“Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.”
– Cary Grant
I laughed when I saw that quote from Cary Grant, but it illustrates the point that mental illness isn’t some isolated issue. The fact is that one in four adults will experience a mental illness this year.
It’s important to understand that mental illnesses, like the depression I have, are biological diseases, brain disorders. And although my depression has been triggered at various times by different events and by the behaviors of others towards me, my illness has always been with me. The truth is that I may always be in recovery, but that doesn’t mean I can’t manage my depression and continue to live a productive and exciting life.
It is extremely important for everyone to understand that my illness is not my fault. I can’t help the fact that I have this biological problem any more than I could do much to prevent from contracting the prostate cancer that invaded my body a few years ago. Look at how many people have never smoked cigarettes, yet have suffered from lung cancer. Is it their fault? And how about those who have discovered they have inherited a specific gene that causes certain diseases? We certainly can’t say it’s anything of their doing.
Why is it then that we don’t blame ourselves for contracting some diseases, but the biological disease of mental illness carries with it a stigma so great that many people refuse to seek treatment?
So many of us are so afraid and embarrassed. What will our friends, relatives, and co-workers think if we are discovered to be living with depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or some other mental illness?
The stigma has to finally be addressed. To this end, we’ve formed The Shuchart Foundation to stimulate more conversation about the stigma, to help people realize that it really is okay to talk about their illnesses, and to encourage those living with a mental illness to get the care they need. We want to do our part to generate nationwide momentum to end the stigma. It’s been with us way too long.
We’re not interested in creeping and crawling toward a stigma-free America. We’re ready to gallop!
So, saddle up, hang on, and get ready to enjoy the ride as you help us spread the word that the time has come to end the stigma. Mental illness is just like any other disease; it can be treated, it is manageable, and those living with it no longer need to suffer embarrassment or shame.
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