All week I’ve been thinking about what I should write in regards to the “massacre” in Virginia. After living in the so called ‘hood for so long I kind of thought that I have somehow gotten used to senseless violence. In essence I thought I was desensitized. Then this thing happened. The effects of the mass murderer’s actions were like a ripple in a silent pond after a stone had been tossed in the center. I personally felt the waves somewhere deep down in a place where warm rays of joy don’t reach. All I could think was “they were just kids.” I’ve known people that have been brutally murdered, it’s part of life where I’ve lived, but this was something else…
Some of my hardcore readers know that I see a therapist once a week. I’m perfectly sane if I do say so myself, but I’ve gone through some rough patches (as we all do) and therapy has helped me see the end of the tunnel. Therapy isn’t for everybody, I’ll admit that, though many people can benefit from it. I’m saying this because there are some people out there that think that mental illness is not real, and therapy is hocus-pocus. If seeing the video tape of the Virginia murderer hasn’t shed light on the reality then nothing will. That guy was sick, and he had been a threat to the safety of people near him for a long time.
If you’re on edge, get help. If you know someone that needs help, then do what you can to see that they get it.
Good for you Keith. I think therapy is becoming not so taboo among “us” and yes it’s not for everyone but it has helped me and many of my friends deal with this thing called life.
I’m still trying to get a grip on the VT massacre. I can’t wrap my brain around it. There were so many what-ifs in that equation but sadly it ended the way it did.
Having studied abroad in Taiwan, we are very lucky people in the states. Mental illness still has a stigmatizism…but not like in Asia. While in Taiwan, I’ve met Japanese, Koreans, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans ect. But Asians have the hardest time with mental illness. Like Americans, everyone is working so hard to get make sure that they get that perfect job and make their parents proud and gain the love of other and ancestors and everything else, that mentally they do crack, and there is not always a conseling service to go to, not like our American campuses.
On the other hand, I work for a study abroad company, and its amazing how many students go abroad that have mental issues. American kids that come from affluent families (they have to be affluent b/c the cost of these programs run upwards of $12,000-$20,000 for just one semester) that just have issues. Mental issues that we can’t contact their parents. BY LAW WE CANNOT CONTACT THEIR PARENTS and say “hey your kid is cracking up”!!!
To all parents, please, stop hiding under the guise that your kids are okay. Don’t dismiss your kids when they come home from junior high upset because the kids are making fun of them. Some us are strong and can handle it…but not all of us have that strength!
I think it was Hillary Clinton that I first heard make the comparison between the way mental illness is perceived as compared to the way physical illness is perceived.
While there’s some stigma associated with physical illness, it’s not like that of mental illness. I agree with her that it’s time we started recognizing and addressing illness, in whatever form we find it.
As far as identifying those that need help, that’s going to be an interesting balancing act, in the broad scheme of things. It’s so easy to go too far or not far enough.
Keith mental illness is so real and people think that if they cannot see any physical signs that there is nothing wrong with you. I went through depression myself and it is an ongoing battle for me but I manage it by talk with with my wife and praying and just not letting it take over. I have also gone to a therapist and it is a great solution for some.
It is hard when your friends and family don’t understand the illness because you look physically fine, but thankfully they opened their minds and gained an understanding of it.
I am with Keith that if you need help please get it and if you know someone that needs it try your best to get them the help they need.
Very well said- I really hope this starts the ball rolling for some major changes in the mental health care available in this country.
You know, the tough thing is that when someone is over 18 and you can see they are having mental health issues, whether it’s depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, unless that person does something really serious, there’s not a whole lot the family and friends can do. I’ve seen my parents try to get help for various relatives (one claimed the mailbox turned into a dog and chased him across the street) and the resources available are often slim to none. Plus, the person has to consent to the help and then won’t. And if they do consent, who’s going to pay for it? I hope if this country ever does adopt universal health care that it doesn’t leave coverage for mental health care out of the picture.