We’ve all seen statements using mental health treatments as insults. It’s not necessarily the treatments themselves that are getting dumped on, but rather the mental illness itself, as the intention is to capitalize on the negative stigma surrounding struggles with mental health.
The implication is that the person is “crazy” & draws on negative stereotypes that portray people with mental illness as unstable, unhinged, deranged, unpredictable, or even violent and dangerous.
Saying something like “balance your meds,” “take a Xanax,” or “go to therapy” in a condescending tone when arguing is an attempt to undercut the legitimacy of their opinion, argument, or emotions because they think that’s the only reason a person could possibly be disagreeing with them. What they are saying is “your opinion doesn’t matter because you are not at the same level as me because you’re crazy.” How messed up is that? Stooping to such a low level as to paint people with mental illness as being less-than is despicable.
There is a difference between a person having an emotional conversation versus a legitimate mental illness, & I don’t think it’s helpful to use them interchangeably. Even IF, and I mean *if* a person is legitimately mentally ill when these statements are said, it’s still an unacceptable way to speak to someone as the intent of these phrases is meant to SHAME. Shame is the antithesis of compassion & empathy and says “YOU are bad” rather than saying “You DID something bad.” It’s dangerous to our mental health.
I really hate negative portrayals such as the argument between Sutton and Dorit on Real Housewives because whether people realize it or not, it DOES add to the stigma of mental illness.
According to a study, these portrayals:
“… impair self-esteem, help-seeking behaviours, medication adherence and overall recovery. Mental health advocates blame the media for promoting stigma and discrimination toward people with a mental illness.” [Stuart H. Media portrayal of mental illness and its treatments. CNS Drugs. 2006;20(2):99–10]
I’ll leave you with this: If you need to portray another person as “crazy” in order to win an argument, you’ve already lost. Stop using mental health treatments as insults.
This post was originally published on our facebook page.
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