Stigma

Someone I have regular (almost daily) contact with was recently admitted to the local psychiatric unit for a couple days. We weren’t sure if this person would be there two or three days, but we were glad this person was getting the help they needed.

Today, the person came back and was talking to me as we normally do when suddenly they asked, “Do you know where I was?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Do you think differently of me because of it?”

“Nope!” I said.

“Are you sure?”

“Let me tell you something about me: My mom is bipolar. I grew up with this and with her being tight-lipped because of the stigma attached to mental illness. One day, she realized the stigma was stupid and she started talking about it. I started talking about it. I think that when a person realizes that they need to talk to someone for their mental health it’s just plain smart to do what you need to do to be healthy. I’ve lived with mental illness in my family almost my entire life, and the thing I’ve realized is this: People can be stupid. Those are the people you don’t listen to and the people that you don’t spend your brainpower worrying about.”

The person was silent for a while and then said they were off to their next stop.

There’s one thing I want everyone who’s dealt with mental illness (whether they have one or they have a loved one who does) to fully realize: You are you and you are loved. Sure, some people may feel awkward around you and may think ignorant thoughts about your illness, but if they make you feel bad about yourself? Then you don’t need them in your life.