fbpx
33.2 F
Spokane
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
spot_img
HomeCommentaryTake action and help the mentally ill

Take action and help the mentally ill

Date:

Related stories

Aid Restrictions Hold Americans Back

A personal story reveals how America's benefits system traps people with disabilities in poverty, despite their desires to work and contribute to society. A call for reform.

The sacred art of long-distance friendship: A Buddhist guide

learn friendship can be a sacred thing. In Buddhism, for example, it’s a key part of the spiritual path. Spiritual friendship (kalyana mitra) is a relationship that elevates one's ethical and well-being.

Why the woke movement matters today

Exploring the concept of 'woke' and its impact on American society. Delving into the controversy and discussing the importance of staying woke in today's political landscape.

Syria faces new crossroads after Assad’s fall

The end of Assad's regime in Syria marks a new chapter in the country's history. Read more about the complex emotions and potential for change now taking place from writer Farrah Hassen.

Brian Thompson’s death was not just murder. It was terrorism.

Gain insight into Jeffrey Salkin's thoughts on the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, and the need for a collective response to acts of violence despite our opinions on policy or class.

Our Sponsors

spot_img
spot_img
Flickr photo by by Ed Yourdon
Flickr photo by by Ed Yourdon

What separates us as people? I mean really separates us?

There must be something after all, the media, especially advertisers, spend boatloads of money selling stuff to us as individuals. They count on us relishing, loving and living out our supposed distinctiveness. Oh sure, if there is a buck to be made they will capitalize on relationships like marriage and dating and other togetherness behaviors, but essentially we are individuals lobbying and jockeying for position on the grid, looking for ways to advance in the great game of life.

Playing the game, competing with one another and watching others play is the American way. For the most part we go about our days as individuals and participate in life in various roles with diverse talents and skill levels. What many of us miss in our rush for success are the people who, for many reasons, don’t play the game or at least don’t play it very well.

We all recognize those with disabilities and sickness and, of course, excuse them to the bench until they get better. If someone has self-inflicted disabilities, like addictions, we have less sympathy and even attack them as unworthy of participating in the game. Then we have the people who suffer from mental illness, far more than we realize, and since we don’t understand brain illness we also relegate these folks to the bench and try to avoid this section of the population.

This misunderstanding of mental illness makes it difficult for many of these folks to participate in life in meaningful ways, and it makes it easier for the government to cut benefits and programs for them. Mental illness accounts for much of the suicide in this country as well as a large percentage of the homelessness.

The game is rigged to benefit the people that can play the game well and those that have skills, if you have problems with addictive behavior or mental illness the rules simply leave you behind. The game goes on and they have to sit back and watch. The separation between you and your neighbor who has a disability of some kind is probably a matter of genetics or simply bad luck. The people who suffer on the sidelines usually do so quietly, making it easy on us who are out on the court playing the game, earning our living and advancing our lives. All they can hope is that those who play have a little compassion and willingness to share with those who can’t, not just financial sharing but relational sharing, volunteering to give some of the precious time and talent to help out a brother or sister who is in need.

We, who play the game well, need to call a time out in the game of life every so often and make a place for those on the sidelines to be heard and to give them an opportunity to make a contribution. We need to end the stigma against mental illness and make a concerted effort to actually care for those around us who are on the margins. Talk is cheap, action is what is needed, we all know someone who is out of the game for some reason, find out why and then do the right thing.

Alan Eschenbacher
Alan Eschenbacherhttp://www.allsaintsgather.com
The Rev. Alan B. Eschenbacher serves as pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church.

Our Sponsors

spot_img
spot_img

1 COMMENT

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sicco Rood
Sicco Rood
12 years ago

Nice post Alan.

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x