Confronting Stigma

Welcome! Today I want to confront a stereotype that I often face when discussing my job with others.

For anyone who doesn't know, for the last two years I have worked with people who have severe and persistent mental illnesses in a residential treatment facility (aka a group home).  And, yes, that does mean I know a lot of people with the ever-feared schizophrenia. Working in this environment has taught me so much, mostly about the lack of information the "mentally healthy" have about mental illness.  Stigma is everywhere, it permeates our media, and I am often asked ignorant, offensive, or generally uninformed questions about the nature of my job.  Most commonly, I am asked if I ever feel unsafe at work or even if there are guards to protect me. (!!!!) One person, upon hearing about where I work, even had the gall to say, "Wow! You must get threatened a lot."  People actually say these things to me!

No. I do not get threatened a lot. Actually, never.  But, I do get told I'm pretty everyday and laugh often.

No. There are not guards. This is their home.  Do you have guards at your home? No, because you haven't committed a crime and are not in prison (unless you're reading this from a prison, in which case, nevermind.) Being mentally ill is not a crime, regardless of what the unbelievably high rates of incarcerated mentally ill would lead you to believe.

The idea that people with mental illnesses are dangerous, is offensive and wrong.  Despite what hyped up news media may tell you about those with mental illnesses being deranged killers; people with mental illnesses are no more violent than those who are not mentally ill.  They just make for a better news story. In fact, those with mental illnesses are far more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators.  There is no denying this when I hear the personal stories of the individuals I work with.  They are a vulnerable population, not a threatening one.

Psychotic is not the same thing as psychopathic.

Psychosis is a state of losing touch with reality.  This is something I see often.
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy or regard for other beings. This is not something I see.  It is also extremely uncommon.

This distinction is huge! One can lose touch with reality without being a danger to others or themselves.  The untrue, non-reality based belief that an individual was once married to Hugh Hefner and was a supermodel/actress/director, has never (to my knowledge) caused someone to go on a violent, murderous, rampage.  And, when managed with appropriate medications and interventions, recovery is possible, and symptoms significantly reduced.

There are certainly challenges, but they probably aren't the challenges you'd expect. If you're ever curious about what it's really like, ask, don't assume.  I think everyone should spend a little time with people who have schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses.  I believe they'd find that they are more intelligent, funny, and kind than they could have imagined.  Not to mention, much less scary.

Please, don't ever make a statement in my presence that questions the humanness of the population I work with.  Think before you speak. Educate yourself.

I'll address other stereotypes and challenges in future blog posts.

For more information, read this: http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/facts.aspx

Or, if you don't want to read that, at least read this quote from it:

"Most people who suffer from a mental disorder are not violent- there is no need to fear them.  Embrace them for who they are- normal human beings experiencing a difficult time, who need your open mind, caring attitude, and helpful support. (Grohol, 1998)."

I'm starting to think I should have named this blog "Ranspach Rants!"