A Call for Justice and Dignity
“The Violent Mentally Ill.”
This phrase startled me last week. Even more so because of where it was used: not in a tabloid headline, but in an official city press release announcing the expansion of services for people in the shelter system. And then again when it was repeated on public radio (WNYC) – one caller, identifying himself as a psychologist, advocated for reopening psychiatric facilities to address the needs of homeless people with mental illness.
“The violent mentally ill” is a phrase that both maligns a broad segment of our citizens and prevents rational discussion. It has no place in today’s world.
For too long, people labeled ‘mentally ill’ have faced discrimination and stigma. That’s why, on August 24, I’ll be proud to join thousands of people at the first ever Destination Dignity March, in Washington, D.C.
Organized by civil rights and social justice groups throughout the U.S., this event seeks to end the negative portrayals of people with mental illness, which have led to mass incarceration, homelessness, and pharmaceutical abuse.
As the many links following this message affirm, it’s easy to find positive stories about people who refuse to be defined by their illness – and, through grit, compassion, intelligence, and creativity, overcome daunting challenges toward a path of recovery and full citizenship.
I hope you will take a minute to read a couple of these truly wonderful stories. Attitudes only change when we are able to see beyond labels in getting to know our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and relatives.
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A New Approach to Mental Health...
