A few days ago an article appeared in the news about a woman, desperate for mental health treatment, robbed a dairy then, upon appearing before the judge, begged for a 2 year sentence, which she got. Its pretty amazing that we have a society where some people, aware of their challenges, are unable to access health services until they are a threat to themselves or others, or choose to break the law because treatment is more-or-less guaranteed through the corrections service. When a privately driven initiative sets up weekly stalls to feed the homeless, complaints follow from the mainstream about having to pass a gathering of misfits with behavioural problems, outcast for their choice to not educate themselves properly. When a crime or public disturbance hits the news and the media ensure to point out the person is on the sickness benefit. When a young person presents themselves after self harm, to be sent back onto the streets because their action was a cry for help Weve all heard the statement 1 in 5 will suffer a mental illness at some point in their lives. If a person is physically hurt they are able to receive medical treatment lest the wound fester and the individual risks loss of limb. I hope one day mental health is regarded with the same consideration, that when someone asks for help they can receive it, lest the condition fester and lead to stigmatisation and social isolation that the person carries for many years after presentation. Unfortunately the system today lacks the resources to support anyone short of being a threat. Meanwhile this large sector of society continues to be regularly judged discriminated against on the basis of a perceived threat to normal social expectations. Mental health distorts perception, and the only way to keep that perception in tune with reality is the open-minded support these people receive from their community. Such support, the same provided to the physically injured or disabled, would help them ask for help, help them make good decisions, and help them feel a part of their community and motivated to be contributors in whatever capacity they can offer. If you know someone who is significantly challenged by their phantoms, dont dismiss them, their perception is reality, and your helping them keep that perception in perspective helps them feel valued and provides light in a dark and lonely tunnel.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:25:17 +0000
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