Does America Oppress the Mentally ill?

Question

Many of the mentally ill (schizophrenics, bipolars, and many more) cannot compete in a capitalistic society. Since capitalism is almost a "survival of the fittest" type system, we seem not to be very understanding if they don't meet certain social qualifications. Shouldn't we take care of these people if the societal system itself (capitalism) has set them up for failure? If not, wouldn't you consider that oppression?

Answer 1

Every society based upon your opinion oppresses the mentally ill.  I actually think America is one of the better society's that helps these types of people out.  Most cultures they would live in outskirts of civilization with no interaction with normal everyday people.

Answer 2

I think first, one needs to have the complete diagnosis of the disease.  Please don't be upset as this is my own personal opinion.

There are many people who live in our society and to look at one, you cannot tell if some has the illness you aforementioned.  If cases are severe, then yes, one will be hospitalized for their personal safety and others.  With all of the drugs and experimental treatments, one can most certainly live in a society.  It is not society that sets these individuals up for failure, but the people treating the patient.  

Again, it all depends on the severity, but society as a whole are accepting of these people.  The ones who are ignorant are the ones who don't want to accept that these people, will turn a blind eye and say that they do not affect their lives at all.

Having an uncle who was challenged, proved to the world that he could make it on his own.  This is proof to me that with the proper meds, and checking on them every so often, will have a productive life.  

My argument however is with bipolar. I do understand that people are have this, but if I were to be happy one minute and then sad the next (because I read a sad story), does this make me bipolar?  Before worrying about oppression for the mentally challenged, I think that professionally, there needs to be changes to meanings.  We all do take care of these people; we pay taxes, that helps aid the facilities.  

Some people can learn and some don't learn at all.  But we should never forget that they are people too!!

Answer 3

America as a country tries to help the mentally ill.  The government has programs that help the ill...But...Society in America is repulsed at the idea that we can't have a utopia in American culture.  Society believes that what is not perfect must be removed in order to make room for the improvement of itself.   It is completely absurd to think that anything close to perfect could ever exist on this sad planet and yet many people will simply ignore the problems to make themselves feel as if they are part of something perfect.

It is sad when you think about how much America sends to other oppressed countries for all the help programs set up over their and yet will only give checks to those in America.  We don't have large organizations dedicated to servicing those in need but instead say that the families will take care of them using the money they recieve from the government.

Ugh, Disgusting.

Answer 4

As a nation, we probably do.  However, i doubt if we can provide the necessities required by all of those who are incapable, unqualified, or physically compromised.  We do better than any other nation, though, at providing for those who cannot qualify for employment.  It's a tough conundrum, and I have no solution for it.

Answer 5

Usually if a person has severe and persistent mental illness, such as schizophrenia and many people with bipolar disorder, they are on disability and get medical insurance thru medicare or thru medicaid (such as mediCal in California or medical assistance here in MN).  If you put a person in contact with social services, they will usually help set them up with housing and medical care.  For people who are partially functional, if they can't manage to earn about $800 a month, that is still total disability.  For others who can earn more, they are out of luck unless they live ina state that has better benefits for them.  We do in MN (minnesotacare for low income working people), but our insurance system is better than most.  A person with little to no income due to a disability also qualifies for SSI or SSA income.

I agree there is a problem with jobs.  But it is hard to find a job where a person may be absent so many days and so unpredictably.  My county does try to help people get a job if they want one, but they are the dumb type jobs.  I personally found it too hard to work at KMart 10 to 15 hours a week, so I don't work at all.  I am learning to oil paint tho, and maybe with help I can market my work. It's good already.

I know a LOT about these topics. If you need more info about help that would be available for your relatives, email me.  Also, NAMI.org should have a lot of links.  

I think personally that the stigma of mental illness is the main issue. Otherwise, the issues you mention are the issues anyone has with serious disability.  Our country isn't fully capitalistic or we wouldn't have social security disability and worker protections, but we do have a weak safety net compared to other first world nations.