Hidden Disabilities Still Not Discussed

Every time there is a school shooting we began and fail to finish a conversation on Hidden Disabilities. With a major focus on mental disabilities, however the conversations of guns tend to overload the conversation. Yet, this year there was actually a reason to keep the focus on Hidden Disabilities. When Robin Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014 it was the perfect time for a national conversation on mental disability. He was a beloved man who touched the heart of millions. Even without the political battle of gun control the topic couldn’t get past the general grievance. The problem more so lies in the dominate norms of society.

 Despite the fact society has chosen to ignore Hidden Disabilities, especially mental health, it is still a very political issue. One of the biggest things facing homelessness homeless veterans is mental health and the inability to receive treatment. In 2013 the WHO published a reported detailing the seriousness of a reinvestment in mental health. “Over 10% of the global burden of disease, measured in terms of years of healthy life lost, can be attributed to these disorders” (pg. 16), but WHO also points out “In terms of the impact on the national economy, mental disorders are associated with high rates of unemployment and also under-performance while at work.” (pg. 17)

 

Despite the seriousness of the issue little time is actually devoted to the issue. This is because society doesn’t want to confront a growing problem, Acting U.S. Surgeon General,  RADM Boris D. Lushniak, M.D., M.P.H., says  mental issue like suicide are preventable.