I think that mental illness and handicap are seen as synonyms, and because of that people see those who have a mental illness as incapable. Additionally, people are just not used to dealing with it because we are exposed to so few - on television, the guy with the mental illness is seen as the pitiable character that the hero has to save. It's unfortunate to see such misrepresentation and misinformation about it.
This is a GREAT video, G. I've actually read Touched With Fire for a Creativity and Madness course. It was an amazing, surprising read. And I think you did a great job talking about it.
Great thing you are doing. I suffer from Depression myself and it does get stigmatized. Its unfair and millions of people suffer from it. Maybe more YA books or just books in general will help reach out to people about this issue.
This is a great thing you're doing. When I was in high school I had a friend who was bipolar and didn't get the medication or help he needed because he was too afraid to talk to his grandparents about it (he was an orphan adopted by his grandparents). I think really he just didn't know HOW to talk to them about it. I love that YA authors are being more "real" with their stories. I think kids and teens need that, they need to know that some adults GET IT and aren't afraid to talk about it. Kudos.
Thank you so much for this, Gretchen. I love to see these kinds of topics being explored in fiction, especially YA. It gives a voice to those who are suffering and helps those who are lucky enough not to struggle with these things understand just a little bit better. I'm excited that you're including these things in your book. As a writer it's also nice to see other authors writing radically different kinds of books, genre-wise. Love as always!
This sooo belongs in YA lit. Thank you for including it in your novel. You're so right about mental illness getting stigmatized. In the education world, mental illness is definitely not understood, but judged. Parents are judged for their inability to help their child. Kids feel ashamed of their mentally ill parent. Children are misdiagnosed or just undiagnosed. I'm very grateful that you are willing to share this so the rest of the world can learn. And we need to learn.
@seibslikefeebs YES! It's the shame involved in the whole thing - on all sides - that makes it even more difficult. And keeps people quiet about their problems, which only makes it worse in the long run.
Great job, Gretchen. This is a tough topic, and I've been having a very difficult time deciding how to approach it myself. I'm so happy you're Monday! It's tough to go first, but I'm glad you're leading the way each week.
How does your hair look that awesome while you're in PJ's? I'm bipolar myself, and it's always interested to see how it's repped in books. As I lean towards the manic end of the spectrum, I'd love to see a bipolar character portrayed in a fun light... Maybe, I'll write that book some day. :)
@Sterifique You totally should. You'd have a unique perspective. I definitely worry about my portrayals of mental illness since my experience has been more as an enabler/protector than anything.
@AzureHermitage And totally not your fault! I think many people feel like they've "failed" somehow by not being "normal." No one's normal. Seek help if you need it, that's what I say.
Because someone commented on this - I did actually MEAN to talk about why discussions of mental illness belongs in YA fiction, but I found talking about this subject more difficult than I anticipated.
My final point is the most important. Mental illness belongs in YA because it exists in the lives of teens. In friends, in family members, even in themselves. And the point of bringing it up, of making the topic public and less taboo, is to encourage people to seek help if they need it.
I want those PJs. Also, the title of the video is awesome. Have you read A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler? Good points, I just wish you had spoken about why mental illness does belong in YA, because it does, I know it does, that's why some of my own characters are the way they are. See you next Monday, G!
@BroadwayBabe3 You know, I meant to, but I got really emotional and had to stop filming and calm down before I did the last bits. And then I sort of lost my focus. Sorry it was such a mess!
I think that mental illness and handicap are seen as synonyms, and because of that people see those who have a mental illness as incapable. Additionally, people are just not used to dealing with it because we are exposed to so few - on television, the guy with the mental illness is seen as the pitiable character that the hero has to save. It's unfortunate to see such misrepresentation and misinformation about it.
xSandyPantsu 6 months ago in playlist More videos from YARebels
This is a GREAT video, G. I've actually read Touched With Fire for a Creativity and Madness course. It was an amazing, surprising read. And I think you did a great job talking about it.
KodyKeplinger 6 months ago
Your shirt is AMAZING! <3 Hello Kitty.
Great thing you are doing. I suffer from Depression myself and it does get stigmatized. Its unfair and millions of people suffer from it. Maybe more YA books or just books in general will help reach out to people about this issue.
katvela 6 months ago
Well Hello Kitty...meow
TheCubicleBlindness 6 months ago
This is a great thing you're doing. When I was in high school I had a friend who was bipolar and didn't get the medication or help he needed because he was too afraid to talk to his grandparents about it (he was an orphan adopted by his grandparents). I think really he just didn't know HOW to talk to them about it. I love that YA authors are being more "real" with their stories. I think kids and teens need that, they need to know that some adults GET IT and aren't afraid to talk about it. Kudos.
MyJdbrown 6 months ago
@MyJdbrown Awesome. Thank you! I'm with you 100%.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
I'd hug my computer screen right now. Thank you so much for talking about this!
TheMetalheadBookworm 6 months ago
@TheMetalheadBookworm :)
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
Fascinating ! I was worried that you guys would be a little too talky and stuff.
But I actually enjoy your point of view very much!
Lovely Hello Kitty! BTW
thecindylorraine 6 months ago
@thecindylorraine Well, we ARE rather talky... :)
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
Aww....well done with this topic!
RJ :D
17MetroStation 6 months ago
@17MetroStation Thank you!
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
Thank you so much for this, Gretchen. I love to see these kinds of topics being explored in fiction, especially YA. It gives a voice to those who are suffering and helps those who are lucky enough not to struggle with these things understand just a little bit better. I'm excited that you're including these things in your book. As a writer it's also nice to see other authors writing radically different kinds of books, genre-wise. Love as always!
ShalomDove 6 months ago
@ShalomDove We have some GREAT "taboo" subjects on the line up this week. Should be really interesting.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
This sooo belongs in YA lit. Thank you for including it in your novel. You're so right about mental illness getting stigmatized. In the education world, mental illness is definitely not understood, but judged. Parents are judged for their inability to help their child. Kids feel ashamed of their mentally ill parent. Children are misdiagnosed or just undiagnosed. I'm very grateful that you are willing to share this so the rest of the world can learn. And we need to learn.
seibslikefeebs 6 months ago
@seibslikefeebs YES! It's the shame involved in the whole thing - on all sides - that makes it even more difficult. And keeps people quiet about their problems, which only makes it worse in the long run.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
Great job, Gretchen. This is a tough topic, and I've been having a very difficult time deciding how to approach it myself. I'm so happy you're Monday! It's tough to go first, but I'm glad you're leading the way each week.
corrinelj 6 months ago
@corrinelj Ha. That's me - leading the charge. *hugs*
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
How does your hair look that awesome while you're in PJ's? I'm bipolar myself, and it's always interested to see how it's repped in books. As I lean towards the manic end of the spectrum, I'd love to see a bipolar character portrayed in a fun light... Maybe, I'll write that book some day. :)
Sterifique 6 months ago
@Sterifique You totally should. You'd have a unique perspective. I definitely worry about my portrayals of mental illness since my experience has been more as an enabler/protector than anything.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
@AzureHermitage And totally not your fault! I think many people feel like they've "failed" somehow by not being "normal." No one's normal. Seek help if you need it, that's what I say.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
Because someone commented on this - I did actually MEAN to talk about why discussions of mental illness belongs in YA fiction, but I found talking about this subject more difficult than I anticipated.
My final point is the most important. Mental illness belongs in YA because it exists in the lives of teens. In friends, in family members, even in themselves. And the point of bringing it up, of making the topic public and less taboo, is to encourage people to seek help if they need it.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
I want those PJs. Also, the title of the video is awesome. Have you read A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler? Good points, I just wish you had spoken about why mental illness does belong in YA, because it does, I know it does, that's why some of my own characters are the way they are. See you next Monday, G!
BroadwayBabe3 6 months ago
@BroadwayBabe3 You know, I meant to, but I got really emotional and had to stop filming and calm down before I did the last bits. And then I sort of lost my focus. Sorry it was such a mess!
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
@GretchenMcNeil It wasn't a mess! I could completely see it meant so much to you, which is all that matters. : )
BroadwayBabe3 6 months ago
I love the new rebels. I also love this weeks topic, can't want to see what everyone else has to say.
Puppy! <3
BugEyedPirate 6 months ago
@BugEyedPirate Don't you love how he insinuates himself into every vlog? Whore.
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago
Just commenting, because I wanted to give you a hug (even though your Hello Kitty PJs scare me a bit, especially that bow, very scary :p). *hugs*
alexharrow87 6 months ago
@alexharrow87 But... I love my Hello Kitty PJs! (thanks)
GretchenMcNeil 6 months ago