Why YOU and I and NAMI StigmaBusters are SO important...
This evening, I sat down with a cup of hot chocolate and one of my favorite decorating mags, ELLE Decor, Dec. 2013. It’s become a bit of a monthly tradition…hot chocolate, ELLE Decor, cozy blankets, my ‘wish’ box. I rip out all the pieces of furniture I would love to have in my imaginary home : ).
So I was flipping thru the pages and I came to the Editor’s Page, which I always read. I was more than shocked when I read the title…
'Is It Possible to Suffer From Design Schizophrenia?'
The article, written by editor-in- chief, Micheal Boodro, went on to discuss his varying design styles, calm in one room, bold in the next. Modern furnishings against antiques. He described his confusion about his ‘real’ design identity. In closing, Mr. Boodro says ‘talk about multiple personality disorder!’
Now, as you can imagine, I am furious. Not only is it completely inappropriate, the comparisons between his ‘design confusion’ and his perception of the actual symptoms of each of the disorders he mentions are completely off base.
I wonder, if when I call and tell him about my beloved friend who ended her life after living decades with Schizophrenia, if he will still think it is the same. Or if when I tell him about my other friend who lives with Schizoaffective disorder, who at 18, has to live in homeless shelters because her own family won’t let her come home. I wonder if he will think that is the same as having one room bright green and one room pale yellow.
This hit me hard tonight, it was so unexpected. And people wonder why individuals living with mental illness don’t want to talk about it. I am definetly going to call the Hearst Corporation, email Mr. Boodro, and NAMI StigmaBusters.
So what is NAMI StigmaBusters, you ask??
NAMI StigmaBusters is a network of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight inaccurate and hurtful representations of mental illness.
Whether these images are found in TV, film, print, or other media, StigmaBusters speak out and challenge stereotypes. They seek to educate society about the reality of mental illness and the courageous struggles faced by consumers and families every day. StigmaBusters’ goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice, or unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding, and respect.
Each month, close to 20,000 advocates receive a NAMI StigmaBusters Alert, and it is read by countless others around the world online. Send it to your own personal and professional networks.
Numbers do count, so let your voice be heard.
Questions? Contact: [email protected].