<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Letter: Talk openly of illness and seek help

By
Published:

Having experienced a potential mass shooting at Mount Rainier National Park on New Year’s Day 2012, and having had a sister who dealt with mental illness (bipolar and schizophrenia), I am concerned about the increase in mass shootings. There are clearly two issues: the need for more gun regulation and the need for more education about mental illness.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 50 percent of the public knows little or nothing about mental illness, and yet 84 percent have said they would benefit from more education. It is high time we get rid of the stigma that holds back education as 70 to 90 percent of mental illnesses are treatable and all are entitled to treatment. One in five families has a relative with mental illness, yet are family members responsibly seeking help for their loved one? Silence is not golden. Loved ones must talk about it and address treatments.

Providing a sick son with guns and taking him to target practice is not the answer. Parents need education. Their child is not evil; he is sick. He doesn’t need guns; he needs medical help.

I appreciate my parents. who aggressively pursued help for my sister. She received medication and went on to live a productive life, graduating from college and receiving her teacher’s credential. She was one of the fortunate few whose parents and husband didn’t keep mental illness secret, but addressed it openly and sought help.

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter
Loading...