Voices of Hope for Mental Illness ― Not Against, With

This book addresses ways in which community mental health programs and community involvement can reduce the stigma of mental illness, optimizing the availability and success of treatment. The stigma of mental illness complicates one's ability to cope with a diagnosis that becomes a label, resulting in “self-stigma” which may discourage individuals from seeking and/or complying with treatment. Stigma feeds, and is fed by, myths and misunderstandings creating, in community members, a sense of hopelessness about, and fear of, mental illness. Too often our only "experience" with mental illness is through dramatic or dire media stories feeding the stereotype and the stigma, leaving community members unaware of the many stories that can help us to understand that our worst fears are not necessarily realistic, do not represent the real world of mental illness, do not tell the whole story. There is, however, a stigma-free community in Belgium with a centuries old history of accepting those with mental illness – even as boarders in their own homes. The lack of stigma in Geel, has resulted in a community that acknowledges the human needs of those with mental illness and responds to those needs by providing social opportunities and meaningful work, within the community We don’t have the same history as Geel, but we do have programs that offer the same fostering environment. When the general population becomes aware of and supports successful approaches, the stigma of mental illness is reduced, viable treatment programs and policies will be supported, and there is a shift in emphasis to mental health. When the general population is freed of myths and misunderstandings regarding mental illness, community care is given the opportunity to thrive in "caring communities." In this book, in a language and style that can be understood by anyone and everyone, the author shares what she’s learned and experienced regarding tolerance and inclusion – in Geel and in our own country – offering and encouraging “voices of hope for mental illness.”