Mental illnesses do not define who we are

Posted by Roxie43 @roxie43, Mar 1, 2012

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 :+)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

@roxie43

Saw doc today and attempted to process how prevalent stigma is but more importantly how demoralizing and hurtful it can truly be.
To shrink someone to a mold that says illness = unreliable, incompetent and unworthy of mutual respect by peers in the workplace is an American tragedy.
It's a tragedy anywhere.....
How can this be changed? 1in 5 people live with an illness but that twenty percent of the human population needs to speak up because silence simply makes matters worse.
Rox

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And all walk beside each other hand in hand with our journeys and stories along the way. We will all stand united as one, Hugs back Piglit

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Today, at this very minute, my focus has become so much clearer and what's important right now is that I have to be increasingly supportive to those that I matter to and those that matter to me. Nothing else compares more than knowing how solidarity positively impacts lives.
Thank you so much for all your support and I only hope that I have been able to convey how special this community has been to me.
Have a blessed night!
Roxie

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@roxie43

Today, at this very minute, my focus has become so much clearer and what's important right now is that I have to be increasingly supportive to those that I matter to and those that matter to me. Nothing else compares more than knowing how solidarity positively impacts lives.
Thank you so much for all your support and I only hope that I have been able to convey how special this community has been to me.
Have a blessed night!
Roxie

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Each and everyday day Roxie you are there to Show me and others in our community support, understanding and caring . You are always there no matter what. Your are so very special to me and others in the community, Thanks so much for being you. God bless take care piglit

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@roxie43

Today, at this very minute, my focus has become so much clearer and what's important right now is that I have to be increasingly supportive to those that I matter to and those that matter to me. Nothing else compares more than knowing how solidarity positively impacts lives.
Thank you so much for all your support and I only hope that I have been able to convey how special this community has been to me.
Have a blessed night!
Roxie

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My dear Roxie. We need so much to nuture and take care of the people that are so important to us in our lives.You my dear do this each and everyday of your life in one way or another. This is what makes you so special to me and others in our community. Try and rest a little Take care Always here for you Piglit

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@roxie43

Today, at this very minute, my focus has become so much clearer and what's important right now is that I have to be increasingly supportive to those that I matter to and those that matter to me. Nothing else compares more than knowing how solidarity positively impacts lives.
Thank you so much for all your support and I only hope that I have been able to convey how special this community has been to me.
Have a blessed night!
Roxie

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Thank you Piglit. I'm glad I joined because I have truly found some amazing people. I'm not surprised however because our population is very humble, caring and supportive: things that all human beings need.
Grateful
Rox

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@roxie43

Today, at this very minute, my focus has become so much clearer and what's important right now is that I have to be increasingly supportive to those that I matter to and those that matter to me. Nothing else compares more than knowing how solidarity positively impacts lives.
Thank you so much for all your support and I only hope that I have been able to convey how special this community has been to me.
Have a blessed night!
Roxie

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So true Rox. I am so glad that I joined to. I have truly found some wonderfully caring people. It makes such a diffference doesn't it Piglit

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My grandmother helped define me because she taught me the importance of being strong and independent. She also taught me that the truth sooner or later will prevail.
I'm enjoying memories of my Grammy and she was this petite woman who would not back down from anything when she knew that she was right.
She was the glue that kept my paternal family together......
R.I.P.
DSC

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@roxie43

My grandmother helped define me because she taught me the importance of being strong and independent. She also taught me that the truth sooner or later will prevail.
I'm enjoying memories of my Grammy and she was this petite woman who would not back down from anything when she knew that she was right.
She was the glue that kept my paternal family together......
R.I.P.
DSC

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It's wonderful to have memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us, but live in our hearts for ever. Memories are also special because they can never be taken away from you. I never new Roxie's dear Grammy, but I felt as if I did, I feel as though I have been taken on a journey, hearing about Grammy and how special she was and always will be. . I know that she was so kind, caring and supportive and understanding to all of her family. A very special dear Grammy to my /our dear Rox, who spends each and everyday caring and listening to everyone and helping in anyway she can. R.I.P Grammy, God bless dear Rox, Grammy loved you so dearly
and always will. Piglit

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Is it me or are some people so blinded by ignorance that sadly they will never admit that their big mouths and biased practices hurt people?
My employer really had the audacity to send my doc one of the dummest letters.
I was told that a job description was sent to my doc accompanying the letter but the letter denied what my true role is but the job description was under the social work department.......LOL I have to because some people's continued attempts to define me are sad.
I know what I am and what I am not and cognitively challenged......I'm not! I'm still in morning over my Grammy but I'm so glad she's part of me because employer's who discriminate or try to belittle or box someone into their own created definitions need to have a bright light pointed directly at them so all can see the transparency of unlawful practices!
Meeting this coming Friday and I really do not want to even be in the company of such insensitive and biased people but I have no choice.
So, I ask all my friends, Grammy and my faith to keep me strong, humble and honest ......& in the end I will prove my point that discrimination can be so hurtful and even incapacitating.
ALWAYS REMAIN TRUE TO YOURSELF AND NEVER ALLOW BIGOTRY AND OTHERS ISSUES TO DEFINE YOU! THEY ARE WRONG BECAUSE WE KNOW WHO WE ARE BETTER THAN ANYONE WITH A FORK TONGUE
Rox

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You have to see this empowering video on YouTube! It's even more proof that disability does not mean - inability
I love life. I am happy....videos name
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org

Let's not allow prejudice and stigma to negatively impact our self worth nor abilities ..
Rox

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