These are typical of the confessions made to me, always in whispers. Parents, spouses, siblings, friends:
they all are connected to someone “crazy,” and the fear, shame, confusion, and isolation are what each one shares…in silence. Mental illness is still shrouded and stigmatized. Misinformation, lack of awareness, inadequate funding…the audience for The S-Word is in the millions – from those battling the disease to those loving them and lost in terms of what to do for them.
Helpful Links and Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Facts & Numbers
“One in four adults−approximately 61.5 million Americans−experiences mental illness in a given year. One in 17−about 13.6 million−live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder. More than 90 percent of those who die by suicide had some mental disorder. …there are long delays – sometimes decades – between the first appearances of symptoms and when people get help.”
- The Information HelpLine is an information and referral service which can be reached by calling 1 (800) 950-6264, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., EST.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has trained counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don’t wait. Call (800) 273-8255 now.
- For a teen crisis line, contact the Covenant House Nineline at (800) 999-9999, which is operational from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, seven days a week.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine – 1.800.950.NAMI
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1.800.273.TALK
- For those suffering from PTSD – The Recovery Village
Philosophy Launches Hope and Grace for Mental Health in Women
www.philosophy.com
I had gone into the local Smart & Final to shop. My favorite checker – 16-year old Sarah – was just finishing up bagging groceries for an elderly man, and I noticed their exchange and the look on her face. I would later learn of the inappropriate proposition made by the man at least 50 years her senior, and the shock and disgust, as well as the self-doubt felt by Sarah. The audience for The S-Word – specifically of girls and women, who at home, at school, on the job, or just out on the town must constantly battle everything from lewd comments to abuse and rape – is staggering.
Sexual Abuse
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
“Every 2 minutes, another American is sexually assaulted. 44% of those are under the age of 18. 60% of sexual assaults are never reported to the police. 97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail. Approximately 2/3 of the assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. 38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.”
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1.800.656.HOPE
Kids as Caregivers: a Secret Society
www.npr.org
“More than 1.3 million young people in the U.S. between the ages of 8 and 18 care for sick or disabled family members. Caregiving is emotionally taxing for people of any age, but can be especially so for teens. (NPR 2012)”
The S-Word follows one young girl’s coming of age while having to play the role of translator for ESL immigrant parents as well as caretaker for a very sick mother. Sadly, my story is not necessarily unique, and the audience potential for it, not only in the U.S., but worldwide is in the millions.
You’re never alone.
