A World of Sweet Crazies

Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules..

     -Steve Jobs

A couple of things are prompting this essay. I recently read an article, well read about a shoot, which focuses on Ethiopia’s “Sweet Crazies,” the 15% of the population that suffers from some form of mental illness. I also read an article discussing dyslexia and the possible benefits that it provides the afflicted. And, of course, I’m perpetually reminded of my brother’s permanent inspiration.

Around the world mental differences get viewed in a lot of different lights. And, I should note, I’m talking about anyone whose brain works differently, be it dyslexia, a manic-depressive disorder, or psychophrenia.

In much of Africa, any sort of mental instability often gets linked to demons or spirits inhabiting the afflicted. The victims are often ostracized or the treatment is terribly inadequate and possibly dangerous (if there’s a demon stuck in you, drill a hole in your skull to let it out, right…?).

Western society tends to over prescribe in order to deal with the insanity. If you have x take pills A, B, and C. If that doesn’t help take twice as many of A, B, and C; hell, let’s throw in some D for good measure. Granted, that’s usually paired with some sort of psychiatric treatment. Or… you know, it’s ignored and the mentally afflicted are left to wander the streets.

I don’t envy anyone with any sort of disorder. And I got lucky as hell; I’ve never had any real problems dealing with my emotional or mental health. Having grown up with someone who dealt with a variety of different educational disorders, I’m aware just how difficult it can be.

Still, somehow despite, or even, perhaps, because of all the challenges people that are a bit “touched” tend to end up touching the lives of ever many more. Writers tend to be manic-depressive alcoholics. Artists get a whole range of disorders, combined with alcoholism, of course. Many scientists and engineers fall into the autistic category. CEOs tend to have a wide variety of educational challenges.

So does society have a healthy relationship with all of these people, so fundamentally important? Eh, probably not. Just take a look at the latest numbers for the homeless aimlessly wandering around the states… A lucky few get the attention and help they need to go onto great things, not that their life is any easier for it, but most get lost among the multitudes.