I started a
discussion post on yesterday regarding mental health and mental illness. I just wanted to share that everyday “common”
folk can have some form of mental health/ mental illness at any given time. Some forms of mental illness are: Anger/
Aggression, Anxiety Disorders (to include fears of...), Mood Disorders
(depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymic), Psychotic Disorders
(schizophrenia), Eating Disorders (excessive weight gain, anorexia, bulimia,
and binge eating), Impulse Control (pyromania (setting fires), kleptomania
(stealing), gambling, alcohol consumption, drug consumption), Addiction Disorders (gambling, alcohol
consumption, drug consumption), Personality Disorders (antisocial,
obsessive-compulsive, and paranoid), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
(ritualistic behavior; fear of germs), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
(traumatic events-sexual, physical, unexpected death of a loved one, or natural
disaster (fires), Stress Response Syndromes (Adjustment Disorders) (caused by
stressful events), Dissociative Disorders (split personalities), Factitious
Disorders (intentional lies about physical or emotional symptoms so they can
appear to need help), Sexual and Gender Disorders (sexual dysfunction, gender
identity disorder, and paraphillias), Somatic Symptom Disorders (feels pain
even though doctor can't find a reason), and Tic Disorders
(involuntary/uncontrollable sounds or body movements).
In light of
there being so many events of racism, stereotypes, and death (unexpected). I felt the need to address and identify and
discuss topics regarding mental health.
Regardless of how perfect we may think we are or our life is. We have all experienced at least one day of
depression, feeling anxious, and/ or wishing/ hoping for a better life or
better life’s circumstances. With that
being said, we all have mental health issues.
Most choose not to let the negative mental health issues consume us and
shoot for positive life experiences on a daily basis. However, there are others who may not be as
fortunate. We can’t ostracize these
individuals because they may not have the courage or strength to push past
their irrational thoughts which leads to true mental illness. There are some individuals who have superb
support systems which ensure that their loved ones and friends are not allowed
to wallow in their “funk.” Then there
are others who no one really cares about.
As a society, we have become cruel and callous, not caring about the
next man (until it benefits us). Part of
my purpose and God-given assignment is to remind people that they are valuable
and that they have worth. I am not too
good to meet people where they are. I
have sat in the best of homes and I have sat in the worst of homes and at
neither time did I make anyone appear uncomfortable or that I was being
judgmental to their situation. I have
always ensured that I offer solutions to make the situation better if they
presented their issue as a problem. You
never know when the shoe will be on the other foot. Always treat people with kindness and the way
that you desire to be treated! My prayer
is that we be able to have discussions within our communities regarding mental
health/ mental illness while finding solutions and supporting those (with
resources) that are less fortunate than we are. Doc
This is very well written. I must tell you that I appreciate the clear and conscious effort to teach the ignorant in a gentle non abrasive way is very reassuring in that so many are ignorant to what the person right next to them may be battling wirh at any given moment.
ReplyDeleteSince mental illness is so often hidden behind a mask of normalcy while the one suffering in silence sinks further into a private hall it's important that those who are educated be more vocal. Those with the knowledge in conjunction with compassion are in very short supply. Please,when you see a person going through even what may seem like the smallest of difficulties, consider how much strength it may have taken them to face the day. We never know what plagues another or how it may devastate them ,especially if we may be strong enough to see it as a small hurdle,they may not. The most important thing to remember about mental illness is that patience,understanding and respecting that we dont know the other persons struggle or level of strength in any given situation could be what breaks or heals. As long as we understand that our actions and reactions do actually play a major role in the lives and choices of every individual we come in contact with then we can gain the gift of being an asset becoming part of a solution instead of part of the problem by alienating anyone that thinks differently in any way.
Before you cast judgement first think of your own fears,shortcomings,and quirks and how you want others to be kind in their treatment towards you with those differences. Then reassess how you will treat one who is different from you.