Those suffering mental illness deserve support
By Alonzo Weston
May is the month for things to bloom, including our awareness of mental health.
May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949. It aims to address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health issues. It’s also important to address the stigma associated with mental illness.
The White House issued a proclamation this year asking us to recognize the bravery and resilience of Americans living with mental health conditions. We are also to show our gratitude for the work of the dedicated mental health professionals who assist these people.
My wife, Deanna, sees this world up close as she is the home health coordinator for the Family Guidance Center. I also covered mental health and social services for the St. Joseph News-Press for several years and got to know a lot of individuals suffering from issues as well as those who serve them.
There used to be a mental health community and socialization facility Downtown called the Peace of Mind Center. Through my work, I got to know many of those who spent time there. Some of these people were homeless as their conditions and life beat them down so much they had little if any resources left to survive in his world. The Peace of Mind Center gave these folks refuge and a place to gather and mingle with people in similar circumstances.
They played games, had parties and formed bonds of friendship at this place. One thing I learned from covering this beat was that those suffering from mental health conditions are not worthless and without value. I met one guy at the Peace of Mind Center who was one heck of an artist. His drawings were a mix of M.C. Escher and Salvador Dali that helped to illustrate how the man saw the world. I have one of his drawings on display in my home. Another man I met was a gifted pianist. All this confirmed my belief that God doesn’t make junk. All of us have some worth and talents. God doesn’t leave us empty-handed.
For example, I have a speech impediment which was for years considered a mental health condition. While God did not give me the gift of verbal eloquence he gave me the skill to express myself in words and through art. For years, I planned to be an artist rather than a writer.
People with mental health issues are blessed with gifts we may not be aware of as well. They deserve our respect and support beyond this one month of observance. They don’t need our ridicule and shame.
We don’t know what causes some folks to become homeless but mental health often plays a role. Be kind because everyone was once someone’s baby who they had big hopes and dreams for. We all are someone’s baby. Try to remember that this month as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month.
