The meek, the mild; the people who offer nothing, yet ask for nothing. These people are tucked away in homes, out on the streets, and sometimes right under our noses. Most times, we forget to notice them, and they slip between the cracks, or get lost in the daily rush of our lives. Perhaps, we purposely ignore them, because it scares us, or we really are selfish and don't want to spend the extra minute. Perhaps it hits us a little too close to home, reminding us of our own problems or fears.
Mental illness will affect every one of us, at some point in our lives; whether it is a loved one, a stranger, or even ourselves. How we react to mental illness is key in the continuation of our civilized society. We cannot continue to ignore the growing dilemma before us, as "mental" conditions are on the rise, and the government, and insurance companies refuse to acknowledge psychological disorders as tangible health crises that merit coverage and treatment.
How do you explain mental illness to someone who is not affected by it? How do you define it as a "health matter" rather than just calling someone crazy, and thinking they have control over their mental state? How can we possibly have a healthy society without working toward an acceptance of cognitive disorders and how to effectively treat them?
In the mean time, it is everyone's duty to be tolerant, helpful, and do some homework. Education helps us to understand, and helps us, to help others in need.
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