Just recently there was a big push in the media on mental health awareness. The goal was to increase the general public's consciousness of the prevalence of this illness that, like any other illness, should not be looked upon as something to be hidden away from the general public like something to be feared and kept from the public's attention. Unfortunately for many, many years that has been the case. People who have suffered from some form of mental illness and their families have lived in fear their secrets would come to life. They have feared either their own or some family member's affliction might be exposed and have kept them covertly hidden to the point they have often not even talked to their family doctor. Even more damaging could be being seen in the mental health wing of the hospital and thus be suspected of having all kinds of dangerous problems.
These fears have also been added to by many super religious people and sects who, due ignorance, have held the belief that for a person to be afflicted by such a disease they must have done something to offend God to the point he damned them with their condition. It is this type of illiteracy in a large part of society that has caused many to hide their problems rather than try to get the help they needed.
It is wonderful there are so many high profile people today who are coming forward and telling their stories to help dispel the myths and fears of being publicly ostracized. It is through their efforts that Canada is now starting to move out of the dark ages of beliefs that either slow or effectively stop proper treatment of a range of diseases that are no different than arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
There is still a long way to go to overcome the lack of knowledge that exists in the general populous but those of us who do suffer from some disease would very much appreciate it if others would just ask us rather than make assumptions. I have faced this problem with my muscular dystrophy. When I first met some folks they would assume things about me. For instance when first seeing me in a scooter or a wheelchair I have had people talk louder to me assuming that since my body was weakened I must also be hard of hearing (believe me this has actually happened and the people doing it were highly educated). I would rather have had them ask me about my disorder and explain it to make things more comfortable for both of us.
Now you may ask, how does this relate to mental illness? Well, one side-effect that I have from having a body that continues to fail me is that I suffer also from depression. This has been an ongoing thing for many years and to a great extent I have often been afraid to tell some people about it because I have seen how negative the reactions can be. But here is where I guess those of us who do have these problems have to step forward and step outside our comfort zone so we can help prove to others that we don't have a set of horns and are not going to devour them.
We are talented, compassionate, loving people who also hurt and can be hurt just like everyone else. All we ask is a little understanding just like those who have a physical impairment might ask and for people to realize we can still be of use and have something to offer society.
Over the last while I have had many people ask where my articles have been and I have not been sure what to tell them, other than health problems have been keeping me from the keyboard. Along with some increasing physical problems I have also been having a greater depth of depression and have been concentrating on activities that help with that. I have been spending more time at musical endeavourse. Thos pursuits also help others who have been listening to the groups I am involved, so this is a way that I can give back to society while at the same time they are helping me. Sounds like a win, win situation to me.
