October 7, 2009
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Soliloquy
I went for a late afternoon walk and was greeted by a cool brisk wind. I was well bundled so it was actually quite refreshing and invigorating. I passed 4 people on my walk who were talking to themselves. One was yelling at something or someone. I looked around but couldn't find the source of his anger. Another one was just muttering something to himself when he passed by me. A short Asian woman seemed to be reassuring herself about something - it was a loud whisper. Another guy sounded kinda grumpy. He walked with his head down and kept talking.
It was a bit sad seeing all of them. I don't know if they have a mental illness. Most people gave them a wide berth and so did I. But I wonder, if I was like that - how would others react? I suppose if you knew I had some type of mental illness, most of you will probably think twice about meeting me. I'm sure some of you understand what it's like to deal with others who have some sort of mental health disorder. I guess I should learn a bit more about this so I don't sound too ignorant.
Ok - I better get back to work and do a bit more before calling it a day.
Comments (20)
Sure they weren't wearing one of these?
@CareyGLY - I'm not sure.... there's a large mental health centre in the neighborhood, 3 of them looked pretty shabby and disheveled.
One wonders what goes on in the mind of others and is often glad to not be trapped in that mind. Nice observations.
Mmm, sometimes when I'm walking around, especially if I'm particularly frustrated, I rehearse potential confrontations (it's more suppositional venting than anything, I suppose) in my head, and sometimes it spills over into talking
Matt, that is so sad. pathetic. and perhaps all they needed was a gently touch and a smile from someone. But who knows, sometimes these people can become violent if you tried to pry into their own thoughts. I loved the title of your post. Very apropo.
I frequently pass by schizophrenic people when I walk the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. It really makes me sad because they are so out of touch with reality, yet no one is able to take care of them. Just reminds me of the movie A Beautiful Mind
I used to think people were in their own worlds talking to themselves. Now it is the people talking on the phone with those ear pieces.
Maybe there is a new in-ear bluetooth product that we don't know about?!
i confess, when i am preoccupied and have some urgent problem on my mind that i'm trying to work out, i talk out loud to myself too! maybe i should talk to walking around with an earpiece on so people think i'm actually on the phone... i just have to make sure my phone is on silent so it doesn't ring halfway through my "conversation" hahaha.
It's very hard to know how you are supposed to act in that situation if you don't often deal with people with mental health issues. I wonder how they feel too. I wonder if they notice people purposely trying to not make eye contact with them or trying to step away from them. I wonder how I would feel if they did that to me.
Lately, I have noticed a lot of people talking to themselves inside their cars also! LOL
I blame it on the government for funding cuts!
*Sigh* A lot of people should be cared for got released back into the community but fell through the cracks between services and got forgotten. Without proper and regular medication, their symptoms come back. It is sad and a big social health issue! =(
Imagine your imaginary friend got so real he/she is hanging out with you all the time. I doubt they believe they are talking to themselves but instead having an intense conversation with someone in their life. It's just that bystanders can't see who they are talking to. Depending on how wrapped up they are with their "friend", otherwise they can have a good conversation with you without problem if you can get their attention. I have some clients who have mental health issues and they can be very sweet and nice. It is just that their world is a bit different than the one we are used to.
@ZenPaper - That's very interesting and sad to read. It's not their fault that they were born with this, aye, and for them to live with a society that largely is afraid or despises them must hurt.
Interesting post, Matt.
i doubt they all have some kind of mental illness. at times people just need to think out loud to reassure themselves on what they think/feel or as a way to erase their loneliness. this happens when you're alone in a park and i see this a lot, especially with those who are in their senior age.
@christao408 - I sometimes worry if my mind will get trapped like theirs.
@secade - I sometimes have a lot of thoughts that fly around my head. I suppose we all have different ways of venting them when it becomes too much.
@ZSA_MD - yeah, sometimes I'm curious to see what makes them tick and how they think. But I really don't have the training for it and will probably misinterpret them. I'm glad you liked the title. I actually played around with a couple of other titles before this suddenly popped into my head.
@Rm2046 - I guess maybe reality is too much sometimes to handle for some of them.
@Fatcat723 - yeah, I see more and more of this now. It used to be you can see the small mike dangling down from the ear piece but not anymore. It's just some cyborg looking thing on one ear.
@yang1815 - hee hee.... not with 3 of them - maybe one of them but I doubt it.
@kunhuo42 - oh Aaron, that's funny... lol. I think in some cases it helps to verbalize our thoughts. I had a coworker who seem to just say whatever came into her head. It drove her coworkers nuts cuz she kept babbling on and on but would also try to engage others with her too.
@TheCheshireGrins - I just don't have enough knowledge of mental health disorders to understand what they are going through. I don't think any of them noticed me. If they did, they didn't let on.
@CurryPuffy - I sometimes sing when I drive.
@ZenPaper - the funding cuts always hurt the poor and vulnerable. We aren't often told of the true costs but instead are told about how much taxes are being saved.
That's a good analogy you provided - thank you.
@stepaside_loser - glad you enjoyed it Andrew.
@rudyhou - interesting, I didn't think about that. Maybe it's the sound of a voice, even their own that is reassuring.
Both of my sisters worked with those who had mental problems.
I remember them bringing the patients home to watch a movie
with us, or to have dinner. My sisters both have huge hearts.
HUGE..... It does take someone very special to work with
people that are some times unknowingly difficult.
*~matthew~*
@bleuzeus - your sisters are amazing. I don't think I could do that. I hope you're not overdosing on your coffee today. Cheers!
@ElusiveWords - I guess it seems like I go the route of the mental institution patient. sigh.
@secade - oh gosh... you won't!
@ElusiveWords - I hope not. I've spent enough time in therapy