Imagine society blaming people for being diagnosed with illnesses like cancer? Claiming that it was their lifestyle choices that led to such a terrible disease. To make them feel guilty about a situation that was in no way deserved by them. This happens to victims of mental illness all the time, but with the added burden of shame. Considering the shocking statistic that one in four in the UK will suffer from some type of mental health problem in the course of a year, why do we almost never hear about people suffering from mental illness? Why does a cloud of judgment and misunderstanding still surround the topic? People with a mental disorder or a history of mental health problems are continually ostracized by society. This makes it more difficult than it already is for mentally ill people to admit their symptoms to others and seek treatment. Understanding mental illness means finally eliminating the stigma and letting those who suffer from it feel safe and accepted within today's society. There are many ways the mentally ill are degraded and shamed. More commonly, people are said to be “depressed” rather than someone “suffering from depression.” It is a common belief that mental illnesses are not a priority when it comes to public spending, just as it is forgotten that most mental disorders can be cured and lead a normal life if treatment is successful. The effect of this makes the sufferer feel embarrassed and feel dehumanised. A common perception is that they should be feared or despised for something they did not cause. People experience stigma as a barrier that can affect almost every aspect of life, limiting opportunities for work, housing and education, causing loss of family... middle of paper... understanding the importance of mental health, we would appreciate How lucky we all are not to face days where even the simplest tasks seem to be challenging, even the effort of waking up in the morning seems like a great ordeal for some who suffer from depression. It's important to let friends and family know that your support is available, in case someone is dealing with some form of mental illness. Just because someone is going through an obstacle in their life, it is essential to continue to help them continue to fight for the happiness they deserve. We should all be aware of the effect our actions could have, to try a little harder to eliminate the stigma that exists in our society. Works Cited • www.mentalhealth.org.uk • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov • www.rethink.org.uk• www.psychologytoday.com• www.hope-health-recovery.org.uk• www.nami .or.uk