Perpetuating Stigma: Halloween Costumes

 

With Halloween festivities upon us, I think there is an important point to be addressed: Do not dress up as a mentally ill person. No “psycho”, straight jacket, “escape from the nuthouse” costumes. Why? This practice only further enforces stigma surrounding mental illness…

‘To dress up as a mental illness, you’re suggesting that mental illness is something to be laughed at or scared of.’

I honestly had no considered this issue, but it makes perfect sense. Please be sensitive folks. Padded rooms are not nearly as fun as they look. Ok?

Happy Halloween everyone!

via metro.co.uk

“I’m Here”

There is a fantastic new mood disorder awareness campaign organized by the Depression and Bipolar Allience (DBSA) called “I’m Here”….

I’m here… is a way—for both people living with a mood disorder and those who support—to open up a channel for communication and to say, “I’m here…”

Not only does the linked site provide information about mood disorders, but also suggests many ways in which we can all get involved in the conversation to break the stigma surrounding mental health. The DBSA provides instructions for how to make your own pin, or will send you one for the cost of shipping.

I am going to make mine this afternoon.

via dbsalliance.org

“SNL” Star Jokes About Mental Illness – And We Love It.

Pete Davidson, star of “Saturday Night Live”, was recently diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. And he’s not holding back any comedic punches:

“I was born depressed, but it might make me feel better if I was on TV more.”

As more and more well-known people are honest about their mental illness, the more it breaks down stigma. Way to go, Pete.

via self.com

The Role of Pets in Managing Mental Health

Our pets can be invaluable to our mental health; here are just three roles they play:

1. Calm Presence

2. Social and Emotional Support

3. Sense of Security

Read more in detail about each role here.

via bphope.com

Friendship & Borderline Personality

I think this is a really important article for friends and family of those with BDP. Acceptance is all about understanding.

Mental Advocate Royalty

Carrie Fisher was best known from her iconic role (and hairdos) from the original Star Wars trilogy. She was also an avid writer, Hollywood script doctor, and one of the first public figures who became a mental advocate.

Carrie was outspoken about taboo subjects such as bipolar disorder & alcoholism. She even opened up to Oprah about electroconvulsive therapy. And she did it all with incredible wit.

“Fisher’s legacy is towering not just for her creative output, but for the work she did around demystifying mental health. As she wrote in her final Guardian column to a young woman trying to come to grips with her own bipolar disorder, ‘You can let it all fall down and feel defeated and hopeless and that you’re done. Move through those feelings and meet me on the other side. As your bipolar sister, I’ll be watching.'”

Rest peacefully, my bipolar sister. You will be sorely missed.

via Rolling Stone

Way to go Bill…..

Friday Funny:Merry Christmas!

Struggling With Stigma: “The Doubters”

People to which you disclose your mental illness generally fall into one of two categories: those that are supportive, and those that are “doubters”. Sadly, most people fall into the latter category and often perpetuate the stigma surrounding mental illness.

I like this article because it describes many situations during which “the doubters'” preconceived ideas and misunderstandings of mental illness are illustrated. Very often, the “doubters” are not malicious, they simply do not understand mental illness and the affect it has on one’s life. This is why it is so important for the mental health community to come forward and be open about our experiences in order to begin to change the way people view mental illness.

via The Mighty

Friday Funny: A Good Time