So what do we talk about?

The previous post may have left some of you wondering what I suggest can be done in order to make mental illness a less touchy subject of conversation.

Let me begin by saying that it will always be a very delicate topic, and needs to be addressed as such. Just like talking about cancer and other serious illnesses is not pleasant, it is still important to discuss these matters without feeling like we're an alien.

So if we don't talk about mental illness as being "stigmatized", what do we call it or how do we approach the topic?

Very simply by talking about it for what it IS, not what it isn't!!!

I will use the example of depression since it is so close to me.

Depression will affect 1 out of 5 Canadians in 2010 with varying degrees of severity. Some won't be able to leave their house for days on end, while others will be able to function normally despite it. The vast majority are somewhere in the middle.

Depression can not be diagnosed the same way as organic diseases (IE. You can't take a blood test or urine sample for diagnosis), but several physical and emotional symptoms occur in most depression sufferers, and through these we can establish diagnosis.

Since diagnosis is based on "experienced" symptoms, and patient recognition of these symptoms, diagnosis can often be off the mark. This explains in part why some patients may have medication and dosage changes. For other mental illnesses, correct diagnosis is even more difficult.

Many people suffering depression will often concurrently suffer one or more other mental illnesses, most commonly anxiety (under it's various forms), and/or substance abuse.

Which came first, the depression, anxiety, or substance abuse is not important, what is important is proper diagnosis of what ails the person and follow treatment accordingly.

Some form of depression is also very common in most other mental illnesses (IE. The average bipolar person will be depressed 70% of the time as opposed to 30% of the time in manic phase). Schizophrenics also have periods of severe depression, but theirs is part of schizophrenia.

Now most people suffering from unipolar depression do manage to function normally in society, some with the help of medication, counselling, some not. Each case is different.

Depression is a very common ailment, it affects people of both genders, all races, and all age groups. Some symptoms will be more prevalent in certain groups of people, but again these need to be taken as one (potential) piece of a very large puzzle.

That, in an extremely brief summary is what depression is.

Was that so difficult?

Stigma

Dictionary definition of stigma:
1. A mark of disgrace or infamy; as on one reputation.
Medical:
2. A mental or physical mark that is characteristic or a defect or disease.

Disgrace, infamy, is that what we think of when referring to mental illness being "stigmatized"? No, rather it is presented in the form of "ignorance". "Mental illness is stigmatized because people are ignorant of it's forms and symptoms".

The word "stigma" in it's current usage is actually a euphemism for "shame". We (the general feeling) feel SHAME for anyone with mental illness, but don't have the courage to say it as such.
In fact, the current use of the word "stigma" even subtly suggests that the "stigmatized" (IE. Mentally Ill person) is at fault. "Others don't understand you, but you're the one who needs change". What about these "others who don't understand" educating themselves!

I don't understand what diabetics, or cancer patients go through on a daily basis, does that make them "stigmatized", or me ignorant? The same applies to mental illness, when someone does not understand it, the sufferer is not "stigmatized", the first person is simply ignorant. So just as it is up to me to educate myself about diabetes and cancer, it is up to them to educate themselves about mental illness.

Reality is that mental illness is still seen as shameful. Like most everything else in today's world, people have come up with softer terms (in this case "stigma") in order to make unacceptable beliefs acceptable.