Mental illness is such a stigma,that back home no one ever acknowledges it-or,are we more tolerant of people's quirks?
I remember people from back home who probably had a few marbles missing-screws loose?But the idea of it being certifiable just doesn't cross our minds.My recent experience in this regard made me wonder if we need to change our minds and view of mental illness.The person concerned is someone just like the rest of us-stay at home Mom,highly qualified,quirky(let's not debate the quirky part-all of us are in our own ways,quirky,right?right?)-I know there are no markers for mental illness(or,are there?),but it was a complete surprise!
I wonder if we do have such issues back home but the deeper communal sense and wider family circle mitigate these problems ,or we do not have such occurences to begin with?
The concept"it is all in your head" precludes treatment,I think.
I once took antibiotics for a fever and experienced something I had never before had in my life-vivid scary dreams,anxiety-I found out later that the antibiotic had side effects-not physical,but psychological-that opened my eyes to the fact that chemicals can manipulate your thinking centre.
So more awareness and tolerance too.Baby steps-first off-no vilifying people,and then be there as best as you can or are willing to when they reach out.

Interesting saying sent to me by a friend:(Written by a 6th century sage, Shantideva)

May I be a guard for those who need protection,
A guide for those on the path,
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood.
May I be a lamp in the darkness
A resting place for the weary
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening.
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.


Thanks Deborah!!