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Additional video and information can be found at www.bringchange2mind.org
For more video and information about mental illness visit www.bringchange2mind.org
Additional video and information available at www.bringchange2mind.org
See more of Producer/Director Ron Howard’s ground-breaking videos fighting the stigma of mental illness at www.bringchange2mind.org
Myth: Homelessness has declined dramatically in recent years.
Fact: The criteria through which the government defines homelessness can change as often as these surveys are taken. Sometimes people living in cars, or staying with their relatives are considered homeless; sometimes they are not. Therefore it is not always an equal comparison to the previous count.
Myth: Mental illnesses are brought on by a weakness of character.
Fact: Mental illnesses are a result of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Research has shown genetic and biological factors are associated with schizophrenia, depression, and alcoholism. Social influences, such as loss of a loved one or a job, can also contribute to the development of various disorders.
Myth: Children do not experience mental illnesses.
Fact: A report from the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health showed that in any given year 5-9 percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances, which can result in mental illness.
Myth: Homeless people will probably always be homeless.
Fact: The length of homelessness varies from person to person. Many spend years on the streets and then are able to get permanent housing.
Myth: Psychiatric disorders are not true medical illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. People who have a mental illness are just “crazy.”
Fact: The fact is that brain disorders, like heart disease or diabetes, are legitimate medical illnesses. Research shows there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders, and they can be treated effectively.
Last week I shared a movie trailer and urged you to see “The Soloist.”
This week I’m doing the same.
And after you see this life-altering film, go to Take Part and become a member of the live, active community that is taking action, taking part and making a difference in the lives of all those affected by serious mental illness or homelessness.
See “The Soloist.”
Learn, love, be prepared to be altered.
Then Take Part.
And share your thoughts with us here.
I urge you.
Most Lovingly,
In The Soloist, Jamie Foxx disappears and Nathaniel Ayers consumes the screen.
As Steve Lopez, played perfectly by Robert Downey Jr., learns lessons about life and love and commitment and mental illness, the viewer learns the same.
The path is rugged, the destination somewhat surprising, the film, enthralling and illuminating.
Watch The Soloist with an open mind and an open heart, and you will learn. You will learn about dignity and differences and friendship and love. You will also learn about stigma and hopelessness and homelessness and fear. And then you will learn about respect and commitment and courage and acceptance.
You will gain a sense of how schizophrenia feels to the one diagnosed. Two particular scenes go beyond the comfort zone in an effort to offer the viewer that opportunity.
It works.
If you couldn’t empathize with the seriously mentally ill before, you will after seeing The Soloist.
And I hope you will.
