VIEWS 13
SANTA ANA COLLEGE el Don/eldonnews.org • MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017
STAFF EDITORIAL
OPINION
Latina GOP
As a Republican Latina, people are of-
ten baffled by my beliefs. They do not
think I support “my people.” Even my
own family struggles to understand
my choice.
Republicans are unpopular because
many do not support illegal immigra-
tion, some perceive global warming
as a myth and most do not believe in
increased taxes.
I do not support over-taxing the rich.
If you are successful and work hard,
you should keep what you earn.
As a conservative, I also do not believe
in paying for health services or welfare
for others.
I do not want to pay for others’ birth
control or abortions. Having sex is a
Illustration by Matthew Hupp / el Don
STOP THE STIGMA OF MENTAL DISORDERS
T
Psychological
disorders are more
common than you’d
think. Talking about it
shouldn’t be taboo.
he challenges faced by those who
suffer from mental illness are real,
yet discussing it is still taboo.
Nearly 20 percent of Americans
live with at least one mental disorder,
according to the National Alliance of
Mental Illness.
Far too often, these afflictions do
not come alone, like depression with
anxiety or schizophrenia with bipolar
disorder.
In many places in the world the nega-
tivity surrounding psychological issues
is a crippling problem that prevents
people from seeking help. But coping
with these problems in isolation only
strengthens the effects of them.
This forces people with mental
illnesses to struggle alone, all while
masking their pain to avoid being
shamed. The stigmas they face are all
rooted in ignorance, stereotypes and
apathy, and ultimately keep people
from getting the proper treatment.
This makes coping more difficult and
only encourages others to remain igno-
rant to the severity.
However, most mental illnesses are
actually very treatable; therapy and
the right medications offer people the
opportunity to live satisfying and ful-
filling lives.
You can help end the stigma.
Begin by educating yourself and learn
about the different disorders and their
signs and symptoms.
Be open to uncomfortable conver-
sations wi th those who are struggling,
and understand how to help them.
Show empathy and compassion. Be
their social and emotional support
system. Take time to listen.
Most importantly, know that mental
illness is treatable. We need to engage
ourselves in the truths about psycho-
logical disorders because ignorance
is an injustice to those who live with
them every day.
choice, and people should be held
responsible for their choices.
I am not anti-immigration. However,
I don’t advocate illegal immigration.
Illegal immigration is unfair to legal
immigrants.
Although I stand for core values
similar to those that President Trump
stands for, I do not support the way he
is executing them. Therefore, I don’t
fully support him. He is the man who
represents my party right now, but he
does not represent me. —Martha Ceja