It takes generations to recover

I think a lot about how devastating the affects of mental illness are on families. It can last for generations. Back in the day people didn't address mental illness, it wasn't talked about. I'm not sure the general population even knew what it was. We still don't

just a little eccentric

excitable

moody

mad at the world

quiet

shy

strict

old fashioned

odd

Never mind the poor people that had visible, obvious special needs. The way they were treated was an embarrassment, it still is.

But for those of us that were raised by parents that suffered, and suffered ourselves. No one recognized what was wrong. No one talked about any of it. Consequently generations grew up with undiagnosed, untreated mental illness. And damaged the next generation. Probably not intentionally, out of ignorance. Ignorance for their own illness. Even now, when we are starting to recognize mental illness, and treat it, it will be more generations before family lines recover. Whatever that means.

The amount of damage that we unknowingly inflict on each other is staggering. And irreparable.