Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.

Advocating for the Mentally Ill

You would expect society to be more educated and less ignorant about the mentally ill. Many people in our communities like family, friends, coworkers and classmates face the physical and mental challenges of a mental illness diagnosis. Society overlooks the troubles facing the individual and adds several more: oppression, stereotypes, discrimination and stigmas. Misconceptions have led people to think that those diagnosed with mental disorders are prone to violence and should be locked up. Many consider they are cursed for being sinners. Others believe their illness is untreatable or that they lack the will power to change it.

Presently, psychotropic medications are helping millions of patients to be functional and integrated in society. However, mental illness has become a social welfare problem.

Consumer and family movements have worked to overcome stigma, prevent discrimination and promote recovery from mental illness. They advocate for fairness and recognition in policies and legislations. As a result, the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Act, signed in 2008, requires the equivalence in coverage of mental illnesses as it is for physical ailments.

The passing of this bill is a step in the right direction. It is saying that discrimination is not tolerable in this country. Insurers were allowed to discriminate against the mentally ill. They discriminate by placing strict limits on mental health benefits or setting a higher co-payment. This bill requires the companies hold mental illnesses at the same level of others.

Policy and legislation should continue to be accompanied by consumer and family movements to continue raising awareness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is one of the nation’s largest organizations tackling the issues that surround the mentally ill. At the local level, they are sponsoring the NAMI Valley Walk to raise awareness and funds in March.

Events like this one are vital to eventual proposed legislations or policies.

Bianca Mera

Undergraduate


Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.

Subscribe to Pressing Matters



×

Notice

This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.