Virginia Woolf wrote, “It seemed a pure waste of time to consult all those gentlemen who specialize in women and her affect on whatever it may be…-numerously and learned as they are. One might as well leave their books unopened,” though Ms. Woolf lived from 1882-1941 and was talking about the dynamic between men and women at the time, her point rings true to many aspects of life. She speaks to how men, no matter how well-meaning or educated they are- don’t know women like a woman does.
What does this have to do with mental illness, you ask? Just the same as there are many ever-changing opinions on women and their place in society, mental illness is also groundless if not written by one with first-hand experience. So many stances have been taken on the matter; it’s a waste of government resources, they should just get over it, it’s just a difference in mentality, people are people no matter what, it’s shameful and should be glossed over, and so on. So many opinions are held by those with no personal experience. The fact that mental illness is a very case-by-case experience, and therefore challenging to analyze and treat that people do not understand it.
If someone wants to learn about mental illness, you must determine do a number of things.
1) Be willing to ask many.
2) Know that there are MANY different types- either pick one specific one or be ready for a lot of legwork.
3) There are too many stories for you to hear them all- but be careful in making generalizations. Educated guesses are the best anyone’s got.
4) There are few, but still some who are truly just jumping on the bandwagon. If you’re after truth, be sure that’s what you’re getting.
5) Undiagnosed does not mean non-existent.
6) Respect.
If you don't know what it's like, know that you don't know.
There is one more critical quote I must share from Ms. Woolf, if you are like me and have a story of your own to tell, this is vital.
What does this have to do with mental illness, you ask? Just the same as there are many ever-changing opinions on women and their place in society, mental illness is also groundless if not written by one with first-hand experience. So many stances have been taken on the matter; it’s a waste of government resources, they should just get over it, it’s just a difference in mentality, people are people no matter what, it’s shameful and should be glossed over, and so on. So many opinions are held by those with no personal experience. The fact that mental illness is a very case-by-case experience, and therefore challenging to analyze and treat that people do not understand it.
If someone wants to learn about mental illness, you must determine do a number of things.
1) Be willing to ask many.
2) Know that there are MANY different types- either pick one specific one or be ready for a lot of legwork.
3) There are too many stories for you to hear them all- but be careful in making generalizations. Educated guesses are the best anyone’s got.
4) There are few, but still some who are truly just jumping on the bandwagon. If you’re after truth, be sure that’s what you’re getting.
5) Undiagnosed does not mean non-existent.
6) Respect.
If you don't know what it's like, know that you don't know.
There is one more critical quote I must share from Ms. Woolf, if you are like me and have a story of your own to tell, this is vital.
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