Toni-Ann Hall, Staff Writer
The term “health” is too often only related to physical wellness. There is a wide range of misconceptions and misdiagnoses that occur in conjunction with the presence of mental illnesses. Despite the educational programs that ensue, there is still an ongoing stigma about the validity of such illnesses as well as proper identification. Both uninformed and informed individuals classify those suffering from mental illnesses as “crazy,” while those on the opposite end of the spectrum are deemed “normal.” Mental illnesses are not simply states, but also are conditions that can be progressive and detrimental. This is not reflective of each case; however, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 90 percent of individuals who die by suicide experience mental illnesses.
There has been a recent spotlight on 18-year-old Conrad Roy’s suicide, his friend, Michelle Carter and her “encouragement” of him to follow through with the plan to end his life. According to Fox News, Roy began to doubt his decision and removed himself from the carbon monoxide filled vehicle, which eventually led to his fatal poisoning. As evidenced through court reports, Carter replied to Roy’s reservation in a text message stating to “get back in” the truck and execute his plan. An uproar began when social media accounts that belonged to Carter were posting information about mental health awareness and the tragedy of Roy’s death. Carter is now being charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Roy’s family stated that he was suffering from anxiety and was taking antidepressants. Although Roy wanted to make that decision, he was suffering from a mental illness. That is not any more or less valid than the suffering we associate with a hard fall, splinter, punch, or even heartbreak. Regardless of how this situation panned out when Roy was contemplating suicide, I still cannot wrap my mind around a friend knowingly reassuring another friend about taking his own life. It’s disheartening. Of course, death is the end that Roy sought, but with his wavering thoughts being taken into account, the possibility of a life lived with potential and joy even in the darkest moments would have been plausible. Carter is capable of having feelings, thoughts and emotions just like all of us, so I won’t add on to the distasteful comments that have been thrown her way for her decision to act unfavorably in lieu of someone who was mentally unstable; instead, I will inform.
Conrad Roy, Michelle Carter, mental illnesses and suicide are all real. The mindset of suicidal individuals can be hard to understand if we have never been in that place before, but that is expected. We shouldn’t anticipate that we will understand exactly how people are feeling while going through a mental battle. Conversations about the reality of suicidal ideation and its manifestation in the minds of millions of individuals all over the world—especially individuals on our campus—need to be taking place.
The reasons why people want to commit suicide won’t disappear, nor will the end result of that persistent desire to never wake up. But have the power to normalize a stigmatized issue for those who undergo these conditions. Let’s talk about it, think about it and act upon the reality that we live around it. Awareness about mental illnesses is not just about listing names, conducting research, diagnosing conditions and creating yet another category of separation. It’s about the importance of individual lives.
Mental Health Matters week will take place at KSU from March 16 through March 19. With this year’s theme being the Art for Your Soul, Counseling and Psychological Services will be hosting activities each day to celebrate mental health and practice personal wellness.
Appointments with Counseling and Psychological Services can be made by calling (470) 578-6600. Immediate assistance can be achieved through Let’s Hoot, a walk-in service available Monday through Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Kennesaw Hall, Room 2401.
—an ongoing stigma
Anyone who teaches a “stigma” is a person to avoid. You have done so.
Anyone who repeats a “stigma” is a person to avoid. Editors have done so.
Harold A. Maio
khmaio@earthlink.net
Are you referring to the repetition of the phrase itself or the continuation of a stigmatized idea?
Why are we not talking about the possibility that Michelle Carter suffers from mental illness?
That is a possibility that should be discussed. It is not addressed in this article, but that does not exempt it from still being a plausible reality.