i have had many friends that i've lost.
i had a friend who, this past summer, had a bit of a breakdown and landed herself on the mental health unit at the local hospital...and in legal limbo.
i supported her for a while then lost touch with her as she left hospital and moved north to recoup, prepare for endless court battles...and find jesus.
i had a dream last night that i found her and asked her to fill me in on what i'd missed.
she was now getting married, having a baby and leading a "normal life".
the woman i used to know would have shat on the idea of what constitutes a "normal life". she had fought in the face of adversity. she had divorced a husband who was emotionally abusive, quit her job that she was no longer satisfied with, had moved out of the 'burbs, into the city with a wonderful guy she had hooked up with at a party. they got along wonderfully. she was doing art. and playing in a band.
she had endured the black sheep of the family moniker and i had looked up to her for that.
this is my biggest fear working in mental health.
are we just getting people healthy to keep up with the Jones'?
are we trying to fix people to conform to society's norms?
what is this medication we're giving?
take this happy pill and be like everybody else...you don't have to worry about being different anymore.
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