Since last week was Mental Health Week – I know this not because I am
self-aware but only because I have seen several postings from Nikki et
al at “Moms Who Drink and Swear” – which is a nationally recognized
phenomenon now - (a blog, a book and a facebook page - probably soon a
cable TV show - since there is so much swearing it has to go on cable),
occasionally quite nasty blog, offensive to some but always funny and
true - anyway, MWADS had several blog postings on the subject of Mental Health.
Anyway it made me think - about my own journey - and that of my friends
and relatives - and those small-ish and irritating people who suddenly
developed an opinion about the age of two. Also - lets not forget my
husband - he has issues too.
According to the National
Institutes of Health, about 1 in 4 adults are at any one time suffering
from some sort of mental health issue. As with many government
statistics – this is certainly vastly under reported as this is likely
based on those who are actually diagnosed – or who answered a survey.
In fact there are certainly thousands and thousands more with issues
that they either will not see a doctor about – or refuse to admit it
even to themselves – even if family and friends already know.
Unfortunately
in today’s judgmental society, admitting that you have a mental
disorder can disrupt many facets of your life. First, it will likely
affect your friendships – once your friends know that you have a mental
disorder, they can hold it against you – be patronizing – disregard what
you say, etc. It may also affect your family relationships – "if you
disagree with me, it must be because you aren’t taking your meds" – "are
drunk or high" or "are just plain crazy which is "bull$hit" – or "I must
make sure you are limited in your exposure to the outside world and
therefore you are not allowed to drive or go anywhere by yourself" - or
all of the above.
