It IS an illness...Read On!

[Lizzie]

It frustrates me also that people don't recognize mental illness as illness. I chose my medical plan because it offers excellent benefits in case of mental illness. It was a very pragmatic decision; I made the choice not because I have ever suffered from mental illness but because I know that not one of us is immune from being hit by such a malady. When I was discussing my choice with co-workers and told them why I chose this particular plan, I was faced with people looking at me for signs of illness and nervous laughter - and I work at a university, surrounded by highly educated people. Their lack of understanding made me want to beat my head on the desk, but then they'd assume that I'd chosen the plan because I was already sick.

[moosmom]

Well, I am mental and I am aware, if that counts for something!

Growing up, my father never sought help for me because he didn't want me labeled "mental". It was only after I was an adult that I sought help for myself. People who don't understand the illness think it's just a "mood" that can be taken care of my pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and moving on. If only it were that simple. It is a chemical imbalance of the brain that needs to be controlled by medication, the same way diabetes is controled by insulin.

I see many homeless people walking around with paranoid delusions who would be fine if they only could afford their medicine. Unfortunately, medications have become unattainable without insurance. There are, however, programs such as Bridges To Access, Partnership for Prescription Assistance to help those who qualify. AND, if you dial 211 on your phone, they can give you a WHOLE lot of info on different programs available to people who need it.

Ironically, despite the signs all around us, this problem cannot be addressed until we finally open our eyes to the reality.

Amen to that Catty1!! Thanks for posting this imporant information.