UPDATE: This was just reblogged by The Real Cie at The Cheese Whines. Thanks, Cie! Click the link
to check out more Cie-mantics!
No Blame, No Shame
(a different kind of coming out)
The LGBT tradition of admission
(sometimes to family derision)
is called, “Coming out of the Closet”
The closet, a cloister of treasures
like Jimmy’s high heels and
Ellen’s bow ties: Sanctuary
Once declared, closet is aired,
fairly cleared, faintly scented with
lavender or motor oil, and shame
Mental disorders, the discordance
of synapse each to the next, need
same mother/father confessions
Nowadays, they call it “coming out,”
but why steal a feeling so specific,
resulting in either terrific or horrific.
I call it, “NO BLAME, NO SHAME”
when I get around to telling confused
but Amy-supportive family, friends
Once, we were “possessed by demons,”
the spectre of exorcism (still practiced
by propagandist sects, ignorance exalted)
Later we were ruled by La Luna,
hence, Lunatics, Loony, Moon-tuned
with no room for self-love
Then we were Frankenshocked
thru electric sockets into submission
A rotisserie for the hotheaded
Now we are diagnosed, presupposed
unless war and gore have inflicted
all-too-visible, invisible wounds
No blame, no shame. Nobody can
tell us anymore that we are “less than”
To hell with stigma, guilt, and hiding
I’m simply seeking help to become
the most authentic Amy I can be,
more in control of the blogroll
No blame, no shame. Say it loud,
I have manic depression and PTSD,
but they don’t have me.
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Went to the Wisconsin State Conference of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Did you know NAMI started around a kitchen table, as some moms discussed their children’s problems and diagnoses? Once again, proof that I am in a good place. Geographically speaking. Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivinfrance
Geographically and philosophically speaking: you tell ’em, Amy. This poem is good.
The Real Cie
Reblogged this on The Cheese Whines and commented:
When I was first diagnosed with type II bipolar disorder (the right diagnosis at long last!) I was worried what people would think. These days I come right out and say it, and if someone has a problem with it, that’s their damn problem. People need to come out of their stigmatizing and stereotyping and realize that not everyone in the world fits their narrow definition of “good.”
I am not a “good crazy.” I am pissed off and angry over the injustices of the world. You’ll not hear me claiming I’ve got the answers to how to make yourself appear happy when you feel like stabbing someone in the eye with a fork. I’m more one of those “tell it like it is” types. If people don’t like that, they can pucker up and assume the position. I have a large ass, so they should be able to find it easily.
Sharp Little Pencil
Cie, I commented at your blog… yes, there are times I want to pick up a fork and stick it… in a variety of places. I let my imagination do that fighting and it helps ease my stress.
How about this one: You’re depressed and somebody starts telling you jokes or (wince) tickles you? Ah, yes, that’s where my PTSD comes in, and it ain’t pretty…. but I’m trying to treat these as “teachable moments” (although Mr. Rogers I ain’t!)/
Bless you for reblogging this to your followers. I truly appreciate it. See you soon, and stay feisty! In solidarity, Amy
Polly Robinson
Well said, Amy ~ you are the most authentic Amy in the world xx
Adura Ojo
I love this, Amy. I love ‘frankenshocked’ and ‘rotisserie for the hotheaded.’ The way you weaved the themes of stigma, discrimination and oppression of different sections of society into a cohesive (seamless) whole – from LGBT to mental disorder – our humanity is the same. Bravo!
Lisa A.Williams
I admire the strength of your words in this very prolific write. Bravo, so well done!
georgefloreswrite
Oh yeah, Amy! No shame and a big NO to people who think that their one non-pharmaceutical method is right for everybody! Big hugs you awesome woman 🙂
Mama Zen
Hell, yeah. This is powerful stuff.
claudia
being authentic is a key definitely…love the fighting spirit in this…and yeah…they don’t have you..very cool on the conference as well amy
Roger Green
You are the Amyest! Brave and bold, sister.
heidi
Awesome ending, Amy!
brian miller
i have them but they dont have me…a great statement there…i have been learning the history of mental illness…and disabilities in my grad school classes…we def have a dark history in that regard…i agree that when we can be transparent it allows others to see that we are all just people…each with abilities and otherwise…
Audrey Howitt
Amen Amy!!
ManicDdaily
Very cool – wonderful sound here as well as sentiment. k.
McGuffy Ann
I literally feel your pain. Childhood abuse shapes us, becomes a part of us…but it is not all we are about. We are so much more, and it is not our shame…it is theirs.
Timoteo
Jason Collins thanks you.
Talon
The lines do seem blurred between mental illness and conditions that aren’t necessarily part and parcel of it. It wasn’t that long ago that mentally challenged individuals were locked away because of family shame. Maybe, one day, we’ll get to where it’s okay to be open about mental illness. But it does seem to be either wildly tossed about or totally shut down still. Sometime the pendulum must swing to a halt…
zongrik
My mom still blames me for everything, tell me I should be ashamed of myself, and I’m a grandma. 😦
nano birthing chamber
kaykuala
Now we are diagnosed, presupposed
unless war and gore have inflicted
all-too-visible, invisible wounds
Must be something of a life changing decision where the response can be surpringly acceptable or shocking to others. Nicely Amy!
Hank
I HAVE A VOICE
I’ve had enough of the victim attitude and the entitlements mentality that you should post this on a billboard !
kelly
I like the way you presented this, it really drove your point home at the end. Your attitude is good and strong and proof that they don’t have you… Standing tall and strong is a very good thing.
Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
Very good and clear statement here. Definitily no shame, but history has said different.
Akila
very true, no shame and no blame, they are differently abled, nothing more, nothing less!
http://randomlynovel.blogspot.in/2013/04/who-teaches-whom-trip-down-childhood.html
Jeff
Understanding is oft slowly developing. More often small strides leave permanent footsteps. It is good such things endure.
Cheers!
Rowan Taw
Here! Here! Absolutely “no blame, no shame” : )
SaraV
Amy, you have such a talent for telling a story within a poem. Absolutely love that ending. You have defined yourself by so much more than your diagnoses.
Hugs and Cheers!
Snakypoet (Rosemary Nissen-Wade)
Good on you,Amy!
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