Med-In

Posted on October 26, 2005 in Appeals and Goodwill Stigma

It’s Mental Health Week. And as I passed the local Scientology storefront here in Mountain View, I got the best idea for a demonstration. Gather a group of your bipolar, depressive and schizoaffective friends. Stand on the sidewalk near the entrance of the establishment. As people walk in, smile and simply take your meds. Say something like “Meds helped me” and “Thank God for psychiatry.”

I am sure that the Scientologists will try to call the local police, so be sure to obey the law in all ways. Have your prescription bottles on hand. Be polite when the officers show. And when the Scientologists try to convert you, say “That’s so bougeousis American Middle Class. Why are you in denial about the nature of this problem.” Then calmly smile while they fume. Call the media, too. They may love the show.

* * * * *

That’s the problem with the Scientologists. They claim to represent futuristic values, but in reality they share the problem of many New Agers: they prefer the same old “just control yourself” stigma which many of us who are mentally ill have heard for years.

I did not get better by practicing any “mind control” methodology or diet or exercise program or by giving my heart and soul to any religion. I got better by taking my meds and learning the simple strategy of reframing my thoughts. The two together plus my support groups put the ground beneath my feet so I could start watching my general health and relationships with others. The meds work better than Dianetics. Don’t be taken in by any talky talk.