I am amazed at how social media has responded to the tragic death of Robin Williams. But again, should I really be surprised in a era where everybody believes they have a say in all subject matters regarding Mental Health, Politics and Religion. I have read a lot of articles and blogs in my news feed about depression and suicide and feel I have to say something about it. For starters when did everybody and their brother become professionals in the field of mental health? It is sad how people state their opinions behind a masked profile without the concern or sensitivity towards individuals who suffer from depression and other mental illness. The media stirs the pot with negative stigmas towards mental health and then, the masses respond through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram blasting their opinions and lack of knowledge towards everybody who disagrees with their opinion. I have suffered and still have to manage my mental health of ADD, which sometimes chemistry causes symptoms of depression and suicide ideology. At 27 years old, I have accepted the disorder and learn to manage it daily. Some days are good while some are bad. It is a different world I live in. Many people do not understand what it is like to be labeled by a disorder or hear misconception about it. It hurts a lot to hear the undertone jokes and the misconception about various types of mental heath. ADD and many other mental health disorders are stereotyped and surrounded by stigma, and sadly people believe we all share the same symptoms and experiences with the disorder. This is a false because everybody is chemically wired differently and each individual has a different temperament, environment, development, social and life experiences that have shaped their disorder and them. To claim everybody suffers from the same type of symptoms within the disorder, such as depression or suicide ideology shows complete ignorance and lack of understanding about what mental health truly is. I am not an expert nor do I claim to be one. My studies in the field of psychology and pursuit of my Masters in Mental Health Counseling has allowed me to learn perspective about the various disorders in the DSM. I am honored to have professors who are professionals in the field and fellow peers who have opened up in my classes about their own struggles with depression and suicide ideology. One of my professors informed us, we need to knowledge and validate the struggle. First thing, educate yourself before you make false accusations about mental heath and only base your opinion on hearsay and what the media is proclaiming. There is a reason why we have professionals out there. Take the time to learn by attending workshops, taking courses and watching educational sites and articles by professional experts. There are so many professional websites out there for people who want to learn and understand mental health. Second, try to understand and display empathy towards individuals who struggle with mental health. Its a hard journey. I know personally, I just want people to understand and show respect toward me for my mental health journey. I respect others who take the time to listen and allow me to explain my own struggle. Third, if you know somebody who is struggling with mental health, its important to reach out to them. Even if you do not know what to do, just showing love and being able to listen can make a huge difference. Getting professional help with experts in the field who specialize in the disorder is key to helping out a family member, friend, co-worker or stranger. Do not stereotype or be ignorant thinking you understand their life journey because you dont. Just be there and show you do care. 😊 This is my opinion at the end of day. Agree or disagree. Its up to you, but remain respectful. I could have wrote a novel about this. 😁 Ha ha
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 22:17:53 +0000
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