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 | Jun 22, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Stigma = Ignorance" + (show)

I wish more people had the courage to say out loud "THAT IS NOT OKAY" when they are stigmatized....

piglit | @piglit | Jun 22, 2012

In reply to @roxie43 "Stigma = Ignorance" + (show)

me too it would make such a difference

jsparks | @jsparks | Jun 23, 2012

Well after work injury healed enough for me to return to work I was let go because "my position had been filled" or was it the doctor said I had PTSD and was off work for a couple months dealing with that and the neck injury... Well It was 2 days ago I see they have a add out for a Diesel Mechanic with my same back ground, and for my same job.... the worst part is they must be really hurting for someone because it also has more money offered... I know people with mental illness can be high matience at times, but really they never even asked me how I was effected they just write me off as ruined, but I really think they couldn't have been more wrong, I just don't know if I should pursue it, I don't care about the job anymore but now that I have proof my discharge was due to discrimination I almost feel obligated to do something to stop it from happening to someone else.. What do you think? Could it make a difference if they got punished or is that going to make it harder on the stigma, make people more scared?? Everyone has issues, to tall, too ugly, squeaky voice, hard of hearing.... but they have to focus on the issues they can't see or hear?? Thats what upsets me. I was never "normal" before, and hell I am glad, because normal people scare the crap outta me hahaha. Well I think I am better off wearing a shirt that says mentally disturbed so don't disturb me, that way if they got a problem with something they don't even know about, or fear they may catch it then I really don't wanna waste my time.

We are who we are, learn to love yourself as I am learning and trying to do daily,
and I will end with this very amusing quote

"I am not much, but I am all I ever think about"

piglit | @piglit | Jun 23, 2012

In reply to @jsparks "Well after work injury healed enough for me to return to work I was let go..." + (show)

Hi J as you know the work situation is maybe not such a good move for you to go back because of all the memories, but you know this already and we have talked about it. I think that the way they have made you feel is the issue at hand and I can so fully understand that. If it was discrimination take the action if you feel it would make you feel better but do this through the lawyers and dr re your case. They will help I'm sure. I think that voices do need to be heard but if its' going to effect you don't go down that path, youv'e been through enough. Also I don't think that any of us can really give a definition for normal. I've been searching for years, haven't found it yet. Your words are really moving to me Never forget how important and special that you are to your family, your beautiful son who adores you and your friends like me who care. Always here for you Piglit

China | @china | Jun 26, 2012

In reply to @jsparks "Well after work injury healed enough for me to return to work I was let go..." + (show)

it should be a crime u bet they stop

China | @china | Jul 3, 2012

We will always be treated different no matter how good we r as a people. I just keep it real. Respect is earned n not a right so if peeps cant treat me the way I deserve my back is turned