The Stigma

 

I think the worst part of this illness is the stigma behind it.  With me for the most part I take my meds and I am relatively stable.  However, sometimes I feel really bad about having it just because of the stigma.  I try not to buy into this thinking but sometimes it is hard not to.  Sometimes I wonder if 10, 20 years from now I wll still feel this way.

I was recently in a situation where I was able to see first hand the stereotypes that people have.  Frankly, I geuss I never knew that it was quite that bad.  People don't think anxiety, or depression is that bad, but bipolar disorder is another thing entirely.  With other diseases(besides Mental illnesses) people are not hit with having to deal with it, and then having to hide it and be ashamed ot it.  I know more and more people are being educated about mental illness but it really does not seem to be happening fast enough.

I know exactly where you're coming from Jade -- but I've also experienced pretty appalling misunderstanding and stigma in relation to my depression and anxiety, and I think this is something that happens with all mental health issues. And, as always, it's to do with ill-education in this area and opinion without reason. I wonder if anyone who hasn't suffered some sort of mental health problem can ever really understand the seriousness of it -- heck, there are even people who *do* suffer these things and don't get how serious it is and how much effort goes in to managing it -- e.g. when a depressed person doesn't seek professional help because they believe meds will turn them into someone else and that they should be able to cope on their own. And of course, as that example highlights, so much of this has to do with fear and the expectations of society that everyone is in control of themselves or should be and that we can all live the dream. Well, I don't subscribe to the Coca-Cola view of life: I'm not a "suffering is good" person either (!), but I do think that most things in life mean little if we don't educate ourselves about them (and that goes for things aside from mental health too!!). When people don't engage with life actively in terms of learning all they can, then things stand still and fester. Those who allow that to happen *miss out*: I have depression and anxiety and came to this board to try to help my ex (then partner). Well, he resisted attempts to help him, and the diagnosis, and I found a truly wonderful group of people that inspires me every day and that I love to be able to help in any way I can. I feel very sorry that he wasn't able to open himself up in that way; and I feel sorry for people who reject sufferers of mental health issues just because: they miss out on a lot.

Rosie x

prejudice is a sad situation.  during the 60s we thought that by integrating the schools we could get rid of discrimination.  my generation has been wrong about so many things.

it was only 60 years ago that there were signs in motel and restauant windows in the usa stating:  "no jews, ***s, or dogs allowed."

there are christian right groups dead set on controlling the gop so that these preejudices can made into law.  don't laugh or scoff.  the state of missoui, where i was born and where my ancestors are burried, proclaimed itseld a 'christian republic" this year.

it was only 50 yrs ago when i was walking home fom school that a boy in my class confronted me:  "you're a jew ain't ya?"  "yeah'" i said, not seeing what differemce it made."  "you're a christ killer!" he shouted.  whereupon he hit me squarely in the face.  i didn't like being hit anywhere, especially in the face.  so i hit him back, right between the eyes in the top of the nose, where i had read in self-defence books.  the othe boy fell flat on his face.  i walked on home and didn't look back.

who'se your *** or jew today?  it seems as though evey generation has to find some group to feel superior to. 

maybe it's our turn.  that's a shame.  i've been though it before.