April 14, 2016

Blog V  "Removing the Sting out of the Stigma..." 

Recently Patty Duke, the actress that played the role of Helen Keller in the film: "The Miracle Worker" passed away.  Mrs. Duke was one of the first actors to disclose publicly that she had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and enlightened people to be more informed about the disorder.  She was a strong advocate for mental health and spoke in many forums about understanding and improving mental health.  As a mental health clinician, I admire her courage and value the message of hope that Mrs. Duke provided for those that struggled with mental illness.  More often then not, the very reason why people don't seek out mental health supports is because of the stigma that is attached to it.  I've heard some say: "Not only do you have to learn to cope with and manage your illness, you also have to deal with others preconceived notions along with it...It's like double jeopardy."  Stigmitization is a cultural phenomenon, but the ultimate change of any stigma always begins with the person that feels stigmatized.  That's right, you personally being more informed and developing a greater understanding about yourself and your diagnosis will start to erode the stigmas that may have overwhelmed you. 

This week I wanted to simply shine a spolight on the great thinkers, creators and writers who have made a signifigant contribution throughout history and also grappled with mental illness.  Socrates, was considered to be the father of Western philosiphy.  He preferred virtue over wealth and sacrificed his life for his beliefs before the common era.  His philosiphy has lasted for many centuries and his ideas are used in both science and psychology.  The "socratic method" is a commonly used method in therapy where through the use of questioning, individuals discover the answer to their problems using their critical thinking when asked the right questions.  Many people know Socrates the philosipher, but are unaware that he experienced auditory hallucinatons... My favorite Socratic quote: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."  

Sir Winston Churchill said it best when he stated: "If there is no enemy within... No enemy outside can harm us."   Many people know Mr. Churchill as being a diplomat, British Prime Minister that made his historical contribution by aiding to end World War II.  But some are not aware that this noble and brilliant man struggled with bouts of Depression. Churchill stated that he kept the "black dog of depression" at bay by writing and painting.  Many of Churchill's books are bestsellers and if you stop by the Dallas Museum of Art, you will be able to see some of the beautiful landscapes that he painted.  Much of his success was because he had the ability to "discern a glimpe of hope in a hopeless situation." Churchill was familiar with manuevering his way through the dark places and rough patches of depression by using his talent and writing to cope with depression. 

Jim Carey, has lit up the screens in both children and adult comedy/dramas that are not easily forgotten.  From the Dr. Suess book made film: "Horton Hears a who" to Dramas like: "The Majestic as Peter Appleton", Carey likes the ability to be flexible in theratical roles/categories.  Carey also battles with Depression.  But what speaks to his essence and nature can be summarized in his response to an interviewers statement that he was "a big bundle of conflicting emotions..." and that he is is "very emotional about many things..." Carey's response: " Yeah... I've decided to be there... I only act in the movies."

One of the best ways to remove stigmas are to acknowledge that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, and that you can be who you want to be and accept every aspect of yourself.  People are more than a diagnosis and every part of you should be valued, respected and used in a meanigful way.  Each of these individuals found unique ways of coping with their mental illness and continued to thrive throughoiut their life. It doesn't surprise me that for everyone mentioned, there was a major acceptance of self and an uncanny ability to connect with humanity in their writings, philosiphy, and art.

"To good health..."

~Fayola