Terminated by Stigma

my loud whispers of hope, , , , , , , , ,

They cast me away,

with obvious dismay.

Nothing to say,

not even to pray.

Discrimination and bias displayed,

ignorance and disapproval conveyed.

There were no fundraisers or sympathy cards,

no get well wishes, balloons or shiny gold stars.

I was blamed,

stigmatized,

and shamed.

Never again treated the same,

after my mental illness came.

At that time, bipolar disorder was not accepted for a teacher,

parents do not want their children taught by that kind of creature.

I was told that by my school attorney,

during my teacher termination journey.

Won a wrongful termination lawsuit,

but it was only a band-aide, as I got the boot.

My humiliation was intense,

sorrow and anger immense.

This is bipolar stigma related pain,

band-aide gone, wounds remain.

Eventually, I became stronger,

won’t put up with this any longer.

Their actions are done,

but I have only just begun.

I am still a teacher teaching,

but with a different kind of preaching,

hoping many people I am reaching.

End mental illness stigma now.

Soon we will be proud to take a bow.

~written by Sue Walz

You can sympathize,

but I prefer you empathize.

Thank you. There are no more cries.

~written by Sue Walz

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Copyright © By Susan Walz and myloudbipolarwhispers.com – All written content and personal artwork is © myloudbipolarwhispers.com and Susan Walz. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner/artist is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to My Loud Bipolar Whispers and/or Susan Walz with appropriate and specific directions to the content. 

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Published by my loud whispers of hope

I share my story openly and honestly to educate others and increase the awareness of mental illness, reduce stigma, prevent suicide, to inspire, give hope and let God's love shine through me and touch you. I finished writing, proofreading and editing my memoir in January of 2019. I am in the process of sending my manuscript to agents and publishers that accept unsolicited maunscripts. I pray my words will turn into a book that will inspire and spark joy and hope in the lives of many. Recovery and healing are possible. I am living proof. "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." ~Maya Angelou

9 Comments

    1. You too? I am sorry it happened to you as well. You would think educators would be the leaders at understanding and having compassion and understanding and acceptance of all people. As teachers I think they should, but we both know they do not and may be the worst at stigmatizing people with mental illness. That boggles my brain. Lack of education and knowledge and understanding about mental illness in schools is shameful, when they should be the leaders in that knowledge and should be teaching students about mental illness and suicide prevention etc. Thank you for reading and for your comment. I appreciate it greatly. If you ever wanted to, please share what and how you were stigmatized by the schools as a teacher. I have an idea for writing a book about stigma and including examples and stories of how people have been stigmatized due to their mental illness. It is just a speck of an idea, but will conquer that book one day. I am finishing my memoir first. Please share your stigma story if you want to and if you have time. Thank you. Have a fabulous day. Hugs, Sue

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      Reply

      1. A female student at my school was attacked by her ex-boyfriend. I reported it. The guy happened to be an athlete. The principal didn’t even call the girls family. They covered it up. They didn’t want parents to find out what really goes on in that school.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That is awful. That kind of stuff makes me mad. What is wrong with these schools and the administration? It is ridiculous. The poor girl. Where is the justice for this girl? That boy needs to be held accountable for his actions, so he will learn that type of behavior is wrong and is not acceptable. He should not get away with that kind of behavior. Now he may be a repeat offender and think he can get away with it again. That is awful and frustrating. I am sorry you had to be a part of that. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it. Hugs, Sue

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I am so sorry that happened to you too. Thank you for sharing as much as you did. It is very helpful information to me and it helps me more than you realize, for me to know I am not the only teacher that has been stigmatized, discriminated against and wrongfully terminated or not hired due to mental illness. So frustrating and wrong. This is why I continue to educate about mental illness and mental illness stigma and try to reduce the stigma. Thank you again for sharing. Thank you for telling me. I will let you know when I am ready for that step of looking at other people’s stories to share. Thank you for offering to share your stigma related story. I appreciate it. Much love, Sue

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