Let’s Talk Common Misunderstandings about Mental Illnesses

[KathyB1968]

I like your list but how would this get done? Sounds a bit like a nice fantasy, albeit a good one.

Looking at what I wrote, it is pretty idealistic. Over idealistic really. It is like asking everyone in the world to be nice to each other. Good if it could happen, but no way to force people to change their thinking.

I think of how people with physical issues are treated. There is definitely an attitude today that it is not okay to disparage people in wheelchairs, people who walk with canes or people with obvious physical limitations.

A manager at my office struggles with walking and uses a cane. No one says he is a weak leader. No one gives him a hard time about it.

But this wasn't always the case. Sometimes I see classic films or read old books. The way people used to be treated because of physical problems was absolutely horrible.

If that change can happen in how we treat physical issues, I think it could change for how we treat mental issues.

Most of us had a health class in school, that could be expanded to talk about mental health. Schools could add more counselors and include peer support groups for mental health.

Workplaces could offer regular meetings and training talking about mental health. I am starting to see this now. My workplace offers online classes about dealing with stress. It also offers listening sessions and counseling.

 

[KathyB1968]

Psych medications are designed to reduce symptoms by way of sedating overactive chemicals and their responses. Psychiatric drugs can cause terrible life changing side effects, including death. I was a pill popper so taking medication was part of the thrill until the prescribed medication actually worked and I quit experimenting. My view of life is unappreciative I did not sign up for this and I wish I never existed. This may be disturbing to some people but before life I was content in the prelife mode.

I feel like this has a parallel to physical health.

My husband has health issues. Despite medication and following eating guidelines, his health is still pretty bad. There is only so much doctors can do.

I suspect that mental health can be like that too. But it feels like people are often more reluctant to admit it, especially for things like anxiety or depression. It seems like there is pressure on the person suffering to do more. More rounds of therapy, a different mix of meds, more relaxation techniques, etc.

As a personal example, I feel like my own internal stress meter is a bit wonky. Despite everything I have tried - and I have tried a lot - my ability to handle stress seems far less than most people.

I have things that help me relax. It took a bit of trail and error. There is no one size fits all for this. But it is still not enough.

So the solution for me is to take it easy on myself whenever possible. I did a stressful thing this morning, don't expect much out of me for the rest of the day. I have a long recovery time. It is a bit like someone with physical health issues who can only do so much a day.