World Mental Health Day: The Art of Acceptance
Today about 450 million people suffer from some form of mental health or neurological disorder – making it among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide[i]. Different from most physical disabilities, people cannot “see” mental illness. People can hide it and often do because they fear being judged or discriminated against.
Yet one in four of us is at risk of being affected by it at some point in our lives[ii]. So, given the high risk, why is mental illness shrouded in shame and stigma?
At the most basic level, it’s a lack of understanding. Mental illness is a medical condition – just like any other medical condition, and a person cannot control his or her susceptibility. No one is immune – it can affect anyone and anywhere.
As a physician, it’s disheartening to read studies suggesting people with mental health disorders may not receive the same quality of care due to associated stigmas compared to those with a physical illness. Research also suggests that people with mental health challenges may have less of a voice when it comes to their care, putting the quality of their care and safety at risk.[iii] It is critical that we increase awareness and understanding about mental health and lift the stigma – especially among healthcare providers to ensure that people receive high-quality care and support.
That is why the Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma is so important. It is an incredible coalition of leading arts and mental health organizations working to reduce the stigma around mental illness. Our collective goal is to open the dialogue and increase empathy which, we hope, will foster acceptance, combat discrimination and lead to better care.
As we recognize World Mental Health Day today, I invite you to listen to the stories and appreciate the artwork of those living with mental health challenges, and think about how art can be used to drive acceptance.
[i] https://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/
[ii] https://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/
Martin G. Brumbaugh Professor of Education, Emeriti Juniata College
6 年We all have less than one degree of separation from a person with “mental” illness. Resources continue to offer assistance in helping these individuals become more self-reliant with a greater sense of well being. The challenge for me is people who are downright evil and get away with it. There is no resource for these individuals —-
EY Senior Client Partner | Healthcare, Life Sciences, Consumer, Tech | Strategy | M&A | Transformation | Innovation | Sustainability | VC | Presidential Appointee | Board Director | Author | Film Producer | Philanthropy
6 年Couldn't agree more. Awareness and understanding of mental illness will help reduce the stigma and get us closer to acceptance.
GAICD FCA l Board Director - Flourish & MHCN I Mental Health focus I NMHCCF & Headspace Advisory Committee Member
6 年Great article - I particularly like this: Mental illness is a medical condition – just like any other medical condition, and a person cannot control his or her susceptibility. No one is immune – it can affect anyone and anywhere. Let’s continue to work on breaking down the stigma, so mental illness is treated equal to all other physical illnesses.
???????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????? ????????
6 年Thank you for writing about the need for acceptance. Opening up about this topic is the first step to reducing the suicides rates?
Director - PAVLOV GROUP : ISO/RTO Auditor, Project Mgr, Trainer, Writer, NLP Practitioner
6 年Brilliant Post.