http://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_breel_confessions_of_a_depressed_comic.html
One of the things we talked about near the end of the last class centered around the idea that pressures from society and our peers restricts our ability to express our thoughts. Several revolutions have arisen from conditions of censorship whether it be censorship of books, teachings, or an individuals words. Some revolutions arise from what the government or society considers "dangerous thoughts" that will upset the current order of things.
As society transforms, it becomes acceptable to speak words that might have been hushed in a different place and time. Certain social stigmas exist through which individuals are not truly free to express themselves. Several decades ago, many Americans found it unacceptable for individuals to admit to being gay or lesbian. Fortunately, this is no longer the case; but what other social stigmas still exist today? Think about the things that you have wanted to say but that you know you can't because of our society's reaction to them.
One problem in our society is understanding mental illness. I saw evidence of this in our discussion of the mathematician John Nash in the movie A Beautiful Mind. The discussion centered around conditions in which a certain scientist's work may or may not be credible, and we discussed how his schizophrenia may have affected his work.
However, saying his schizophrenia is cause for questioning his work is like saying, "Her paper cannot have
good science because she has diabetes" or "He couldn’t possibly have credible
work; he suffers from liver damage." Mental illness is
difficult to understand, but it is an illness just like any other medical condition from which people suffer. Treating mental illnesses differently from other illnesses resulted in actions like those seen in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Conditions have improved with regards to mental care in the United States since
then, but the social stigma still exists.
I think it's important for everyone to watch the video I inserted above. The speaker Kevin Breel summarizes how there needs to be a change in our thinking when it comes to mental illness, specifically depression. As part of a generation that sees depression daily in our friends,
teachers, family members, and neighbors, I have sought to become more educated about the illness and the difficulties faced by those with depression and to explore my major (Biochemistry) to know how the disease develops, how it can be treated, and why we as a society are scared of it. The following article helped me to understand immensely not only the way the majority of people view depression but also the way people with depression view themselves. It is available at the following link: http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/facing-social-stigma-of-depression.aspx
Social stigma seems to be the root of many issues. I like what you say at the end: "the way the majority of people view depression but also the way people with depression view themselves." I think this is poignant because of the fact that stigma can become a whirlpool of sorts: a force that cycles back on itself and gains momentum with each pass. I have seen so many people struggle with mental illness and one of the primary things each person says affects them is the stigma they feel is projected on them by society. They are afraid to let their coworkers, friends, and even family members know they have a mental illness.
ReplyDeleteBut, I have also seen that once people with mental illness sidestep these stigmas, or do not allow the stigmas to affect them as much, then the real healing can begin. It seems there are masks that people put on everyday, just like Kevin said: sports star, brother, son, father, mother. These are not just masks, though. These are parts of someones identity. But these identities are accepted by society. They can be worn to hide other less acceptable faces of ones identity. But, to be true to yourself, to be true those around you that really care, it is the entire identity that matters. And it is the mending together of that identity, the good, the bad, and the ugly, that really helps to bring about true healing.
It is really interesting that you brought up this discussion of the social stigmas surrounding mental illness because I have a friend who leads a strong local movement for open discussion of mental illness in the Denver area. His name is Michael Hanna and he is a fellow Boettcher Scholar that I met in August at our Boettcher Scholar Summit in Denver. During this conference, Michael gave an amazing presentation about his book, Crazy, which won first place in the 2013 Colorado Book Awards for the pictorial category. Michael and his mother co-edited this book and published it on behalf of their local nonprofit organization called Adam's Place. Although I have not yet purchased the book, he gave us an overview of it and handed out many printed pages – the excerpts from this book were nothing less than stunning. In an effort to motivate everyone to speak openly about being “crazy,” the book takes readers on a creative, slightly disturbed trip through eight common mental disorders through the use of prose, graphic art, and clinical discussions all created by multiple artists whom are diagnosed with mental illness. Many of these artists are from our local communities and have come together with Michael through Adam’s Place to share and express what it is like to be mentally ill.
ReplyDeleteMichael himself admits to having bipolar disorder (along with his mother) and obsessive compulsive disorder, and this is immediately evident when he lectures. This was definitely the oddest presentation that I had ever seen, but that was the point. Subjects of mental illness that society often avoids by keeping them in the shadows were immediately brought to light and discussed openly in a manner that shocked half of the crowd. However, by the end of this presentation, we were given an amazing glimpse into the minds of several extremely intelligent, mentally ill individuals; we were also informed of how each and every one of us can be considered a bit crazy. The buzzing energy in the room after the presentation cannot be described with words – all I can say is that it was very evident that everyone in the room was deeply moved by the presentation. In talking to my peers afterwards, we discussed how it felt like we had all received a very deserving slap in the face for our misconceptions about the abilities and limitations of those diagnosed with mental illness. Our social stigmas had previously kept us from ever really talking to a crazy person about their craziness. I don’t know if beforehand we had considered it a rude subject to ask about. Maybe we were worried of what the repercussions would be for either party. Or perhaps we simply followed what most of society did and tried our best to treat people with mental illnesses the exact same as everyone else, by pretty much ignoring whatever signs of mental illness they showed, thus limiting our ability to communicate and truly understand each other. However, Michael and his followers at Adam’s Place had the goal of teaching us to speak crazy.
Whatever the case, afterwards we all felt much more comfortable speaking about mental illnesses with anyone, we had a drastically increased respect for those brave artists who made Crazy, and we also all realized just how crazy we each were in our own different ways. Adam’s Place not only helps people with mental illness gain social skills and confidence, it also helps those of us who are undiagnosed to stop being naïve and afraid to ask questions, and instead to open our ears and minds to the craziest people we meet. Michael and his followers at Adam’s Place believe that the only way to break the social stigmas around mental illness is by breaking the silence on individual levels. It sounds like Michael Hanna and Kevin Breel would have a lot to talk about.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to one of the crazy videos from Adam’s Place http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogXOBaO8n28&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLSW81GNJebAfAl-tt58jb2UMH3JyCiINR
And here is a link to their website if you are interested in the book or in getting in touch with the organization http://www.adamsplacecrazy.org/
Sorry for all the posts, but here is also a link to a news article about the book http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/centennial/life/crazy-gets-personal-with-readers/article_7b07c624-64e0-11e2-93b0-001a4bcf887a.html
DeleteI think Adams Place is great and would love to learn more!
DeleteIt also reminds me of this TED talk (link below) where Joshua who suffers from bi-polar spins mental illness as “skillness.” Explaining that so many inspiring people have also suffered from mental illnesses, and asking what is the right balance between medicating craziness and riding the manic edge of creativity and motivation.
http://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_walters_on_being_just_crazy_enough.html
I think this sounds like a good organization to be involved with! I will also have to check it out to learn more. Great video, Kate.
DeleteOne in four people suffer from a mental illness at some point. In our class of 17 student that would be four of us. Even in our tight group would you admit that you are bi-polar, suicidal, schizophrenic, OCD, bulimic? Or admit to having anything classified as a mental disorder? I wouldn't. Even my best friends would treat me differently.
ReplyDeleteKevin makes this social stigma personal again when asking “Would you rather make your next Facebook status say you’re having a tough time getting out of bed because you hurt your back, or are you having a tough time getting out of bed every morning because you’re depressed?” Anyone’s answer to that shows the stigma around mental illnesses and depression in our own society.
Yet this video has gone vial not because his story is unique, but because it is so common. I had my wake-up call when the captain of the soccer team committed suicide, then another friend admitted to attempting suicide, saying that at some point it’s easier to hurt the people who care about you most, than to keep living as who you really are.
The one in four can’t be dismissed as people who are already in mental facilities. No, this one of your four friends, and you probably have no idea what they are going though. Everyone if suffering from something and they’re probably hiding it from the majority of people if not everyone.
So whether it be the coming out as gay, having suicidal thoughts, accepting having herpes or never moving on from an ex-love, or anything else everyone is hiding some sort of suffering they are going though, so like Kevin says maybe eventually we can get to a point where You can look someone in the eye and say “I’m going through hell.” and they can look back and say “Me too.” And that is okay, because it is okay not to be okay.
Thanks for replying! I did not know about the 1-in-4 statistic either, but it is good to know. I also agree with your last statement that it is okay not to be okay. I read a quote once by Ian Maclaren.. It exemplifies the need for empathy in our society. It says, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." I think this quote can also be applied in our determination and enforcement of human rights. Until one can understand the suffering of another, one cannot properly respect their human rights.
DeleteAs far as people treating each other differently upon admitting one had a mental disorder, I've found that this is not always true. I know that for my friends who have told me about their mental disorders, I still see them as my friends and love them just the same-if not more. There are a surprising number of compassionate and empathetic people out there. Although it is upsetting to see people lose friends because of mental illness, there are situations where an individual's character is revealed when they are supportive and loving and committed to their best friend.
Your 1 in 4 statistic is really quite surprising, Kate. I wonder where you found that information? I would be interested to know what kinds of mental illnesses and conditions are included in that statistic.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, the information should not be ignored. As many are saying, we seem to have a problem in this country with ignoring issues in this domain. That certainly needs to change.
Thanks for the information!