David French | 16/11/2012 8:48:28 AM

This article was originally published as 'Crazy' in http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/ on 10 November 2012. Image taken from http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/aboutus/ourlogo.cfm

Recently two business friends took ill, one being admitted to a mental health unit, and another taking extended leave at her home. Four months later one is recovering well and the other is still very ill. Diligent and amusing and respected, perhaps the only funny thing about visiting one friend was the sign I spotted on the counter at Hillcrest. It displayed a picture of a black dog – lost. Ironically, I’m guessing that many patients at Hillcrest would like to lose their black dog.

What is it about Mental Health that causes such a stigma? If we have a cold or the flu, we say that we feel crap and everyone sympathises. Same with cancer to which some people respond with a whole new amazingly positive persona. But when people are depressed or face some other mental illness, no-one says anything. What’s with not acknowledging the thin membrane that exists between coping with reality and the creation of a seemingly real, but potentially dangerous, other-world?

Regular readers will know of my family’s familiarity with disability. Although many face challenges more severe, the similarities evident between society’s approach to physical disability and mental health are obvious.

This observation led to me to revisit my thoughts on the metamorphous of disability care from drastic institutionalisation to home support (which in many cases unfortunately meant no support). As noted in a previous article, the hopes and concerns of such movements in popular culture were highlighted by signature movies such as “Charlie” and “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”.

While movies focussed on the effects of institutionalisation, popular music explores the effect on the individual. Seal’s “Crazy” suggests that blind adherence to the constraints of modern society might not be good for us, The Sweet’s “Committed” gives us a confused view from the inside, “Mongoloid” and “Spasticus Autisticus” (respectively by Devo, and Ian Jury and the Blockheads), demonstrate that disability might mask, but not eliminate, many perfectly ordinary human traits. The Sunnyboys’ “Trouble in My Brain” and “The Stooge”, provide an insight into the singers’ (then current) battle with depression and schizophrenia. “Shine on your Crazy Diamond” by Pink Floyd laments the “checking out” of fellow band member Syd Barrett. On tolerance, perhaps Edie Bickell provides the most insight – “What I am is what I am, are you what you are or what?” Feel like looking these songs up? Google “Partybase1610 – Crazy Tunes”.

The Investment Collective (AFSL 471728) is a non-aligned financial planning and investment firm specialising in providing tailored financial and investment advice for individuals and small business. Capricorn Investment Partners Limited's services include financial planning, share trading, portfolio management, insurance broking and self managed super fund administration. Additional information on services provided by The Investment Collective Limited can be found by following this link. Readers are reminded that this document has been prepared for general information purposes only, and any advice contained herein has been prepared without taking into account your financial objectives, situation or needs. Readers are advised to see their financial advisor prior to acting on any general advice.

More articles about general.