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kenny66Senior Contributor
I would be interested in knowing if anyone has found difficulty with people because MI might not be an obvious and visible disability. My disability employment advisor certainly has problems in fitting me into a disability box.
In response to: Mental illness-invisable or not
kenny66Senior Contributor
Thanks Kristin. I did do another post about MI people being at the bottom of the recognition and supportive ladder.
No offence intended but it is true that if you have a white stick or you are in a wheelchair or an obvious visible disability then it is more likely that you will receive a more sympathetic response from the general masses.
I was discussing this with one of my non MI friends today who is a great guy and very non judgemental. He says when we first met me that he had no concept of what MI was and maybe was a little scared of schizophrenics because of the terrible stigma associated with it.
He says he has never read or heard anything about it which was positive. He reckons from his experience most people are completely uninformed about MI and therefore cant relate to it. Says a lot about policies or non policies for lifting community awareness about it generally.
In response to: Mental illness-invisable or not
ml87Casual Contributor
Great question! I think that's why it can be so hard to talk about. The fear of being judged or misunderstood hangs over wanting to be honest about something that can be debilitating, but that we shouldn't be ashamed of. (although I am very guilty at the moment of finding it difficult to talk about except now with my new SANE friends 
)
I think we need to try and remember that to better understand others we need to accept ourselves - the good and the bad. In particular with MI without sharing what's going on, as scary as it can be, it's an evil that can spiral out of control when we try to hide it. I know, easier said than done haha!!
I'm accepting that taking medication is ok for MI, if it's what is needed, just like any other health problem no one would look down on you for taking medicine to try and keep things under control.
Good luck out there
In response to: Mental illness-invisable or not
kristinSenior Contributor
In response to: Mental illness-invisable or not
BatGuanoSenior Contributor
Hi Jake,
I found an ABC article about disclosing having a MI in the workplace which is somwhat encouraging.
http://www.abc.net.au/health/features/stories/2014/08/11/4064793.htm
I've disclosed to people who give the blank look, or worse they know all about 'my problem' and they can 'help'. This from a person with their own 'problems' that they need to acknowledge, or they're obviously lacking in relevant skills.
Its a big world, full of all sorts. I can pick who to disclose to. Choose who to tell and you will eventually choose right.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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