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.
There are laws against discrimination but unless more people start sharing their experiences those that practice unlawful behavior win!
So, so sad to read this. Let me draw from my file box some of the answers Oprah, Dr. Phil may give: Do not allow others to label you; Do not seek permission from others or give others power over you. Do not allow others to transfer their insecurities onto you. We all have "stuff" to deal with. Some people keep healthy by dumping all their issues on others. Then they walk away with renewed energy and you (figuratively speaking) are left with the toxic waste. Read the Four Agreements. Excellent. Do not allow others poison to pollute your life. Some people truly need help but do not acknowledge they have a problem. They are quick to name call others and point fingers. Hold you head high. There are laws to protect people at work. Nobody can discuss your health issues today in the work place. Yes, you do have to be discriminating in your choice of people to tell personal stuff to. Some are not mature enough or lack the wisdom to fully comprehend. Some love gossip....makes them feel better. Wish Oprah had her show in Chicago.... she truly has an understanding of life and problems. She (and many people she brought on the show) know how to find answers to share with people . So, go for a long walk and enjoy your life. You are a child of the universe.........
God Bless
Please sign my friends petition at change.org! Momentum is trying to bring much needed attention to stigma which is very hurtful and leads to: bullying, discrimination, workplace violence and much more.
Let's join this very important act of courage against behavior that hurts human kind.
In solidarity
Rox
Oh girl, thankyou for the important insight! I too tend to want to solve everyone's sadness and make a difference. It's one reason I wanted my whole life to be a nurse. This past year has been so hard. being thrown out of college because I was having treatments three times a week at that time. My Mom had passed on a couple months earlier, and I was pretty out of it. People looked at me like I was the worst mother and person they'd ever met. I was so angry at that time at those people. My pastor told me that though it was tough, I should try to remember that those people didn't know me or my story, and that I should try to forgive and keep in mind that God knew my situation and so did my mom. That was hard to take, but he was right, I guess. It's still hard to take , more sometimes than others. Anyway, I do still try to help others whenever I can. My best wishes to you, and my best prayers to all my friends here. Love Lisa4
Lisa,
You can always go back to school but taking care of yourself first is very important. Schools do have departments with ADA accommodationd but you need to be in a better place
Don't worry dear you'll get there. I graduated with a master's in my 40's so it's never to late to accomplish our goals.
It's ok to put yourself first.
Sincerely your friend,
Rox
It's hard to go against a lifetime of being taught that I don't matter in a sea of take care of everyone first. I am trying to learn. I am trying so hard just to get from day to day without giving up. I am so tired of trying. Thank you for just being my friend. That is also something I've hardly ever had. Sorry, I'm just so down right now. Lisa4
Hi lisa. It is hard at times sometimes days are harder than others, I know that you are tired, but I am so very proud of you for being so strong. You do matter to me and others in our community and have become our dear fried. Just remember Sweetie, that tommorrow is always another day. Just keep on looking at your beautiful daffodils and tulips. Imagine beautiful butterflies dancing through them and you we become uplifted. God bless Big hug Always here for you Piglit
Thank you Piglit! I appreciate your visual of the daffies and tulips with the butterflies. It does make me feel a bit better picturing that. This week has been a real bad one and I admit that sometimes I really want to just end this struggle. My kids and my great hubby are all that keep me going- and now my new friends here. I hope that you are doing well and that you are enjoying your own daffies and tulips. Take care hon and thanks again! Love and hugs from Lisa4!
I'm always here for you Lisa as are your other friends. Glad that I helped to make you feel a little better. I always find that if you can focus on something lovely it helps.Stay strong my sweet, you are doing so well and I'm so proud of you . You take care too Will talk soon Love and hugs back Piglitx0
Please be kind to one another despite what type of day you are having because we need to be part of the solution not part of the problems.
Enjoy your day all,
Rox