When I was a teenager, my grandfather suffered from depression. He was in and out of hospitals and continuously in treatment and on medication. Since he had witnessed my grandmother hit and killed by a drunk driver, I assumed his depression was a natural residual effect of her brutal death. Now, as an adult and mental health counselor, I know that was merely the catalyst that led to the diagnosis.
I never held his mental health issues as anything to be ashamed of or to be avoided. That said there are so many people who do not get a “free pass” by others in their mental health diseases. Yes, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling and so on) are just that: a disease. Those who suffer from mental illness need compassion and support just as someone with diabetes or heart disease would receive. Their struggle is real. The pain is real. The stigma is unacceptable.
It is often because of the stigma attached to mental illness that those who are suffering incredible pain do not seek treatment and find themselves isolated which further amplifies their pain! Rather than ostracizing those who are burdened with the DISEASE of mental illness, we need to show them the same compassion we do to all suffering from any DISEASE! We need to encourage them to seek treatment and get the support they need!
May all who cross your path find themselves getting the support and compassion to address whatever ails them!