In my life, I have often heard people say that everyone has a mental illness. The intent is to make me feel better that I have one. Unfortunately, the statement is not true, and it does not make anyone who has a mental illness feel better.
There is a difference between mental health and mental illness. Mental health is concerned with ones’ overall mental well being just like physical health refers to our bodies’ state of wellness. Mental illnesses, like bipolar disorder, have symptoms that are unique to the illness. They can be debilitating and at times so severe that they require hospitalization.
I believe mental health awareness campaigns try to decrease stigma by promoting the idea that everyone has a mental illness. In my personal experience, this seems to be working to a certain extent because it has become more acceptable to have conversations about bipolar disorder. The problem is that it has created some confusion as well.
No one is seeking a greater amount of pity because the nature of our suffering is unique to those who have bipolar disorder, but it is difficult to feel misunderstood. I am ok with the fact that I have bipolar disorder and my life experience is different from people who do not have it. To be honest, I am proud to share a personal connection to all the extraordinary individuals I have met who have bipolar disorder.
In my opinion, bipolar disorder belongs in the physical health category more than the mental health category anyway. I see a specialized medical doctor, called a psychiatrist, for treatment of my bipolar disorder. When I see her, she asks me about my physical symptoms such as how many hours per night I am sleeping, if I am having difficulty concentrating or if I have the capacity to experience enjoyment. This assessment informs her decisions on the medication she prescribes for me.
Stigma still exists. A lack of understanding of the nature of mental illnesses can cause employers to perceive employees who have one as lazy or incompetent. People who have other health problems are often treated with more compassion. Friends and family members can interpret the opinions and emotional reactions of people with mental illnesses as symptoms of their illness which is invalidating and hurtful.
Mental health awareness campaigns have opened the door to discussions on mental illness. Now, we have the opportunity to clarify what it means to have one. This understanding would decrease stigma giving people who have mental illnesses a greater chance to thrive and contribute to society.
Thanks Allan
When I hear people say everyone has a mental illness and everyone is on medication for it it invalidates all the work I have done to get to where I am today and it invalidates me as a survivor. There is no guessing if a person has a mental illness . It is clear there is something not right and there is usually psychiatric intervention voluntarily or involuntarily.
Stress and low moods and fatigue are normal for people to experience on and off. Substance abuse is an issue and can be experienced by people who do and do not have a mental illness. But that is a whole other blog
I find the younger generation more open to talking about mental illness which is fantastic for the future of decreasing stigma.
Thank you for the insightful comments Annette. I agree entirety with everything you wrote.
Re “Nature’s Beauty Appreciated”.
Quite an eye opener for me.
I can not imagine not being able to enjoy nature’s beauty.
For me, the diversity and purity of nature is the last refuge from the onslaught of mental pollution, when everything else fails.
Your words make me appreciate it more than ever.
I am glad you found reading it insightful and meaningful Ivan. Thank you for your comments.
Such a great and insightful article Allan, especially how it does NOT make someone who has a mental illness feel better.
Thank you Patty. It means a lot to me that it helps you understand people who have bipolar disorder.
Good article and well written!
Thank you 🙂