Action Alerts /Thank New York Times reporter Benedict Carey for his story on mental health recovery!
The New York Times published a news piece entitled "Expert on Mental Illness Reveals Her Own Fight" by Benedict Carey. The story introduces readers to Marsha Linehan, a therapist, researcher, and mental health consumer who managed to overcome her own troubled past and provide support and guidance to others in similar situations. Linehan, who has struggled with borderline personality disorder and suicidal tendencies throughout her life, invented the widely used form of treatment known as dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT. The therapy – which encourages people to focus on breath and observe the coming and going of emotions without acting on them – has led to fewer suicide attempts, fewer hospital visits, and increased personal commitment to treatment compared to those receiving other forms of therapy.
In profiling Linehan and highlighting the voices of prominent and respected consumer-providers, Carey promotes and illustrates the ideas of hope, peer support, and most importantly, recovery.
Take Action!
Benedict Carey
letters@nytimes.com
Dear Mr. Carey,
Thank you for your excellent coverage of therapist, researcher, and mental health pioneer Marsha Linehan in your story "Expert on Mental Illness Reveals Her Own Fight." As I'm sure you know, mental illness affects everyone; one in four individuals struggle with a mental health issue at any given time, which means we are all likely to know and care about someone who is suffering.
Your portrayal of Linehan's strength in overcoming a suicidal history from borderline personality disorder to become an outspoken peer supporter is an inspiration to anyone struggling with a mental health issue. Linehan’s life and career experiences show us all that there is hope for recovery, and that a diagnosis does not spell the end of life.
I also appreciate your acknowledgement of mental health myths and stigma, and the fact that there is a multitude of productive citizens with mental health issues who live "normal, successful lives" and are "busy juggling responsibilities, paying the bills, studying, raising families — all while weathering gusts of dark emotions or delusions that would quickly overwhelm almost anyone else."
Once again, thank you for bringing a balanced and real depiction of what it is like to live with a mental health issue to the public consciousness.
