To the Editor:

As the Halloween season approaches, I would like to make a request on the behalf of all the families in our Kane County area that have experienced a mental illness in their family life – please do not use or promote the image of someone who is mentally ill as a costume character.

The image of a straight-jacketed or ax-wielding “mad” man or woman only contributes to the inaccurate portrayal of those with mental illness. “Horror houses” that use such characters add to this myth. These images are hurtful and add to the stigma suffered by those with mental illness. This stigma often results in a delay in getting needed treatment for their illness.