Get Over It. It's Only a Flesh Wound

I read something very important a few days ago that I'd like to share. It concerned the importance of language and how what we call something shapes our thoughts and understanding.

The specific topic was about people who have mental health issues. Look at that phrase, "mental health issues". It implies people have a choice. We can choose to make an issue out of something. We can resolve an issue. We can table an issue.

Also, the word "mental" is slippery and can be viewed as amorphous, intangible, not real. It isn't tied to an organ, like cancer is defined. Breast cancer, for example, is tangible, concrete. Or Parkinson's (nervous system) or Cardiomyopathy (heart). These are recognized as diseases that can disable or kill.

So, I agree with the author who said there are no mental health issues or illnesses. What is in the world is "Brain Disease." People with brain disease know there is no cure, only treatment. They know it is often fatal. They know it is a crippling and permanent disability that changes your entire life and how you are in the world. And, even worse, it's genetic and can be passed to your children. Medicine may help, if you're lucky.

And the people with brain disease are told to get over it. They are only seeking attention, they are weak and defective and could make it go away if they really wanted to. Imagine saying that to someone with cancer, that they are a selfish hypochondriac.

It made me realize we need to change our language and convert ridicule to compassion and change disregard into research dollars. If we can, it will save lives.