There are several websites that can be helpful for learning more about mental illness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
National Empowerment Center
www.power2u.org
Please take a look at these resources, and find out what you can about such things as: mental illness, psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, delusions, hallucinations, treatments, recovery.
That list is by no means meant to be exhaustive. Just use it as a jumping off point. What do you already know about these topics, and what don't you know? What surprises you?
The reason I posted this list of resources right away is because I want readers to have some understanding of what I'm writing about before I go on.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
When the nurse told me I was psychotic, I gasped, "But I would never hurt anyone!" The nurse gently tried to convince me that I had it all wrong, but my mind was elsewhere, dreading my future as a lunatic tormentor of teenage babysitters.
Why did that word, psychotic, conjure up such dark and violent imagery in my mind? Especially when I knew myself very well, and I knew that I was never a violent or evil person?
The answer is stigma. I was ignorant about mental illness, and my mind immediately summoned negative stereotypes: "People with mental illness are doomed." "People with mental illness are scary and violent." "People with mental illness can never be contributing members of society."
As I made progress in my recovery and learned more about mental illness, I realized that these stereotypes are not only incorrect, they are hurtful. I made a commitment to be honest and open about my illness to my friends, family, and the community.
It hasn't always been easy to do this. Some people have taken the information badly. My parents sometimes seem to think that I am blaming them for being "crazy", and become defensive with me when I talk about it. One of my bosses once asked me if I was thinking of hurting or killing any of my co-workers. These reactions came from a place of ignorance, and although I felt intimidated, I made a point of using these instances as opportunities to educate people.
My honest approach has been a success in most cases. People that I talk to are curious, respectful, and most of the time they tell me that they are impressed with my candor.
I started this blog to gather my thoughts about the stigma around mental illness, and to do what I can to get rid of it. My stories will demonstrate that the stereotypes are wrong, and it is my hope that by reading them, people will at least want to understand.
Why did that word, psychotic, conjure up such dark and violent imagery in my mind? Especially when I knew myself very well, and I knew that I was never a violent or evil person?
The answer is stigma. I was ignorant about mental illness, and my mind immediately summoned negative stereotypes: "People with mental illness are doomed." "People with mental illness are scary and violent." "People with mental illness can never be contributing members of society."
As I made progress in my recovery and learned more about mental illness, I realized that these stereotypes are not only incorrect, they are hurtful. I made a commitment to be honest and open about my illness to my friends, family, and the community.
It hasn't always been easy to do this. Some people have taken the information badly. My parents sometimes seem to think that I am blaming them for being "crazy", and become defensive with me when I talk about it. One of my bosses once asked me if I was thinking of hurting or killing any of my co-workers. These reactions came from a place of ignorance, and although I felt intimidated, I made a point of using these instances as opportunities to educate people.
My honest approach has been a success in most cases. People that I talk to are curious, respectful, and most of the time they tell me that they are impressed with my candor.
I started this blog to gather my thoughts about the stigma around mental illness, and to do what I can to get rid of it. My stories will demonstrate that the stereotypes are wrong, and it is my hope that by reading them, people will at least want to understand.
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