Mental Wellness Begins with Allies

At the Centre for Science and Technology Innovation (CSTI) we promote environmental well-being. Pollution does not just make the Earth sick. Pollution makes people sick as in the damage that is caused from Chromium poisoning (one of the many toxins found in Citizen TVs #GarbageRivers report). Chromium poisoning is an example of human activities that cause illness. Excessive levels of chromium can come from industrial dumping, or, from chemicals that leach when metal objects in landfills and open garbage dumps start to rust and degrade. Regardless of how much you exercise or how healthy you eat or the number of regular physical checkups you have, if your physical environment in poisoned, your physical health and your mental health will deteriorate.

The need for allies to stop environmental pollution has become widely talked about thanks to Climate Action campaigns. However, another behavioural challenge that is less discussed is the damage caused by social pollution. When I say social pollution I refer to human social behaviour that causes physical and mental health to deteriorate. Prince William talks about war in this World Economic Forum panel.

You can view the full interview in this video

He encourages everyone to share their story.

My Story:

Sometimes the battles we face are not because we are in a war zone and wearing a uniform. Sometimes the battles we face are because the people around us are determined to eliminate our existence, not just our well-being.

When living in Coronado I experienced community racism for the first time in my life. Never had I thought that in 2011 one would face "the old ways" that are re-surging under Trump’s leadership (this was before he became President) and the use of First Amendment rights to "speak what is on one's mind."

• Racial slurs muttered as one walks by or shouted across the street.
• People standing under your apartment balcony pretending to be having a conversation at night when others are around then talking about how they will kill you when those they know would confront them are gone.
• Making sure that you cannot sleep to see if you will break your lease and move.

None of these activities are illegal because they are not overt AND I was not experiencing personal damage or property damage.

There was nothing the police could do. Worse still, they had to advise me to be quiet because, if I shouted back in frustration, neighbors would call and say "the crazy lady is making noise, please give her a citation."

I asked the police to bring in a community conflict manager. Her bold and loud statement which even shocked the police: "Good luck to you, single woman living alone."

There was no support, and, my mental health deteriorated. Then came the endless labels and so called diagnoses from those who refused to conduct a proper background and behavioral screening. Forced medication followed.

The whole situation was permeated by a desire to promote dysfunction and a refusal to use common sense.

I figured my way out. I learned to find allies. I learned to figure out who can be trusted and who smiles with welcome arms but responds with racist beliefs/stereotypes any time there is a difference of opinion.

Needless to say the experience was not something I ever wanted to learn. Definitely not anything ANYONE should have to learn to deal with.

The good news: once you control your environment and have the support of allies, regaining mental health happens easily. The emotional scars never go away BUT you do become much more deliberate about making sure you have the resources needed to live a better life. 

My allies told me to talk. If for no other reason than sharing information that enables others to know the signs they are in a dangerous environment. Hopefully this story helps someone somewhere find ways to find Heads Together.