An excerpt from a book written by Dr. Tyrone Waters, “You Would Be Paranoid Too If This Happened to You: U.S. Destructive Practices”
Isn’t it relaxing to spend your time sipping your drink of choice and reading a good book? There is a lot going on in today’s world. Things happen so quickly that we hardly notice them. Why don’t we give a little time, a little rest, a little date with ourselves, as much as we are willing to contribute time and energy to our work and relationships? After all, taking such a break is unquestionably helpful; we get to rest and learn.
“You Would Be Paranoid Too If This Happened to You: U.S. Destructive Practices” recounts the topic of mental health racism and being a harassed black male in the United States of America, as well as its detrimental practices. Dr. Tyrone Waters, D.D., Drs. tells a true story about mental health.
Here’s an excerpt from the book:
“Some of us have experienced changes in our ability to perceive reality clearly and have experienced hallucinations. Whether they come in the form of hearing voices or seeing visions, some of us have felt increased energy or have experienced changes in our ability to think and make judgments. We may have found that our thoughts sometimes race and seem to go out of control. Some of us have felt a loss of energy, a loss of enjoyment of life and have perceived life from a negative perspective. Perhaps our sleeping patterns and appetite have changed as well. We may have become suicidal. We may find that we have difficulty with our thoughts and concentration. These lists are far from complete. But they point to a common bond. Both men and women are affected by different types of no-fault illnesses, who’s symptoms can disrupt the ability to function and relate to others effectively.
Some of us feared that we were becoming hopelessly impaired. We came to believe that we would never be normal again. Many of us have experienced great shame and guilt. We believe that our emotional or psychiatric illness were our fault. Some of us have become secretive. And later, some of us felt a need to keep our recovery and steps a secret. We also felt our psychiatric illness must be kept secret, especially if our recovery program included prescription medication. We seem to run out of ways to protect our feelings and self-esteem and to protect ourselves from the attitudes of those around us. If there are any among us who have felt as though they were living in that closet, I welcome you. I want you to know that the fear, isolation and secrecy no longer need be a part of your life.”