We say that one gets cancer, or a cold, or kidney disease…
“We say that one gets cancer, or a cold, or kidney disease. One would never think to say that one is cancer. But we say that one is depressed, or bipolar, or schizophrenic. A disease of the body is a condition. But a disease of the mind, we think, is a state of being. We no longer believe, as we did 250 years ago, that the mentally ill are animals, but we are not yet ready to grant that they are fully human either.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage highlights how physical illnesses are called conditions, while mental illnesses are labeled as states of being, reflecting lingering dehumanization.
In simple terms: Mental illness is often described as a state, not a condition.
Key Takeaway
Treat mental illness with the same dignity as physical illness.
Themes
stigma
language
mental health
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
advocacy
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- public health policy
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
humanization
medical sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we change the language around mental illness?
- What impact does labeling have on treatment?
A Different Perspective
Language can reinforce stigma.