What do you think of when you see the picture above? I see a hope, a new beginning, a fresh canvas at life just waiting to be painted each day something new.
Lately, I've been focusing a lot on depression. The reason, my husband. He has Bipolar Disease, Major Depressive Disorder, Social Phobia and Generalized Anxiety. His doctor recently took him off of his antidepressant and another medication. Since this occurrence, I have been extremely concerned about his mental, emotional and physical state. And yes, he knows I talk about him on here and yes, he reads my posts. (He's subscribed by e-mail to them)
For almost 30 years, my dear husband stayed silent about what he was thinking and feeling. Part of this is due to what I would like to think of as his own fears; part of it because of society's stigmas and ignorance's on mental and emotional illnesses; and maybe in part to family history. but, in any scenario the same point is there: he has this condition and now it needs to be treated. End of story, no question about it.
While skimming through the articles I read online, I came across yet another one that is pretty good. If you haven't guess already, it's about trying to fight the social stigmata that we all seem to face at some point or another.
Why, as humans, do we segregate individuals who are not exactly like us? Have we not learned anything from our planet's history? We, as a human race, have persecuted our fellow man/woman/child, because we were afraid of what we have little to no knowledge about. Look at the Salem Witch Trials, World War II with the concentration camps filled with people who are of the Jewish faith, look at "black" individuals that we kept as slaves for years! Have we not learned anything?
The chilling answer:
NO!
Children are being taught about these historical events in school settings. But, at home, we are teaching them to be biased against others who are not like them/us. Why is this? Fear. Plain and simple fear. But, not only is it fear I see, it's lack of education and knowledge and experiences. Why teach this in school? Why bother? If we have not learned anything by now, what is the point? This is where the parents should come in and take a more positive role.
Well, I may not be everyone's parent or legal guardian but I am making more knowledge known so others can make a more informed decision when it comes down to others.
In the article I am linking below, it gives some pointers or suggestions on how to basically tell society to bounce off (politely said although I have no problem personally saying other not so nice choice words). Hopefully, if you are reading this, you have a more open mind now or maybe these tips in the article will help you stand up for yourself and help you realize that you are perfect just the way you are and if no one else likes it, they can walk away because you don't need them or their negativity in your life.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/facing-social-stigma-of-depression.aspx
Lately, I've been focusing a lot on depression. The reason, my husband. He has Bipolar Disease, Major Depressive Disorder, Social Phobia and Generalized Anxiety. His doctor recently took him off of his antidepressant and another medication. Since this occurrence, I have been extremely concerned about his mental, emotional and physical state. And yes, he knows I talk about him on here and yes, he reads my posts. (He's subscribed by e-mail to them)
For almost 30 years, my dear husband stayed silent about what he was thinking and feeling. Part of this is due to what I would like to think of as his own fears; part of it because of society's stigmas and ignorance's on mental and emotional illnesses; and maybe in part to family history. but, in any scenario the same point is there: he has this condition and now it needs to be treated. End of story, no question about it.
While skimming through the articles I read online, I came across yet another one that is pretty good. If you haven't guess already, it's about trying to fight the social stigmata that we all seem to face at some point or another.
Why, as humans, do we segregate individuals who are not exactly like us? Have we not learned anything from our planet's history? We, as a human race, have persecuted our fellow man/woman/child, because we were afraid of what we have little to no knowledge about. Look at the Salem Witch Trials, World War II with the concentration camps filled with people who are of the Jewish faith, look at "black" individuals that we kept as slaves for years! Have we not learned anything?
The chilling answer:
NO!
Children are being taught about these historical events in school settings. But, at home, we are teaching them to be biased against others who are not like them/us. Why is this? Fear. Plain and simple fear. But, not only is it fear I see, it's lack of education and knowledge and experiences. Why teach this in school? Why bother? If we have not learned anything by now, what is the point? This is where the parents should come in and take a more positive role.
Well, I may not be everyone's parent or legal guardian but I am making more knowledge known so others can make a more informed decision when it comes down to others.
In the article I am linking below, it gives some pointers or suggestions on how to basically tell society to bounce off (politely said although I have no problem personally saying other not so nice choice words). Hopefully, if you are reading this, you have a more open mind now or maybe these tips in the article will help you stand up for yourself and help you realize that you are perfect just the way you are and if no one else likes it, they can walk away because you don't need them or their negativity in your life.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/facing-social-stigma-of-depression.aspx