The Significance of Education Individuals on Mental Health

The text defines a mental disorder as "A condition that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to cope with everyday life. A label for those who violate certain kinds of social rules" (Social Problems, 10th ed. - Coleman & Kerbo, 140). This week in class we discussed the importance of being able to diagnose mental disorders and the stigma that comes along with that diagnosis. In my opinion, by educating people about mental diseases, it would be much easier to diminish the stigmas that have existed for many years.

According to an article on the Health News Digest, "A study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies (August 2011) has found that a family education program offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness produces “significant improvement” for families in communication and coping skills." Rather than parents, caregivers, other family members, and friends conforming to the belief that someone who has a mental disease is automatically crazy,or weird, they can learn the facts behind a mental disease diagnosis. This can be instrumental in ensuring that the relationship others have with a mentally disabled person isn't a negative one. They will be able to understand what their loved one may be going through,

The study found that those who participated experience a decrease in inflammatory communication. They learned what to expect and what not to expect. The program offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

provides the aid that being in a doctor's office cannot provide. The role of a parent in a child's treatment is second only to that of the medicine they are prescribed. If parents know how to act, then they're not only benefiting their children, but themselves as well.