[wisewoman]

Back when we could use our skills and earn a living and things weren't so complicated I think those of us with mental health issues were able to work, function and socialize on our own terms. Maybe we would be called the hermit blacksmith or the odd fix it person. Maybe we were the seamstress who spoke to herself while working and we were just accepted, different but useful. Now there is little room for that. You have to have a "JOB" and there is always liability insurance to deal with. I feel that in many ways for people with mild to moderate mental health issues our world has become more harsh.

No, I am not saying it was better when a lot of us would have been stripped naked and kept in a room with a drain in the floor for waste, tied up, living out life worse then an animal. I am saying that for the people who had some skill and knew survival they were less stigmatized and it was easier for them to work.

Just thinking. Haven't we become the intolerant culture?

[Bethsway]

I agree...not only intolerant...but darn right discourteous...People are actually hateful to someone who is different in the office place...hateful and hurtful...They make fun of them...Shun them...It is a shame how down hill our society has become...I read in a magazine once that if you were bored...go to the mall and make fun of people...now what the heck kind of advice is that? I think it is sick...and no wonder so many good people have a hard time coping...

[Lexicon78]

I'd have to agree.

I know in the past when I was looking for a job or was actually employed, once anyone found out I had any type of mental issues, no matter what the cause, I was basically treated like crap. I was the outcast...once again. No matter how hard I tried to fit in and be accepted it never worked.

And they wonder why I quit looking for employment??? Hmmm....

[Rapunzel]

WW, I can see that too. I think we have become intolerant of some things, while overly tolerant of others.

[wisewoman]

Yes, we are tolerant of HATE. What a shame. At least when we were allowed to self employ or be employed on our own terms we could be helpful and perhaps less stressed. How many people are homebound who have wonderful skills to offer?

[sabby]

I totally agree with you. Even folks who are not mentally ill but just different in their own right are not accepted. Our culture has not progressed, it has regressed in our acceptance of all kinds of differences.

As a home provider and day support staff for folks with all kinds of disabilities, I am keenfully aware of how they are treated in the community, at home with familly members and friends and in the work place. Some of the folks I work with have mental illnesses along with other disabilities. When in the community with them, I have found that how I deal with them, how I present myself with them, can make a huge difference in how they are treated.

Jobs these days have progressed to certain levels where the concepts are hard to grasp for those with a disability (no matter what the disability is). Much of the work is computerized in nature and is geared to customer service. That is not to say that folks can't learn it or become good at the job, just that it may take a longer training period and finding the right employer who is willing to go the distance is most difficult get through.

I believe that every single person has a gift to give. Finding the right avenue so that person can share it, is the difficult part.

[wisewoman]

I want to strongly DITTO your post!