I wanted to discuss an aspect of human rights that is not commonly discussed, and that is the extent to which mentally handicapped citizens have human rights in our society. Unfortunately, there are many mentally ill adults who are horribly mistreated by the mental health system, but don't have any other options. Furthermore, misconceptions about mental illness breed prejudice in the hearts of many, making it difficult for the disabled to get jobs or relationships that they deserve.
This is an issue that is affecting millions of families and individuals, and it therefore needs to be discussed. Although the mental health system is not perfect, it is designed to help those in its care. So instead of going on a crusade against this system, the mentally ill and their families, friends, and advocates should work with the system to make improvements. Then, patients would be more amenable to treatment options, and quite possibly take the steps to make huge improvements.
This would open up many doors for these patients, including living independently, having meaningful relationships, and possibly holding jobs. After all, it has been proven that having a schedule and a duty to society (according to UPenn's Martin Seligman) leads to a more fulfilling life. Additionally, these civically engaged citizens would be playing their part to make society function properly. I find these successful efforts at contributing to the world to be incredibly inspiring. In my hometown, there is a man with disabilities who has been working at the movie theatre for as long as I can remember. His hard work and kind attitude always brightens my day, and inspires me to dedicate myself to excellence as he does.
It is stories like these that reaffirm my belief that a mental handicap does not rule you out of achieving job opportunities and success. It is the right of these many citizens to have the chance to contribute. After all, a person is a person, even if they have problems (I mean, don't we all?). I believe that the mental health system must make the success and happiness of patients a huge priority so that they can live functional lives with loving relationships and a duty to society.
