Slowly but surely our society is uncuffing itself from stigmas of the past in the venues of mental illness and addictions.

The steps have been small but persistent, but they are firm and encouraging and long overdue.

We can attribute these changes to many individuals who have stepped forward and proclaimed these conditions as the illnesses they are …conditions that must be treated and understood by the general public. People like Lynn Wilson of Moultrie have taken on such challenges with a passion. Wilson has been very successful in establishing the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapter here. She has become a strong advocate for improvements in mental health facilities and treatments and getting the message out to those affected to confront their ailments.

And just his week, The Moultrie Observer published a story about some local women who have learned to tell their stories of recovery from mental health and addiction issues. These women embraced a program called The Respect Institute in which they tell others of their recoveries, giving them hope of a better tomorrow. Via that program, 11 Moultrie women recently participated in a three-day “Respect” training class.

In the past, mental and addiction issues were either not talked about very much or they were whispered about in stigma mode.  Fortunately, among these victims there have been those bold enough to step out of the shadows and have conversations about these problems. And because of this, the public is gaining a greater understanding of these issues which means that more people will be supporting treatment and educational efforts.

Many families are touched in some way, directly or indirectly, by these problems.

While we applaud these bold individuals for stepping out and talking about what they have experienced, we also encourage the public to listen and learn. It’s a tandem proposition. And whenever and wherever possible, lend your support to any effort that can help those who suffer to find a brighter tomorrow.