Pecking orders, social permits, & reverse discrimination. Interview by Shirley A Smoyak.
The first step in moving toward changing the current system is recognizing how these unspoken beliefs and "word compartments" create incredible pain and cause unnecessary delay in providing help. Anne also had eloquent things to say about the failure of parity, as far as people with mental illnesses are concerned. Using an e-mail list, Anne collected reflections of some Vermonters involved in the mental health field. Here are two of my favorites about the term "behavioral health": From a consumer: "To me, it implies if I would just change my behaviors, I wouldn't have a mental illness." From a nurse: "Call it what it is. We have cardiac care units, not happy heart units." If you have your own reflections or experiences with the descriptions in this editorial, do send them to us at jpn@slackinc.com.
Donahue
Anne B
AB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011057:Politics; D011287:Prejudice; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping; D014707:Vermont