Stigma & Mental Illness
Albeit shameful and ignorant that it is almost 2012, and many of us are still confronted with biases. judgements and disparate treatment, I encourage all to hold your head up high. I know what it's like to be looked at differently because of a label, diagnosis or even someones inability to look deeper than the surface.
I often ask myself why some folks behave the way they behave and perhaps I will never find an honest answer. I hypothesize that perhaps there is something in me that may remind someone of themselves or that perhaps that, until recently, I had always functioned so well that those with certain belief systems or stereo-types feel that they are experts on who I am.
I recently posted on ECT and the benefits for me as an individual. Talk therapy is also important because it allows us to process, in a safe and healthy forum, the things that people have said or done to us. I recall when I first requested FMLA at work and a person made the comment "If you cannot report to work maybe you should not work". I was requesting intermittent leave because the stigma and disparate treatment was taking it's toll and this so called healthy individual was so insensitive.
I know we have come a long way but we still have a long way to go. Stigma is one reason some don't admit that something ails them nor seek help. We all have to use our voices, our stories, our expertise (on who were are) and continue to raise awareness about the importance of treating others the way in which one would like to be treated, not selective respect and equality but across the board.
Being good to one another should not be based on pre-conceived notions that certain populations are more worthy than others. We are valuable individuals with strengths, creativity, feelings and we contribute to society wholeheartedly and should always be viewed and treated as such!
Have you been treated differently lately? How did you deal with it?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.
so true isn't it Rox a little kindness goes such a long way Hugs Piglit
Kindness, respect, compassion and humility are such simple things that positively impact the lives of other's. I find this a breeze and just part of my nature but it's a struggle for some and their struggles are hurtful to others.
Whatever happened to love thy neighbor? What happened to social empowerment? What happened to treating others the way in which we would like to be treated?
Rox
Unfortunately many people don't think like you and me Rox. I .ve have cared for people like you for many years and always will. Times have changed in so many ways and so have people. Sad but true xo
Hi piglit,
It's very sad that times have changed so much that human kindness has fallen by the wayside. We'll always care about others but I wish more people had a conscious.
Hugs,
Rox
me too
Roxie. You have such a kind, gentle spirit. Hugs.
I agree. Lots of doctors see I struggled with anorexia and depression and automatically think that because I am on the small side for my age that I have relapsed. It drives me nuts!
Sometimes I try not to think of my mental illness as something unfortunate. I like to think of it as a positive because one day when I become a doctor I will understand what some people go through and I will be able to help them.
I totally agree. I a lot of research books are done by people who haven't experienced a mental illness. They don't know what it feels like. I think that doctors can't really treat a mental illness unless that really know what its like.
Dear Viv,
Thank you. I think many of us on this site are kind. It makes such a huge impact when you read discussions and can honestly and wholeheartedly identify with the writer. We are in this together...
Hugs,
Rox