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.

piglit | @piglit | Mar 24, 2012
In reply to @marylynette "I have recently been denied a certain privilege at my church because my illness is not..." + (show)
@marylynette

I have recently been denied a certain privilege at my church because my illness is not understood by others. I have PTSD and treatment resistant depression, a wonderful service dog who does give some help, but I still don't always have the ability to participate in activities with others. I also have numerous physical problems, among them Fibromyalgia which others just plain don't understand. I have a great Psychiatrist and therapist who help me deal with the stigma of having a mental illness, but that doesn't make life that much easier. I also find that doctors will often give me less credibilitiy than I deserve because of the diagnosis of PTSD, etc., and when they read my whole history there have been some who refused to treat me. I speak up whenever I can about the fact that mental illness is no different than other diseases, that there are physical realities which go with it, and have at least been able to help educate a few who were going into counselling when asked to lecture at a local college. MY abuse was in a cult, and if that comes up then the treatment I receive becomes even worse, for people do not believe that cults exist (I was raised in one for the first 20 years of my life). I think that the best thing for those of us with mental illness to do is to keep on getting out when we can and showing to the world that we are not freaks, we have an illness which unfortunately can be classified as an "invisible disability".

Jump to this post

Unfortuanelty not the church just some of the people's lack of understanding in the church. This is a problem that is faced daily and why it is so necessary to be understanding to the needs of others, by listening and always showing that you care God Bless Piglit

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 24, 2012
In reply to @marylynette "I have recently been denied a certain privilege at my church because my illness is not..." + (show)
@marylynette

I have recently been denied a certain privilege at my church because my illness is not understood by others. I have PTSD and treatment resistant depression, a wonderful service dog who does give some help, but I still don't always have the ability to participate in activities with others. I also have numerous physical problems, among them Fibromyalgia which others just plain don't understand. I have a great Psychiatrist and therapist who help me deal with the stigma of having a mental illness, but that doesn't make life that much easier. I also find that doctors will often give me less credibilitiy than I deserve because of the diagnosis of PTSD, etc., and when they read my whole history there have been some who refused to treat me. I speak up whenever I can about the fact that mental illness is no different than other diseases, that there are physical realities which go with it, and have at least been able to help educate a few who were going into counselling when asked to lecture at a local college. MY abuse was in a cult, and if that comes up then the treatment I receive becomes even worse, for people do not believe that cults exist (I was raised in one for the first 20 years of my life). I think that the best thing for those of us with mental illness to do is to keep on getting out when we can and showing to the world that we are not freaks, we have an illness which unfortunately can be classified as an "invisible disability".

Jump to this post

Absolutely Piglit. It's a social problem and it is so hurtful which makes matters so much worse.
Rox

REPLY
China | @china | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "I was told by a friend that I am allowing the enemy to win. She told..." + (show)
@roxie43

I was told by a friend that I am allowing the enemy to win. She told me that I should not own other peoples issues. I have known this for some time but for some reason when she called me and said it for the 100th time I thought about long and hard and she's right.
She said some people are good and some could not begin to show another human being any type of empathy because they are cold and in denial of how horrible they feel about themselves.
Another friend who runs a drug abuse program wrote me and said "Girl, don't you know racism, differential treatment and stigma never went away"? This pill was hard to swallow but I can understand what she means.
I don't like seeing people as enemies, except for 1 person, but the truth is we all have to continually protect ourselves because we just don't know others intentions until proven otherwise.
Then, Delia, spoke about forgiveness and letting go and she is so on point with her insight and advice. I need to let go and stay away from people that do not uplift my spirit even if it means that down the road I make some profound changes.
All said, no matter how good you try to be to others there will always be at least one person who will take out their unhappiness on others.
I have had my share of pain and unhappiness, so this is not an excuse for the behavior, but perhaps I need to have more empathy even for those that trespass because there has to be something really going on with a person who intentionally hurts others.
Here's to learning how to let go, move forth and praying for those with more internal pain than I have.
Rox....

Jump to this post

Peoplr always have opinions about what you should do. Looking at a situation like yours is not about winning. Do what you need and follow your heart.
you at not in a contest and moreover not a loser.

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "I was told by a friend that I am allowing the enemy to win. She told..." + (show)
@roxie43

I was told by a friend that I am allowing the enemy to win. She told me that I should not own other peoples issues. I have known this for some time but for some reason when she called me and said it for the 100th time I thought about long and hard and she's right.
She said some people are good and some could not begin to show another human being any type of empathy because they are cold and in denial of how horrible they feel about themselves.
Another friend who runs a drug abuse program wrote me and said "Girl, don't you know racism, differential treatment and stigma never went away"? This pill was hard to swallow but I can understand what she means.
I don't like seeing people as enemies, except for 1 person, but the truth is we all have to continually protect ourselves because we just don't know others intentions until proven otherwise.
Then, Delia, spoke about forgiveness and letting go and she is so on point with her insight and advice. I need to let go and stay away from people that do not uplift my spirit even if it means that down the road I make some profound changes.
All said, no matter how good you try to be to others there will always be at least one person who will take out their unhappiness on others.
I have had my share of pain and unhappiness, so this is not an excuse for the behavior, but perhaps I need to have more empathy even for those that trespass because there has to be something really going on with a person who intentionally hurts others.
Here's to learning how to let go, move forth and praying for those with more internal pain than I have.
Rox....

Jump to this post

Amen! Thanks

REPLY
rebecca_1965 | @rebecca1965 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

Hi Lisa. I am new on this page & it is so interestng! I have delt with major depression & anxiety since I was 8 yrs. old & I'm 64 yrs. old at this time. By the way, my name is Rebecca & I spent 30 years + of my life being a nurse. Helping others with their "health" problems whether they be physical/mental/emotional. Now if I could only get my own head in line. Just hearing how much help you & Piglet have learned to lean on you inner strength & your faith has given me real hope. I'm on sooooo many meds that not only am i broke all the time due to meds but I go thru every morning feeling like I have a hangover. I had a terrific counsellor/friend that I talked to 2Xmonth but being my age she is retiring in a month & I'm a little stressed over this. Have to remember----rely on myself & my faith, which is so important to me. Thanks so much for listening. I appreciate it!!!

REPLY
Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

Hello rebecca! It is so nice to meet you! I too have delt with depression since I was a child, and I am on so many meds, that the girls in the pharmacy know me by sight. They even have my birthdate memorized. I have found that age means little to depression. I have always been friendless and emotionally alone except for my wonderful husband. Unfortunately, he works two and sometimes three jobs to provide for our family and four children. He is always so tired that usually I just sit quietly and let him doze without bothering him. I can't work now, and my "Get the job done" attitude makes my couch sitting frustrating. I don't mean to complain on and on, but I just wanted you to know I really do understand. I met my new friends on this site at a time when I didn't know if I would get through another day. They have helped me sooo much by being there so often with advice and support. I am here for you anytime you need me, this I promise you. I pray every night for strength for me and my friends here. I will pray for you tonight. Cares and prayers to you- Lisa4

REPLY
Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

Hi! I hope you are doing well. Tomorrow is ECT day, and no matter how many times I go through it, it's like the first time. Silly me. I'm loving the weather here, almost like summer! I sit out on the deck with a glass of iced tea to get that valuable sunlight. Care and hugs to you and I hope youe are well. your friendship means so much to me- Lisa4

REPLY
Lisa4 | @lisa4 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow is ECT day again, so I might be out of comission for a couple days while I deal with the headaches. I wanted you to know I'll be thinking of you and Roxie43 each day. You guys mean so much to me! I hope you're doing okay, and I hope to talk again soon. Cares and Prayers to you- Lisa4

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

So happy to hear from you. The headaches were the worst part for me. Have they prescribed Soma? It helps as does migraine meds.
Let us know how your mood is next time you check in.
Best of luck Lisa!!!!!
Rox

REPLY
Roxie43 | @roxie43 | Mar 25, 2012
In reply to @roxie43 "Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to..." + (show)
@roxie43

Looks as if this issue is not a problem for readers?? That's great...any ideas as to how to improve acceptance and minimize judgement on the East Coast......
Happy Holidays to All,

Jump to this post

You sound good. I'm proud of you for having faith. Enjoy the beautiful weather
Rox

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.