Stereotypes and Stigma

Wordplay. Stereotypes. Stigma.

Are ancient stereos not so old that’s why they made it into stereotypes that there are various kinds or classes of stereos? Is stigma so overbearing, so much that the word has evolved into astigmatism that is an eye disorder? Just a thought – connecting the dots and rules of interconnectedness.

A lot of times, that is how my mind has functioned – overthinking and racing thoughts. Overthinking and racing thoughts are two words synonymous to each other. You think and then think and think until you feel like your head feels heavy that you can’t sleep anymore. This is a fact for people with mental illness as diagnosed by a psychiatrist. The thoughts start from one prompt or trigger then spreads like wildfire in the mind branching to negative self-talk and self-pity.

Overthinking and racing thoughts are bouts of mania which may be a symptom of a mental disorder. But I mean, who doesn’t overthink resulting to not sleeping at night especially when you have to do a lot of things and worry about basic needs? As for everyone, sleep is important.

Stereotypes. People say that normal people are normal considering that they don’t have mental health disorders. Technically, I abhor the word normal because if there is something normal, then the opposite word abnormal arises. I believe that there is no need for the word abnormal especially when dealing with disabilities or mental health. Why?

One, everyone is susceptible to mental health issues or even mental disorders. Second, mental illnesses are so diverse and subjective that there is no one formula to coping. People are also diverse and can be positively categorized as unique going away with the weird. Sometimes, it really makes sense to correct and condition our mind to be inclusive.

Stigma. A lot of times, we label and put people into boxes by separating and judging them based on first impressions so much that we forget to empathize with them. Empathy is such that we practice kindness – understand them and feel their emotions but also realize that they are not our own emotions. It is listening with a good ear and looking at the person with compassion but creating barriers so as not to absorb all the negativities. For negative thoughts do weigh us down.

In a world of challenges, to say a person is neurodiverse might just work. In other countries, there are advocates for Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity in the society from medical fields to legal and workplace rights. In the Philippines, we are stuck with the term Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s). In some countries, it’s called People who are differently-abled. Differently-abled sounds better than PWD’s right?

Perhaps there is really something different with our culture and knowledge as traditional as it is. It’s like saying a person with Learning or Psychosocial Disability will throw coffee on a coffee shop customer when they get a tantrum. Mind you, if a person has a disability, most of the time they don’t have the energy to lift a finger at all or even hurt someone.

Statistics in the US show that 5% of the people who do crime have mental disorders. Then based on facts, 95% of crimes are committed by people who don’t have mental disorders as pointed out by a comedian. With that said, who is craziest? The 5% people with mental disorders or the 95% that people call “normal”?

I have proposed measures in the city for quite some time including a coffee shop for differently-abled persons. I have faced resistance and was told that a Person with Psychosocial Disability who works at a PWD coffee shop might throw coffee on customers without any reason when a PWD gets into a tantrum. For your information, my tantrums were never violent although sometimes I do think I am Wonderwoman!

There are times that being an advocate you feel that you get tired especially when you have personal issues to struggle with. But many times, you feel you just have to keep moving forward, despite the pain and challenges knowing you will be stronger and eventually survive and be whole. Why? It is because you feel that there is something much worse than losing your sanity and that is not being able to live your life.

My mind and heart goes to everyone who is just trying to live and feel life as it is. I feel you. We can do this – many times!