Most people with mental illness do not share their difficulties. They are embarrassed and tend not seek professional help. Usually enduring their problems alone, this isolation adds to the pain that many of these people suffer from. Insufficient information and knowledge, prejudices in society – indeed in one’s own family and neighbourhood deepens this pain.
Our society changes its relationship to mental illnesses only slowly and reluctantly. Even though there is nearly a quarter of million people in Slovakia that visit a psychiatrist each year, they nonetheless worry about appearing foolish or about discrimination if these visits are revealed. This is why they usually don’t speak publicly about their issues or advocate for better care in the manner those with physical handicaps or those who are more ‘healthy’ do.
The League for Mental Health is trying to de-stigmatize mental diseases and to bring more opportunities for a better quality of life for those who are mentally ill.