I found an inspiring article that had me questioning how I had been addressing the main issue I wanted to. The article is on a very inspiring website of an amazing non-profit mental health organization named, NAMI, which stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness. The article I’m referencing questions if it’s really, “stigma,” or outright, “discrimination.” It makes some good points and well worth a read whether you and your family are effected by mental illness or not. Awareness and education are vital to help end the mental health crisis that is expanding in modern times.
You can find the article here: Stigma or Discrimination? I love how they emphasize that they advocate for mental health rights whether it’s trying to change laws or help patients or merely get correct information out into the public. Many people who suffer from mental illness face many daily challenges and do not need the extra challenges they may face in public, at school, at work, or even while seeking treatment.
Mental Health Matters 
Thank you for sharing, this is an excellent post! As a father of two sons, and someone who struggles with a slew of mental health-related issues, I appreciate any way that awareness can be increased. I like that that the article you linked to discussed the idea of dehumanizing – which I do think gets to the root of it. The more we think of someone else as not like us (different/strange/odd/etc.), the more we forget that we all share the same basic human rights.
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I agree with you that people who are outside of the normal can often be dehumanized and it can make a person already struggling so much pushed to the edge. I like to inspire people with mental health issues that there is not something wrong with them but something to overcome and be proud of. My family members have a range of potential diagnoses themselves as mental illness is partially related to genetics. However, instead of focusing on their flaws, I focus on and try to remind them of their good qualities. I have one family member who is both schizophrenic and has addiction issues and most people see him as worthless but he is the most talented painter I have ever seen. His artwork is unique, objectively amazing, and a true talent. It’s always better to encourage than shame and to quote a ted talk I watched recently which I forget the speakers name, “focus on what you can do not what you can’t do and let that define you.” Thanks for commenting.
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