Why do some people view mental illness as a CHOICE, rather than a disability?

Question

Why do they think it's easy to control, & that our symptoms are no excuse for our behaviors? The symptoms of the disorders ARE the behaviors, right? If it should be easily controlled, why does psychiatry exist?

Do you think it's right for people to tell me that employers have a right not to hire me because of my mental illness?

I know mental illness doesn't = crazy, but why do they feel that mental illness & crazy/insanity are a choice? Why do they think being crazy is a choice? Why don't they believe that abnormality is a disability?

Answer 1

People can be judgmental. It is maddening to have someone criticize or judge you for something that impacts you so heavily. I would ask anyone who is making negative comments if they would treat someone with cancer or diabetes the same way. Mental illness is organic in nature, no one would choose to have such hardship, unless they had something wrong with them that made them want to be ill but, that would be a mental illness in of itself! Since there are so many different presentations of mental illness it could be understandably confusing to someone without education about mental health issues. There may be Joan who washes her hands 50 times a morning-she may be viewed as quirky. Then there is the whole other side of the spectrum maybe having encountered someone with paranoid schizophrenia. And as we know there are countless manifestations in between. Education brings understanding. You might be an excellent candidate for bringing your view to a group that looks to educate the public on mental health issues. Look for a group through a counselors office or ask at your local hospital. You can't change the whole world but you may be able to open some minds.

Answer 2

They think mental illness can be controlled or cured with medication, but not all can, they don't know and they don't want to know.

They are immature and not worth the time of day.

Answer 3

The simple answer is this:

They have never experienced it for themselves.

Answer 4

because they have no idea how to relate.  ignorance is bliss they say.  i dont expect it to change anytime soon.  people are afraid of mental illness, therefore refuse to educate them selves.

Answer 5

Because too many people use it as a crutch.

Answer 6

Great question! Wish I knew the answer but what is "normal" now a days? Don't tell future employer about illness unless and until he offers insurance. Show him what your made of before letting him know you have a disability. My son is bipolar and everyone has always loved him on job and off. If he didn't tell anyone......no one would even know.  After he worked for the company for 6 months he was given insurance and the employer could have cared less about his mental illness. Good luck sweetie.

Answer 7

because people are ignorant.

Answer 8

It is the ignorant masses of this society that think so.