Have A Stigma Free Halloween

Halloween is one of the oldest recorded calendar events.

The tradition started over two thousand years ago with The Celts, who believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on October 31st. So, on that "Hallow's Eve" they built bonfires and wore ghostly costumes to drive the evil spirits away, and carried a potato or turnip candle lantern to intimidate the demons around them.

The National Alliance For Mental Illness reminds us that not only is it the season for ghosts and goblins, but also stigma. Costumes and seasonal attractions that feature psychos, mental patients, and insane asylums perpetuate stereotypes. Intended as fun, these violent stereotypes serve to perpetuate stigma -- which as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General is one of the greatest barriers to people getting help when they need it. It also is the source of prejudice and discrimination that leads to isolation and impedes progress toward recovery.

Last year, I didn't notice any neighborhood kids with stigma related costumes. But there was this young adult couple who made my eyebrows arch. One was dressed in scrubs with a butterfly net, and the other was in pajamas with a bloody cleaver.

Sheesh.

Ralph, I Love You, But You're Kidding, Right?

I love Ralph Lauren's designs. They are classic, urban and pure Americana. But I think the Ralph Lauren company went overboard with reshaping model Fillipa Hamilton’s figure via photoshop for their recent marketing campaign.

Take a look and see the impossible body proportions.

I understand that designers think clothes looks better framed on thin figures, but promoting such unrealistic body images does great harm.

What do you think?

Update From Ralph Lauren Company :"For over 42 years we have built a brand based on quality and integrity. After further investigation, we have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman's body. We have addressed the problem and going forward will take every precaution to ensure that the caliber of our artwork represents our brand appropriately."

World Mental Health Day 10/10/2009

World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health by the then US Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter - and is officially commemorated worldwide every year on October 10th.

This year's theme is Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment and Promoting Mental Health

I happen to have a wonderful Primary Care Physician. She endorses psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, and often calls me to help her refer patients to therapists. And I often consult with her to find specialists in the medical field for my patients. It's so great that the fields of mental health and medicine have been working better over the years - understanding the art and science of each respective field. Mind and Body are *so* inter-connected. Now, if only we can get everyone health care.

Do you have a good relationship with your Primary Care Physician?