Choose words carefully when talking about mental illness
Editor’s note: The writer is responding to a story in Monday’s Post, “New class offers help for families of mentally ill.”
Unfortunately, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is not always careful with its language.
The vast majority of those of us dealing with a mental illness are fully independent, successful individuals, earning to the millions, holding every university degree and every professional, white- and blue-collar job. NAMI works for a very specific sub-group, and provides valuable support to families of that group.
The quality of life of the vast majority of those of us dealing with a mental illness varies the same as any other diverse demographic, women for example.
Mental illness is not “a” disease. It is a category, as physical illness is a category.
One does not “get rid of” something one repeatedly asserts. NAMI remains among the most persistent agents of this prejudice, inserting it into media sources, who then innocently (?) repeat it. For the effect of your complicity, see rape/stigma. Yes, you directly insult me by agreeing to the assertion, no matter its source.
— Harold A. Maio

Fort Myers, Fla.

Part of something huge

Anyone long to know their purpose in life?
Because we’re not here by chance, so there has to be a reason. We know what we like doing, and we enjoy it.
And sometimes, we make our own purpose out of whatever it might be. However, there are some who go through life aimlessly without seeking a purpose or even having an objective. And there are those who only feel validated if they accomplish something in life spectacular. When maybe our role is something small.
But a part of something huge, so huge it makes what we’re doing spectacular. Just to name a few: giving directions to that aimless in life person that just can’t seem to find their way, being a good husband, father, wife, mother, grandparents, sons, daughters, friend and neighbor. None of which are often granted awards.
Nevertheless, they are the foundations of setting purpose in motion by a divine order, and to be a part of that order, there is nothing more spectacular.
It is too broad to be measured, but yet so small it’s often unnoticed.
— Johnny Worth Sr.

Salisbury

Does VA hate trees?
We in Salisbury are blessed to have one of the most beautiful VA hospital campuses I have ever seen. This seems to be changing recently as they are cutting down all their beautiful old trees! Why would they do this? Please find out!
— Sally Bays

Salisbury