Mental Health Issues- Not Crazy

I have posted this video because it's message is important.

I work regularly with people who are living with various diagnoses reflecting their poor mental health.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a talk by such a person. This man had lived for many years with undiagnosed manic depression, leading a very chaotic life.

Following several admissions to hospital during his acute episodes, he found some friends and family were looking at him differently. They were not speaking to him as often. They didn't know how to relate to him.
He was seen as having a mental health problem. Nuts. Crazy. The stigma attached to such labelling still exists today, even when we are now so much more educated and aware.

What this man did, was begin his talk with the above song, asking people to listen to the words. It is wonderful. A lovely song from Matchbox 20, with a strong message, that people often forget. This man, now managing his illness with good up to date treatment, travels Australia and educates people. His perspective is totally relevant and real. He has lived with the illness, and knows how he has been seen and treated his whole life, as well as what can help people and what helped him.

People are not their illness. If Mr Smith has a cold, he is still Mr Smith. But if Mrs Henderson has a mental health problem, she is a "schizo", or a "loony". She, somehow, loses that which makes her human. She become her illness. This song is a reminder that people who are ill, are just that.

If you know someone who is mentally or emotionally unwell, of course it can be a difficult time. People often do not know what to do. My advice would be to talk to the person. Ask if they are Okay, ask if they need help. If this person is important to you, you should make the effort.

It is also important to know, that sometimes, more often than not, there isn't much you can do. Always seek advice. Encourage the person to see a doctor. Just be there. Be a friend. Sometimes, when a person is ill, and they are not sure who they are, or where they fit in the world, a friend can be that all important factor that can help them hold on.

And don't feel bad, if you can't support the person the way you would like to. Mental illness can often stop the person from trusting people. Maintaining a dialogue or relationship can be very difficult. But, again, if you care, keep your distance and be ready to provide support when that person is ready to accept it.

Mental health issues affect everyone at some point, whether you, or someone you love. Education is key. Talk to professionals and get help. Life can be hard for everyone. We need to stick together.

People who have mental or emotional problems are not crazy, they are just a little unwell.