, stigma continues to strike its victims.

Anyone can have a mental illness regardless of race, gender, age, religion, income and education. Every family is affected by mental illness. Biological, neurological, genetic factors, environment, abuse/neglect, trauma are contributors. Due to the stigma associated with mental illness, some people feel shamed and do not seek treatment that can ease and alleviate their symptoms.

Some "self-medicate" with alcohol/drugs to mask emotional and psychological pain. But that is not the answer because the root cause of distress is not being treated. Untreated mental illness/addiction leads to failure in school, loss of employment, destroyed marriages, declined physical health and other unwanted outcomes.

Sharon Braun, Ph.D., is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor employed 10 years at Community Counseling Center.

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Mental Illness/Suicide Statistics -- 2012, 2013

• Mental illness typically strikes young people during their most productive years, ages 16 to 25
• 20 percent of youth ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year; 13 percent ages 8 to 15
• 60 percent adults, 50 percent youth ages 8 to 15 did not receive mental health treatment
• 12.6 suicides per 100,000 population every 40 seconds -- more than all the yearly victims of wars and natural disasters; highest toll among elderly
• Veterans represent 20 percent of suicides -- 22 suicides daily
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death -- every 12.8 minutes

What You Can Do

• Invite professionals to speak about mental illnesses at your organizations.
• Openly discuss mental illnesses (depression, bi-polar, etc.) with family, friends, co-workers to foster knowledge/awareness about mental illness.
• Participate in Out of the Darkness Walks, memorials.
• Be compassionate with individuals living with mental illness/addiction like you are with individuals diagnosed with cancer or heart disease. No one asks for either one.
• Sign up for Mental Health First Aid Training; learn to recognize signs of mental illness, how and where to refer for help.
• Use language that respects the worth and dignity of all persons.