LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mental health series educates public

12/29/2013

The Blade’s series “A matter of care: Mental health treatment in Ohio” (Dec. 8-9) helped to educate the public about mental health disorders.

Education is paramount in helping to reduce the stigma of mental illness. It allows us to gain a better understanding of its causes and treatments available to those who suffer daily.

I am a registered nurse and a member of the board of directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Toledo. We offer free programs not only to those who have a mental health diagnosis, but also to family members who are affected. Support groups, art classes, and family-to-family classes offer wonderful opportunities for healing and education.

Mental illness is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Its victims cannot help that they have the condition, any more than a diabetic can help it that his or her pancreas doesn’t produce insulin.

Individuals who suffer from mental illness deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, like all of us.

BARBRA RESTORICK

Shakespeare Lane