Jstone 3 discussion!!

Objective: Explain the stigma toward the mentally ill and how this affects services toward those with major mental illnesses as well as the prevention of mental illness.

We began to explore attitudes toward the mentally ill in Week One, but we want to revisit that topic since the stigma toward the mentally ill is so prevalent. Most of us are afraid of mentally ill people and try to simply ignore them and their needs. If a relative has cancer or a heart attack, we do not hesitate to share that information with our friends and help that relative obtain the medical help they need. What happens if our relative has bipolar or schizophrenia? Why do we sometimes feel we cannot share that information with others? What about the consumer (the person with the mental illness)? How do you think they may feel not being able to share their struggles?

• Read Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness.
• Read pp. 89-94 in your textbook.
• Watch Myths about Mental Illness.
• Prepare to share in discussion on the following points:
  • How much do you feel you know about major mental illnesses such as bipolar, depression and schizophrenia?
  • Do you know anyone with these conditions and how can they be best helped?
  • Why is there so much stigma regarding people with mental illnesses?
  • Why do you think so many people with mental illnesses end up homeless? What can be done to help with this situation?

This is a "post-first" discussion. You will need to post your initial post in order to see peer posts.