Applauding mental-health awareness and dialogue
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Letters to the editor
To the Editor:
We would like to applaud both Victoria McCarroll '11 and the '86 alum who wrote anonymously to the Sophian on their honesty regarding their struggles with what most people would call "mental illness." Certainly, anxiety disorder and compulsive overeating are generally considered pathological, but both can be overcome and managed in order to live a happy and healthy life.
As the co-chairs of Active Minds, Smith's mental health advocacy and awareness organization, it is our intention to make talking about mental health commonplace and de-stigmatized. Often the most difficult part of struggling with a disorder such as depression or anxiety can be feeling alone and misunderstood by others. People who live with compulsive overeating or bipolar disorder should not have to fear the judgment of others. Rather, as suggested, we need to make a greater effort to listen without criticism as they bravely share their experiences.
In the spirit of opening the dialogue on mental health, we invite you to join us for the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week, to be held from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20. The schedule of events will feature a student exhibit on Chapin Lawn and a speaker, author Lizzie Simon, who has spoken all over the country on the subject of her experiences with bipolar disorder. We hope that these and other events will help students who are managing their mental health feel more supported and less alone. We hope to see you there!
Marguerite Kearney '10 and Sarah Billian '11J
Co-Chairs, Active Minds: Smith College Chapter
We would like to applaud both Victoria McCarroll '11 and the '86 alum who wrote anonymously to the Sophian on their honesty regarding their struggles with what most people would call "mental illness." Certainly, anxiety disorder and compulsive overeating are generally considered pathological, but both can be overcome and managed in order to live a happy and healthy life.
As the co-chairs of Active Minds, Smith's mental health advocacy and awareness organization, it is our intention to make talking about mental health commonplace and de-stigmatized. Often the most difficult part of struggling with a disorder such as depression or anxiety can be feeling alone and misunderstood by others. People who live with compulsive overeating or bipolar disorder should not have to fear the judgment of others. Rather, as suggested, we need to make a greater effort to listen without criticism as they bravely share their experiences.
In the spirit of opening the dialogue on mental health, we invite you to join us for the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week, to be held from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20. The schedule of events will feature a student exhibit on Chapin Lawn and a speaker, author Lizzie Simon, who has spoken all over the country on the subject of her experiences with bipolar disorder. We hope that these and other events will help students who are managing their mental health feel more supported and less alone. We hope to see you there!
Marguerite Kearney '10 and Sarah Billian '11J
Co-Chairs, Active Minds: Smith College Chapter
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