Posted by dove on October 7, 1999, at 9:21:20
In reply to Re: Workplace discrimination, posted by Susan Jane on October 7, 1999, at 2:17:01
It seems the workplace is one of the toughest enviroments to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Many people who are ignorant of or never been exposed to mental disorders hold the viewpoint that it's either an excuse (which they'll use to their full advantage) or the person with the illness is completely bonkers (and you better not get close and you better walk on eggshells around them).
My husband's Boss has a severe depression/paranoia/anxiety disorder. He takes meds and tries to keep others from knowing or discussing this, he's very self-conscious and for legit reasons.
The boss had a get-together at his house where some of the people were drinking and the question was asked about drinking while on psychotropic meds. This proceeded to cause great distress to the boss, who didn't want it discussed. Aside from the man's great discomfort, some of the spouses at the party spoke up about their psycho-active meds, side-effects and so on. No one spoke of why they were taking these meds or how the meds were working in concern to the symptoms. I felt like I couldn't say anything, not having the knowledge or the ability to speak about this taboo subject even in this somewhat relaxed enviroment (I'm glad I left it alone but the next time I'm opening my mouth).
My husband has first hand experience with mental illness and has lived with me for 9 years :-) So it doesn't bother him in the least. The only complaint he has ever had about his absolute favorite boss is the moodiness that directly effects their relationship. On a given day the boss is very friendly, laid-back and the next day it'll swing to the opposite pole, uptight, agitated, sharp-tongued ect..
Now, for my confession, I tend to view these behaviors as mood-effective and tied to his illness. My husband actually gets angry with me, stating that it's just human, and normal, everyone has mood-swings everyday and it is no reflection on the mental stability relating to the work-enviroment or supervisoral qualifications. My husband is very literal, as in he takes everything at face-value, no light and shadows for this guy :-)Which seems to be a positive quality at home and in the work-place most of the time. He is immune to office and social politics, which is where much of the bigotry and discrimination emerges from.
I think my long-winded point is. the people who are ignorant or afraid or biased need to be changed by personal contact and relationships. They need to see the real person behind the facade even if that means clearly seeing the illnesses that are quite common in our society. To see your co-workers as people with problems just like you, to view the co-workers spouses in the same light, knowing that they too have mental disorders just as they have so-called "physical" ones. The boss, the boss's spouse, children ect.. We must judge people by their actions and the fruit of their actions and their intentions. If someone is out to get you, any excuse will do. Keep your guard up! If someone speaks from ignorance, inform them, show them, enlighten their dark-age brain with some insightful whup-a** for the mind.
People are people, in all their flawed human glory. Afraid and spiteful, deceitful and two-faced. They are also loyal and agreeable, supportive and able to learn from life experiences (theoretically :^P ) Show them your intentions, let them marvel at the fruit of your actions. And let them in, to see the real you when the right time arises. We can never be 'perfect' in thought, deed or action, neither can they. We all have failings and weaknesses, not because we're all mentally ill but because we're all human. We're just diagnosed while they live in obscure obliviousness.
Show them the light! and let them tremble :-)
dove
poster:dove
thread:12703
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/12721.html