When it comes to medical assistance, public attention and resources, mental illness has been put on the back shelf around the globe for centuries now.  How mental illness has been perceived and dis [AB1] shuffled, and what has kept it from getting its past due recognition, is stemmed from a long list of factors.  Some such as ignorance, isolation, discrimination, and prejudice; has have negatively impacted the labeling theory, which is attributed and linked to stigma associated with mental disorders; and such stigma can be eliminated, if we can all recognize that the mentally ill can be productive members of society. Social stigma has been, and still is, the utmost contributor to the distant silence that has inhumanely sustained mental illness in asylums, and along with family secrets, such as “differences" never to be shared with neighboring people or friends of employment, in fear of judgment or loss of job.   There isn't anyone who isn't affected by mental illness.  It affects someone's family member, to in all different ethnic groups, from the young to the old, to your community, schools or place of employment, or even maybe yourself. Mental illness is a costly, debilitating disease, and it comes in many different forms.  Unfortunately, it gets more recognition through stigma than public awareness and education; therefore, we must make an effort, and all learn what it means to live with mental illness and how society can work together to break down the barriers from stigma associated with it. Please join me this Friday night Feb 28th at 7pm CT as I discuss this delicate topic that so many are affected by. Call in live at 646-929-0421 or tune in at www.blogtalkradio.com/ritahodges See you there! Ciao...

 [AB1]??