Why do people make fun of Mental Health Disorders ?

Hello All,

I received this by email today from my SIL ~  sweet huh ?  Yup,  I feel bad and how I wish I could do more to advocate for Mental Health.

This coming week is National Mental Health  Care week. You can do your part by remembering   to contact at least one unstable person

<sup>to show you care.
Well...... my job is done. Your turn!

Please send an encouraging message to a disturbed friend. Just as I've done. I don't care if you lick windows or take the special bus.... you hang in there sunshine, you're special...</sup> 

NO. NO. NO.          VERY INVALIDATING, LACKS

 

ANY        FORM OF COMPASSION AND

 

 

 UNDERSTANDING.

 

THIS IS WHY PEOPLE NEED THOROUGH AND SOUND

 

EDUCATION REGARDING MENTAL ILLNESS!!!!!!!!!!

 

DO NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT!!!!!!!

 

IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!! JAMIE

And oh, yeah - I think that post is pathetic.  I find nothing funny about it.

Your SIL can kiss something else, and I'm sure you know what I mean.

Thanks All and Karen I suspect your right.  This was sent to many people on my SIL's email list and it is just in dang poor taste and she should know better as she works in health care.  

I continue to believe  as people get more informed and educated about mental illness they realize those of us  with a  mental illness dx are not stupid or violent or looking for attention.  They may finally realize that no disorder is a joke or in the least bit funny to the people with the disorder. 

I never really shared with my co-workers or peers my issues or that I was on medications and saw a therapist.  I had a few friends that knew.  I know I was always fearful of the stigmata that still sticks with mental health disorders.

However now I am much more  able to admit to others that I am having issues.  I have lost friends that did not want to be around someone who is sad so I still put on a smile when I may not feel happy but perhaps the smile does make me feel better. I have a good time but I am still oversensitive and keep on working at just letting go of nasty comments.  I know only I can control my emotions.

Hugs to each and everyone of you!

Kitt

Unless your sil is a sarcastic *****, I think she meant you no harm. Trying to acknowledge the need for Mental Health week, that she would like to be supportive but doesn't know how.
I didn't read your sentence first, and thought you were advertising for Mental Health Week, and thought, hmmm, you're sending an open message to everyone. Wonder how we celebrate this. Wasn't offended.
Sounds like some are sensitive to the labels, off your rocker, etc. My mom used to call people psycho maniacs, nice, grew up with that. Guess that sort of hardened me, and don't think about what people call me behind my back.
What is the politically correct term to use? I guess unstable person doesn't fill anyone with warm fuzzies.
I personally don't want to be called anything. My dear husband told everyone where we live, when I didn't come out much, and didn't go to the en masse functions, that I was Bipolar and depressed. I can only imagine what they call me now, ha ha, or shall I say I refuse to think about that.
Did confide that situation to an elderly lady that I used to do errands with/for, and she was so incensed that she called my husband to come over to her place and lambasted him. Saying Bipolar is a terrible, serious disease. You shouldn't broadcast that if she doesn't want you to. Good, and Bad. Torn, let everyone know, as it was any of their business, or don't tell anyone at all, hide. Hmmm. Some people now treat me with kid gloves.

Shall I start a poll? Just kidding, done with that.

Kitt,

Now that I've gotten over my steam and read the post again, I'm pretty sure it was meant to be cute with no malice behind it, and it was probably sent with the thought you might find it a bit comical.

People do that kind of stuff all of the time without thought of how it might be taken.

When I hurt my leg and was on crutches at work, I got all kinds of comments about being lame, gimpy, whatever.  In fact, I might be the first to make fun of something like that with myself.  Sometimes, making fun of yourself is a way to deal with the hurt and pain, and it also makes it easier for people who don't know how to react.  If you're a bit jovial about your own problem, there is less confusion on their part as to how to approach you.

I know this is a really silly example, but if I had a friend who had no arms, and I needed help with moving something - I could expect him to say something like - I'd give you a hand if I had one . . . and I'd laugh about it because I would know that's a way for him to deal with his disability.  And at some point, I might inadvertently say something like "could you give me a hand with this" and not really be thinking enough to realize.  And he might laugh at that because of my foolishness, knowing I was being a mouth clutz.  But I would never consider sending him a joke that made fun of people who didn't have arms.  There's a line, and you really have to be careful not to cross it.

I have found that many folks make jokes about other's problems and disabilities (without ever thinking about the consequences).  I mean, really, not even a second thought behind what comes out of their mouths.  And I've seen people hurt by what's said, and they won't say anything at the time, but I could always tell by their facial expressions or change in demeanor.

If this person has shown no malice toward you, then I'd have to say it was a product of "not thinking on her part."  That doesn't make it right - at all - and it is really tasteless under these circumstances.

I hope my babbling has helped in some way . . .

Scythia      

cool kitt. i know it was sent, purely in jest. i do not take things to heart for long, actually i have bigger fish to fry, albeit still very strong on the inept and disatasteful terminologies, so i hope she is now educated!!!!

thx kitt............you are a much loved person here. cheers. jamie.


keep being you, as i me, and everyone themselves, for as ourselves and your sil, we are all unique and varied individuals!!!

peace 2 you and all, jamie

yeah. i can't define normal. so i never use the word. try very hard to not do!!!

i am jamie. i am a person, and i live with mental illness. and i live with other illnesses.

Kitt,

Can you send this in an email to me. Just the part that she sent you. I do know a guy who licked windows and he would get a kick out of this. I know it sounds cold, but if you could forward that to me, I could forward it to him. He wouldn't be offended. I promise.

Hugs, Karen

Jamie,

I agree with you.  There is no definition of normal.  It bugs me when I am compared to normal people.  Just what is normal anyway?

Scythia

I really don't think that there is a normal. That is my opinion.

Hugs, Karen

Why do people make fun of Mental Health Disorders ? So they don't have to look at themselves so critically.

i thought i replied to this thread but i guess im out of it and didnt really lol. i find this insensitive but i see this joke a lot and i think someone is just joking around and meant no harm by it. they just dont understand