America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
To the Editor:
It was very gratifying reading about our Church’s proactive policy in the fight against the stigma of mental illness and the fight to improve our lives (CNY, Feb. 20). Too many people hide their sufferings; too many are ashamed of this illness not of their making. I have witnessed this stigma and I am able to write about my experiences, and live with mental illness, because of the strong support and foundations in my life, including the Church. My parish has done much to assist and enable me and others in our struggles to move forward. We would like to be seen as individuals with mental illness not as mentally ill individuals.
To admit to mental illness today may mean being labeled for a lifetime as abnormal, dysfunctional, even feared, without concern and reflection of the individual’s condition, or their abilities and capabilities. By erasing the stigma, there will be less of us who suffer seeking ways to ease the pain through self-medicating (alcohol and drugs) and isolation for a disease that is no one’s fault.
Imagine the peer pressure, the ridicule, the teasing our school children will face every day if they are “exposed” as having mental illness. What family is really prepared to face such challenges? The pain and anguish for those who suffer and their families are awful enough without adding stigma, ignorance and peer pressure into the mix. But it does not have to be this way. While there are no absolute “cures” for mental illness, lives will be better, much better.
Glenn Slaby
New Rochelle
