Ending the Stigma: An LPN’s Viewpoint
On certain days, I wake up feeling serene, with a clear vision and a sense of conquering the world. I dance over the remnants of my past, experiencing overwhelming joy. However, on other days, it’s challenging to turn my scars into lessons. My bed becomes a sanctuary, shielding me from the harshness of the external world. The struggle is not external; it resides within me.
Mental illness is not an exaggeration; it’s a daily internal battle that drains us. Besides coping with our internal struggles, those of us who endure mental health issues often face ignorant assumptions from the outside world. There’s a pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness, yet many individuals suffer in silence. You likely know someone—a family member, friend, or coworker—who wrestles with these challenges. Why is it so difficult to openly discuss legitimate mental disorders and illnesses? I, too, felt ashamed of my mental health battles for a long time. Now, especially as a nurse, I recognize the importance of being a voice for both myself and my patients.
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Why is it so effortless for people to label us as ‘crazy’ or harshly judge us for a diagnosis beyond our control? We don’t choose the cards we’re dealt; we must accept them and make the best of our situations. Even within the medical field, I’ve witnessed staff making jokes about individuals with serious mental illnesses. Admittedly, I’m not perfect; I catch myself passing judgment without realizing it. I strive to rectify my thoughts or words, understanding the struggles others face. I’ve seen the judgmental looks and heard the spoken words from those around me. I empathize with my patients as they navigate a world that often seems against them. This is precisely why I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this matter.
In an attempt to be more open about my struggles, I got tattoos that reflect my journey. When people inquire about them, it provides a chance to explain and foster understanding, even if just a little. Opening up and discussing these matters is gradually becoming more accessible, though it remains daunting, especially as a nurse. Having a mental illness doesn’t automatically disqualify you from the nursing profession. I’ve encountered comments like “Why are you doing this?” or “Shouldn’t you be doing something less stressful?” I find such remarks almost insulting. There’s no evidence to suggest that nurses with mental health disorders cannot excel in their roles. However, there are instances where unmanaged addiction or unstable treatment can interfere with patient care. In such cases, recovery and stability should be the focus before continuing in the nursing career.
I’ve discovered that sharing a common ground with my patients at Elite facilitates better communication. Even if they aren’t aware of my personal struggles, they seem at ease talking to me, even during procedures like administering their monthly injection with a sizable needle. I enjoy getting to know them more with each passing month. As long as you proactively manage your mental health and take care of yourself, you can be an excellent nurse. I recognize my limits when it comes to my mental and emotional well-being, knowing when to take a breather before getting overwhelmed or venting to Mrs. Becky, the receptionist in my office. (Let’s give her a big round of applause for listening to me, judgment-free!) Even on challenging days, I receive encouraging reminders that I excel at my job, regardless of my mental illness. Being in the nursing profession has helped me confront anxieties, such as talking on the phone.
In a world where a broken bone is visible and gets x-rayed, mental illness lacks tangible evidence. There are no radiologic or laboratory results, no casts to heal wounds, and no one rushing to sign your non-existent cast. This is the stigma—the failure to see mental illnesses in the same light. Our generation and others don’t fully understand mental illnesses; they romanticize them and use various mental disorders as adjectives. However, I don’t solely blame my generation. People of all ages lack understanding. What we feel or struggle with doesn’t define us. Internally, one cannot always know what a person is going through, so judgments based on external appearances should be avoided. As nurses in mental health, we should advocate for our patients, helping them feel less ashamed so they can be more open to seeking the necessary treatment instead of hiding behind fear of judgment.
If you’re a friend, family member, spouse, coworker, etc., wondering how you can help, acknowledging that someone’s feelings are valid is an excellent start. While I haven’t shared much about my own battle, someone out there is seeking reassurance and guidance, just as I was. A nurse dealing with the struggle, fearing judgment about her capabilities, unsure of how to ask for support, and wondering if those around her will see her differently. Share your battles and, better yet, share your successes. This journey doesn’t end here; you’ve come this far, right?
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