We’ve all been watching the presidential campaign trail. And we’ve especially heard all the outrageous and detrimental statements that Donald J. Trump has said, especially towards the American people regarding immigration, xenophobia, racism, misogyny… I could write his statements just to prove the depths of his foolishness. But you know what?I am not even going to even bother (if you wanna know look it up. It’s everywhere). Just thought of writing his statements on my blog is so repulsive! 😛 This guy verbally alone has said so much damaging words and the fool isn’t even elected president. God forbid! *does the sign of the cross*
Now lately, there’s this movement…rather a petition called, “#Diagnose Trump”. The petition started by Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) is using this basically get the Republican Party to force Donald Trump to seek a mental health evaluation. The petition reads (Bendery, 2016):
“Donald Trump is dangerous for our country. His impulsiveness and lack of control over his own emotions are of concern. It is our patriotic duty to raise the question of his mental stability to be the commander in chief and leader of the free world.”
Look it’s true that Trump has said a lot of bombastic statements, but that shouldn’t warrant a “petition.” First of all, if you don’t want him in office then make sure you vote! Two, you can’t force someone to seek mental health evaluation! Only a judge in the client’s respective state can force a mental health evaluation (Know, 2016). And think about it…if this were taken to a civilian level, it could encourage employers to do the same. Could you imagine the damage it could do to those currently working? I mean, in 2014 it was reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), that the national unemployment rate for individuals receiving public mental health service was about 80% (Mental Illness, 2014).That number could rise if something similar to a mental health eval happened to us when seeking employment or currently enrolled in employment. Eeesh. Hopefully those Equal Employment Opportunities will still stand in place (hence the importance to vote)! Let’s go to my third reason.
Number three, it is going to add more stigma on top on existing stigma of mental illness. People alone on Twitter are already adding a misinterpretation to the evaluation of and misconception of mental illness. Here are a few:
“Yep…an insane narcissist.” [in reference to Trump]
“He needs to be drug tested.” [also in reference to Trump]
“#diagnose Trump for all the nonexistent people he keeps hearing and nonexistent things he keeps seeing” [Well…you know who]
Look, I get it… when you see or hear events, for example, Trump’s outrageous comments and number of mass shootings that have gone in the United States in past 8 years of course you wonder, what possesses people to do or say such things? And yes, it makes sense to wonder about incidents like that in hopes of becoming quote/unquote, “more aware and secure”. But to blame it the mentally ill though? Do people really think that by using a group of people to label a wrong or to understand a situation or a person is really going to make the world a better place? I mean just check out what Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House said on mental illness and guns (Don’t Blame,2015).
“People with mental illness are getting guns and committing these mass shootings.”
That was said December of last year and did that stop the gun violence that happened the past seven months of this year? No. Congress still continues to sit on their hands doing nothing about gun violence and enforcing stricter gun laws. Look…there are people that are just evil, aggressive or thoughtless human beings. However, mental illness does not mean any and I mean any of those things.
According to the article, “Dem Lawmaker Says Trump Needs a Psych Evaluation”, Ms. Bass was physicians assistant and clinical instructor. As a former physicians assistant, she should know better than do something than call out on an individual’s mental health. Even if Trump had a mental health issue, it’s not right! Hell, people already say terms like, “She’s crazy” or “Is he on drugs?” Statements like that alone makes people ignorant and thoughtless enough! In addition, Ms. Bass is indirectly discouraging individuals from seeking or continuing mental health treatment . By doing that, it makes people already living with mental illness ashamed, frustrated, or even afraid. Here’s what else she had to say about Trump’s behavior,
“Mr. Trump appears to exhibits all the symptoms of the mental disorder Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It is entirely possible that some individuals with NPD can successfully function in many careers, but not the Presidency of the United States.”
Okay here’s where she gets two things wrong:
- Although she is only referring with those living with NPD, to say that an individual living with any mental illness is not capable of anything including the Presidency of the United States is wrong.
- Uh…hello? Abraham Lincoln lived with depression and he was the president of the united states.
Look, I don’t mean to tear Ms. Bass down or even talk about about politics. I am just stating that like Trump, she too has to be careful on her actions and words can effect everyone. We should too. So guys, during this election year make sure your vote count and keep making sure individuals with mental illness will keep the dignity and honor they deserve!
References
Bendery, Jennifer (2016, August 3). Dem lawmaker says Trump needs a psych evaluation. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/karen-bass-donald-trump-mental-health_us_57a285cbe4b0e1aac914bda5
Don’t blame mental illness for gun violence (2015, December 15). Retrieved from, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/16/opinion/dont-blame-mental-illness-for-gun-violence.html?_r=0
Know the laws in your state. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/get-help/know-the-laws-in-your-state
Mental Illness: NAMI report deplores 80 percent unemployment rate; state rates and ranks listed-model legislation proposed. (2014, January 1). Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2014/Mental-Illness-NAMI-Rep ort-Deplores-80-Percent-Un
Types of mental health professionals. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/types-mental-health-professionals
Living Resiliently 
You must be logged in to post a comment.