No more Stigma; time to learn
It is imperative for those who have a mental illness, like me (OCD, PTSD) to educate themselves. I have learned to cope with stigma and advocate for those without a voice. The professionals in the Mental Health Areas should create groups regarding how to deal with stigma, their rights, and coping with difficult situations with those who do not understand our illnesses. Also, we need to take responsibility of our conditions and empower ourselves. The results are great. If you have any questions regarding stigma, let me know.
It is hard to advocate for yourself when you have a mental illness, and yet we must. I think the stigma even exists within insurance companies whose policies only provide a certain amount of care. For example, my insurance limits me to thirty inpatient days per calendar year for mental health, yet I am not limited for physical illness and would be covered if I had numerous heart attacks in a year that caused me to be in the hospital for an extended period of time..there is no time limit. What does that say?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. You are right about the insurance and even the whole system. The patient is placed on the bottom of priorities.
DeleteHi Ann... My heart goes out to those without a voice and you have done such a great thing here by speaking out. Love you girl... you are so special and love the way you have taken this yet another step by speaking out... Know that you are loved...
ReplyDeleteHugs from Canada
Rolly