Graham Thornicroft, in his book Shunned: Discrimination against people with mental illness said this: “Once a person has been defined as mentally ill, his or her protests are often discredited or, even worse, labelled one more ‘symptom’ of his or her illness.”

I have – for a very long time tried to reconcile with someone who hurt me years ago. I needed to do that to find peace – to forget. But what I quote from Thornicroft’s book above proved to be so true. I need to share my thoughts with you: A note came last week and this is how I felt:

How should you respond when someone who caused you suffering as the result of months of abuse tells you “your perspective and perception may be clouded by your mood disorder and may not line up with reality.” No consideration given to the professionals who have treated you and who have no doubt in their minds that the abuse truly happened.

That’s what it is to have a mental illness. That’s what it is to be discriminated against. You’re no longer considered a real person.

I have overcome anger for my personal pain  (I think). But I can’t help being angry on behalf of the many suffering from mental health problems. Discrimination like this hurts more than the illness itself.

marja