Living with a mental illness or developmental disorder such as Autism is not a life sentence it is a different way of being, often accompanied by unique gifts.
Yet, our society continues to frame these experiences through fear, misunderstanding, and deep-rooted stigma. From my personal struggles with Bipolar II to my work as a volunteer music teacher and advocate, I have seen how damaging the myths around mental illness can be, especially when reinforced by mass media.
The myth of the “psycho” – a violent, unstable, and unpredictable figure is perpetuated daily in films and news headlines. It dehumanizes, isolates, and silences those who suffer. My own students, such as Michael, a bright psychology student with schizophrenia and Colin and Linda, autistic children learning music, have shown me that with the right support, patience, and love, incredible growth is possible. These are not stories of dysfunction but of resilience.
Music therapy, particularly for children with Autism, offers a path forward. It is not about fixing them, but about listening to how they learn, communicate, and express joy. I’ve seen nonverbal children find their voice through piano keys, and anxious minds find peace in rhythm.
We need to move beyond rigid diagnoses and see the whole person. Mental difference is not deficiency it is part of the rich diversity of humanity. Let us challenge stigma not with fear, but with compassion, creativity, and courage.
Let us, together, redefine what it means to be “well.”
