oppression Archives - Glory in Growth

Resisting the Pull: How Boundaries and Empowerment Counter Systemic Oppression

Do you ever feel like trouble is drawn to you, even when you’ve done nothing to invite it? For so many of us, especially those who face systemic oppression, it can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down, constantly reminding us of all the ways we’re expected to fail. Society tells us, in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, that we are less deserving, less capable, and that our struggles are our fault. But while oppression is very real, it doesn’t have to define our lives. Many of us live fulfilled lives, not because the system isn’t oppressive, but because we refuse to internalize those harmful messages. We’ve learned to set boundaries, assert our worth, and reject the learned helplessness that these systems try to instill in us.

This isn’t to say that personal empowerment alone can dismantle systemic inequality. It takes both individual strength and collective action to create real change. But by standing firm in who we are and what we deserve, we begin the process of not just surviving, but thriving. Let’s explore how we can use boundaries and empowerment to resist oppression and, together, create transformative change.

1. Acknowledging Structural Inequality: The Roots of Oppression

Let’s start by acknowledging the reality many of us face. Structural inequality—whether it’s based on race, gender, class, or other factors—is designed to keep power in the hands of a few. It reinforces the idea that people like us should just accept our place at the bottom, internalizing the belief that our struggles are our fault. This learned helplessness tells us that no matter what we do, things won’t change, so why bother trying?

But recognizing this for what it is—a tactic of oppression—is a powerful first step. We are not broken, and our hardships aren’t because we deserve them. These systems were created to maintain control, not to reflect our inherent worth. And when we begin to see that, we can start setting boundaries and saying, “No, this is not my fault, and I will not accept this treatment.”

2. The Role of Boundaries and Self-Empowerment: Rejecting the Narrative

One of the most important ways we push back is by setting boundaries. Boundaries protect us, reminding ourselves and others that we won’t tolerate mistreatment or internalize negative messages. Self-empowerment comes from recognizing that, yes, oppression exists, but it doesn’t get to tell us who we are or how we live our lives.

Take the example of Rosa Parks. We know her story as the woman who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. But what’s so powerful about her story isn’t just the act itself—it’s what it represents. As a Black woman living under Jim Crow laws, Rosa Parks was surrounded by systemic barriers designed to make her feel less worthy. She was constantly told she was a second-class citizen, but she didn’t accept that. When she refused to move, she wasn’t just standing up to one bus driver; she was rejecting the entire system that tried to tell her she wasn’t deserving of respect.

What makes Rosa Parks’ story so compelling is that she knew she deserved better, even in the face of overwhelming oppression. She set a boundary that day, not because she believed the system would instantly change, but because she knew her own worth. And that’s what we do, too. We set boundaries to remind ourselves and others that, no matter what the system says, we deserve better.

3. Collective Resistance and the Power of Community: Transformative Action

But personal empowerment is just one piece of the puzzle. Real change happens when we come together and reject the harmful narratives that systemic oppression pushes on us. When we organize as a community, we remind each other of our shared worth and push back against the systems trying to hold us down.

The civil rights movement is a perfect example of this. Rosa Parks’ act of defiance was just the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a yearlong protest that united an entire community in standing up to segregation. It wasn’t just about one person refusing to give up her seat—it was about an entire community coming together to say, “We deserve better, and we won’t accept second-class citizenship.”

This kind of collective action is powerful because it takes our individual strength and amplifies it. When we come together, we create a force that’s much harder for oppressive systems to ignore. And that’s where real transformation happens—not just in the lives of individuals, but in society as a whole.

4. Mindset as a Tool, Not a Cure: Balancing Personal and Collective Efforts

It’s important to remember that having a strong mindset and setting boundaries are powerful tools, but they’re not a cure for oppression. Systemic inequality exists at a structural level, and no amount of personal empowerment will completely dismantle it. However, what we can do is avoid falling into the trap of learned helplessness.

When we set boundaries and refuse to accept harmful narratives, we create space for ourselves to live more fulfilled lives. And when we combine that individual empowerment with collective action, we start to chip away at the systems that oppress us. It’s a balance—taking care of ourselves while also working together to create a better, more just world.

Conclusion: Turning Empowerment into Transformation

Systemic oppression is heavy, but it doesn’t have to define us. When we set boundaries, reject harmful messages, and claim our worth, we begin the process of empowerment. And when we come together as a community to reject the narratives that try to keep us down, we create the possibility for true transformation. Rosa Parks’ legacy reminds us that personal empowerment, when paired with collective action, can change history. And while the fight against structural inequality continues, by standing strong in who we are and what we deserve, we take the first steps toward a more just and fulfilling future—for ourselves, and for everyone.

Unveiling the Shadowed History of Mental Health Care in the U.S.: A Journey from Oppression to Empowerment

Hey there, mental health enthusiasts and curious minds alike! Let’s dive into the labyrinth of the American mental health care system—a realm steeped in a complex history of oppression, bias, and inequalities. Buckle up as we unravel the layers of its past and glimpse into its current state.

An abandoned mental asylum – Asylums were once the only treatment sites for people with mental illness, but have been outlawed due to excessive cruelty.

Imagine this: a time when the mental health care system wasn’t a beacon of support and healing but rather a tool of oppression. Yes, you read that right. Throughout history, this system has been entangled with prejudices that seeped into its very foundations.

In the archives of diagnostic manuals like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), you’ll stumble upon terms like ‘drapetomania,’ a so-called mental illness pathologizing enslaved individuals who attempted to escape, or ‘hysteria,’ a diagnosis predominantly applied to women that did not adhere to rigid gender roles. And let’s not forget the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder until shockingly recent times.

Fast forward to the present, and the legacy of this biased history still lingers. Unequal access to quality mental health care persists, starkly evident in the disproportionate misdiagnoses of Black individuals with conditions like schizophrenia or oppositional defiant disorder due to systemic biases among providers. Many providers are not taught about racism and its effects on mental health, so when a patient describes racist incidents when they are followed around in a department store, for example, they label the patient as simply paranoid—-a symptom of schizophrenia, or simply lacking respect for authority—a symptom of oppositional defiant disorder. “Gender Dysphoria” is a mental illness classified within the current edition of the DSM, as pathologizing non hetereo-sexualities is the only way for those that experience psychological distress due to discovering this part of themselves to get care via insurance. Finally, it is still very common for women’s issues to be dismissed by providers due to political polarization.

Abuse within psychiatric facilities remains an unfortunate reality, often shrouded in silence. The American Psychological Association, the governing body of mental health care in the U.S., has been criticized for its sluggish responses to these pressing issues, leaving many feeling unheard and unsupported. In my own personal experience, I was severely discouraged from seeking a master’s degree in a mental health related field because when I was researching graduate schools, all of the facilities they sent students to do field work at were awash with employee complaints about patient abuse. I found these complaints on popular employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed in 2021.

Further, let’s talk money. The current mental health care system is very profitable, which is why there is very slow reform taking place. The pharmaceutical industry rakes in billions, and while medications can be beneficial, their rampant use often raises eyebrows. Therapy is also very expensive, usually costing hundreds per session. While insurance can cover costs, the practices of insurance companies tend to uphold the more abusive and exploitative aspects of mental health care.

Are there other effective alternatives? Absolutely! The World Health Organization champions a pyramid framework emphasizing self-care and informal community support as crucial components of mental health care. However, the American Psychological Association has made very little effort in aligning their practices with this framework.

Here’s the bombshell: just like other systems, such as the prison industrial complex or capitalism, the mental health care landscape can be exploitative, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. But fear not! Knowledge is power, and understanding our rights and options can be our shield.

Empowerment comes from education. Learning about mental health and illness equips us to navigate this system, helping us find the best resources and advocate for ourselves. It’s crucial not to trust a single mental health practitioner blindly but to seek varied perspectives and options that align with our needs and values.

Remember, mental health care is a necessity, but acknowledging its flaws is key to protecting ourselves and others. Self-care, community support, and informed choices are powerful tools on our journey toward holistic well-being.

So, here’s to shining a light on the shadows of mental health care history and paving a path toward a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering future! Keep exploring, stay informed, and let’s continue this conversation together.