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.

LittleDreamer | @littledreamer | May 25, 2012
In reply to @littledreamer "I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand...." + (show)
@littledreamer

I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand. I mean, I feel like we can't really protest without people still thinking "well their crazy" or something like that, you know? I feel there is so much pressure on us to NOT make a mistake while we're trying to change things because if we do, well that just fuels their stigma.

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That is true. When I become a doctor I want to create a good hospital for kids with mental illnesses and specialize in ED's because mental health treatment is so well . . prison-like. Kids shouldn't have to feel like they did something wrong to end up the way they did and that's exactly what so many places are doing. They dont let you go outside, your constantly punished, and the food is terrible. I might only be 14 but I am determined to do that. I have already started thinking about the blueprint for my hospital.
You are right, we are completely normal. We just got to convince people of that.
Claire 🙂

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | May 25, 2012
In reply to @littledreamer "I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand...." + (show)
@littledreamer

I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand. I mean, I feel like we can't really protest without people still thinking "well their crazy" or something like that, you know? I feel there is so much pressure on us to NOT make a mistake while we're trying to change things because if we do, well that just fuels their stigma.

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My dear Claire,
we are more normal than the one's that think we are not. We are in treatment but those that stigmatize others are not but should be.
You sound like an adult not a 14 year old. You'll be a great doctor!

REPLY
LittleDreamer | @littledreamer | May 25, 2012
In reply to @littledreamer "I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand...." + (show)
@littledreamer

I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand. I mean, I feel like we can't really protest without people still thinking "well their crazy" or something like that, you know? I feel there is so much pressure on us to NOT make a mistake while we're trying to change things because if we do, well that just fuels their stigma.

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Oh thank you! I am really glad I found this MayoClinic community because everyone here is so accepting and kind.

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Roxie43 | @roxie43 | May 26, 2012
In reply to @littledreamer "I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand...." + (show)
@littledreamer

I guess what I struggle with is how we are suppose to get people to understand. I mean, I feel like we can't really protest without people still thinking "well their crazy" or something like that, you know? I feel there is so much pressure on us to NOT make a mistake while we're trying to change things because if we do, well that just fuels their stigma.

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We are glad that you joined us as well sweetie ...

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Roxie43 | @roxie43 | May 26, 2012
In reply to @china "Will never go away." + (show)
@china

Will never go away.

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I remember that beautiful deed Piglit. I'm sure that to this day he remembers you
Simply being approachable and accepting can give a person hope...
Hugs,
Rox

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piglit | @piglit | May 26, 2012
In reply to @china "Will never go away." + (show)
@china

Will never go away.

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I believe that too Rox and I hope to see Mark again. He has never left my thoughts and prayers x0

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Roxie43 | @roxie43 | May 26, 2012
In reply to @china "Will never go away." + (show)
@china

Will never go away.

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Life has a way of bringing us together just when we need a little kindness
Hugs

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Roxie43 | @roxie43 | May 26, 2012
In reply to @china "Will never go away." + (show)
@china

Will never go away.

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Yes it will as long as those of us that need it to stop keep advocating for it!

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LittleDreamer | @littledreamer | May 26, 2012

I am in a very good mood and have been trying to brainstorm ways to raise awareness on mental illnesses. I know someone who works for NAMI, I guess I could talk to her maybe. I'm also going to the library with my mom and sister so I'll probably check out a few books for ideas. I think it would be nice if we all stood up for ourselves.

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4 replies
piglit | @piglit | May 26, 2012
In reply to @littledreamer "I am in a very good mood and have been trying to brainstorm ways to raise..." + (show)
@littledreamer

I am in a very good mood and have been trying to brainstorm ways to raise awareness on mental illnesses. I know someone who works for NAMI, I guess I could talk to her maybe. I'm also going to the library with my mom and sister so I'll probably check out a few books for ideas. I think it would be nice if we all stood up for ourselves.

Jump to this post

You are such a beautiful girl and have so much to offer in this life. You my dear will make a difference and follow your dreams of becoming a dr and you will be a very good and caring one as well Hugs Piglit

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