Just What Does Crazy Mean Anyway?

Stigma, Myths, and Facts about Mental Illness

Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action. Stigma is disrespect. It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma is a barrier. Fear of stigma and the resulting discrimination discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need. Arising from superstition, lack of knowledge and empathy, old belief systems, and a tendency to fear and exclude people who are perceived as different, stigma and discrimination have existed throughout history. The word stigma comes from the ancient Greek. It means to mark someone—probably in those times with a tattoo or a brand. In that society “madness” was viewed as a source of shame and afflicted persons were shunned, locked up and on some occasions put to death. Medical specialists of ancient Greece thought mental illnesses were caused by an imbalance of the body’s fluids.

In 17th century American society the predominate Christian belief was that “madness” was a punishment from God. Mentally ill people were confined—chained, humiliated, and abused—and left in squalid institutions and jails for their entire lives. For many centuries, mental illnesses were thought to be caused by sinfulness or being possessed by demons. It was thought the victims were being punished by God for misbehavior or being disruptive. The common belief was that “these people” (sinners) should be shunned until they repented or died.

Pennsylvania Hospital was one of the first general hospitals in Colonial America to admit “lunatics.” In spite of a hospital setting abuse of the mentally ill continued—among other degrading acts, the public was allowed to come on weekends and view the “luny’s” for a small fee! Friends Hospital was the first hospital to provide moral treatment to mentally ill patients, which it still does today. With this kind of history it’s no wonder there is so much prejudice and stigma directed to people living with mental illness. Our attitudes much change and be replaced with kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Jesus tells us in Matthew “just as you did it to one of the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
Often people are afraid to talk about mental health because there are so many misconceptions about the subject. It’s important to learn the facts to stop discrimination and to begin treating people with mental illness with respect and dignity.

COMMON MYTHS AND FACTS

MYTH: There is no hope for the mentally ill.
FACT: Today there are available numerous treatments, medications, and community supports than ever before for help and support.

MYTH: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.
FACT: People with mental illness aren’t anymore violent than the general public and because of their vulnerability they tend to be the victim rather than the perpetrator. You probably know someone with a mental illness and don’t even realize it. The media, unfortunately, has shed a negative light on the mentally ill by portraying them as psychotic killers.

MYTH: Mental illness is the same as mental retardation.
FACT: The two are distinct disorders. A mental retardation diagnosis is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain living skills. As a contrast those who have mental illnesses—conditions which cause changes in a person’s thinking, mood and behavior—have varied intellectual functioning, just like the general population.

MYTH: Children don’t experience mental illness. Their actions are the product of bad parenting.
FACT: In any given year 5-9 percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances. They are just as susceptible as adults to clinically diagnosable conditions which result from biological, psychological and even genetic factors.

PERSONAL NOTE: People with psychiatric disabilities need to know they are not alone and that others with the same kind of diagnosis have recovered their hopes and their lives. They need to know they can recover their identity as people. Better understanding of the nature of mental illness will reduce the destructive effects of stigma at every level. The challenge to church communities is to accept, include, value, love and equip the mentally ill for lives in the community.

If you have a brain you can have a mental illness. RESPECT, DON’T REJECT!

Hidden Disabilities ministry seeks to create an environment of acceptance and understanding for people with mental illness and their families. Please call MaryLou Taylor @ (757) 421-2597 or (757) 547-4692 for information about the HDLM and it’s resources.