1. < Mental Health

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.

Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 13, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@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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No worries dear
I just want to know how you are, if the headaches are less severe, I vividly recall those OMG but they do stop, & if you have noticed a change in mood.
Best
Rox

REPLY
piglit | @piglit | Mar 14, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@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 just wanted to know how you are feeling and if your'e okay You have been in my thoughts Talk soon take care Piglit

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 15, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@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

Promoting recovery and hope....

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 16, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@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

Im amazed at how this post slowly evolved. It's an uncomfortable topic that we know all too well.
Thank you for opening up despite how you may have felt when you read it. Its important for all of us, our future and the future of other's.
Your voice counts more than silence
Appreciative

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 17, 2012
In reply to @nativefloridian "I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are..." + (show)
@nativefloridian

I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are very judgmental and the stigma involved with mental health issues, especially depression, etc. seems to be something that must be accepted. As much as we would all like to see everyone treated respectfully, people simply aren't going to do that across the board. I have found it is best to keep my own personal problems to myself, in general, I don't share the fact that I take antidepressant medication or go to see a psychologist for talk therapy. The only people that know this about me are very close to me and only a very few friends that I have know for a long time and that are true friends. Most acquaintances and coworkers, etc. will only pass judgment and use the information against you, if for any reason you are to reveal your personal mental health issues with them. It is best to face reality and realize that this is a very competitive society we live in right now, especially due to the economic conditions and so many out of work. I would not reveal anything of the sort to anyone that had anything to do with my job or a potential job or anything else related to my livelihood. I hope you understand what I'm trying to tell you, it is not out of shame or disrespect that I write this. It is simply out of guarding one's own mental health and not putting yourself in a position to be treated disrespectfully or judged. Sometimes the less others kinow the better, let them judge you based on your current lifestyle and work ethic. Why give others a list of your weaknesses when it is not necessary. There is no shame in that. On the other hand, if you are trying to help others and you work in a mental health capacity, then by all means share your success stories with your patients. Otherwise, exposing your weaknesses can cost you if people get cut-throat and decide to compete with your over a promotion or some other stepping stone. Life is short, I say live and let live, but keep healthy boundaries with others. Be selective and know that you should only share your negative or weak areas with those that you trust. I'm not paranoid, I've just learned the hard way. I once shared very personal information with someone close to me that I really trusted and they used it against me later, winning a court case. That was not fair, but it happened, nonetheless.

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Question?
I think more is known because I utilize a program just in case I need time off. The doc completes forms and they are mailed to headquarters. I often wonder if this information is shared with the individuals that would like to feel superior.
If you had to take time for yourself would you use this federal and state program so that your job is safe or would you be dishonest about why you took time off?
I once met with an affirmative action officer and I'll never forget her advice
She said "don't tell these people your business". With this she let me know so much! What I don't understand is why if my work is quality work, on time and I'm passionate about it people have to focus on other things.
I wish I could share all the derogatory and demoralizing comments that have been said to my face.
I was frozen just looking at the person/s. Then they are cowardly and deny ever making the comments.
I don't known if you have heard that words hurt more than being struck. If, I was anything like them I could say so much about them but I'm not so I humble myself and internalize it all.
However, there will be a time and place where my voice will be heard. It's coming and all that I have held in for over a decade is going to be released oh so eloquently.
Imagine someone who bullies everyone and NO ONE LIKES telling you in a condescending voice "WELL YOU HAVE SOME STRENGTHS".
I have to be the better person and swallow it.....but....where does someone get off even contemplating talking down to a peer? You have all heard that everyone has skeletons and when we all use the bathroom no one's poopie smells like flowers.....am I wrong?
Now if I am not airing out your dysfunctional past why would a person target someone who has genuinely tried to be cordial and respectful?

I'm sorry, I have so many unanswered questions and I pray I can ask them all soon. I will feel eternal and internal peace when I can look straight into someone's eyes and ask why?

What I don't get is that if people are not people persons why do they bring their baggage and release it onto innocent people?

I would have to agree with one of my friends....the helping profession does not always attract the nicest people.

That's an issue just like any other but we are less than for actually addressing ours???

Just thinking aloud because your post was excellent and made me do a little soul searching.

Many thanks for your honesty,
Roxie

REPLY
piglit | @piglit | Mar 17, 2012
In reply to @nativefloridian "I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are..." + (show)
@nativefloridian

I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are very judgmental and the stigma involved with mental health issues, especially depression, etc. seems to be something that must be accepted. As much as we would all like to see everyone treated respectfully, people simply aren't going to do that across the board. I have found it is best to keep my own personal problems to myself, in general, I don't share the fact that I take antidepressant medication or go to see a psychologist for talk therapy. The only people that know this about me are very close to me and only a very few friends that I have know for a long time and that are true friends. Most acquaintances and coworkers, etc. will only pass judgment and use the information against you, if for any reason you are to reveal your personal mental health issues with them. It is best to face reality and realize that this is a very competitive society we live in right now, especially due to the economic conditions and so many out of work. I would not reveal anything of the sort to anyone that had anything to do with my job or a potential job or anything else related to my livelihood. I hope you understand what I'm trying to tell you, it is not out of shame or disrespect that I write this. It is simply out of guarding one's own mental health and not putting yourself in a position to be treated disrespectfully or judged. Sometimes the less others kinow the better, let them judge you based on your current lifestyle and work ethic. Why give others a list of your weaknesses when it is not necessary. There is no shame in that. On the other hand, if you are trying to help others and you work in a mental health capacity, then by all means share your success stories with your patients. Otherwise, exposing your weaknesses can cost you if people get cut-throat and decide to compete with your over a promotion or some other stepping stone. Life is short, I say live and let live, but keep healthy boundaries with others. Be selective and know that you should only share your negative or weak areas with those that you trust. I'm not paranoid, I've just learned the hard way. I once shared very personal information with someone close to me that I really trusted and they used it against me later, winning a court case. That was not fair, but it happened, nonetheless.

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Unfortunatley what you have said Roxie is so very true. In the professional world and as you know I too work in it, the politics in the systems are unreal. If we could stand up and voice our opinions and be heard it would be great. In your situation you will be able to do this and you will do it humbly and your head held high. I have been in situations when I have known that a certain duty of care had occurred. Reported this to a supervisor. It was an agency worker that had come in to do a relief and denied that the neglect had ever occurred although it had been documented. Where do you gO? when your supervsior states that the person was never there. I felt comfronted by this and felt powerless by what she had said. I was speechless. Many people do not want to say you were right and I was wrong they prefer to go down the easier avenue and deny all. Alot of the time we are not heard and comments which are hurtful are just swept under the carpet. Ask all the questions that you need write them down and let your voice be heard, It is so important that if we have the opportunity to do this that we do. If nothing else you will feel better by just as the saying goes getting it off your chest. People who feel that they have the power to belittle people in my opinion are the powerless ones and very insecure, Unfortunately the honest ones as many of us are and always will come off us the underdog in many situations. They say that honesty is a virtue and I have and always will live the rest of my days by this., regardless of what people say or think of me. Thank you Roxie for your words of wisdom once again. Take care Piglit

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 18, 2012
In reply to @nativefloridian "I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are..." + (show)
@nativefloridian

I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are very judgmental and the stigma involved with mental health issues, especially depression, etc. seems to be something that must be accepted. As much as we would all like to see everyone treated respectfully, people simply aren't going to do that across the board. I have found it is best to keep my own personal problems to myself, in general, I don't share the fact that I take antidepressant medication or go to see a psychologist for talk therapy. The only people that know this about me are very close to me and only a very few friends that I have know for a long time and that are true friends. Most acquaintances and coworkers, etc. will only pass judgment and use the information against you, if for any reason you are to reveal your personal mental health issues with them. It is best to face reality and realize that this is a very competitive society we live in right now, especially due to the economic conditions and so many out of work. I would not reveal anything of the sort to anyone that had anything to do with my job or a potential job or anything else related to my livelihood. I hope you understand what I'm trying to tell you, it is not out of shame or disrespect that I write this. It is simply out of guarding one's own mental health and not putting yourself in a position to be treated disrespectfully or judged. Sometimes the less others kinow the better, let them judge you based on your current lifestyle and work ethic. Why give others a list of your weaknesses when it is not necessary. There is no shame in that. On the other hand, if you are trying to help others and you work in a mental health capacity, then by all means share your success stories with your patients. Otherwise, exposing your weaknesses can cost you if people get cut-throat and decide to compete with your over a promotion or some other stepping stone. Life is short, I say live and let live, but keep healthy boundaries with others. Be selective and know that you should only share your negative or weak areas with those that you trust. I'm not paranoid, I've just learned the hard way. I once shared very personal information with someone close to me that I really trusted and they used it against me later, winning a court case. That was not fair, but it happened, nonetheless.

Jump to this post

God bless you Piglit. Cannot believe we are same height.....with heels we are some tall chickies

REPLY
piglit | @piglit | Mar 18, 2012
In reply to @nativefloridian "I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are..." + (show)
@nativefloridian

I don't know that this issue will ever improve. I have found that most people are very judgmental and the stigma involved with mental health issues, especially depression, etc. seems to be something that must be accepted. As much as we would all like to see everyone treated respectfully, people simply aren't going to do that across the board. I have found it is best to keep my own personal problems to myself, in general, I don't share the fact that I take antidepressant medication or go to see a psychologist for talk therapy. The only people that know this about me are very close to me and only a very few friends that I have know for a long time and that are true friends. Most acquaintances and coworkers, etc. will only pass judgment and use the information against you, if for any reason you are to reveal your personal mental health issues with them. It is best to face reality and realize that this is a very competitive society we live in right now, especially due to the economic conditions and so many out of work. I would not reveal anything of the sort to anyone that had anything to do with my job or a potential job or anything else related to my livelihood. I hope you understand what I'm trying to tell you, it is not out of shame or disrespect that I write this. It is simply out of guarding one's own mental health and not putting yourself in a position to be treated disrespectfully or judged. Sometimes the less others kinow the better, let them judge you based on your current lifestyle and work ethic. Why give others a list of your weaknesses when it is not necessary. There is no shame in that. On the other hand, if you are trying to help others and you work in a mental health capacity, then by all means share your success stories with your patients. Otherwise, exposing your weaknesses can cost you if people get cut-throat and decide to compete with your over a promotion or some other stepping stone. Life is short, I say live and let live, but keep healthy boundaries with others. Be selective and know that you should only share your negative or weak areas with those that you trust. I'm not paranoid, I've just learned the hard way. I once shared very personal information with someone close to me that I really trusted and they used it against me later, winning a court case. That was not fair, but it happened, nonetheless.

Jump to this post

God Bless you Roxie. It is a bit unbelievble and it great too be a tall chicky at times Isn't it?

REPLY
Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 19, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@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

Hello to both of you. It has been a crazy time with extra kids staying over for my daughter's ninth bday and everything. I'm doing okay. My mood is iffy. Sometimes I'm able to interact with my husband and kids with no problem, but other times I just get so down. I'm trying so hard with everything I know to do to keep going. Every night I pray really hard for strength and faith. Love and hugs to you both. and I hope you are well.

REPLY
piglit | @piglit | Mar 19, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@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 . So glad to hear from you. Also so very proud of you. I'm sure that your mood will improve just give yourself a little time. Take care have been thinking of you. Love and big hug back to you too. Piglit WereAlways here if you need to talk

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