Dispel misconceptions about mental illness

Kudos to the Daily Herald for the recent editorial calling attention to the need for better public understanding of individuals who commit violent crimes and who may be suffering from depression, a mood disorder or other serious mental illness.

The insensitive remarks openly expressed about tragic stories are reactions from an uninformed public where the stigma that surrounds mental illness still exists and misconceptions prevail.

In Kane County, mental health awareness programs such as those provided by the Kane County Mental Health Council and NAMI, Kane County’s Family-to-Family Education Program, are helping to dispel the myths of mental illness. Research reveals that major disorders of the brain are legitimate brain illnesses: definable, diagnosable and treatable.

Recovery from mental illness is possible.

Educating the public and bringing about new understanding of mental illness, and changing the language we use to describe mental illness, is all important when a newly formed Illinois Mental Health Services Strategic Planning Task Force begins its work to improve and expand services for people with chronic mental illnesses. Not only will the impact of stigma be reduced, and community acceptance for people with mental illness increased, but more individuals and families who need help will seek it, thereby helping to avoid the tragedies that can result from untreated mental illness. All of us will benefit.

Katie Petray

Sleepy Hollow

Board member, NAMI Kane County