It has been a little over a month since leaving the Behavioral Health Services floor at St. Catherines. The majority of people close to me have been exceptionally encouraging. Yet, there is still a stigma some attach.
“Why is that you are open about your mental illness and hospitalization?” A question someone I know asked me the other day. My answer was simply to help myself heal and educate others on mental illnesses.
“Researchers found that while more people understand mental illness is caused by brain biology, that hasn’t translated into a decrease in stigmatization.” Whitney Blair Wyckoff, Despite Deeper Understanding of Mental Illness, Stigma Lingers, published September 17, 2010. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/09/17/129937437/still-a-stigma-for-mental-illness
The video I have posted above shows statistics for Canada. However, it is still relevant to anyone in regards to what it has to say about mental illness.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2008 13.4% of adults in the United States RECEIVED treatment for a mental health problem.
The scientific understanding of the brain and mental illness has improved immensely. Unfortunately our social acceptance and attitudes have not.
Thankfully I have been surrounded by family and friends who understand, encourage, and support me during my depression, my struggle, and my recovery. Thank you!
For those reading this that is struggling, please know you are NOT alone.
For more information on mental illness and the stigmas attached to it, please visit the following sites:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
Me, my 47 lbs rooster and my Wellbutrin say thank you tonight. People don't like to hear the truth. They would rather try to make you feel like who you are and what you do are wrong. I'm so very proud of you!!!
ReplyDeleteI get highly frustrated when I see those commercials that say things like "These are the friends that would help you pack. These are the friends who are still friends when you discover you have a mental illness," and only one from a whole flock of people is still there.
ReplyDeleteBeing open about the way you feel, the things you discover, and what you have been through is the best way to help to deal and over come any thing. We always encourage fellow humans to do these things, why should it be so weird that we do?
I'm not saying I'm insulted. I'm just saying it's sad that this world I wish we lived in isn't the actual world we do live in. Where it is just common sense to be there for one another and we ourselves to be open to others and what they have to offer us.
And I know in a lot of ways it has to do with a little sin called 'pride' and while I am not a Christian, I know that these are bad things to have too much of. And when we are too full of our selves or how we wish to be perceived to let others see this exposed imperfect side of ourselves.
But when you don't let it define you, or fear that which you yourself are, you can let those things show. Allow others to understand on some small level.
Though most times people who cannot do things like this can never understand completely.
The little sister is going to stop typing now and go do laundry. That was long. Ha ha ha.