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Mental illnesses do not define who we are
People that live with mental illnesses are not simply reduced to a diagnostic label found in a text book nor by people who have difficulties looking beyond the surface
Living with a mental illness does not automatically equally incompetence, a low IQ, poor boundaries, laziness, malingering, difficult, dishonest nor unworthy or undeserving of life's wonderful and fulfilling achievements
It's important for people living with mental illnesses to realize and be cognizant that the federal government provides funding resources so that states in the U.S. can provide much needed services that will enhance the lives of the people being discused.
Furthermore, if we did not exist, just as if diabetes, the facilities, the funding nor the jobs would exist
For years, I have been exposed to a way of thinking towards those living with mental illness that conflicts with my personal and academically influenced belief system.
For almost 2 decades, I have witnessed how human beings are reduced to pathology instead of individualism.
I am not defined, solely, on genetics nor a label and neither are reader's.
I am a culmination of: my culture, belief system, experiences, accomplishments and yes some challenges
Interestingly, most of the human population are defined by a host of contributing factors ....not just one!
So, why does it appear that when it comes to mental illnesses some forget, whether intentional or not, that we are somehow incapable of contributing to every aspect of everyday living?
Einstein, former presidents, van gough, super stars and even professionals working in a variety of fields have been known to live with mental illnesses but are they famous for an illness or the contributions they have made to society? Contributions!
Yet, for the common person, it appears that more and more others have been trying to box us into one category and I fully disagree with these impossed categorical limitations = defining who we are!
Please, no matter where you are in life do not allow others to tell you who you are nor what you're worth.
I, vividly recall when I graduated with an MSW a colleague telling me to my face "you were never meant to be a social worker". I could not believe what I was hearing let alone feel so demoralized especially since I already had the job title because my colleagues with the same titles only had undergraduate degrees, where doing social work but I, the ill one, with an advanced degree was never meant? ????
I cannot respect people as such. They are a disappointment to human kind.
However, regardless of the sting and the sad reality that employer's discriminate against us I stand firm!
I am worthy of everything I aspire to do and my illness does not, nor, will it ever define who I am and neither will an insensitive and biased person
We may not always feel great but we have names, careers, goals, relationships, and illnesses but this is representative of the human population.
Let's not become immune to labels and always remember that no matter what the circumstances if we respect others we should expect the same.
In solidarity against stigma, oppression and discrimination :+)
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Amen. Not a lot of people can see how they are being treated differently because they have so much going on with illnesses. It takes guts to write what you wrote. Thank you on behalf of us that can't.
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1 ReactionI don't want to come across as angry nor condescending. It's just important that reader's and hopefully some of the insensitive folks understand the complexity of living with any type of illness. No matter what the challenge; cancer, heart disease, obesity, depression etc.......
Everyone deserves to be respected and validated. We have war veterans coming home with missing limbs and PTSD by serving our country and protecting us and our freedom and have demonstrated in many ways that they can still achieve and dream of a better life. They inspire me but too often some fall through the cracks and end up living under bridges with a host of co-morbid health issues but instead of looking deeper society is quick to label and demoralize instead of empowering and fostering hope.
The point is that we should all strive to be better human beings and we can start by helping others not discouraging hope!
Our words, actions, inaction, and biases are hurtful to others so let's all work on the importance of "loving thy neighbors"
God Bless Rox
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1 ReactionFeeling proud today. I heard back from a state senator about his continued role in the fight against stigma and discrimination. He gave me some advice, which I already did, but at least he responded and is aware of the issue that hurts human beings instead of empowering them.
BE proud of who you are everyone no matter what your circumstances and never allow the cruel to silence you. Also, be careful who you share your personal life with because more often than not those people will try to use it against you one day.
It's sad that we live in this type of world where people who know some of your deepest pain can turn around and ad to that pain.
I have learned a valuable lesson and have been humbled by my experience over the past six months. Interestingly, many of you have been such great supporters and true friends and family have loved and supported me unconditionally. This is all I can ask for......I'm blessed in this respect and I hope you all at least have the support you all need to deal with life's challenges.
Whatever you do never give up and be proud of who you are even if others try to shame you.
God Bless,
Rox :-))
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1 ReactionI had a nice discussion with an uncle and he commented on how historically, certain populations have had to suffer even more because of stereotypes and others superiority complex.
He gave the example of the stereotype: that people who migrate to the U.S. in hopes of a better life are often labeled abusers of the system: government & state systems. He said many of these people, are kind hearted and ambitious with strong work ethics.
However, labels and character attacks often interfere with ones true self and unfortunately ones overall Wellness.
Have faith and be strong because you''re stronger than you think..I am ok
In solidarity
I think this social issue will be around for ever. Some people do not think of sickness of the mind like they do physical illness. Great that you shed light and inspired but some people will always think of us as nuts without the capacity to do the same things they do. We can actually do better in some instances.
Good luck
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1 ReactionThanks
Absolutely Amen
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1 ReactionMisery loves company so always remember that. Not everyone who works in healthcare should be. Their own issues can be masked by being goodie two shoes but when home alone who knows if they are hitting the bottle.
Ignore evil don't entertain it.
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1 ReactionI think and believe down to my core that we can do better all the time. Our experiences are powerful and when in recovery our good deeds to help human kind are limitless.
We are truly blessed in many aspects even though we may not always feel as such.
God loves us all and created us so how can we be anything other than special?
One does not have to be hyper religious to believe that we or loved ones were not mistakes!
I'm more spiritual myself and I think every human being has strength's & challenges. Let's give ourselves credit for all our strength's instead of allowing challenges to hold us back from our purpose and let's be the voice for those that presently feel mute so that they too can believe wholeheartedly that we are all gifts to the world instead of burdens.
Call me a dreamer or too optimistic but my beliefs and my experiences tell me that no matter what others may try to define us as........They don't have a clue
Try with all your might to lift yourself up today and do at least 1 thing good for yourself.
Sincerely,
Roxie
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1 ReactionHello all,
When you have time go to http://www.healthyplace.com The article on stigma is great! My feelings were validated when I read the article and reactions to it.
Let me know your thoughts.
Rox