Kitt fights stigma even as she stands beneath a fig tree in her back yard
Why is it that we as a society seem to accept depression in women more readily than other mental illnesses? We seem to find it acceptable when a woman harms herself, turns her pain, frustration, and anger inward; yet, should she lash out at those making demands of her, such as her children, she is seen as a monster.
Why does it seem more acceptable for a woman to suffer from postpartum depression than postpartum bipolar disorder or postpartum psychosis? Do we not understand that the hormones of pregnancy can push depression to bipolarity or lead to psychosis, as in psychotic depression? Anyone of us is vulnerable to mental illness, even psychosis, given the right circumstances.
If we are to destigmatize mental illness, we must stop distancing ourselves from and judging certain diagnoses as worse than or other than. For years, I turned my rage onto myself rather than attack others. I internalized the stigmatization of certain brain disorders over others. For some reason, I accepted the diagnosis of depression. Bipolar, not so much.
Stop bashing troubled women who need our understanding, support, and treatment. Stop making distinctions that further stigmatize mental illness and marginalize those in need.
Learn more about stigma and mental illness for women, read this excellent article:
“I do not wish to be taken as a witch!” Stigma and Wellness
By Walker Karaa, PhD · STIGMAMA.COM · July 14, 2014
[…] Previously Published on kittomalley.com […]
I enjoyed your.blog…can’t stand the stigma that the various forms of mi have… many times I have sctramed, “what if I had cancer” when told after a trip on mental hospital vacation to just make better choices. My hope is that education and understanding will continue to grow. Have a great weekend.
I hope so, too!
Great article and I look forward to reading more. I am married and my wife has been diagnosed bi-polar, among other things. We have had a rough go of it lately but I am trying to hang in there and be as supportive and knowledgeable as I can. I look forward to more insight and perhaps an understanding ear to bend!
Vic, check out your local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapter at http://www.nami.org/. They have classes for both those diagnosed and their families.
Yes thank you! We certaintly are not going this alone. We have surrounded ourselves with great professionals as well as a good support structure.
Good to hear! You’ll find plenty of support online, as well.
I think we all have a long way to go in fighting against the stigma of mental illness.
My wife suffered from Post-partum depression (long before we met). She said other mothers were the worst stigmatisers. She got more understanding from “meathead” men (By that she means alpha-type men who’re of the rugby, racing and beer variety of kiwi guys who are not known for showing their feelings).
My own mother on the other hand also suffered from PPD, and underwent long term hospitalisation and many courses of ECT (1970s style). She is very critical of me, my wife and of her brother in law (all three of us have Bipolar disorder). So, certainly there is a dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable mental illness.
I think as a mental health consumer, and having worked as a support worker; the important thing for our recovery is gaining insight into our condition and how we interact with it.
Sorry that’s a digression from the topic.
We’re also guilty of self-stigma. We often believe our own bad press – that we’re not good enough, or not the same as other people.
No, we’re not the same. But then, we have experience of emotion on a level that people typically will never feel. That gives us the ability to be sensitive and introspective in ways that most never arrive at.
Sensitivity is my super-power [repeat after me!]
Terrible that your mother is so critical of you three. Certainly doesn’t make it any easier.
Self-stigma is very much alive. I, too, have experienced it, seeking treatment for the less stigmatized diagnosis of depression, as opposed to bipolar disorder. I reported depressive symptoms, but was in denial of hypomanic symptoms. I was a former psychotherapist of severely emotionally disturbed adolescents, so you’d think I’d have known better.
True – you might know better, but it doesn’t make any of us want to accept the truth sometimes. “Oh, it’s just depression” versus “Oh my god, I have [name more stigma ridden illness]”
It’s a tough thing to come to terms with either way.
Thank you for sharing this, Kitt. It hit close to home as there are so many in my family that suffer from both. And because after three decades of watching those I love suffer, I still can do so little to help them heal.
Blessings,
Dani
It is challenging to love those with mental illness who refuse medication. Denial runs deep.
It’s so true, Kitt.
Blessings to you for your honesty.
Best,
Dani
Thank you so much, Dani.