Mental illness is a reality for millions of people around the world. Mental illness has many different shapes, forms and classifications. The way we have explored the different facets of mental illness has evolved from even fifty years ago. However, not all individuals recognize the existence of mental illness. Some believe that mental illness is an imagined illness and does not truly affect people on a daily basis. In reality, mental illness is not only real but truly affects and shapes the lives of many. In order to truly recognize the existence of mental illness; one must first understand the medical definitions and terminology of mental illness, and finally the differing view of the existence of mental illness. Mental illness is
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Those who hold this view, believe that mental illness is largely exaggerated. (Insert Quote). Most notably Thomas Szasz, in the 1960’s argued that mental illness was a myth. In his report, The Myth of Mental Illness he theorized that, “the myth of mental illness encourages us, moreover, to believe in its logical corollary that social intercourse would be harmonious, satisfying, and secure basis of a “good life” were it not for the disrupting influence of mental illness or psychopathology.”(Doc 2;Szasz 1960) Szasz is essentially arguing that mental illnesses are myths and those who claim to have them are either pretending or have bought into the idea that mental illnesses exist. Szasz’s argument although it is completely incorrect and insensitive, it is understandable. Szasz is making this claim because mental illnesses are unlike any other illness. Mental illnesses are usually case by case and hard initially hard to diagnose. Regardless, his argument does not begin to acknowledge the hardships those with mental illnesses go through on a daily basis. The author Kay Redfield Jamison eloquently describes what it is truly like living with ; “depression is awful beyond words or sounds or images. It bleeds relationship through suspicion, lack of confidence and self-respect, the inability to enjoy life, to walk or talk or think normally, the exhaustion, the night terrors, the day terrors.” (Doc 1; Jamison 1995) Through this it is crystal clear to see that no one would endure that wretched way of living because they wanted to pretend or live some fantasy. Mental illness is real and it affects millions; by denying the existence of their conditions it not only is disparaging to those with these illnesses, it is disrespectful for the men and women who work trying to make their lives
Those who hold this view, believe that mental illness is largely exaggerated. (Insert Quote). Most notably Thomas Szasz, in the 1960’s argued that mental illness was a myth. In his report, The Myth of Mental Illness he theorized that, “the myth of mental illness encourages us, moreover, to believe in its logical corollary that social intercourse would be harmonious, satisfying, and secure basis of a “good life” were it not for the disrupting influence of mental illness or psychopathology.”(Doc 2;Szasz 1960) Szasz is essentially arguing that mental illnesses are myths and those who claim to have them are either pretending or have bought into the idea that mental illnesses exist. Szasz’s argument although it is completely incorrect and insensitive, it is understandable. Szasz is making this claim because mental illnesses are unlike any other illness. Mental illnesses are usually case by case and hard initially hard to diagnose. Regardless, his argument does not begin to acknowledge the hardships those with mental illnesses go through on a daily basis. The author Kay Redfield Jamison eloquently describes what it is truly like living with ; “depression is awful beyond words or sounds or images. It bleeds relationship through suspicion, lack of confidence and self-respect, the inability to enjoy life, to walk or talk or think normally, the exhaustion, the night terrors, the day terrors.” (Doc 1; Jamison 1995) Through this it is crystal clear to see that no one would endure that wretched way of living because they wanted to pretend or live some fantasy. Mental illness is real and it affects millions; by denying the existence of their conditions it not only is disparaging to those with these illnesses, it is disrespectful for the men and women who work trying to make their lives