Email | Print

Those who are affected with mental illness suffer deeper pain than physical problems. The torment of the soul incurred in many forms of mental illness, especially psychoses, is a living death. The world seems hostile even in controlled environments such as psychiatric hospitals. One doubts decisions, thoughts or other people. Patients are suspicious of each other, caregivers, neighbors or even family. Every waking moment brings an agony of indecision, doubt and psychic pain. Sleep frequently brings nightmares and unendurable fright.

We are blessed in these times with medication, which in many cases stabilizes an imbalance in the sufferer's brain. Genetics and traumatic experiences serve to worsen these conditions.

Unfortunately, mental illness, although very prevalent, is still misunderstood. A typical picture of one is a violent madman who commits unthinkable antisocial acts. Caught in between the cracks are frightened individuals incapable of caring for themselves and unable to join the mainstream.

While we have advanced radically from the "snake pits" of the past, much more needs to be done in terms of acceptance and understanding.

I have been blessed with a remission of my illness. What once seemed to be an unendurable depression that paralyzed me has gradually—through therapy, support and strong faith—been replaced with a fervent wish to enjoy each new day with radically improved relationships, with greater respect for the universe and with optimism for the future. While many neurotic remnants remain, I plan to work on making them tolerable.

Others, however, are not as fortunate as I. For them, I wish and pray that more research will be done in the future for improved medication, advances in psychotherapy, more government funding toward this end and an increased awareness by the public that mental illness deserves understanding, support and acceptance.