Mental health disorders are a problem that affects millions of Americans every day and yet there remains a deep stigma in our country about mental health and treatment. While other physical illnesses are treated as legitimate issues that need medical attention, people with problems such as depression, anxiety or other disorders are still often ignored and even denied access to the care they need. Mental health problems are frequently seen as something within the individual’s own control or people are simply labeled as crazy.
There is often a double standard when it comes to the way people treat a person with a physical illness versus a mental illness. Health insurance companies are less likely to provide coverage for mental health issues and treatment compared to physical illnesses. People are more likely to offer support and sympathy for someone with visual health issue and might be more judgemental when it comes to mental illness.
It is important for people to be educated about mental illness and the need for medical attention regarding mental health issues. A mental illness can affect the ability of a person to live a healthy and stable life. Mental illness is not a personal failure of an individual, they are often disorders that are inherited through genetic vulnerability or develop as a result of childhood trauma.
A mental illness, like any other disease, is not something that can be easily cured alone. People need access to professional care so that they can treat their disorder and eventually reach a state of better health. Raising more awareness to issues surrounding mental health is crucial in our culture in order to erase the stigma that can sometimes prevent people from getting the help that they need.