Comments on: Glenn Close Tackles Mental Illness

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:23:08 +0000

Lark is spot on right! The media cares only about ratings. What subject matter is in vogue at the moment, the media will carve to pieces like a band of savage, starving, cavemen fighting over their latest kill. I think it’s pathetic how people like Oprah Winfrey, quack “Dr.” Phil and newsmagazine programs exploit innocent people and their hardships for the mere benefit of ratings and personal gain. The media is one of the most savage operations in existence. And do I really care what some Hollywood elitist has to blab away about? Nope! I care about real people not what the big ticket, materialistic villains have to say about mental illness. I suffer from major depression, anxiety disorders and OCD. My life has been sheer hell for so many years of my life (I’m middle-age now and suffered since I was a child). I’ve attempted suicide three times in the course of events, and the second time was almost a success until a family member found me on the floor in my bathroom. Doctors only offer treatments that are mostly misses than hits. I have little faith in the mental health system since there is only so much that they can offer. Would I be foolish enough to ham it up for the media’s benefit to talk about my personal “demons”? NO WAY! The media is in it for themselves and only themselves. They don’t give a Jack Shit about you, your feelings, or your well being. If you’re lucky enough to have a supportive family and friends who genuinely care about you, then that’s the key that fits the lock.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:47:16 +0000

UHHH you really need to apologize to those who have BPD after watching her interview she made us look even worse then what others think her damn site is to remove stigma yet we are not included and then she makes us look bad

By: Lark

Lark — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 07:30:24 +0000

Yes, it is the very definition of courage to push a family member with mental illness into the white-hot spotlight. What a tired, hackneyed idea–outing people with mental illness–for removing the stigma.

After all, it only takes a Nobel prize in economics or admission to Julliard for people in Hollywood, the entertainment industry or the news media to care about you. The same people who exploit you–with have-you-taken-your-meds-today jokes, anyone-who-has-dated-a-manic-depressive anecdotes, and sensationalistic (boost the ratings at any cost) stories and plot devices–now show their fundamental and overweening concern and compassion. Does $300 million in box office profits cover the donation of a PSA? Hope so.

“In March, 2000, a coalition of psychiatric community groups formed as the Mental Health Coalition Against Stigma in Hollywood, calling on the White House to ‘use its influence with the entertainment industry to help lead a challenge to the stigmatization of mental illness in movies and television shows.’” And now Close is adding her own foundation nine years later?
From the number of logos on the website, these organizations must be terribly effective in combatting stigma.

The Compeer project looks much more impressive and deserving of attention. Time is just as precious for those with mental illness. Don’t waste mine.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:48:11 +0000

Go to MSNBC and watch the close interview – the host interviews jessie and glen and likens mental illness to the character in fatal attraction. Jealousy and obsession with a man are not a mental illness. Plus, this isnt a good exaple of mental illness. It creates a negative stigma (the show was about eliminating stigma wasn’t it!!??)

On ABC the host said that “Jessie is bipolar” not has bipolar disorder. This is mental illness 101 people – you don’t define people by their illness –whether it be depression, bipolar disorder or cancer.

Oprah, two weeks ago called mentally ill people Crazy. I dont even need to explain this one.

All the people with voices pat themselves on the back for bringing awareness to the issue but time and time again THEY SCREW IT UP. Find someone who has been through it and can articulate the issue properly. Stop allowing ignorant news journalists to cover the issue. They are perpentuating the stigmas and spreading the damage.

I do want to say to Jessie Close – I can’t imagine what its been like for you, my dad was in a similar situation, but still I can’t imagine having a famous sister and living with this illness. You should be very proud of what you are doing, but please don’t allow the media to define mental illness according to your situation. It is different for all of us – never forget that.

IE – my sister cried all the time as a baby and has a great temperment. I was the perfect baby and never cried – I have bipolar disorder. In fact, many of the best doctors say you can’t diagnose ANYONE until the brain is fully developed for a mental illness. I remember the story of a baby who died from being given bipolar meds because it cried too much. A six month old was given bipolar meds for crying!!!!!!! Please don’t perpetuate the myth thtat infants who cry to much have a mental illness. THAT IS SO DANGEROUS. My sister cried they later found out because of ear infections – imagine if they had given her 600 mg of lithium…..seriously!

By: Glenn Close Tackles Mental Illness | World of Psychology :national

Glenn Close Tackles Mental Illness | World of Psychology :national — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:27:52 +0000

[...] Mental illness is just part of the human condition,” Glenn Close said Oct. 21 on “Good Morning America.” Halleluia! A Hollywood response to all the scientology. Today Close spoke out for the first time on television about the legacy of mental illness in her own family: Her sister, Jessie, suffers from bipolar disorder, and Jessie’s son has schizo-affective disorder. Story continues here ➤ [...]

By: Sandra Kiume

Sandra Kiume — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:40:25 +0000

Wonderful new initiative. There’s also a great video for Bring Change to Mind directed by Ron Howard. Have a look:
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/channeln/2009/10/bringing-change.html

By: Cinda

Cinda — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:41:56 +0000

I have been waiting for this! As a professor in special education I have taught about mental illness for many years. My daughter has taught me what I didn’t know. I am priviledged to have been on a journey of bipolar disorder with her. She is incredibly brave. In presentations around the country she says, “I want people to know that mental health is a serious thing, but also one that can be humorous and even inspiring and hopeful. I want people to understand that it is not something merely made up or created. It is not always a need for attention, not always a need to be called eccentric, and not always a way to act out. It is real and it is painful and it is powerful.” She is my hero. http://www.lineajohnson.blogspot.com/

By: Harold A. Maio

Harold A. Maio — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:12:43 +0000

Ahhh, yes, “stigmas.” Some we promote, some we have weaned ourselves from. Sadly, this one continues. Luckily, however, from fewer and fewer people.

Harold A. Maio
khmaio@earthlink.net