Research and scientists claim they now have irrefutable evidence that disorders, such as major depression, OCD, panic disorder, bipolar and schizophrenia are neurological disorders. It is predicted that within five to 10 years, through new technology such as PET scans and MRIs, they will be able to diagnose and map the progression of these diseases as they now do with cancer, heart and other illnesses. This involves more than genetic susceptibility. After a long wait for patients and families, the time has finally come to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and have access to medical care as do other illnesses.

In this article I, as a representative of the Advocacy for Brain Disorders, am asking for your support in lobbying our governor for more funding for Natchez Regional Medical Center, our hospital, in opening a full psychiatric ward. We should consider these issues when voting for our governor, state and local leaders in upcoming elections. If you don’t take action on this issue, it’s the same as a vote against the facility. Please know that your support and response is appreciated and vital to our efforts.

First, we would like to thank the board of trustees and other distinguished people for allowing us to speak on such a sensitive issue. We are asking for three commitments from the board, medical field and our city and county leaders. 1. A full psychiatric ward; 2. At least two full-time psychiatrists; 3. Help with educating the public in removing the common stigma attached to neurological brain disorders.

I have lived in Natchez for over 50 years, and to my knowledge, there has only been one or two psychiatrists that have practiced here. Why not more? I’m sure you would agree the need is here.

If someone has never been subjected to the systematic discrimination which occurs in mental illness, they cannot remotely imagine how terrible it feels, or how it mitigates against the hope and optimism. We need to take risks and move on with our lives.

We have every right to ask why this sort of prejudice still prevails and why, among many other serious illnesses, mental illness should be singled out for such a history of heartless social negligence. It is inconceivable that Americans stricken with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis or cancer would tolerate this degree of discrimination against them when seeking help for their medical problems. Why should this deplorable situation exist only for people with brain disorders?

Why, for instance, have we not seen breakthroughs in brain disorders comparable to those which expanded our compassionate understanding of other serious physical conditions? Few of us remember when people with tuberculosis were shunned and blamed for “weak natures;” few of us recall when parents of developmentally disabled children were accused of ignoring their “slow” children and thereby causing their handicap. These dreadful myths have been exposed by scientific research, public educations and organized protest. But not mental illness. Why?

The glaring fact is this, and it is shameful: A fundamental denial of the human affliction of brain disease persists on every level of social organization. Civilized society and its appointed agents have not acknowledged the human pain and tragedy in these mental disorders. It is closer to the truth to say that in the case of mental illness, stigma means the banishment and scape-goating of people whose conditions are considered so fearful that they are judged to deserve their fate.

The fact is, when on medication, they are more likely to be abused both physically and mentally than the general population.

Denial is a powerful phenomenon. A diagnosis is heart-wrenching. Millions of people risk havoc and suicide because of the shame and ridicule our society places on mental illness. Ultimate acceptance comes hard, if at all. The very words mental illness stir up frightening images. Fear of disclosure because of stigma and discrimination silences many success stories. Influential public figures, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, secretaries, construction workers, computer technicians and infinitum conceal their mental illnesses, perpetuating the belief that somehow people with mental illness are fundamentally unlike others. The media depicts people with mental illness as ridiculous, “different” or violent and dangerous…..Tough images to identify with. Denial shields you from these stereotypes.

Disclosing mental illness can be freeing, but telling is a risky business. Our beautiful community is crying out “help us.” We realize that it would be a major undertaking with money being cut back on so many levels of our government. But we also know you have long reaching arms and can make it happen. We believe that it would be a win-win opportunity for Natchez Regional Hospital and our community as a whole. We are asking you to search your conscience and be the good Samaritan in Luke 10-30. Please do not table this issue and move on it as soon as possible. We feel we’ve waited long enough for equal medical attention that we so rightfully deserve. We are putting our faith in God believing he will touch your heart and do the right thing by looking at the makeup of the human mind and neuro-brian disorder. No one asks for these diseases and on one wants them. Please help, we know you can do it, if the will to do so is there.

Mental illness, or more accurately, a neurological brain disorder, is a flaw in biochemistry, not character.

Opal Vines is a representative for the Advocacy of Brain Disorders. She can be reached at bonot@cableone.net.