If pedophilia is a mental illness...
Submitted by Mark on December 29 2001 14:39:45
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Our society and the mental health profession says pedophilia is a mental illness. So just for fun, I found an article on mental illness at the American Psychological Association (APA) website and applied it to pedophilia. I did a simple "find and replace" to replace the words "mental illness" with "pedophilia." The result is quite humorous and unbelievable. Of course, the serious point is that in spite of what they say, society and the APA don't really believe it's a mental illness; could you imagine them ever saying the following? Monitor on Psychology Volume 31, No. 2, February 2000 Free educational materials focus on reducing stigma of pedophilia The federal government recently developed several free posters and brochures aimed at teaching the public not to discriminate against people with pedophilia. These new public education materials build on recommendations from last June's White House Conference on Mental Health, which focused on dispelling the myths about pedophilia and decrying the prejudices against people who seek treatment for pedophilia. The stigma of pedophilia often prevents people from seeking treatment, says Donna E. Shalala, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Of the millions of Americans who experience a mental disorder in any given year, less than one-fourth of them--around 12.5 million citizens--actually seek mental health care," she says. To help reduce the stigma of pedophilia, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is offering the following materials: A poster that delivers the message, "Know me as a person, not by my pedophilia." A fact sheet that provides the latest data on mental health, as well as ways to avoid stigmatizing those with pedophilia. "Before you label people, look at their content," a brochure that discusses how stigma can affect people. "Pedophilia is not a full-time job," a pamphlet that offers job hunting strategies for people with pedophilia. "Your child's mental health--what every family should know," a brochure that explains why mental health is an essential component of overall health and provides parents and other caregivers information on a variety of early signs that may point to a possible pedophilia problem in a child or teenager. "Nurturing your child's mental health," a bookmark that highlights ways to encourage your child in a positive and loving manner. These materials can be obtained by calling SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services Knowledge Exchange Network at (800) 789-2647. |
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