“To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.”

Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness

The other day, I realized: What better way to find out more information about mental health advocacy than to pick up a book (or two or three)? So I searched through the psychology section of Barnes & Noble and the only thing that seemed remotely related to the advocacy of reducing the stigmas surrounding mental health was this book. And I am so, so glad I found it. I haven’t even finished reading yet, and this has already been one of the most enlightening books I have ever read.

I have learned so many things while reading this book that I don’t think I can even sum it up all that well. (This post would turn into a book itself.) Pete Earley does an excellent job of investigating, and then writing about, his experiences with his mentally ill son and with the treatment of mentally ill patients through America’s legal system.

I encourage everyone to read it.

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.” – Bill Clinton

Mental Health for All by Involving All

In this video, Vikram Patel, a psychiatrist, discusses a method for getting everyone the help they need by getting “ordinary people” (i.e., not specialists) involved.

My sidenote:
Another way to help: Reach out.
Ask someone how they’re doing – how they’re really doing.
Sometimes simply knowing someone cares and is willing to listen can be the biggest help of all.

An Example

Any time I have to see a doctor, the following inevitably happens:

A nurse takes my blood pressure, draws blood, or does all those other things nurses do; meanwhile, I don’t pay attention. This is all typically routine (except for drawing blood… and in that case I’m definitely not going to pay attention or they’re going to end up with a passed-out patient.) Then somewhere in the middle of all this routine stuff, I realize a nurse is pointing at my arm and staring at me. Most recently, one laughed awkwardly as she continued to stare. It takes me a minute to remember that I have these scars on my arms that most people automatically assume are from cutting myself (they’re not, but that’s another story). So, without any prompting by an actual question because the nurse seems to have forgotten how to talk, I explain my actual story. But then I’m irritated.

I imagine the patients that actually do or have cut themselves, and I feel so bad that that is the reaction they get from medical professionals. This is a prime example of the stigma surrounding mental health – no one wants to talk about it. They want to talk about you, but they don’t want to talk to you. 

If I actually had cut myself, and that was the reaction I got from people, (especially in the medical field) I certainly would feel anything but comfortable.

That kind of reaction results in silence.
That kind of reaction results in no help being provided.
And that kind of reaction needs to stop.

“Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness.” – Louise Hart

Lasting Legacy of Childhood Bullying: Psychiatric Problems In Adulthood

When we think about bullying, either in person or over the internet, we tend to ignore the well-being of the bully. This is natural, and I’m totally not defending any actions made by bullies, but remember that when people lash out, it’s usually because they are struggling with problems of their own. Like someone once told me, “Hurting people hurt people.”

Mental Health Awareness

I’ve always had a genuine concern for others’ well-being, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered a true passion in advocating for the reduction (or elimination!) of the stigma surrounding mental health. This passion has grown over the past few months, and if I am ever procrastinating on homework, you can bet I am scouring the internet for information on mental health advocacy. Since I have done so much internet searching, I have known for awhile that the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month (recently made national by President Obama*), and I am going to take this time to start my process of learning about/promoting mental health awareness.

So, here is my blog, as a means of sharing what I am learning about both psychology and mental health. My first original post: on a personal goal of mine.

Goal: Judge less.

This is something I have to actively pursue. But it’s worth the effort. I used to think I was soooo nonjudgmental (all up on that high horse). But I wasn’t (and I’m still not). Recently, however, I have been fortunate enough to get to know some people who I had initially passed harsh judgment on. And guess what? They are perfectly wonderful people, with struggles both similar and different from my own.

Not that this is any justification, but it’s a natural reaction to judge people either based on appearance or their actions. However, it is always possible to take a step back and think, wait…I don’t even know them.

So, before I start passing judgment on someone’s actions (and appearance), I take a minute to collect my thoughts:

• I have no idea what his/her personal life is like (including both past and present events). 
• I don’t know his/her thoughts behind those actions.
• There are people out there who judge me, because my actions don’t make sense to them.
  
• Does it affect me? Does it really matter?
• And admittedly, most of the time, it’s pure jealousy.

Everyone is dealing with something, whether they want to talk about it or not. So before I start making assumptions, I take into consideration that maybe they are just really having a hard time, and one of the best things you can do for someone in a tough situation is just show them some kindness (not judgmental looks).

*http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/30/presidential-proclamation-national-mental-health-awareness-month-2013