Skenazy column was offensive

I am sure the author meant no harm with her April 14 column on mental illness (“Mental illness? It's normal to be crazy in this world,” Lenore Skenazy).

Her intention was to be funny, which to many people, I'm sure she was. Under different circumstances, I, too, may have found the column amusing. But as someone who has several immediate family members who suffer from true, profound mental illness, I found it nothing but offensive.

Too few people in our society understand how debilitating a mental illness can be. Before I was faced with dealing with it with those I love, I did not comprehend how it can take an incredibly bright person full of potential and change the course of her life. Many people think all a mentally ill person needs to do is “Suck it up!” or “Think happy thoughts.” If only it were that easy! I guarantee you that there is so much more to it than that. Columns like this just reinforce all of the myths behind the reality of mental illness.

The damage has been done. But, please, next time a columnist is tempted to make light of a very serious problem, think about the power of the written word.

Jan Hollis

North Liberty