Stigma & Mental Illness
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.
Hi Lisa great to hear from you you have been in my thoughts good luck for your Ect' I.m sure all will be fine. Hope the headaches improve So proud of you. Roxie and I have been thinking of you too. Take care god bless, Keep in touch Piglit
I am sorry for your experience. I can't imagine how I would have reacted.
I would hold individuals accountable by suing each one seperately. Did you know that? Cruelty to a disabled workers gives us the right to sue individuals. Do they possess any credentialing? Oh boy if they do.
Do not let this go. If you let this go they will continue destroying lives. Do you have legal help? I read all posts and this sounds insane excuse the pun.
I wish you strength to fight back my chum.
thanks for well wishes. I cannot or rather don't feel comfortable discussing legal matters at this point. I'm more invested in my recovery now.
Rox
Hi Rebecca welcome. I also as you know have dealt with anxiety from a young age and depression later in life. I have always been a positve person and have relied on this to get me through challenges that I have had to deal with. I am sure that you will find a new counsellor to talk to, maybe the one that is retiring can recommend someone for you. I am a great believer in taking time for ourselves whether it just be a coffee or a walk I find a good release. I am awlays her to listen and there are others to who will always be there to support you when needed. You have no need to ever feel alone withthis as we are here to care and support you. I am sorry that you are having issues with your medications maybe your dr could help with this. Keep up the faith God Bless Take care Piglit
How are you doing ...power? Hope all is improving
Rox
Are you doing better? Just thinking of you 🙂
Rox
Hi Lisa
how are you and how was ECT on Monday? In my thoughts ..
Rox
I cannot image what you experienced but you are not s freak and I care about you and your feelings.
ECT went okay. The headaches are the usual, but the kids are on spring break this week, so I haven't been able to rest much. All the running and bending is making the headaches worse this time. Oh well, I guess that's just my luck. Love and hugs-Lisa4
Hi lisa wonderful to hear from you. Try a get alittle rest if you can. Hope the heaches improve. Hug and love back to you too Piglit