So You Have A Problem: Just Don’t Tell Anyone
The Persistent Issues With Mental Health And Social Stigma
J. Rozelle
It was a warm day in Auvers, France. The morning air gave way to a gentle breeze through the wheat field as the sun glowed across the land. Such a peaceful day, as nature quietly hummed, birds chirped, and the wheat rustling provided the only sounds of that summer day. Until. A gunshot rang out in the field, silencing nature with an abrupt startle. On 27 July 1890, Vincent van Gogh shot himself with a revolver. Painfully, van Gogh held on to life for two days. He died the morning of 29 July 1890 at the age of 37. While debate surrounds van Gogh’s shooting to this day, there is no denying Vincent was troubled with mental health issues that plagued him for years. Scholars have speculated on van Gogh’s condition with many possible modern-day diagnoses. Nevertheless, van Gogh is one of many people from history who suffered from mental health issues. Yet, Vincent’s story provides a cautionary tale to today’s outlook on mental health and the stigma that still afflicts that population.
People encounter the world differently, often with help from previous life experiences. However, for some, mental struggles plague everyday activities more than others. The stigma of mental illness appears prominent in western society…
