Can We Breakdown Invisible Disabilities Stigma?

2020-12-20T14:34:57-05:00

I use "Invisible Disabilities" in exchange for "Mental Illness" or "Mental Heath!" I bring this question up after a Warriors for Life (WFL) Group Support session we just had this last Saturday evening (19 Dec 2020) and below I will share a quick quiz and (5) steps from an article by Dr. David Susman, Ph.D., The Recovery Coach on how we can reduce the Stigma of Invisible Disabilities. Something I believe our veterans, active service members, and civilians need to practice and be edcuated on.

How do we become more aware of stigma? It’s usually easier to take a look at ourselves first before we try to change the rest of the world. To that end, here’s a brief self-assessment quiz on stigma and mental illness. Answer honestly; no one else will need to know your answers:

True or False:

1. There’s no real difference between the terms “mentally ill” and “has a mental illness.”
2. People with mental illness tend to be dangerous and unpredictable.
3. I would worry about my son or daughter marrying someone with a mental illness.
4. I’ve made fun of people with mental illness in the past.
5. I don’t know if I could trust a co-worker who has a mental illness.
6. I’m scared of or stay away from people who appear to have a mental illness.
7. People with a mental illness are lazy or weak and need to just “get over it.”
8. Once someone has a mental illness, they will never recover.
9. I would hesitate to hire someone with a history of mental illness.
10. I’ve used terms like “crazy,” “psycho,” “nut job,” or “retarded” in reference to someone with a mental illness.

The scoring is simple: One point for every true response. Unless your score is zero, you have had thoughts, feelings, or behaviors which can contribute to increased stigma toward people with mental illness. The higher your score, the more likely it is you have had these types of experiences. If you scored a zero, congratulate yourself.

Here are (5) simple steps you can do as a new stigma fighter:

1. Don’t label people who have an Invisible Disability.

Don’t say, “He’s bipolar” or “She’s schizophrenic.” People are people, not diagnoses. Instead, say, “He has a bipolar disorder” or “She has schizophrenia.” And say “has an Invisible Disability” instead of “is mentally ill.” This is known as “person-first” language, and it’s far more respectful, for it recognizes that the disability doesn’t define the person.

2. Don’t be afraid of people with Invisible Disabilities.

Yes, they may sometimes display unusual behaviors when their illness is more severe, but people with Invisible Disabilities aren’t more likely to be violent than the general population. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence. Don’t fall prey to other inaccurate stereotypes from movies, such as that of the disturbed killer or the weird co-worker.

3. Don’t use disrespectful terms for people with Invisible Disabilities.

In a research study with British 14-year-olds, teens came up with over 250 terms to describe Invisible Disabilities, and the majority were negative. These terms are far too common in our everyday conversations. Also, be careful about casually using “diagnostic” terms to describe everyday behavior, like “That’s my OCD," or, "She’s so borderline.” Given that 1 in 4 adults experience a Invisible Disability, you quite likely may be offending someone and not be aware of it.

4. Don’t be insensitive or blame people with Invisible Disabilities.

It would be silly to tell someone to just “buckle down” and “get over” cancer. The same applies to Invisible Disabilities. Also, don’t assume that someone is okay just because they look or act okay or sometimes smile or laugh. Depression, anxiety, and other Invisible Disabilities can often be hidden, but the person can still be in considerable internal distress. Provide support and reassurance when you know someone is having difficulty managing their disability.

5. Be a role model.

Stigma is often fueled by lack of awareness and inaccurate information. Model these stigma-reducing strategies through your own comments and behavior and politely teach them to your friends, family, co-workers and other veterans or service members in your sphere of influence. Spread the word that treatment works and recovery is possible. Changing attitudes takes time, but repetition is the key, so keep getting the word out to bring about a positive shift in how we treat others.

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Dec 20 at 2020 2:38 PM

2020-12-20T14:38:09-05:00

I sure wish I could have stayed thru the presentation.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-12-20T14:45:09-05:00

That was simply OUTSTANDING, COL Mikel J. Burroughs... Too many people cast undo aspersions to people with an invisible affliction without understanding the individual... I wish I could have attended, but if I do not cut off my online time to spend time with my wife at night, I pay the price... IYKWIM...

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 20 at 2020 3:26 PM

2020-12-20T15:26:46-05:00

This really hits home with me. Not because of me, but my wife. Nothing to do with mental illness but she has an autoimmune disease that even many doctors don't understand.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Dec 20 at 2020 5:34 PM

2020-12-20T17:34:57-05:00

Sometimes there is an invisible illness that is purely physical.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2020 7:24 PM

2020-12-20T19:24:27-05:00

It often comes down to nature or nurture. Both are usually out of our control. Natural inherited biologicals can be treated. Nurture (lack of) or from trauma takes more time. The stigma on ACDU forces members to internalize, but regardless of the cause it still requires maintenance for a fruitful life with those affected. See something, say something. Hey bud, you doing ok?

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Dec 20 at 2020 8:13 PM

2020-12-20T20:13:14-05:00

Thanks for the eye opener. Not really proud of myself since I scored higher than zero. But now I can understand the difference a little better.

Response by Sgt John H. made Dec 20 at 2020 8:26 PM

2020-12-20T20:26:22-05:00

Only thing i can say is that my wife ignored the label and accepted what I was...

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Dec 20 at 2020 9:29 PM

2020-12-20T21:29:44-05:00

Its a taboo subject

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Dec 20 at 2020 9:56 PM

2020-12-20T21:56:58-05:00

Great post.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 20 at 2020 11:00 PM

2020-12-20T23:00:09-05:00

I have said this and will say this ad nauseum. The biggest impediment to those who need mental help is the Chain of Command. There is no standardization on how to treat the soldiers, how their treatment plan is tracked, how their family is doing, where are they in the grand scheme of being medically discharged or retired and plugged into the VA system. I supportive COC makes a world of a difference.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 20 at 2020 11:23 PM

2020-12-20T23:23:21-05:00

I have been in healthcare for almost 30years and changing titles on various conditions does not treat the condition, it only makes those with it feel better for the length of time until lay people figure it out. The issue with the stigma is you generally have two types of patients, those with the condition that want to get better and do not want to be judged by it and those that want you you to know about it and be treated differently because of it. The world has a shit ton of judgmental people and telling a perfect stranger about all of your problems likely will bring judgment. Sure it is not right but it is reality. I would love to see it go away but really the only time it will is when you tell the right person at the right time about your issues and in the Wal-Mart checkout lane, even as an RN all I can do is listen and not make any professional comments. I will be sympathetic but all the other people are going to be judgmental and increase this negative stigma.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Dec 21 at 2020 7:50 AM

2020-12-21T07:50:13-05:00

Thank you for the great information!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 21 at 2020 8:32 AM

2020-12-21T08:32:42-05:00

There are so many situational dependent scenarios that make replying to this question so difficult.
As a manager or employer, I must determine the genesis of an individual's problems and handle that individual's training and assignment to minimize the impact their problems generate on both the other employees and customers. There is a difference between the capabilities of an individual, and how to address the issue, whose problems come from their developmental environment and an individual whose problems are trauma related. If I get complaints from other employees on an affected individual not carrying their weight, I have to analyze where I have placed them and what I can do to eliminate the impact on my other employees. I never use the excuse of the individual having a "problem" when talking with other employees, but always say I will take care of it through training, then decide myself whether it is placement or the individuals "trainability".
As the patriarch of my family, I have to pay attention to problems my youngster's exhibit, preclude any of the other members from deciding there are "untreatable problems" and treating the individual in manner that exacerbates the issue, and work with the child's parents, siblings and cousins or uncles/aunts to ensure they work with me to address obvious issues in their nurturing and socialization.
As a school board member, I must decide and insist upon my interpretation, and the law, regarding the line between accommodation and the rights of others.
Under no situation can I just blame it on the "problem" when dealing with those who don't have the issue. I have to determine what I can do, and work with the impacted individual to optimize their interaction with others.

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Dec 21 at 2020 10:58 AM

2020-12-21T10:58:40-05:00

Very Outstanding Colonel, I actually talk with and council Veterans mostly on their benefits, but there is always one that just needs to be heard by someone that understands what they've been through, invisible diseases are really real and should never be degraded at any point no matter how severe.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 21 at 2020 10:59 AM

2020-12-21T10:59:20-05:00

Sir,

While I applaud the effort, I have to push back.

First, using the term "invisible disability" is both nonspecific and misleading. For instance, a person with schizophrenia quite often has a visible disability. Same for paranoid delusions or substance addictions. Additionally, there are plenty of NON-mental illness invisible disabilities, such as fibromyalgia. This euphemistic lack of specificity may sound nice, but it both masks and dilutes reality. Additionally, you don't fight stigma with euphemism, you fight it by facing the negative terms and connotations head on.

Next, your quiz creates false/unrealistic true false scenarios. MOST of the answers are (or should be) "it depends." As an employer or hiring manager I would not be doing my JOB if I did not explore ANY disability and how it would impact the job. I might hire a one-legged guy for my construction crew, but I would put a HELL of a lot more dilligence into evaluating his capabilities. Would I have doubts about hiring a kleptomaniac or a person with recurring paranoid delusions? Absolutely! Someone with depression or treated (managed) BPD? Not at all. Are you telling me that worrying about a person with a repeated history of theft or a repeated history of violent and erratic outbursts is wrong? Same for who my kid marries, whether they are unpredictable, etc. The truth of these statements/questions is far more nuanced than a simple "true/false."

Next, there is no logical difference between "schizophrenic" and "person with schizophrenia" aside from the latter takes longer to write or say. They both mean the exact same thing. This is another attempt at PC language-policing, without even changing the language!

SOME mental illnesses ARE more likely to be violent - not many, but some are. Saying that "people with invisible disabilities aren't more likely to be violent than the general population" improperly groups ALL mental illness together.

Overall, I applaud the message, honestly. However, I believe that this is a VERY nuanced topic, and trying to address it with such a broad brush is unfair to everyone involved.

Response by COL Jim Ainslie made Dec 21 at 2020 9:32 PM

2020-12-21T21:32:18-05:00

When will we as a society halt stigmatizing individuals with mental disabilities. I thought for a long time this was BS. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with anxiety. My life since then has so improved. My reactions to situations improved exponentially I am a new person, professionally and personally. Mike thank you for highlighting this, I am a better person today than I was 10 years ago, unfortunately.

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Dec 21 at 2020 9:38 PM

2020-12-21T21:38:23-05:00

When I retired from the military and went into law enforcement, I had to go see a psychiatrist for a mental evaluation. I had to bring my army medical records. I thought, I'm screwed for sure! When he saw my DD214, and medical records, he said, you are one crazy SOB, you will make a great police officer.

Response by PFC Craig Karshner made Dec 21 at 2020 9:50 PM

2020-12-21T21:50:13-05:00

In this day in time mental illness is so different then when I was a kid growing up. If we were suffering from battle fatigue we were called cowards but we were far from it. It only makes sense that the part of our bodies that sees the most action is our eyes. Seeing what we've seen has to take its toll. We are not robots although at times we acted on pure instinct and training without much thinking. But our minds don't forget what we saw or did. Even in everyday life there is much to put up with. Mental illnesses shouldn't have a stigma anymore period..God bless you my fellow warriors and our awesome country..Rangers lead the way

Response by MAJ Karl Swenson made Dec 21 at 2020 10:18 PM

2020-12-21T22:18:20-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs this is exactly what we use in teacher education when talking about students with special needs. We call it "people first language." The idea is that no one wants to be known for a disability, but instead wants to be known as a person first. By the way, we no longer use the term "mental retardation, because popular culture has totally changed the literal meaning of the word "retard," we now refer to students with an intellectual disability.

Response by SP6 Jesse Vautour made Dec 21 at 2020 11:02 PM

2020-12-21T23:02:03-05:00

I honestly don’t think it’s going away even ptsd I look at others and think wow they look great, until I meet and hear there story.... but trying to not have a first impression I don’t think will change.

Response by Sgt Vance Bonds made Dec 24 at 2020 8:12 PM

2020-12-24T20:12:02-05:00

Great post. Sir COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Dec 26 at 2020 8:02 AM

2020-12-26T08:02:55-05:00

This is something that STILL needs to be addressed.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 28 at 2020 8:57 PM

2020-12-28T20:57:28-05:00

Belated thank you my friend COL Mikel J. Burroughs for making us aware that you used "Invisible Disabilities" in exchange for "Mental Illness" or "Mental Heath!" I bring this question up after a Warriors for Life (WFL) Group Support session we just had this last Saturday evening (19 Dec 2020)

Response by MSgt Ronnie Kelly made Feb 21 at 2021 11:44 PM

2021-02-21T23:44:35-05:00

Excellent quizzy. After retirement I worked as a Juvenile Justice Officer. I was amazed at the number of youth that came through the system that had never been seen as having mental health issues. I made it a point to sit and talk with each one in a one on one sitting. After awhile I found they were coming to me just to talk about any and everything. Even asked to come in on off days to talk to someone. Had fellow officers ask me what my secret was, I would say it was simple I just listened and answered questions, didn't judge or raise my voice, I just listened and treated them like they counted for something.