Knowledge helps destroy mental illness' ugly stigma.

Byline: HEIDI JACOBSEN-STEPHENSON For The Register-Guard

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL Mental Illness Awareness Month, and it is during this time that we try to bring to the forefront of society's consciousness the many complicated (and often misunderstood) issues that those associated with mental illness face every day.

The challenge of raising awareness for mental illness has always been a daunting one, because unlike a physical (and visible) injury or illness, mental illness strikes deep inside the brain. Often the outward signs of the disease are impossible to see, are misunderstood or both. The effects on the afflicted individual can be just as traumatic as a physical injury. But unlike a broken leg, the effect of this disease rarely cures itself - and if left unattended, often has devastating results.

The lives of family, friends, co-workers and even the larger community, are all affected in some way by individuals stricken with this brain disease. Mental illness can have profound emotional and financial impacts on all who are associated with it. And left unattended, it needlessly costs our society millions of dollars every year.

For those afflicted with the illness, the impact is a never-ending battle. It is these people who suffer every day, unable to curb the ebb of their grasp on the world around them. Every day can be a perplexing, haunting puzzle. Equally diminished is their sense of self and their individual liberties, coupled with the stigma that comes with being mentally ill.

The word "stigma" means a mark or sign of shame, disgrace or disapproval and results in being shunned or rejected by others. This stigma is very strong in our communities. The medical community and law enforcement agencies are not immune to stigmatizing.

This stigma is twofold. Not only does the ill person suffer the effects of stigma, but parents and siblings are also stigmatized. Parents isolate themselves with their loved ones and build a wall around themselves for fear of being stigmatized by their friends, neighbors and co-workers.

At times the parent and loved ones are overcome by the loss of a normal and healthy life. Many times individuals with such an illness are treated as outcasts, with their thoughts and feelings being totally discounted.

By creating a greater awareness of mental illness, many groups such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and its local affiliate, NAMI of Lane County - along with countless individuals - are striving to dispel the myths and stigmas too often attached to those with a mental illness. Increased awareness, and the simple recognition by more and more people of mental illness as a problem, is elevating this subject on the political agenda because it can no longer be ignored.

In the medical arena, many great strides have been made in the research, diagnosis and treatment of those afflicted with a mental illness.

But while good things are happening, there is a long, long way to go.

Whether it is schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or severe depression, the best defense against the enigma and fear surrounding mental illness is to educate as many people as possible.

By learning the truths, by dispelling the years of falsehoods, and by accepting those suffering from a mental illness openly and with understanding, society can break down one more barrier placed against those who need our compassion the most.

Join us this month (and every month), and make a special effort to learn more about mental illness.

Heidi Jacobsen-Stephenson is anti-stigma coordinator of NAMI of Lane County (343-7688 or www.namilane.org).