Stigma & Mental Illness

Posted by Roxie43 @roxie43, Dec 5, 2011

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.

@marylynette

I have recently been denied a certain privilege at my church because my illness is not understood by others. I have PTSD and treatment resistant depression, a wonderful service dog who does give some help, but I still don't always have the ability to participate in activities with others. I also have numerous physical problems, among them Fibromyalgia which others just plain don't understand. I have a great Psychiatrist and therapist who help me deal with the stigma of having a mental illness, but that doesn't make life that much easier. I also find that doctors will often give me less credibilitiy than I deserve because of the diagnosis of PTSD, etc., and when they read my whole history there have been some who refused to treat me. I speak up whenever I can about the fact that mental illness is no different than other diseases, that there are physical realities which go with it, and have at least been able to help educate a few who were going into counselling when asked to lecture at a local college. MY abuse was in a cult, and if that comes up then the treatment I receive becomes even worse, for people do not believe that cults exist (I was raised in one for the first 20 years of my life). I think that the best thing for those of us with mental illness to do is to keep on getting out when we can and showing to the world that we are not freaks, we have an illness which unfortunately can be classified as an "invisible disability".

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I am so sorry to hear of the issues that you are dealing with. It is such a pity that unfortunately that some people are so ignorant to people .'s needs. Rely on your faith. God bless take care Piglit

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@marylynette

I have recently been denied a certain privilege at my church because my illness is not understood by others. I have PTSD and treatment resistant depression, a wonderful service dog who does give some help, but I still don't always have the ability to participate in activities with others. I also have numerous physical problems, among them Fibromyalgia which others just plain don't understand. I have a great Psychiatrist and therapist who help me deal with the stigma of having a mental illness, but that doesn't make life that much easier. I also find that doctors will often give me less credibilitiy than I deserve because of the diagnosis of PTSD, etc., and when they read my whole history there have been some who refused to treat me. I speak up whenever I can about the fact that mental illness is no different than other diseases, that there are physical realities which go with it, and have at least been able to help educate a few who were going into counselling when asked to lecture at a local college. MY abuse was in a cult, and if that comes up then the treatment I receive becomes even worse, for people do not believe that cults exist (I was raised in one for the first 20 years of my life). I think that the best thing for those of us with mental illness to do is to keep on getting out when we can and showing to the world that we are not freaks, we have an illness which unfortunately can be classified as an "invisible disability".

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Today is a day to reach out to a friend in need. Just when we think our own life is chaotic one learns that another is suffering even more. Thank you for your encouragement and reminding me of my faith.
Have a blessed day!!!

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

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Thankyou so much for the uplifting response. I was taught from a young age to care for others. It's a big part of who I am. I feel so down sometimes that suicide seems like a viable option just to stop the pain both physically and mentally, to finally end the struggle. Yes, of course I know that that is the depression talking, and that my family needs me. My faith also helps as I pray daily for strength, but I have to say that talking to you and forcing myself into talk therapy every week helps more than anything else. It's hard for me to trust and to ask for help, but somehow my counselor, Jim, sneakily figured out a way to get past that, and my husband teases me about telling Jim when I start to get down on myself. Again, thank you, and I feel selfish talking so much about me. How are you? I know that I don't struggle alone. I hope that you are not still being bullied?

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We need to stand united and expose each and every bigot. We are human beings with so much to offer but we are silenced and marginalized by people with deeper issues than we have.
Hold your head up high despite how hurt they make us feel because there is something out there for us much greater than stigma and discrimination...........Faith that we too are worthy will prevail!

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

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Never hurt yourself even if the pain is overwhelming. Those that I lost to suicide left such a void. And you're not being selfish because your story is important to others and me. We can be our harshest critics. Its fine with me when someone shares because that is also part of healing
As for me, the bullies don't like it when one fights back. If they only knew how much they hurt people but they are hurting to so I pray.
No one struggles alone. Make sure you reach out to someone because there are good people in this world.

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

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It is always important to remember that there are people out here that are more than willing to listen, understand and if we can to help. You are not alone and I don't won't you to ever feel that you are Take care Piglit

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

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I think they hurt others to try to stop thinking about how much they are hurting too. My son has Aspergers Syndrome, and gets bullied every day because he doesn't fit the mold of most 13 year olds. They think that if they direct everyone's attention to him, that noone will notice their faults. A stupid reason, I know. I'm proud of you for fighting back. I hope it helps. I am fighting my bad thoughts tooth and nail. I know it's not the right thing to do, but it's so hard to keep reminding myself on the really hard days. Good luck sweetie, and I am always happy to talk. Lisa4

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

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Thank you Piglit, and I keep trying to remind myself that there are others also struggling and that truly understand what I'm going through. This is my first effort at communicating with others via my computer. My counselor wants me to put myself out there. It's so hard, but I really appreciate your comment- Sincerely, Lisa4

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

I become infuriated when I hear a child is being bullied because that can impact one's self worth forever. Please make sure your son knows that the bullies are the flawed ones. As for you Lisa, just tell yourself everyday how much you matter to yourself and loved one's and never forget that the present dark clouds will soon be filled with the warm sun and you will be surrounded by light. I love the sun but if it's cloudy and dark get yourself a lamp with bright lights because light therapy can be helpful in improving mood. I tend to go to the tanning shop and it does work.
Lisa, Piglit and my other friends let's try to have a better day! Thank you for your wonderful discussion's and have a blessed day

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@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

Hi lisa . Thanks for responding back. Please always remember that there are people out here that are more than willing to support you through this difficult time. I have got good listening ears and am always here to help in anyway that I can. I can fully understand what you are going through with your son. I have taught many children with Asphergers and they as you know are very special. Some of my most wonderful memories are of the experiences that I have had with these children. My own son was the victim of bullying, both physically and mentally. Hence I had to leave my teaching of many years, as he was being bullied at the school. However, as the years have gone and and he has overcome the difficulties, he has developed into a fine young man. This is the reason why I went into Aged care and found a new career path for myself. When you feel down remember that things always start to look up. Keep the faith, use the inner strength that I believe we all have., and remember that there are people who do care and are always here for you. Stay positive, God bless, Talk again soon Piglit

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