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Emma Crawford
Wilson
HELA 10
16 February 2016
Argumentative Essay: Mental Illness
The human brain can control the way a person talks, acts and relates to other people and
objects on a daily basis. Our brain is a special part of our body that can hold memories that are
precious to human development. However, these moments can be abruptly halted by a disease
that haunts most humans in many ways. Mental illness should be a wakeup call to citizens of the
United States. Children, adolescents and adults are surrounded by the behaviors or actions or
someone with mental illness, or themselves. Disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia and
depression could lead to desperate actions of violence to oneself or others. Mental illness should
be recognized as a serious health deficiency that leads to poverty, financial or family issues, and
being denied genuine obligations, such as a job.
Among the poor, mental illness is high because of the struggles within poverty. Lack of
needed items can cause people to have increased in anxiety and depression. According to
Postnatal depression high among poor, Mental Health and Poverty Project stated at least
16.5% of people living in South Africa experience anxiety or depression during their lifetime.
With inability to buy food for oneself, ones kids or other family members, anxiousness would
most likely overcome your life. Postnatal depression states that one out of three women
living in brutal poverty conditions suffer from postnatal depression, which is a clinical

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depression that affects women after childbirth. Women experience sadness, low energy and
anxiety. More support groups are needed in low income areas to support adults and children
suffering with any type of mental illness, because a horrid outcome without support, could lead
to suicide.
Personal issues with financial obligations and family needs could lead to suicide, if they
feel as if problems are larger than life. The Aokigahara forest is located in Japan and is a favored
place to commit suicide. This forest of moss-clad trees covers 30 square kilometers (12 square
miles) of a lava plateau near the foot of Mount Fuji. As a place to commit suicide, it is said to be
second in popularity only to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge (Deep in the forest; Suicide in
Japan.) Volunteers roam the forest and find any suspicious behavior regarding citizens and their
personal safety. Their job is also to catch and try to contemplate any man or woman out of
suicide. Considering extremely high numbers from the past, only 23,000 people in Japan
committed suicide last year. In years past, signs were posted into the ground displaying
encouraging thoughts about how precious life is (Deep in the...). Suicide, however, doesnt
cross peoples mind for no reason. There are specific reasons why a human would end their life,
and mental illness is a factor. Mental illness has strong ties to Japan and many people are joining
together to try and stop the victims from getting too far.
With people living with mental illness, opportunities are limited. It is often said that
people living will some type of mental illness cannot get a fair view on obligations, especially
jobs. There is no doubt that mental illnesses come with preconceived ideas that could turn into
nightmares for some employers looking for people to hire, if potential employees could be
struggling with some disease that needs assistance. Many employers don't want to hire them,
and health insurers don't want to treat their illnesses. Even within their own communities and

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families, the mentally ill are often treated with contempt and outright anger (His and Hers:
Study) Psychologists, James Wirth of Purdue and Galen Bodenhausen of Northwestern,
explored the common gender stereotypes regarding mental illnesses. They concluded that
dangers of mental illness in men usually end up as horrid alcoholism, while females tend to
become depressed. The two psychologists suspected if a woman or man acts out against their
gender stereotypes, then people would be more compassionate towards them (Women's Health
Weekly 2). Employers shouldnt be subjected to their own discriminations towards mental health
stereotypes, but should come with an opened mind with employees feelings.
Therefore, mental illness is a serious disadvantage to one's life and family. It is clearly
evident that many people around the world are affected by some strand of mental illness, whether
it's bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD or ADHD. One might argue that mental illness is
merely an issue in people's everyday lives and that it's simply one person seeking disability
attention (Schiffer). However, the views on mental illness shouldn't be clouded by pessimistic
individuals who think disease is some excuse for acting a different way than "normal". Mental
illness can strike against the poor in South Africa, the wounded lives of victims of Japan and
people of different genders. Even if disorders don't happen to everyone, they can happen to
some.

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Works Cited
"Deep in the woods; Suicide in Japan." The Economist 30 Jan. 2016: 35(US). Global Issues In
Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2016.
"His and hers: Study examines the role of gender in the stigma of mental illness." Women's
Health Weekly 2 Apr. 2009: 395. Global Issues In Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2016.
"Postnatal depression high among poor." Cape Argus [South Africa] 28 Apr. 2009: 6. Global
Issues In Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2016.
Schiffer, Randolph B., and M.d. "Lifting the stigma of mental illness." Austin AmericanStatesman [TX] 30 June 1999: A11. Global Issues In Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2016.