A couple of
weeks ago was the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King had a
prophetic vision of a day when all people would be able to live together in
peace. I too have a dream: a day when people no longer have to suffer from
mental disorders.
In my
experience as a person with lived experience as well as working in the field of
addiction, mental health, and advocacy, I have heard countless stories of
struggle and triumph over conditions that at times seem to be insurmountable.
Many times its from family members who are confused, frustrated, and even angry
about their loved ones circumstance.
One thing I say
is that having a mental health condition is not the person’s fault. Would you expect
a person to ask to have a heart attack or live with cancer? I think not. Why
should mental illness be any different?
There’s a song
by the group R.E.M. called “Everybody Hurts.” There are lyrics in the piece
that speak of the struggle go through:
“When your day is long
And the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life
Well hang on
Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes”
And the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life
Well hang on
Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes”
(Michael Stipe)
These words speak to the core
of what many people deal with, whether it be individuals themselves living with
mental health conditions or their loved ones. Mental illness does not
discriminate and can leave relationships wrecked in its wake. The thing that
makes it so difficult is that often people lack information on resources as
well as having to face the stigma and shame associated with mental illness. I have
a dream that one day people will no longer suffer in the dark abyss of mental
illness.
One simple solution is
empathy, the unspoken language of unconditional regard and understanding. If people
were able to demonstrate more empathy then maybe, just maybe, those who are
affected by mental disorders could get the support that is necessary to embark
on the road to recovery.
Yes, I have a dream but this
is one that can become a reality. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the
only one.” (John Lennon)