Understanding mental illness

Why is it that every time someone with a history of mental illness commits an outlandish act of violence, the media says he or she has schizophrenia or bipolar illness?

Most mentally ill people never want to hurt someone. They are more likely to hurt themselves. I’ve lived most of my life recovering from schizophrenia and have never wanted to hurt someone. Why? Because I take the medication prescribed for me.

Some people with mental illness think they are perfectly normal and don’t need medication, so they quit taking the medication and after a short amount of time they are again experiencing madness and many end up killing themselves. It’s a tragic scenario, but it happens a lot.

Please don’t judge someone with schizophrenia. Treat them as you would anyone else. Often times when I tell someone I have schizophrenia, a big wall goes up and I lose their trust and friendship.

Most people who work with the mentally ill are there to help them recover and treat them with respect and dignity. When you meet someone with mental illness, try not to give them a cold shoulder. Try to be friendly and compassionate. You will learn something and cause them to feel a little more accepted by the world and by society as a whole. Be compassionate. It makes both parties happier and loved.

Mike Gary

Spokane