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There are more days than not when it feels like a version of mental health Russian roulette, try this
medication, talk with that person, why can’t you just get over it? It is the song that is most heard by anyone
who has had to navigate the mental health system, or tell someone about their
mental illness. You never know what you
are going to get in return and all sometimes it is not what we need.
The stigma that comes with mental illness is what draws people away,
when all we need is for someone to be close, to love us and comfort us when the
skies turn so dark we can no longer see our way. We are told it will pass everyone get sad, or
you’re exaggerating it’s nothing. I get
down often too, and I don’t act like that.
It amazes me in this day and age people are still so closed minded about
how the brain works; it is easier to condemn the person seeking help, and
actually listen to what they are saying.
I blame the media for much of this; we are portrayed as monsters, evil
and those who should not be part of society.
It is the case with each tragedy that happens, a shooting, for example;
the first word out of the media mouth is he was mentally ill and this what
happens when someone with a mental illness is around. So if I was to walk into a business would
they kick me out because of my illness?
I’m waiting for that day to come, discrimination and profiling at its
best.
I find one reason for the lack of treatment many receive is the medical community
itself. While many will do their best to
receive treatment and have a stable life through medication and therapy, locating
a doctor to provide the treatment can be difficult at best. I had received a list of doctors my
insurance company had approved and over the period of two days, I called every one
of them. One had passed away; one would
not see me. 2 or 3 didn’t know why they were on the list. The last one on the list said they would only
see those who lived in the same area code!
That one blew my mind, and I actually sat with the phone in my hand for
several minutes in disbelief.
A call into the insurance company was no help, they said they couldn’t
change it, and if I find a doctor how would be willing to see me and take the
insurance then it would be OK. In the
meantime, I sit here, share my thoughts and try to find the gold at the end of
the rainbow. It’s a daily battle to keep
my head above water sometimes; my medication has stopped working, and sleep has
become a distant memory, yet even with these cries for help, there is no answer
from the medical community.
I am part of an online support group, the best place I have found for
support and to talk with those who understand where I am coming from and my
frustrations. Without these people, I
would not make it through some days, I know that no matter the time of day or
night someone is always there to calm me down, listen to my fears and cry with
me if needed.
I have thought often of finding an island where we can all go to live,
there would be proper healthcare, medications that work and people who truly
care and want us to thrive in this world.
It is a dream and I know not reality, but there are days when it is far
better than the alternative.
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