In TEDxBloomington, Denny Morrison discusses the stigmas behind mental illness and addiction and how to move beyond them. There are plenty of misconceptions about mental illness and addiction, but so many people suffer from them. Why has this subject held so much controversy and what can we do to break the stigma of mental illness and addiction? Morrison points out that in society there are some illnesses that are considered “better” than others. For example, many people would more willingly admit to having diabetes than they would mental illness and addiction. In fact, “major depression is the leading cause of disability in developed countries. Number five is alcohol abuse. Two of the biggest causes of disability in the world is mental illness and addiction.”
Morrison suggests that we would benefit from viewing our physical and mental illnesses as one, as they often are more interlinked than we think. Due to so many people visiting their primary care doctors when they’re not feeling good, physicians now write most of the psychotropic drugs and “only 25% of their referrals to mental health practitioners are followed through.” This lack of awareness when it comes to mental illness and addiction feeds the stigma. Many people see it as a weakness to admit they’re suffering from mental illness and addiction, but Morrison suggests looking at these two as “chronic diseases that have to be managed just like diabetes and asthma.” Morrison’s moving speech entitled No Health Without Mental Health challenges you to “jump into the discomfort of thought, challenge the assumptions you have about mental illness and addiction,” and suggests we “bring rationality back to this segment of healthcare.”
Mental illness and addiction do not have to bring shame those who are suffering. Seeking treatment is the first step to breaking the stigma. Treatment for mental illness and addiction help those suffering move past the discomfort and guides them through their healing one step at a time. If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction, The Bergand Group can help. We offer counseling and psychotherapy, as well as group and family therapy, to help you succeed on your path to recovery. For more information, visit The Bergand Group today.
About The Bergand Group:
At The Bergand Group in Baltimore, MD our therapists have more than twenty years of experience in the mental health and addiction fields. Our focus is on providing comprehensive mental health care and appropriate care for addictive disorders. We offer both alcohol rehabilitation and drug rehabilitation. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance addiction, there is help available. We also offer several other services, including family therapy and counseling. We can help. Contact us today.
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