On the Trivialization of Mental Illness

Written: 2015-09-29
Revised: 2017-06-02

 

Photo: Geneseo Wiki

Disability is a broad spectrum of biological differences in appearance, functionality, behavior, thoughts, and internal processing. One type of disability–mental illness–is commonly met with demonization, humiliation, and invalidation. It’s ignored because it isn’t seen. It’s humiliated because it’s a quirky, trend. It’s demonized because neurotypicals cannot handle, and do not choose to understand, the complexities of these divergences. This is a problem because it abuses and silences people who need help and support, and it treats their bodies as though they are inherently a joke or dangerous. Some of the more common mental illnesses that people trivialize include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.