Knowing this, I find some of the most patronizing and condescending people I deal with are within the very community I must live within. When I must communicate with my physician’s office, some of the staff treat me in such patronizing ways, it is almost intolerable! None of my other medical teams treat me thus.
Why is it, when you find out someone has high cholesterol, they are not viewed as blocked arteries? Or a person with anemia as a glass half full? But when you find out someone has a mental illness, they are viewed as crazy, moody, out of control, “just like my aunt.. she was ____”, dangerous, necessary to avoid at all costs, nothing in common with, not in their right mind, etc. I could keep on going. And going.
Those with mental illness live in variating stages. The idea of treating them as though each and every person is at their worst point is repulsive and unprofessional. Effective communication stops. The encounter can quickly escalate to heated even damaging proportions. And most often, the role the medical professionals, caregivers, etc is seen as appropriate and the person with mental illness seen negative and assumed to be so.
Please note, I said Person -not patient- with mental illness. If we can all remember that no matter whether you have high cholesterol, anemia, or bipolar, like me, you are a Valued Person. And must be treated with respect, kindness, and politeness. Patronizing others in any fashion is demeaning and hurtful. May we be evermore mindful of our words and actions.
‘Til next time
Arla
