On the Bus

Welcome bus riders!

People who suffer from mental illness’s and people with other handicaps are often the victims of stigmas. Personally, I did not know how bad it was to have mental illness, until I had it. The people who practice stigmatization probably aren’t bad, they just don’t know any better. It is up to us to educate them.

The very first thing you can and must do is be an advocate for yourself. Sometimes this may require “Coming Out“, and being open, honest, and public about your illness. But it can be as simple as doing those same things within the framework of your treatment professionals, and/or support groups. Say what you want! By that I don’t mean say anything, but stand up for yourself, and try to do it in a rational manner. If you are going to be critical, try to be specific and constructive. If your treatment isn’t working for you, ask what kind of changes can be made. Your doctor and support group may respond by asking you what changes you think you should make. You must also be prepared to take criticism.

OK! You’ve become a successful advocate for yourself. Congratulations! You have put yourself on the road to wellness and recovery. You may have noticed how other people have the same problems that you have dealt with, but are not doing so well at it. It’s time to be an advocate for others, and there are numerous ways of doing this.

Some people are very good at “Working the System”. They know what programs are available, where to go, and who to talk to. There is a large assortment of benefits available; low priced and free medication, low priced and free psychiatric care, housing, transportation, food, employment, general medical care, and even cash! Obviously, it can be very difficult to get well and manage your illness without some of these things.

Being supportive is both a talent and a skill. It comes naturally to some, but there are courses you can take that are very helpful. Saying the right thing at the right time to keep someone out of crisis, or pulling out someone who is in crisis, is invaluable to our community.

Knowing about medication can be a tricky subject. Everybody’s illness is different. Everybody’s brain chemistry is different. There may be co-occurring medical condition. What works for one person, may not work well for others. Be Careful! I know within the NAMI model, we are prohibited from suggesting medication. Too much like practicing medicine.

Take charge! “If you want something done right, do it yourself!” “If nobody else is going to do something, I will!” Assume a leadership role in your support group and community. Be politically active. Speak publicly. The general public needs to realize that the mentally ill need not be incompetent. Many of us are highly educated!

Being an advocate is good for you. I try to get people involved in our DBSA board. It’s not high stress, and it gives them a feeling of accomplishment. I took a peer facilitator course from NAMI. I’ve facilitated meetings for DBSA many times and it was easy for me. It was not so easy for others. I would tell them, “ The first time you realize that you have helped someone, you’ll think to yourself,’ I can do this!’”

I cannot let this subject go without a big thank you to Edwina and Kelly, who started and run this chat room. They have continued to expand and improve it. It has turned into a valuable, international resource for the mentally ill. What an accomplishment! All of us know them both, some better than others. Like the rest of us, they have their own problems. But they both serve as a shinning example of how you do not have to feel good all the time to be an advocate and help others. Hey, You can do it too!