Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 8, 1991 TAG: 9104090493
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A/8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
It is time people learned that these problems are not a social stigma, and not to label these individuals "retarded," "whacko nuts," "crazies," "fruitcakes" or with other demeaning terms. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, which is therapeutic in itself.
People with physical illnesses are not stigmatized as many mental patients are; yet many times physical illnesses result from bad health habits and poor lifestyles, even among the well-educated and affluent.
Many places of employment still discriminate when they find out someone has had to undergo counseling or be hospitalized for an emotional problem, regardless of how trivial. It is done so subtly that it is usually impossible to prove. Some individuals still "overlook" these individuals in their social plans, and make up all kinds of excuses to avoid being around them.
Some are truly dangerous and should be avoided. But look at all the "normal" people out there running around who would kill you in a heartbeat, just for disagreeing with them!
PATRICIA D. DEEL
CLOVERDALE
by CNB