Mental Health Week Meme

Posted on October 26, 2005 in Memes Stigma

This is what feeling normal is for me. There’s a woman standing at the next terminal with a little girl sitting on the high chair. Some years ago, I would have hurried my work so the mother could have the chair. There’s no reason for it, just a panicked sense of ettiquette. Now I remember that the mother chose to take her daughter along, that there are other chairs to fetch. I can have my last thirty minutes….

It’s Mental Health Week and I am starting a meme. Maybe it will go somewhere. We’ll see. It’s specifically for those who suffer from mental illness. There’s a shorter meme for those who don’t following it. The main purpose of the meme is simple: tell us how it is.

For the mentally ill

• What is your diagnosis?
• When were you diagnosed?
• How long do you believe you have suffered from mental illness?
• What medications are you taking for your disorder?
• Tell us about an episode.
• Do you feel ashamed about suffering from a brain disorder?
• What advice do you have for other sufferers?
• What advice do you have for those who don’t suffer from your condition?
• Is there anything you want to say to Tom Cruise?

Thank you for your courage.

For the unafflicted

• Do you believe in mental illness?
• Are there any mentally ill persons in your family? What is their disorder? Are they compliant with taking their medication or resisting?
• Are you afraid of the mentally ill?

Please include all the questions when you answer this meme.