This article shares one doctor's opinion on how outdated the U.S. approach to mental health and especially depression is and how behind we are from other countries in treatment. It also mentions the presidential conference on mental health held today and streamed live online. I watch the first 40 minutes of it. Interesting, but can't say that it will put any kind of dent in the statistics, although every positive step is a step in the right direction. There were some extremely sobering numbers quoted in the conference - such as more than half of those surveyed claimed they did not want someone diagnosed with depression to marry into the family. There were extremely high numbers of people who didn't want those with mental health issues living next door, or teaching their children, etc. Of course, those who claimed such have no idea all of that is already happening!
We aren't talking about psychopaths. We aren't talking about anti-social murderers. We are talking about people who struggle with bi-polar disorder, and PTSD and depression and schizophrenia (which typically does not include violent behavior, and is extremely treatable with medication). This is all to say that we are living in the dark ages when in comes to our thinking and reaction to those who suffer illness of the brain. What would our reaction be if these same statistics came out about people who suffer from cancer? Multiple sclerosis? Parkinson's?
America Has to Tackle Its Suicide Problem
We aren't talking about psychopaths. We aren't talking about anti-social murderers. We are talking about people who struggle with bi-polar disorder, and PTSD and depression and schizophrenia (which typically does not include violent behavior, and is extremely treatable with medication). This is all to say that we are living in the dark ages when in comes to our thinking and reaction to those who suffer illness of the brain. What would our reaction be if these same statistics came out about people who suffer from cancer? Multiple sclerosis? Parkinson's?
America Has to Tackle Its Suicide Problem