There’s been a bit of controversy in the blogging community at the moment. It all started with with this post here, then migrated over to here.
The comments on both posts got heated.
Then it got crazy over at Twitter.
If you’ve read both posts and still think there’s something ‘cool’ about writing about mental illness or that it offers a potential gold mine in terms of blog traffic…. click here to view the stats yourself.
Those of us who write about mental illness aren’t exploiting. We’re coping. We’re reaching out. We’re trying to challenge stigma.
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It’s all gotten so ridiculous. If we keep doing what we are doing and reaching out to those who appreciate it then we are doing all right. Hell there are ppl in the blogosphere who think parents with sick kids are the same thing, when all they are trying to do is reach out in hopes that they will find support.
That’s it. In real life, I don’t know any other carers of someone with mental illness. Ok, tell a lie, I know one, but she was my worker, and while it was great to deal with her, it’s important to me to find friends who are carers, be it of someone with mental illness or not.
The new black? Pretty sure no one’s queing up for this ‘trend’!
Sharon recently posted..Let’s Put This Thing to Bed
Maybe people live in a bubble and their empathy cup runith empty but be damned if I will be flippant about MH issues. I go to bed and wake up with someone who teters between wanting to take his own life to taking mine, it’s a struggle everyday, I rarely blog about but converse often on other social media, to debrief, lend an ear or research. The alternative to people not being able to talk about their issues for fear of being ostracized for it is a grim one.
Beth recently posted..Charlie – The Third Child
It’s pretty easy to understand why you feel that way, given what the reality of it is for you:(
Sharon recently posted..Let’s Put This Thing to Bed
I can’t say that I’m up-to-date with the happenings you’ve mentioned, but it never ceases to amazing me how ignorant people can be–especially when it comes to the topic of mental health. I pride myself in being knowledgeable in that area not only because it’s the field I’m in, but also it because it’s always been something that has been part of my life. My mother has worked in a mental health institute for over 30 years, which I think is what helped open my eyes to what really happens.
I may not have a mental illness, but I know plenty of people who do and it can be difficult to reach out and connect. It’s a shame that when people try to reach out via blog, they’re met with such horrible response.
Felicia recently posted..Can Technology Change The Game Of Relationships?
Absolutely. I’ve had depression in the past, and nowadays, my main issue is stress, lol! But I watch what my loved ones go through, and it’s horrible to see them suffer so much. The more support the better, I say:)
Sharon recently posted..Let’s Put This Thing to Bed