You might know me as a friend, a peer, or maybe even a fellow writer. On some level, you probably know me. Some of you might know my favorite musicals and at what lengths I go to share my fascination.
Others might know about my sense of humor or the lengths to which I go to make my friend's smile. Some know me as a confident or a best friend, or a secret keeper, or a kindred spirit, but despite the relation, they can all agree that I'm just like everyone else (give or take.)
I want you to think of someone who's crazy. Just play along for a moment or two; what comes to mind? Give your brain a couple moments to really imagine a crazy person. What do they look like? How do they speak?
If you need help, here's the Merriam-Webster definition of Crazy:
Crazy
adjective \ˈkrā-zē\
:full of cracks or flaws; unsound
:not mentally sound, marked by thought or action that lacks reason
:being out of the ordinary
When picturing this crazy person, what do you see?
An ex slashing tires in a fit of rage? A man yelling in a restaurant because his food is taking too long? Or is the image of this crazy person remind you of a movie or TV show? Do you see padded walls and straight jackets - à la "Girl, Interrupted?"
Do you see me?
Recently, I've been witnessing a lot of discussion on how to deal with so-called "crazy people." And, well, I wouldn't be honest if I could sit idly by. I am mentally ill and I'd like to share my perspective on this recent discussion and how it affects me. While, I don't want to go into full detail regarding my diagnosis or history of mental health, I can tell you that because of my mental illness I am sometimes under serious distress due to this disability.
So, what's the big deal? Some people are using the terms "crazy" and "psychopath" to describe those who are mentally ill, does it really matter all that much?
Short answer? Yes, it matters a lot.
Before I go into why using terms like "crazy" and "psychopath" can be hurtful, let's all learn the secret word of the day:
Ableism
noun \ˈā-bə-ˌli-zəm\
:discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities
That's right! For the rest of the article, whenever anybody says the secret word, scream real loud!
Now, most people are not purposefully thinking, "Ah yes, someone with a mental illness! This is someone who doesn't matter and can be used as a prop for my jokes and discriminatory remarks!"
A majority of people don't even think twice about using "crazy" or "psycho" in daily conversation. However, associating the negative denotation of the word crazy that we used earlier with those who are mentally ill can breed some really hurtful connotations. I don't think I'm "full of cracks or flaws or unsound" and I certainly don't feel I'm "not mentally sound, marked by thought or action that lacks reason." The stigma of mental illness that has been created says that being neurotypical is the norm, that people who have mental illnesses must either strive to become that norm or should keep their distance from those who are "normal."
Mental illness, or neurodivergence is then seen as bad thing to be and must be overcome. Ableist language like this makes me feel like maybe I'm not supposed to like myself because I've got this invisible condemnation at all times.
I know that I am not a bad or broken person. I know that my friends with mental illnesses are not bad people or broken people. My mental illnesses are not attributed to my character nor do I think it should cause anyone to treat me differently than anyone else. I am not my diagnosis.
I'm me..
As a person with mental illnesses, I'm always a bit cautious about stating my opinion about issues regarding this community I identify with. Because although I understand I take space in this community, these harmful misunderstandings about mental illness make me afraid to speak out. But I know that there is much more support and goodness in the world then there is adversity that I'll face.
I hope that in speaking out about the ableism that goes unspoken, it might create an understanding of why it needs to stop. And understanding and empathizing with someone is the first step in stopping the stigma against them.
