On the subject of mental health

Aug 27, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I have mental health problems. I have had it for nearly twenty years. It is not something that I am ashamed of or need to hide. I am fortunate to live in a society where the majority of people are understanding and tolerant of mental health problems.
Today there is more understanding in society of people with mental health. Yet, some people still discriminate against people with mental health.
I do not discriminate against anyone. Be it for gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, mental health, etc. It does not mean that I need to have the same viewpoint of someone with say, as an example, who is religious. As long as you do not treat people differently based on their religious beliefs, then that is not discrimination.
Discrimination is when you would knowingly treat someone differently because they are a man/woman, based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
Remember: many of Guyana’s Laws were enacted when there was little understanding of mental health in comparison to today. If you must know, I lead a life just like everyone else. I take medication (an injection that lasts a month) that helps me.
One in sixteen people have had a psychosis problem in the UK (that is about 4 million people).
Since I have lived with mental health for nearly twenty years, I am aptly qualified to speak about the effects of discrimination and its negative impact on people’s lives, especially people’s attitudes and behaviours towards others with disabilities.
The trick is to not pretend that you have an ordinary life. But to accept the situation that you are in and make the most of the opportunities as they present themselves – work opportunities, socialising opportunities, etc.
Yours Faithfully
Sean Ori

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News