The importance of an education about diseases

In many countries, including Chile, there is no education about diseases, whether mental, degenerative, or physical. This generates a collective ignorance, stereotypes, and prejudices regarding this issue. By not having an education about diseases, it is more difficult to face and treat them, both for those who present them and for their families and friends. For a person who is ill, receiving support and help from their loved ones is essential to better cope with their illness, which is why an education that delivers these tools to their loved ones is necessary. 

On the other hand, if there were an education about diseases, bullying towards the people who have it would be avoided and considerably reduced and, in turn, its consequences, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, among others. 

Through education, mental illnesses and the importance of mental health would be made visible, and the presence of these illnesses and suicides could be prevented and reduced. Likewise, mental health care, asking for help, and going to therapy would be normalized.  

Finally, education would teach people to be more empathetic, kind, and respectful. Besides, people would know how to react to an emergency, thus avoiding fatal consequences.

In conclusion, an education about diseases is of the utmost importance as it teaches people what these diseases are, how to face and treat them. Also, it provides the necessary capacities for a healthy coexistence of help, respect, support, care, and empathy between people with illnesses and those close to them. On the other hand, education would prevent and reduce bullying, mental illness and suicides. Likewise, prejudices and stereotypes attributed to diseases would be eliminated. It would also make visible the existence of many diseases and the importance of taking care of yourself, seeking help, going to therapy and undergoing medical treatments.