January 2011 – “Hearing Those Who Suffer”

Letter to the Editor of the Westchester Guardian, January 2011

As one with mental illness, I view with trepidation, society’s reaction to those who suffer. Even though the tragic event in Arizona is another sad reminder of the fragility of the mental health system and the healthcare system as a whole, I hope the public understands the complexity of this disease. Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy like this to bring awareness to an illness with a large spectrum of disorders, many of which are complex and still mysterious.

I am afraid that some part, component, of the general public may believe that mentally ill are all on the verge of some violent act. That we may encounter more ignorance and lack of understanding through our daily activities thereby pushing more inflicted to seek shelter behind closed curtains and darkened rooms.

I am afraid of an over reacting school officials, public safety officers, medical persowho may use unnecessary means such as over medicating, harsher disciplinary methods during  moments of undo stress and fear.

I am afraid of being classified as something we are not. What we are, are individuals with mental illness not mentally ill individuals. We try to live with this albatross as best as we can within a framework that no two sufferers are alike. We have something to give to the communities in which we live, to the families to which we want to belong.

For too many generations, lives have been lost. Lost not only premature death, but behind closed doors and quiet whispers of family secrets. Now as weaknesses of character become displaced by truer psychological understandings, the scientific community is probing into the chemical compositions that make up the brain. The faithful communities are joining the battle to help us on this journey. To those with depression, fear, anxiety, we are for the most part are no longer being told to “get over it”. We are now being asked “how can I help” by family members.

There is progress yet, there is so much pain. We need the understanding of those around us as well the larger communities in which we live.

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