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.

piglit | @piglit | Mar 5, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "The fear of stigma and discrimination often isolates and keeps people from getting the help they..." + (show)

Hi Roxie, I couldn't agree with you more. I feel that when people are discriminated against that it makes them very wary to be outspoken, and it does make them feel isolated. This unfortunatley is sad but true. It is such a pity that people are made to feel this way by insensitive human beings. It's such a pity that there aren't more caring souls in the world. Take Care Piglit

Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 6, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hello. I am hanging on by a thread, but that's better than nothing I guess. I am so unknowledgeable about facebook, but I have been asking my 17 year old, who seems to know a lot more about it. I hope you are doing well. I am happy to listen any time you need to talk. My fondest cares and prayers.

Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 6, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hi Lisa
The fact that you're hanging on is a success. I'm proud of you. I'm also impressed that you are keeping busy. I'm ok my friend. I have good and dark days but everyday that I wake up I have to see it as a blessing
Still not back at work after 3 re-start dates but I'm trying to be optimistic that I will be doing what I love one day soon. Continue hanging on Lisa! I have faith in you and your recovery.
God bless your friend Rox

piglit | @piglit | Mar 7, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hi Lisa. I too am proud of you, just keep on going the way you are little fairy steps before you take the giant ones. You'll be fine your inner strength will get you through. God bless take care will talk again soon. Piglit

Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 8, 2012

Always remember that God is good & we are worthy because he created all of us.
Have a blessed day,
Rox

Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 10, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hello there. I have had such a crazy week! I had three parent teacher conferences, two doctor appointments, one counselor appointment, and my sister that I haven't seen in over two years decided to come and give me a guilt trip that I haven't been talking to my nine siblings and everyone thought I was dead. That's actually funny since I used to contact them, but they ignored me. I also had to attend a school music program, and my husband (bless his poor heart) had the flu all week. The good news is that I finally got my doctor to listen to me after breaking down in her office and almost having a heart attack literally. She determined a couple of the meds I've been taking have been causing arrithmia and high blood pressure. She took me off them, so we'll see. I'm sorry to complain, and I hope that you all had a calmer week, and that you are feeling okay. I have ECT Monday, so I will hope to talk to you all real soon. Remember that you always have my cares and prayers. Take care! Lisa4

Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 10, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hi! I wrote a longer reply but posted it to Roxie43's spot on the Mayo site. I wanted to send it to you also, but I am still struggling to learn all this technical stuff. Sorry. Love, Lisa4

Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 10, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hi Lisa
Wow you have been active but that's a good thing because it takes one's mind off of Self for a little while. As for family, sometimes they forget the things they do but I am sure they care. Try not to let little things get you down because you sound great.
You must be tired after the week you have had. I think its great that you're keeping busy and that your mere we're re-evaluated. Try to relax this weekend and be proud because you have accomplished so much this week.
Take care my friend
Rox

piglit | @piglit | Mar 10, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)

Hi Lisa. You have had such a busy week, filled with all different kinds of emotions, I am so proud of you, and the way you are keeping active and as busy as you can. It's good to keep busy it keeps your mind off things. as you know. I am glad that. you went to see the Dr and hopefully you will know start to feel better. I also hope ECT goes well for you on Monday, I'm sure it will continue to help you and make you feel brighter . Try not to dwell too much on the family situation, I'm sure in their funny ways they do care. The main thing is to concentrate on your family and you, You sound as if you have a good support with your husband which is a good thing. Take care God bless, my friend. Will talk soon. Piglit

Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 12, 2012

Adolescents, some, can be cruel calling other's retarded and gay. Witnessed this at the super market and just shook my head.
Grateful my daughters are nothing like that.