Connect
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?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.
Connect
A wonderful coworker told me yesterday "Girl! don't you know that stigma, racism and discrimination is worse now than ever?". I guess I would like to think that one day we will have a world with just good people in it. That's the optimist in me and it's not a reality...unfortunately...
Rox
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionStigma is poison ... what a great way to explain it. It's toxic and it's hurtful. What can be difficult to comprehend is that no one is perfect unless the person is a narcissistic and has a grandiose sense of superiority. Denial ...
Rox
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI like ur coworker. I like u2 but ur coworker keeps it real. Nothing has changed we have the haves and have nots. The haves think they're better. Always be like that until minorities increase and the haves become the minority. I hear it's happening. Can't wait 2C that! Not all r bad but the one's that r are disgusting.
Its not always about the majority vs the minority. Some times it's just blatant disregard for human beings ...
Take care,
Rox
so true Rox
Goodnight my dear friends I am tired and in pain see u all tomorrow. Jodi
I'm so sorry that you suffered growing up and as an adult. It's amazing how much we go through without what many times feels like uninterrupted pain and despair. Still, something in me, the optimist believes that we will all finally have some inner tranquility.
continue being the strong woman that you are my friend. And, no matter how the world may treat you..always remember to be kind to yourself.
Hugs
Rox
Sweet dreams my friend. Hoping you feel better when you awake.
Rox
night night sweetie hope you feel a little better in the morning
Big hug Piglit x0
Sweet dreams my dear Piglit...
Rox