What do we think about mental health?

We have begun to realize the consequences of untreated or poorly treated mental illnesses. Treatments have become more precise in treating mental disabilities. We are refining how we identify mental illness and how we process that inspiration.

Some of those suffering spoke about their experiences and feelings. These efforts have helped remove some of the stigma surrounding people suffering without showing obvious outward symptoms.

“Stigma” is a key word, isn’t it? Older readers may remember a time when cancer was surrounded by a stigma, a stigma that meant many could only discuss the topic by saying “the C-word.” Phenomena have started to be identified earlier, treatments have improved and the word “cancer” is no longer regularly mentioned in whispers.

Today we have ad campaigns that remind us to take advantage of cancer screenings, even for parts of our bodies that we might still talk about in hushed tones. The stigma surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment has faded.

But we can’t get rid of the stigma around mental health.

The Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur has been fighting, among other things, the stigma of mental illness for decades. The group’s services began in 1956. People connected to Heritage, including President and CEO Mary Garrison, wrote in a letter to the editor that “the stigmatization of people living with mental illness and mental health-related disorders Substance use may be at an all-time high due to the current situation. ongoing stigmatization campaign in our community.

This stigma has grown as discussions have taken place about moving Heritage from its current location in downtown Decatur. One of the possible locations mentioned is Northgate Shopping Center. The once-thriving mall — it once housed a Venture, a number of specialty shops and a three-screen movie theater — fell silent as retailers decided to go elsewhere.

An immediate, loosely organized movement quickly emerged and protests against a move to Northgate exploded. Splintered, we might add, with no official word on any decision, or if a decision would be made.

The protest took the form of letters addressed to the editor of the Herald & Review. The letters addressed a variety of concerns, while making it clear that they support all things Heritage and understand its importance to both its customers and its community.

They just don’t want this to happen around them. The letters focused on the proximity of St. Teresa High School in connection with a possible move to Northgate.

Those who oppose this decision are expressing their views through letters and appeals to City of Decatur elected and appointed officials and by speaking at City Council meetings.

The discussion is a third-order issue that the council does not want to address. There is no formal project plan pending with the city, meaning there are no issues — like zoning — up for a vote.

In turn, St. Teresa made it clear that legal action would be taken to prevent Heritage from moving into the vacant mall.

These protests keep stigma at the forefront. What does this say to anyone in the St. Teresa community whose friends or family members are struggling with mental issues, addiction or substance abuse? What does this say to students? What does this mean for anyone in recovery, especially those in their own community?

Certainly, safety is a concern. But given that it’s 2023, safety is a concern everywhere, and schools are at the top of the list. Saint Teresa has surely implemented security measures to address any possible concerns.

St. Teresa’s advocates respond to parents’ concerns. It’s part of their job.

As a society, do we want to recognize that there are those who need help and we want them to get that help, but we just don’t want to see them?