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“One in evert four people experiences mental health issues – yet more than 40% of the countries worldwide have no mental health policy” (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). This quote is crucial to spreading awareness about the severity of mental health and all around physical diversity. What ways can we retain or restore dignity to people with physical adversity and/or mental illness?
- Treat all people equal, whether they have a physical adversity or not. Harriet McBryde Johnson is the perfect example of someone who has proven that anyone is capable of achieving their dreams as long as one sets their mind to it, and whether one is seen as capable to society or not. Harriet was a woman with a physical adversity who broadened her career as an author, attorney, and disability rights activist. She was disabled due to a neuromuscular disease and used a motorized wheelchair (Ervin, 2004).
- Avoid calling those with physical adversities words like “crazy” or “psycho” (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). These stigmatizing words become quickly embedded in people’s minds from a young age when one may be bullied or made fun of for being “different” (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). This about this.. “Should we call cancer a ‘cell cycle problem’? Calling serious mental illness a ‘behavioral health problem’ is like calling cancer a ‘pain problem'” (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). Saying things like this about cancer isn’t realistic is it? Why should it be any different for those who have mental health problems or physical adversities? It shouldn’t be. One must avoid using degrading terms and words to define those just because they differentiate from them, and realize that those with these adversities obtain an equal amount of self worth and dignity as anyone without adversities.
- Separate the person from the problem (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). Speak of “someone with schizophrenia,” not the schizophrenic,” making this distinction honors and respects these individuals (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). “What you’re really saying is, this is something that’s not part of a person; it’s something the person is suffering from or is living with, and it’s a different thing from the person” (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). Making this distinction clear serves to uphold the dignity of those associated and gives them a sense of appreciation and respect. Those who have been so blessed as to not have been born with a physical diversity should realize that they are blessed; but also must come to the realization that one does not obtain a greater amount of self worth, dignity, or respect simply because of this gift from God. Those with physical adversities were put on this earth for a reason, and to accomplish great things just as the rest of us obtain the ability to do. ANYONE is capable of ANYTHING. Limitations cannot be set upon anyone BY anyone.
- Along with the article about Harriet Johnson, the article “How should we talk about mental health,” explains that Steve Jobs and Einstein both encountered and dealt with physical adversities. These individuals were among some of the smartest people of all time. This is discussed throughout the category of recognizing the amazing contributions of people with mental health differences (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). Einstein and Steve Jobs are only mentioned because they have passed away, however, there are countless geniuses in this world with physical adversities doing amazing things that we are not even aware of. (“How should we talk about mental health?,” 2013). One must serve to avoid underestimating ANYONE’S capabilities.
Ervin, Mike. “Person of the Year. Harriet McBryde Johnson: A Life Well Lived – New Mobility.” New Mobility. 01 Jan. 2004. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
“How Should We Talk about Mental Health?” Ideastedcom. 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
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