Numerous news agencies reported that a 14-year-old basketball player was taunted by some in the crowd watching a basketball game between Duluth Marshall High School and Crosby-Ironton High School. This happened on March 6, 2024. Chloe Johnson has been open about her diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). During her game, Crosby-Ironton High School members chanted “OCD” at her.
I am not Chloe's therapist, but on behalf of myself, my clients, and my loved ones, I would like to set this fact straight. Mental health disorders are also physical health disorders. When you suffer from depression, you may experience physical pain. When you suffer from anxiety, you may feel an upset stomach. Living with OCD often makes you feel physically tense and tired. Some people think that mental health illness is a personal weakness. Mental health disorders are living disorders. Just like we are susceptible to colds and broken legs. We are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, mental illness, addiction, and more. Wouldn't it be so embarrassing if we understood that mental health is also physical health? It's not just in your head.
As a therapist and as a human being, I have struggled with mental health disorders. Someone you know, or yourself, may be suffering from them. When we make fun of, bully, and discriminate against people who are sick, we step on our own feet and our own tongues. Insanity is not necessarily caused by mental illness. The cause of insanity is the lack of critical thinking and indiscretion that accompanies the mistreatment of mentally ill people. Instead of heckling or belittling others, choose kindness. Choose understanding. The ignorance and adversity that Chloe Johnson faced on March 6, 2024 must have been extremely difficult. I think she will persevere. Living with OCD or any type of mental health diagnosis takes strength and fortitude. But I worry about the hymns and others who don't just blame others. They are blaming themselves. They are attacking their loved ones. We know better, so let's do better. “I am different, nothing less.” — Temple Grandin
Kimberly Dwinnell-Dillon, MSW, LICSW is a therapist at The Therapist, PLC and Indigo Counseling, PLC in Brainerd.
