The Author's Corner: Suburbia

In so many ways I look at life through the eyes of someone who suffers from schizophrenia, as that is what I suffer from. My thoughts, actions and goals are far out there compared to most. My mission is to break the stigma that surrounds mental health problems. In what will be a hard thing to do, I know that by starting to push will make it easier for those in the future who have mental health problems. Yet, I just want those who suffer from those problems to be treated with the same respect as everyone else.

I have witnessed firsthand how many people view those who suffer from these issues, most with negativity towards them. The fact is that there is a great deal of misinformation on the subject because of the one percent that has created the negative stigma and how the media runs with it to create fear of the illnesses of the mind.

Those who are affected are the same people who are trying to make a life for themselves in society. We have to hide our illness as we are viewed as monsters by other people once they find out our problems. I know from my own experience that people who work with us will lie to the Human Resources to get us fired from our jobs. This has happened several times to me.

When the time comes, these people who have mental health problems will be accepted into society as equals. The only part is when is it going to happen?

Most of us need our medication and we stay on it. There are those who can not afford their medication and, in some countries, there are programs to help cover the cost. I am lucky enough to live in one of these countries.

I have struggled with my on mental health problems all of my life. However, I was diagnosed in my late twenties back in 2005. I have seen how small-town society treats me and I am dealing with people who misunderstand my illness and are afraid of me. Those who know me understand that I am a regular person with health problems. The only downfall is that there are those in the community who think I should be hospitalized for the rest of my life. This is

what I deal with.

The fact is that if you do not have a family member or close friend who suffers from mental health problems, you will never understand the frustration that comes with it. Before you say that someone should be locked up in a mental hospital, I recommend you spend a week or two in one of them and then you will learn that it is a depressing feeling for those who are there.

Stay safe.