Normally, Dr. Phil is a fairly logical representative of the helping professions. While I have questioned his directness and judgments at other times, I was never seriously alarmed by his ideas. Or even his approach. There are many people who benefit from a more direct approach in treatment. And I see a legitimate role for public advocates who deal with mental health topics. They do provide education for the community at large. HOWEVER, that has all changed. Recently, Dr. Phil described the 'insane' as people who "suck at rocks and bark at the moon". Way to promote stigma, Dr. Phil. How does this reflect understanding and compassion? And how can you use your influence as a public media figure and expert on mental health to hold the mentally ill up to public ridicule? Those kinds of attitudes are the CORE of stigma. In a country in which we are actively exploring the impact of a steadily rising incidence of mental illness and lack of treatment, your attitude strikes me as particularly problematic. Mental illness is truly an equal opportunity affliction. And the more severe end of the spectrum can certainly negatively impact society as a whole, families and individuals. It isn't a joke. It isn't funny. Your comments were offensive.
Having grown up with a mentally ill mother, I am very aware of what constitutes insanity. Trust me, Dr. Phil, watching my Mom deteriorate wasn't a joking matter to me. As she stopped bathing and became angrier and more punitive, I was an overwhelmed child. And her illness has an impact on me to this day. I also recognize the impact on my Mom, who at the heart of it was a good person. Who simply had an illness. One which was untreated. At least partially due to lack of understanding of what mental illness really is. And of course, due to the fact that we had inadequate resources to deal with it at that time. It is clear today that stigma increases shame for people. It also prevents people from seeking help when it is needed. Your attitude is reflected in ignorance society-wide. It brings real life consequences to many very vulnerable people. Look around you, Dr. Phil. Mental illness is at the core of many of our most difficult and divisive problems. Among those problems are homelessness and the fact that we are currently looking at the role that mental illness plays in violent crime. The most recent example is Adam Lanza and the slaughter at Sandy Hook. Is that something to joke about to you? I sure hope not.
Can you tell that I find your words offensive? There is a big difference between using your sense of humor to gently discuss a tough topic and what you did with your words. Ridicule is not OK. I can't believe that you aren't aware of the power of your words. How tone-deaf can you be? Where is your apology? For those of us who have lived through mental illness or watched a loved one struggle, this is not a small thing. Mental illness kills. Would you joke as someone dies from cancer? Would you ridicule someone as they obtain life-prolonging chemotherapy? I would assume even you know that isn't OK. I would suggest that you look at the reality that the severely mentally deal with before you make a joke of their struggle. Show me that you have some comprehension. Or acknowledge that maybe you aren't the most compassionate and concerned representative for people struggling with mental illness. Abdicate your throne. You are showing us that the Emperor really has no clothes. And we aren't charmed by the view.....
Having grown up with a mentally ill mother, I am very aware of what constitutes insanity. Trust me, Dr. Phil, watching my Mom deteriorate wasn't a joking matter to me. As she stopped bathing and became angrier and more punitive, I was an overwhelmed child. And her illness has an impact on me to this day. I also recognize the impact on my Mom, who at the heart of it was a good person. Who simply had an illness. One which was untreated. At least partially due to lack of understanding of what mental illness really is. And of course, due to the fact that we had inadequate resources to deal with it at that time. It is clear today that stigma increases shame for people. It also prevents people from seeking help when it is needed. Your attitude is reflected in ignorance society-wide. It brings real life consequences to many very vulnerable people. Look around you, Dr. Phil. Mental illness is at the core of many of our most difficult and divisive problems. Among those problems are homelessness and the fact that we are currently looking at the role that mental illness plays in violent crime. The most recent example is Adam Lanza and the slaughter at Sandy Hook. Is that something to joke about to you? I sure hope not.
Can you tell that I find your words offensive? There is a big difference between using your sense of humor to gently discuss a tough topic and what you did with your words. Ridicule is not OK. I can't believe that you aren't aware of the power of your words. How tone-deaf can you be? Where is your apology? For those of us who have lived through mental illness or watched a loved one struggle, this is not a small thing. Mental illness kills. Would you joke as someone dies from cancer? Would you ridicule someone as they obtain life-prolonging chemotherapy? I would assume even you know that isn't OK. I would suggest that you look at the reality that the severely mentally deal with before you make a joke of their struggle. Show me that you have some comprehension. Or acknowledge that maybe you aren't the most compassionate and concerned representative for people struggling with mental illness. Abdicate your throne. You are showing us that the Emperor really has no clothes. And we aren't charmed by the view.....
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