50% of the mentally ill unaccounted for due to STIGMA

Time Is Running Out On Our Mental Health Community

In 1999 the Surgeon General reported that 1 in 5 people suffered from a mental illness. It was also stated, that it was estimated that 50% of the mentally ill population remained uncounted because of the STIGMA. If this is true, the numbers in the report were grossly underestimated.

It is also estimated that 1 in 5 women will suffer from depression in their lifetime. It is estimated that 1 in 7 men will suffer from depression in their lifetime. It is estimated that 8% to 12% of the general population will experience a significant anxiety disturbance, it is estimated that 1% of the population has bipolar disorder and 1% of the population has schizophrenia.

I personally have two people in my immediate family who suffer from bipolar disorder. This is a family of 14. And this brings the average up to 15%. So the numbers are increasing.

These numbers were compiled in 1999, 3 years ago. Long before we had any terrorist attacks, and our children started killing each other in their school yards. Add our stressful life styles to the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster and it’s no wonder that the numbers are so high and increasing every day.

Mental Illness is more common than most people would like to think. If the Surgeon General’s report of 1999 was correct, of five people you know, one has a mental illness. It may be your mother, your brother, your boss, your co-worker, your friend or yes, even you!

It is no longer the bum who walks down the street mumbling to himself. Celebrities are now coming forward and admitting to their battles with mental illness.

We as a society have to come together and embrace our mentally ill community and REVERSE THE STIGMA associated with mental illness so that those who suffer from these debilitating illnesses can begin to heal.
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