Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c)2014 Nancy Virden

I heard today about a proud man who “caught” his father’s sexism and has continued it throughout his life.

He has lived with a wife, has a comfortable relationship with his sister, and as a chemist, is not dumb. He experienced the sixties and seventies, and saw the workplace change as women assumed rights to equal treatment.

Somehow, he has not learned from, and I suspect has not listened to the world around him. He stopped opening his mind when, as a child, his father gave him the lifetime excuse of superiority: he is male.

He sees women as capable of only so much, and today questioned his sister’s ability to understand basic concepts. She has advanced education in the medical and psychology fields. Even with her degree and history of successfully working with disturbed clients, he repeats his opinion of psychology as “hocus-pocus”. 

Of course he is free to express his ideas. She is patient to hear them. However,  he is not asking any questions.

There are those who sadly choose to remain ignorant about their spouse or children, selecting TV channels over conversation. Intolerant bosses and fellow employees keep a work atmosphere difficult. People who stew in their limited information and make-believe excuses bring trouble down on us all.  

This is how stigma against mental illness survives too. Chosen ignorance is not the same as stupid. It is being knowledge-free. Make your decisions about mental healthcare based on solid information. 

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help can be yours.

*pictures from qualitystockphotos