by Melissa Woody

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

I honestly believe society as a whole does not except people with mental illness as they should. You see even though it has gotten better now compared to the past, it still has to along way to go still.

If people with mental illness were viewed differently they wouldn't just slap all these labels on them. I think they should do more studies to see if there are cures for mental illness instead of giving the medications that make people zombies. I have even heard a person say that they viewed people who got their disability based on mental illness to be drug addicts looking for an excuse not to work.

In that case, I know quite a few mentally ill people who do receive disability. I say that to only think in those terms is incorrect. It is a challenge for mentally ill people in today's society. They are scared of the public and the public is scared of them. I think people should educate themselves on the subject, especially if you think you have the right to judge.

Just think, is it hard out here in life if you are normal? If you answered yes, then can you imagine what they feel? It is very hard for people to go through life being normal as hard as the economy is today. Everything is starting to become a problem and more and more people are developing mental illness. Constant worry is a problem in this nation. It is causing as much as the normal individual to have a nervous breakdown.

I believe we should all work together. If we were to be there for each other than we can make some mental illnesses a thing of the past. Talking to people that are lonely or have problems, helps a lot more than you would think. Finding comfort from others and also showing them they are people who care helps them to become more productive. They are no longer shut-ins. Everyone is equal, mental illness or not. Look at people that way instead of by their disabilities.

I believe whole heartedly that if we were to understand or read more about mental illness, it would change your outlook on the matter all together. Seeing that they are not alone is detrimental to the way they heal. Knowledge is always key. Don't allow it to become a thing that is always outcast or just plain thrown out. Embrace our people and show them they are loved not lost. No one is a throwaway no matter what the problem is.

So even though I believe that we still treat the mental illness as people we should cast away, I do think we have came farther and hopefully as people will continue to broaden how we view them. I myself completely understand for I too have been diagnosed with mental illness.

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