Physical Illness vs. Mental Illness

While reading Mrs. Dalloway, one of the main characters has a serious mental illness. Septimus, after serving in World War I, suffers from shell shock, which is known today as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In his time, mental illness was very secretive and shameful. Most patients who struggled with mental disorders were all lumped together and classified as crazy. Many times people with simple to fix problems would be sent away to an asylum when it could have been treated. This was the case with Septimus; if he had counseling and therapy, he could have nearly recovered or learned to cope with his emotional scars from the war. Instead he was sent to a special hospital and locked away. He later killed himself, which could have definitely been prevented.

In today's society, it has become much more acceptable to diagnose and treat mental illnesses than ever before. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are some of the most common disorders in numerous Americans today. While the views and stigma have definitely become less of problem, some people still don't see mental illnesses as legitimate as physical illnesses or injuries. These mental problems can often be seen as weaknesses in the character or ability of the sufferers. It is also easier for others to think someone is faking a mental illnesses since it cannot always be seen or proven. Many times in the case of depression, people are told to just get over it or stop being sad. Even though it is not usually outwardly apparent, those who suffer from mental disorders still need treatment and should be considered seriously.