I took the opportunity to "speak my mind" today on the way to work. Those of you who know me are not surprised by this.
Confronting this was an easy decision. I had had it. I had heard enough. Damaging and hurtful words spoken to others needed to stop. Mental-health issues affect everyone. Despite this, the stigma associated with mental illness continues to permeate our communities. Things need to change.
"It's ironic," I thought to myself on the drive over Monday, "that this couldn't be a more appropriate action for me to take on the first day of Mental Illness Awareness Week."
In I went to meet with the manager of a convenience store in our community. Here's the story: Three people I admire and respect tremendously were offended by the comments this man had made because of their affiliation with the Human Development Center and/or the film, "Look It in the Eye." These wonderful people were insulted by his words, spoken on separate occasions to each of them in his store, as they purchased gas or food. I can't directly quote him, but what I was told he said sounded familiar. You've heard these same types of comments, no doubt. "Oh, so you're one of those people?" "You work with the crazies; what, are you some kind of mental case yourself?"
As I prepared in my mind what I might say to this man, I asked myself, "What do I most want to get out of this meeting?" The answer was simple. I wanted him to stop saying hurtful things about mental health issues and the people experiencing them.
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I admit I was surprised by his reaction to my visit and feedback. He was genuinely sorry. He told me he had watched the premiere of "Speak Your Mind" and saw "Look It in the Eye" on WDSE-TV on Thursday night.
"I admire them for what they are doing," he said. "I didn't mean to offend anyone. Please tell them I am sorry. ... Thank you for letting me know."
Mission accomplished. He's going to stop these types of comments. I made a difference by being willing to speak my mind. It's all good. Mental Illness Awareness Week has five more days left. I wonder about tomorrow's opportunity.
Kim Matteen of Duluth is the director of development and the foundation director for the Human Development Center, on the Web at humandevelopmentcenter.org.
