WHY – And Mental Illness
Why will we always have to accept that mental illness stigma will exist in our society, and we must continue to remain tight-lipped about this illness. The outside world cannot fathom to the degree of the stamina, strength and what we have sacrificed in our lives. Yet, we must live under a veil of secrecy for fear of reprisal in society and especially in the real working world. Somewhat of a prejudice, for if another major illness was presented, there would be no problem.
Why are we perceived as having a character flaw; what does that have to do with the illness?
Why do people with mental illness, namely bipolar disorder, stop taking their medications when they begin to feel better? It’s comparable to someone with heart disease, and whose blood pressure is finally under control. Would he/she then stop taking the heart meds? This doesn’t make sense.
Why do some psychiatrists think they know everything, yet prove otherwise when we continue to remain unwell for years and years?
Why do people have to lose family and friends over this illness? We are disregarded and abandoned and forgotten about for no other reason than having an illness. Name another illness where this would happen.
Why does the loss of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-esteem take such a beating?
Why does mental illness have to come in second as far as hospital facilities? In our city, we are still housed in an old, tired hospital; the only unit left in the entire hospital. Back seat, considering all other units moving to the newer city hospitals.
What other illness has you feeling selfish that you are ill; that it’s your fault and that you brought this on yourself. You were lazy. You slept too much, your personality changed and you have no ambition. Feels as if you must continue to apologize.
Why is that “black hole” so deep and the “light at the top” so out of reach?
Why do people say “she had a nervous breakdown”? A family member actually said to me I had a “bad case of the nerves”. Where do nerves enter the picture with mental illness? I’m confused.
These are just some “WHYS” that I thought of….can you think of some?
Written by: Me, 2008
Filed under: family, friends, health, low self-confidence/self-esteem, mental illness, psychiatrist, stigma in mental illness, writing
I have discovered it is quite possible to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness. My recent adventure into blogging has helped me come out of the closet, even though it is published under smffy for now, one day I’ll use my real name. I actually tell people who are speaking badly about the criminally mentally ill that I have it too. They always act ashamed and stutter something about how, at least, I’m taking my medication. It feels good to smash a few smug perceptions.
Smffy:
Writing for me and it sounds for you cathartic. I have found blogging an excellent ways to express my views and get across my feelings from my experiences dealing with my mental illness. My interviews along the way with people I have met during my many hospital stays are also included here; their views and feelings too.
You are a special person and please pat yourself on the back for standing up for yourself to other people. Just remember, you have an illness, and you did nothing wrong. Had you had another illness, would you be apologizing or standing in the shadows? You woudn’t feel like that and it wouldn’t be like that.
Thanks for visiting this blog, and any topics you would like covered, let me know and I will research. Take care.
Why is it that people think I can ‘pull myself up by my bootstraps’ or otherwise just magically get better? People wouldn’t say that to something with cancer, or many other illnesses.
So true and profoundly said. Thanks for your comment and visiting my blog.
Why is it that some people think it is just simply a case of thinking ‘happy thoughts’ and things will just get better for me?
Seems to be a big one for me, as for telling people well I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD now for 7 years now (had it for longer no doubt) and I am only just beginning to tell people that I think I can trust of my condition, sometimes it bites me in arse sometimes it doesn’t. At least you get to know who your true friends are.. they’re the ones that don’t look at you with pity but rather understanding.
James: I sure know the “happy thoughts” and “things will get better”. Wow if only they knew what blackness feels like.
Trusting is a whole issue in itself.