The mental illness stigma is supported by a false belief that being successful provides a natural immunity from acquiring this condition. Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade were deemed highly successful, but their decision to end their lives sheds led on the truth. Both died from hanging in separate successful suicides. Many are still in shock and remain in disbelief at the reality that both suffered from diagnosed mental illnesses. Our society maintains the false belief that the faces of those deemed to be overachievers, with all the embellishments of financial success, cannot be the image of mental illness.
Images of Mental Illness
This widely held misperception about the image of those who suffer from mental illnesses is rarely challenged. There are very few role models of successful individuals who are outspoken about how they proactively manage their condition. The societal stigma of mental illness often prevents high-functioning individuals from publicly disclosing their diagnoses and treatment. This absence of images of people who successfully manage their condition enables misperceptions to flourish.
The “Rare” Perception
Mental illnesses are considered by many to be a rare condition. Subsequently, limited resources have been allocated for the creation of meaningful educational tools, compared with other physical conditions. We quickly recognize that chest pain relates to the heart and that shortness of breath relates to the lungs. The brain also tries to get our attention to tell us that something is amiss, but we are not as good at recognizing these signals.
Poor Recognition
If you experience an excruciating chest pain, the possibility of a heart attack immediately comes to mind. If the pain increases and persists, you are taught to visit the emergency room. Low mental energy, sleep disturbance, abrupt mood swings, with an increasing sense of hopelessness and impulsive behavior are rarely considered as signals to warrant an immediate mental health intervention. Everyday situations, such as job stress are readily accepted as explanations for these worrisome changes in mood and behavior.
Character Weakness
Mental illnesses are often perceived to be the result of character flaws or weaknesses and defects in personality. Many people are unaware that unwanted and problematic moods are controlled by the brain.
The recent death of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain are painful reminders of the potential consequences of worsening symptoms of an active mental illness. It is time to break the silence about this serious brain disease. It is possible that you know someone who is suffering from emotional pain. Mental illnesses are not rare. And yet, no matter how much you may want to understand, it’s always uncomfortable and confusing to witness the behavior of someone who suffers from this condition. You may not recognize its severity by being distracted by their achievements and status. This misinterpretation can give you permission to regard apparent selfishness, awful behavior or drug addictions as willful. The possibility of a diagnosed mental illness is never considered until jolted by the realities of dangerous and impulsive behaviors, such as a successful suicide. How can they have a mental illness resonates around the world with the death of Spade and Bourdain?
Mental Illness Call to Action
The taboo topic of mental illness needs to be addressed. Start with your decision to acquire knowledge and education about the uncomfortable topic of mental illnesses. My latest educational resource ” She is Not Mentally Ill” may help you jump start. Let’s breaks the silence and stigma today!