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Recovery Workgroup Mission Statement: We are a recovery workgroup dedicated to spreading our experiences, creativity and message of hope in the community on the pages of our newsletter. Publication Information
Table of Contents
INSIGHTS to recovery is published by the Summit Pointe Recovery Workgroup. Poetry, artwork, or suggestions for future articles can be sent to Sabrina Weatherwax at Summit Pointe, 140 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017, or emailed to Emily at insightstorecovery@gmail.com, subject line: newsletter. Summit Pointe is located in downtown Battle Creek at the corner of W. Michigan Ave. and United Way. 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1 (800) 632-5449
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Title From the Editors Our Stories Discussions of Diagnoses: Recovery News Seasonal Stories Guest Column: Puzzles News to You Adult Coloring Virtual Resources Stop the Stigma Community resources
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From the editors
No one wants to talk to me because of what I might say or do. I swear and swear and swear.
A new name and new goals
I get jealous all the time, someone has something that I want, or someone has more money than I do, or can go some place that I can not.
Welcome to the new and improved Insights to Recovery, the former Recovery Express newsletter. We have been working hard on restructuring the newsletter and the name, a full overhaul. The group that produces the newsletter has had a few changes in the last few months, so as a group we have decided to make some positive changes. We hope you enjoy all the changes, any and all suggestions can be hand written and given to the front desk in care of Sabrina Wetherwax or emailed to insightstorecovery@gmail.com
It is a burden that wears me down everyday and every night. Every little thing sets me off. Just ask someone who lives at the red house. I say that I am sorry. But that means nothing. I always say that I am sorry. People are getting annoyed with me saying that I am sorry. Just ask and tell by the tone of their voice. I used to take my medication, but I always use the same excuse that I do not like my medication with water. So I substitute water with chocolate milk or a can of pop.
Our Stories Friendship
I nag Andrea about it when I do not have Netflix or YouTube. I nag about fixing it, she told me when I just can't stand it to walk it off or write it down.
By Brandon D. Friendship in its truest form can withstand even the toughest obstacles. I am happy to have two groups of friends: friends who will stand with me and fight for me, and friends who will put me in my place if need be.
When I do this it makes me feel so much better it makes my day better so I don't have to apologize to everyone all the time. For the first time I can hold my head up and look at myself in the mirror. I still have a bad day, I still get mad but I rage a lot less, my energy when walking and uniting turns into good energy. I love my new skills I worked for them. I walked a lot. I got over excuses and earned my friends and family's respect.
Friendship can be a bond sometimes stronger then family. This may be because friends have more in common. If you have no friends, don’t despair, just try talking to people. You will never know if you don't try.
Rage
A Letter of Self-Acceptance
By Tim F.
By Christopher T.
I get mad all the time at people, any time of day.
I know there is pain in this life, but the worst pain there is that of guilt or that of feeling guilty
I yell at people. I scare people, I frighten them. I lose friends this way. I understand and realize that.
I have felt my share of guilt and I am here to tell you to hold on for one more day and just open your heart and mind.
This is why I do not get invited to visit my relatives, my rage, my screaming, my yelling. This is also why I am alone. I make myself my own worst enemy. This is also why I cannot live with my mother.
We have no one to blame, for only a bully points the finger and blames out of spite. I should know as 3
I was voted “class bully” during my final days in high school.
gone…it's gone! So live, love, laugh, and always remember to move forward through the sad times.
Family
But that was years ago, My life may not have gone where I thought it was going to go, but that’s where I had had enough and it was time to accept myself for who I am and take responsibly for my own self in this life.
By Tanisha Sometimes I feel depressed because of my dad. Sometimes I don't feel like talking about it. He hurts my feelings and I don't like how he talks about my mom.
There is this one song that I’ve heard over the years, but it always held true for me. That explains this letter of self-acceptance. I just hope for forgiveness now days. The song is called “hold on” by Wilson Phillips.
She was a good mom to me it was fun because we had a lot of good times together. I wish she was here sometimes because I would talk to my mom and I would be happy because she would want me to be happy. Sometimes I cry for you but my friend tells me not to cry for you.
P.S. I am sorry for all the times that I was just too hard- headed to pay attention to those that needed just a moment longer.
Sometimes I call my sister and she talks to me, she helps me sometimes. She is a good manager and I love her, she is funny. She is always nice to me because she is having a baby.
Thank You By Aaron We all want to give a big thanks to Summit Pointe for letting us to reach out to others to make them feel they are not alone, so we can stomp out stigma.
When she goes home I miss her and sometimes I tell her things. She gets me my favorite things for Christmas and I was so happy I got a new coat. I have friends here sometimes, but we don't always get along. But I have my sister and I love her a lot. Sometimes I want to hang out with my sister and I want what is best for her.
For mental health to not be looked down upon, and to help us to cope with our problems and carry on with life to succeed in our goals; mental health is our priority to help others
A Day in the Life
I love all my friends and family. I like to play games with my sister and I like to have fun. I talk to my sister and she talks to me when I am upset and feeling down. I also talk to my brother and my auntie, I love my auntie.
By Chris T Life hasn't always been easy for me growing up, but yet there have been good times with good people.
Love
I was diagnosed at the age of 9 with bipolar and mood swings. I was put on 4 different meds to help me grieve with my mother’s death the year before.
By Shawna Why is it so hard to say you love someone but you can't come out and say it to the person? I am not going to say a name at all, but that person makes me happy.
Looking back on those events that led me to where I am now in my life. It's been 20 or so years living with my diagnosis and I am here to tell you that hope is always a step away, and all you need to do is reach out and speak up.
Being in a relationship is hard when you are trying to make that person happy when you are in the relationship, but then it all works out.
Whatever you do don't let life pass you by. Once it's 4
Not only does the higher gravity affect the body, but also the mind. Everything is a struggle. Doing, thinking and trying to appear normal takes a lot of hard work, and sometimes it is just not possible.
Dear dad, I love you so much and I miss you. I miss grandma too, and I love you grandma. Love, your baby girl
It also leaves me completely exhausted, drained to the very bottom of my mental and physical reserves.
Coping with life By Lorrie
Until the depression lifts and with it, the high gravity. I may not be able to bounce about like an astronaut on the moon, but my limbs and brain are not being pulled down.
I cope with the daily life issues by laying down a lot. I just learn to cope with life.
Living in high gravity
The second metaphor I use is fog.
By Laura A. On a foggy day, it is harder to see the world around you. Visibilty is obscured by the mist in the air and objects can vanish completely.
People who don’t experience depression make assumptions about it and act towards their friends who have been diagnosed with it, as if those assumptions are correct.
But, eventually, the sun comes out and burns off the fog, making it clear again.
They assume depression is another word for “sad” and they say “cheer up”. Or encourage their friends to get out into nature, do yoga, or something else that makes them feel good when they are sad.
So, don’t tell me to cheer up or snap out of it. Be patient and accepting and understand that although you may not see it, I’m working very hard and expending a lot of energy just to get through the day. And I’m waiting for the gravity to lift and the fog to burn off.
Some call depression the “blues” as if it were a type of music and tell people with depression to “snap out of it”. This can cause harm to the people they are trying to help, making them feel wrong because they can’t cheer up or snap out of it.
Seasonal Affective Disorder By Lorrie
Depression isn’t sadness or the blues, and if you haven’t experienced it, it is hard to understand it.
Weather often affects people's moods. Sunlight breaking through clouds can lift your spirits, while a dull, rainy day may make us feel a little gloomy. While noticeable, these shifts in mood generally do not affect our ability to cope with daily life.
We all have our own metaphors for explaining what depression feels like. I have two that I use. The first comes straight from science fiction. I blame years of reading Heinlein and Asimov.
Some people, however, are vulnerable to a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. For them, shortened days of late autumn are the beginnings of a type of clinical depression that can last until spring. This condition is called “seasonal affective disorder,” or SAD.
When I am experiencing depression, it is like living on a high gravity planet. This is the opposite of being on the Moon, where gravity is lower than Earth, and astronauts can bounce around easily. The gravity on Planet Depression is much higher than Earth normal, so it takes much more strength and burns more energy to do things. 5
Discussions of Diagnoses:
By Tony
Schizophrenia
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually don't occur until people are in their late 20’s, and some people get schizophrenia worse than others.
By Jenny I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. I have been feeling up, then down.
There are different types of medications that you can take to deal with the problem. Why lots of people have schizophrenia isn't known.
The illness is part of me, and sometimes I would want it not to control my life.
Difficultly with concentration and memory may also be present, a disorder that affects persons ability to think and feel and behave clearly.
I have people who support me and I thank them for that. I have a mental illness and I am glad I know I have friends who understand how I am feeling.
Paranoid schizophrenia is when you think somebody is out to get you, but they are not.
When it comes to my mental health I feel sad when I think of it.
Schizophrenia does not mean somene has a split personality or multiple personality. Most people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent.
My mental health has always put me down and I can't do a lot of stuff because people think I will get upset and they don't want me stressed. I hate that.
By Tim To me, schizophrena means: another one of those illnesses that people have that drive them to talk to themselves and answer themselves.
When I was younger I joined my tribal committee and I was told I couldn't go to six flags because I would be stressed out easily. The person who was in charge said I couldn't go.
It is controlled by electro shock therapy. Hospital institutions had people write on walls. The other people and patients were like that movie with Jack Nicholson, “One flew over the cuckoos nest”.
I want people to look at me and get to know me, I don't want them to judge me. By Anonymous
By Julie
When I was 19 I got sick with schizophrenia. I was seeing things and dancing in the street. My mother put me in the state hospital.
Paranoid schizophrenia can cause the following symptoms: 1. Hearing things 2. Hearing voices 3. Getting pop and asking nice. 4. Attitude to staff: sometimes, I am not nice. 5. All around the back yard. 6. Seeing things that are not there.
By Anonymous A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Sometimes you have to sit back and take a deep breath. You can sit down and take your time, and get your mind on the right track. Some people grew up with the schizophrenia disorder. Some people have learned how to control it, by thinking positive, or thinking about someone you care about.
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Discussions of Diagnoses:
comfortable. Other times I move to another area of the house and sit down and meditate.
Anxiety
Anxieties are serious and aren't to be played with. They can lead to heart trouble and other health troubles.
By Jenny One thing that makes me have really bad anxiety is hearing voices. I have heard voices since I moved to my mom’s.
By Jordan Anxiety is like your heart is doing jumping jacks.
It scares me I believe what they say and I get really paranoid. I don't tell anyone because I don't want to be judged.
Bipolar I Disorder By Lorrie
The voices make me miserable. I feel when they are around I can never be happy. I cry sometimes, I never get to be happy. I want to be free of being hurt. I feel I have no one.
Bipolar I Disorder is a condition that causes changes in mood, activity levels, energy, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Bipolar I Disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness, and, although there is no known cure, it's symptoms can be treated.
I push people away and I do it to protect myself. I feel like I can't trust anyone in the end and my heart says the truth. You can't trust anyone because all they do is hurt you. I am right, and my heart is right.
Although everyone has typical ups and downs, Bipolar I Disorder can cause these to be more extreme. If you are living with Bipolar I Disorder, you know more than anyone how it can affect you.
My anxiety puts people at a distance and I feel if I protect myself my anxiety will stay at bay.
People diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder have periods called “mood episodes”, which are severe changes from a persons typical mood. Mood episodes can be manic, depressive, or mixed.
By Jake Many things make me anxious, I am anxious about making ends meet, my relatives busting my chops, hoping friends who are still alive don't make the same poor choices as the ones that I have lost, that I don't get robbed again or randomly assaulted, and hoping my dad and I could catch up someday.
People experiencing an episode of mania may describe their symptoms as feeling overly joyful or energetic, while those having a mixed episode have symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time. Knowing and understanding the symptoms of Bipolar I may help you better understand the illness.
Keeping my peace of mind through the day is not easy, but I try. If I do feel that way, I usually just try to sit and breathe slow to bring down a possible panic attack.
Epilepsy By Lorrie
Anxiety makes me shaky.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain which causes you to have seizures that make you black out, or fall down and have convulsions.
How I handle things getting to me is listening to music. I get anxiety from my brain not functioning, from headaches and feeling trapped. I take Ativan, a drug for anxiety.
You have to take medication to prevent the seizures. You sleep a lot from the disorder, and sometimes you can’t drive a car or go places on your own.
At times I cope by lying down and getting 7
Recovery news
“Individuals and families need resources to help prevent, treat, and recover from the disease of addiction.” Goodrich said. “Our goal was to create a program to help engage individuals with substance abuse issues and encourage a positive path to a successful recovery. We have worked with professionals experienced in treating substance use issues, people who are now in recovery and community groups to design a center that provides a safe and welcoming environment and meaningful tools that will lead to recovery.”
Summit Pointe opens new Recovery Center
Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker agrees, adding that our community has a moral obligation to aggressively offer resources, programs and a vision to help people overcome substance abuse. Flanked by Chamber Ambassadors and Summit Pointe representatives, Chief Jim Blocker of the Battle Creek Police Department cut the red ribbon to officially open the Summit Pointe Recovery Center. (Photo by Shelly Kehrle-Sulser, the Battle Creek Shopper News)
“Every life we lose is a tragic loss to our community and tears at the fabric of our community potential,” Blocker said. “The Recovery Center is an answer achieved through community partnerships with the goal of providing an exit strategy to those caught in this destructive addiction."
Summit Pointe hosted a ribbon-cutting and Open House for the new Recovery Center on March 2, at 215 E. Roosevelt Avenue in Battle Creek. The actual opening date for the Recovery Center was Monday, March 13.
The Recovery Center is an excellent example of how community partnerships respond to substance abuse issues, said Joel Smith, LMSW, interim manager of substance use disorder services at Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health.
The Recovery Center provides social detox services, outpatient counseling and crisis intervention for people with substance use and addiction issues. It is a collaborative effort between Summit Pointe, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, the Battle Creek Police Department, the Substance Abuse Council, and Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. It will be staffed 24 hours a day and seven days a week with recovery coaches and appropriately licensed providers who are trained to assist individuals begin their recovery journey.
“The path to recovery is uniquely different for everyone and the Recovery Center will play a valuable role in engaging and supporting individuals in their recovery,” Smith added. “Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health is proud to be a partner in such an important and innovative program.” Goodrich encourages the community to attend the Open House to learn more about substance use disorders and how the Recovery Center can help individuals and families in the recovery process.
According to Jeannie Goodrich, CEO of Summit Pointe, “The Recovery Center is a shining example of how our community responds to a crisis, adding that substance abuse issues in our community have reached a critical point. In 2016, there were 147 heroin overdoses and 89 overdoses from other opiates in Calhoun County.” 8
Seasonal Stories
About the Easter Bunny By Anonymous
My Day
He gives eggs and candy, he hops along, he takes pictures with kids and adults. He comes to fill candy baskets.
By Tim F. I call st Patrick's Day “my day” because I am fullblooded Irish on my mom’s side and my father’s side.
The Seasons By Julie
My sister has been to the Emerald Isle a lot, with her former husband. I bet there are a lot of four-leaf clovers in Ireland. I hear from my mom that my sister says it is really cold over there.
Winter: I am tired of the cold, because I do not like the cold. Summer: I love summer because we go swimming. Spring: I love spring because of the Easter bunny, and candy.
I wish that more restaurants had corned beef and cabbage for the holiday. Both pubs side by side should serve the flow of people of whom can't go in one so they could enjoy corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's day.
By Scott Winter: the cold makes the grass and trees and flowers go to sleep. It's a bad time for people. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years help jolly up the season. Spring: the trees bud for leaves and the weather starts to change for people's well being. Summer: the weather makes the whole difference of the year. Parties are all over the place. Fall: the leaves fall and the earth starts to go to sleep.
If you do not wear something green you get pinched. I want to go to the library to see how that got started.
Fresh Air By Jenny When the first sign of spring comes I feel a little light headed, because I feel closed off and stuck inside when winter hits. I feel overjoyed and I look forward to being outside more as the signs of spring come closer and closer to me. I am happy, way more happy before the season of winter hits. I am looking forward to everyday. I look forward to cleaning my room and washing my windows and mirror. I like the smell of the cleaning products. I love to clean and love to smell the freshness of spring. I am happy with a big smile on my face.
Artwork by Fawnna 9
Guest Column
Of course, I don't walk around like Eeyore all day. If you see me on the street, I'll smile and say "hi." I laugh and joke around more than my share in the office. But inside me, the sadness is just kind of stuck in place. The thing is, so many of you who are reading these words know exactly what I am talking about. If everyone who fits the clinical definition of a depressed person were to stand up in a crowded stadium, you'd know that it's everywhere, and that we could pull off a pretty impressive wave all on our own. One, big, sad wave going around and around. And what would we call those who remained seated for this wave? Normal? Gimme a break. Take some common afflictions: obesity, arthritis, alcoholism, dyslexia, halitosis, even chronic obnoxiousness. Eliminate all those folks from the "normal" classification. Pretty soon you wind up with a pretty small subset of the population that can claim normalcy. So the new normal is really all of us with something that hobbles us a bit as we deal with everday life. CRANKY BOB To those of you who don't get it, who want to tell me to just snap out of it, that blame me for my illness, I have two words: Stuff it. That'd be a whole lot of stuffing going on, because there are plenty of people who believe just that: Depression isn't really an illness, it's an excuse, it's just weakness. Well, from all of us to all of you: You are wrong. That kind of attitude is just so, well, abnormal.
Depression is real, serious, and I have it By Robert “Cranky Bob” Warner, Story Coach, The Battle Creek Enquirer I have depression. It's not that I'm depressed. I have depression. Severe, chronic depression. It's brain chemistry, and my brain just happens to be a chemical soup of melancholy. It means my life is lived at a distance from things that many of you take for granted: • Waking up happy, ready to face the day. • Socializing freely and joyfully. • Falling asleep without a struggle. It means that I am sadder than most of you more often than most of you, and for less reason. It means that I walk around feeling like there's a little sign over my head that says "different." It's always been that way, and I have come to terms with the fact it will always be that way. But coming to terms with that doesn't make it any easier. You know the words for us: Dark. Brooding. Moody. Distant. But you don't hear us talking about our depression very often. We are pretty sure you want us to keep it a secret. Well, that's not right. And that's why, as Summit Pointe begins a campaign to Stomp out Stigma next week, I am not keeping it a secret any more. Knowing without having to read the warning signs of depression, I called a psychologist and got help. Anybody can do it, and you probably would be surprised to find how easy it is to make the call. Punch seven digits, say hello and ask for help. They'll take it from there. Summit Pointe's seven digits are 966-1460. I have depression, and I take drugs to fight it. They make me functional in a world that, to my gloomy mind, seems bent on keeping me focused on misgivings, regrets, shortcomings and failings. The same drugs also take away some of my creativity, and I struggle to balance feeling less anguish with the sharpness and drive that are underneath the depression.
(used by permission of the Battle Creek Enquirer)
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Puzzles
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News to You The Battle for the Planet Remulok by the CIR Players By Laura A. "A long, long, time ago, in a galaxy surprisingly close," began "The Battle for Planet Remulok". The play, "was a collaborative effort amongst the students, who came up with the characters, the story line and wrote the entire script," according to Stephen Edwardson, Art Program Coordinator for Community Inclusive Recreation The theater class wasn't just recreational for students, Edwardson noted, "Theater is a great vehicle for teaching a lot of social skills, including making eye contact, speaking clearly, interaction and understanding social cues and body language. It is a fun way to help participants with the challenges they face." Summit Pointe Case Manager Robert Bruinsma sat in the front row, all smiles as he watched the performance, "I loved how happy everyone looked. I would not have missed it for the world." CIR Executive Director Heather Meyer was enthusiastic, "It was amazing, especially when the monster came over the back. They worked so hard every week. We've got some real Hollywood movie stars right here."
Stephen Edwardson, Art Program Coordinator for Community Inclusive Recreation and the CIR Players prepare to perform "The Battle for Planet Remulok" at the organizations headquarters (L-R: Edwardson, Chris Oldenburg, James Sweet, Wayne Logan, Rashaad Douglas, Heather Fourn and Jennifer Wilson).
A long, long, time ago, in a galaxy surprisingly close‌Good King Luke (Luke Christoff) was betrayed by his wife the Ice Queen (Jennifer Wilson) who has chosen to leave him for the Evil Sorceror Scorpius (Brian Leszynski) who has just laid waste to his kingdom.
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In order to save the heir to the throne of Planet Remulok, Prince Lemoras, the Genie (Wayne Logan) hands the baby prince over to Siri the Oracle (James Sweet) while the young Sir Duke (Chris Oldenburg) looks on.
Good King Luke’s daughter, the Fire Princess (Heather Fourn) is held under guard by the masked evil henchman, Freak (Logan Flemming), as she witnesses the murder of the Genie by the Evil Sorceror Scorpous.
Years later‌Prince Lemoras and Sir Duke have grown up and are ready to battle for the kingdom. Siri the Oracle presents Prince Lemoras (Rashaad Douglas) and Sir Duke with magic shields to use in their fight.
Rashaad Douglas takes a quick look at the script between scenes.
The evil henchman Freak transforms into a hideos monster to do battle with Sir Duke and Prince Lemoras.
Good King Luke looks on as Prince Lemoras strikes the killing blow against the Evil Sorceror Scorpius, bringing the Battle for the Planet Remulok to an end and restoring the king to his throne.
Summit Pointe Case Manager Robert Bruinsma examines one of the magical shields used in the production.
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Adult Coloring
Artwork by Fawnna 16
Virtual Resources Links Alcoholics Anonymous: Real time open meeting online www.aaonline.net Narcotics Anonymous www.na.org Charitable Union www.charitableunion.org The National Rehabilitation Association www.nationalrehab.org National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org HealthCentral www.healthcentral.com Health Recovery Center www.mentalhealthrecovery.com Stamp Out Stigma www.stampoutstigma.com Heads Together www.headstogether.org.uk Elefriends www.elefriends.org.uk Project Semicolon https://projectsemicolon.com/ Battle Creek Festivals www.bcfestivals.org Battle Creek PRIDE www.battlecreekpride.org www.facebook.com/pages/Battle-Creek-Pride-Public
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Stop the Stigma
people who stand by me saying I will not give up. I have strengths and I'll be ok.
The Story Isn’t Over
I love the idea that someone struggling with the disease can glance down at one little symbol on their wrist, ankle or belly button and be openminded that they will be ok. And they are not alone, they are not nuts, they are just sick. And they can keep writing their story.
By Jenny
I’m a Survivor By Jenny Have you felt so scared? Have you even wanted to leave? Have you ever wanted some help? Have you even wanted to scream? In a large crowded room? It seems better not to cope. It seems better to wish away All the bad that comes your way. I am a survivor, Of so many abuses. I want to stay in bed And sleeep the day away. I try to get up….. Everyday feels like a struggle. I feel helpless at times. I put on a happy face That most people do not notice. I feel lost. I feel scared. I feel alone. I put on a mask, A mask that says Hey I am ok, But breathe in all I am writing.
The meaning of the semicolon, and how my story is not over, but it grew. Project Semicolon is a community of people who are struggling with depression, self harm, suicide, addiction, and self injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love and inspire. The reason I am getting the semicolon tattoo is because I am dealing with depression and self injury and suicide. Some days I am ok and some days I am not ok. I had a difficult time in school. For a while at home I was not happy. To be truthful, I was in and out of the hospital, and one day I walked out the door and I didn't turn back.
I was hurt by people I cared about and I wasn't protected by the people I cared about. They didn't do anything. I feel betrayed. When I look at myself I frown.
I was, and still am, mad at my family. I walked out of my parents’ house even though I knew my dad was ill. I just left. I feel bad about it now. I miss my folks. If I could redo anything, I would want to redo my relationship with my folks. I just didn't care at the time. The semicolon is a sign that I am not alone, that I have
But when I believe in myself, I soar. I feel strong. I feel like I can change. I feel relief. I feel I am ok. And that's good. 18
Stop the Stigma
in order to help stop the stigma against mental illness. If you mean busy, don't use crazy or insane. Try hectic, instead. If someone is angry, don't call them mad, call them angry. If they are rude, they are rude, not nuts. And if something doesn't make sense, call it out, don't call it crazy.
Abelism, Language and Mental Health By Laura A. Every day, we stigmatize individuals with a mental health diagnosis through careless language. Language that has become so much a part of our daily speech that we don't even notice it.
And find other terms to use in regards to the President or other public figures, if you wish to insult them via social media. The English language is rich in insults, expand your vocabulary via a dictionary or thesaurus, or try the Shakepearean Insult Generator: (http://www.pangloss.com/seidel/Shaker/index.html ?). Just click on the "Insult me!" button, thou tottering reeling-ripe malt-worm!
When someone asks how our day was, instead of saying it was busy or overwhelming, we say, "It was crazy," or "It was insane." Crazy is a common term used when we run into something that does not make sense to us. If someone is rude to us, instead of calling them rude, we call them "nuts." Instead of angry, we use the term, "mad." All of these terms have been used to describe individuals with mental health diagnoses.
Even Shakespeare used language that stigmatizes. The Bard's use of terms like "fool" and "idiot" stigmatizes individuals with cognitive disabilities. Avoid using those words as well as (the everpopular) "retard" and "moron." All of these words were once used to label, and even scientifically define, individuals with cognitive impairment. Even "dumb" was once used as a technical term to refer to someone who is nonverbal, usually in conjunction with "deaf", as was the term "mute."
Facebook and other social media are filled with slurs against individuals with a mental health diagnosis, aimed at the current President of the United States. No matter how you feel about a public figure or their decisions, it is demeaning to people who live with mental health conditions to use terms like "crazy" or imply that they have a mental illness.
Don't. Just, don't. Help stop the stigma around mental illness and disabilities by being mindful of the language you use.
Even the popular "Harry Potter" fiction series stigmatizes mental illness by giving one of the recurring chracters, Luna Lovegood, the nickname "Loony." The character is regularly bullied by having her shoes stolen, forcing her to go around barefoot. There is a term for using this type of languge. Ableism. Like racism and sexism, ableism is a way of differentiating people as being inferior because they are differently abled from what society generally considers "normal." Ableism can be very cruel and hurtful to individuals with a mental health diagnosis, and it also helps to perpetuate the stigma. The solution is to be mindful of the language we use 19
Community Resources Food Pantries Trinity Lutheran Church 2055 E. Columbia Ave. (269) 963-5356 Second Monday of the month, Nov. to May, noon to 1:00 p.m., or until food runs out Must complete a form at time of pickup. Tri County Labor Agency 510 E. Columbia Ave. (269) 962-2185 Fridays 10:00 a.m. to Noon, by referral Valid Michigan ID, referral from 211 Mount Zion AME Church 364 West Van Buren (269) 962-8907 Monday through Friday, 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Valid Michigan ID, proof of residence, Social Security numbers for all family members and/or Medicaid cards Services limited to once every 30 days. Maple United Methodist Church 342 Capital Ave., NE (269) 969-2415 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Valid Michigan ID, proof of residence, Social Security numbers for all family members and/or Medicaid cards Must live in the Northeast sector of Battle Creek. Services limited to once every 30 days. Lakeview Baptist Church 7 South 20th Street (269) 963-4979 Monday and Wednesday , 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Valid Michigan ID, proof of residence,
Social Security numbers for all family members and/or Medicaid cards Services limited to once every 30 days.
in household. Must be a resident of Calhoun County. Emergency Assistance
Franklin Neighborhood Food Pantry 111 E. Michigan Avenue, First United Methodist Church Monday, Tuesday and Thursday , 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Valid Michigan ID, proof of residence, Social Security numbers for all family members and/or Medicaid cards Services limited to once every 30 days. Battle Creek First Church of the Nazarene 12866 Beadle Lake Road (269) 979-4565 First and third Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Valid Michigan ID, proof of residence, Social Security numbers for all family members and/or Medicaid cards Services limited to once every 30 days. Urbandale Neighborhood Food Pantry 3515 West Michigan Ave. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. Valid Michigan ID, must be an Urbandale resident. Clothing Donations Charitable Union 85 Calhoun Street (269) 964-7234 Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2nd Saturday 9:00 a.m. to Noon Baby clothing, general clothing provisions, maternity clothing, school clothing, shoes, winter clothing for children. Social Security cards for all members
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Salvation Army 400 Capital Ave., NE Emergency Need Monday through Friday Noon to 3:30 p.m. Valid Michigan ID. Michigan DHS 190 E. Michigan Avenue (269) 966-1284 Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Electric service payment, gas service payment, heating fuel payment assistance, water service payment assistance. *Low Income Households with Limited Assets. Proof of residence, proof of income, (earned and unearned) for all permanent household members, cash on hand, checking/savings/credit union accounts, birth certificates, Social Security cards for all household members. Community Action Agency (CAA) 175 Main Street (269) 966-4170 By appointment only. Electric service payment, gas service payment, heating fuel payment assistance, water service payment assistance. If client is a senior citizen, shutoff is not required. Bring past due notice.