With So Many Suffering from Mental Illness, Why Is It Still a Taboo?

Mental illness, sadly, remains a deeply stigmatized subject despite growing awareness of its importance. The reason for this ongoing stigma is a disparity in the rate of awareness and ignorance. Awareness is not growing as quickly as the ignorance that compounds and exacerbates the issue daily.

Societal Obligations and Taboos

The issue of mental health in the United States is even more complex when seen through the lens of institutional changes. In 1985, many mental health hospitals were closed in an effort to deinstitutionalize mental healthcare. The result? People like my mother were simply left in parking lots because society failed to account for their needs.

If society recognized mental illness, it would be compelled to take responsibility and provide necessary support. It is far easier to shift the burden onto the individuals struggling with mental health issues rather than addressing the systemic issues. Similarly, this attitude extends to other chronic illnesses. Diabetics are often blamed for being fat or eating sugar, while joint pain is attributed to insufficient exercise—ignoring the complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.

The Role of Unbridled Capitalism

The influence of unbridled capitalism in the United States has played a detrimental role in devaluing those who are sick, vulnerable, and elderly. The rich cannot profit from the well-being of the sick, so there is a tendency for the suffering to be burdened by societal expectations rather than by systemic support.

The result is a lack of familial nurturing and support, with both parents often working long hours to make ends meet. People, especially the elderly and those with mental illnesses, are expected to work through their ailments without seeking necessary help. This creates a system where the rich benefit from the labor of the sick, and the well-being of the population is compromised.

Changing Societal Attitudes and Institutional Failures

The combination of ignorance and a lack of motivation to learn until it affects them personally has led to a society with little compassion. The stigma of mental illness, much like racism, can be passed down from parents to children, strengthening the cycle of discrimination and misunderstanding.

The political climate exacerbates these issues. In a highly negative and stressful environment, people are increasingly struggling to cope with work and life pressures. Younger generations are often poorly educated and unprepared for the real-world challenges they face, contributing to the rise of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

A personal example illustrates this point well. I knew someone who worked for a psychiatrist and would comment, “Not my family!” even though her husband was likely schizophrenic for 50 years and their eldest son developed the disorder much later in life. This tendency is not uncommon, as drug use, particularly methamphetamine, has contributed to a rise in mental health issues, while hallucinogens and even marijuana can contribute to psychotic symptoms in some individuals.

Recent developments have led to a younger son becoming a full-blown blackout alcoholic. These scenarios are a stark reflection of the societal failures in recognition and support for mental health.

In conclusion, it is essential to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote awareness and understanding. Only through collective action can we address the systemic issues that perpetuate this silence and ensure that those in need receive the support and care they deserve.