As I scroll through my social media, I see so much hate. I don’t understand it. I can’t comprehend why people feel the need to be so negative toward someone just because they have a different opinion or view on a subject. One of the best things about this country is the ability to have differing opinions, and the capability to express said opinions. If someone believes something different than I do, so be it. Neither one of us is “right”.
Masks, for example. Half (give or take) of the population complies with the recommendations, and wears their masks, no questions asked, while the other half tell people they’re “stupid” and being “sheep”, letting the government control them. I don’t like wearing a mask. No one likes wearing a mask. But as long as my governor recommends it, me and mine are going to keep wearing one.
Another thing I see people whining about is schools not re-opening for in-person instruction. Our governor advised the schools in Kentucky to refrain from opening for in-person classes until at least late September (our district is all virtual until at least October 26th). Every day I see people bashing him and saying how he needs to be removed from office. In my opinion, he is doing everything he can to keep Kentuckians safe in the midst of a pandemic. I’m not sure what people expect him to do. He is making decisions, following guidance from the ‘experts’.
I’m not even going to get started on politics, because I don’t care enough or know enough about them to have a legitimate opinion on them. And honestly, I see so much hate being spewed daily, that I don’t even want to educate myself on it. People just argue for the sake of arguing when it comes to politics.
One of the biggest things I see people complaining about is kids’ sports. That’s a real hot-button topic in this area. Don’t get me wrong, I know how important it is for kids to have something. I do. But my children’s safety is 100x’s more important than them playing a few games of some sport. Everyone is so angry that sports were cancelled. It literally seems like parents are trying to live vicariously through their kids, because they didn’t get to live out their dreams of playing in or after high school. “Let Us Play” is trending on social media, and it just puzzles me. The funny thing about the #LetUsPlay movement, is that the ones who are posting it and complaining the most about their kids not being able to play, are the same ones that take their kids out of state so that they can play. It’s really confusing and contradicting. It’s like they complain just to complain. My thoughts on it is.. Sports will always be there, your child may not.
Then I see posts of people silently crying out for help with addiction or mental health, and I feel it in my soul. Because I know!! I have been there. I am still there. I deal with mental health issues every day. Luckily, I am no longer in active addiction, but so many people aren’t as fortunate. The comments I see on these posts break my heart. Addiction does not discriminate. Mental Health does not discriminate. You don’t choose to be Bipolar. You don’t choose to be Manic Depressive. You don’t choose to have anxiety. You don’t choose to become an addict. It chooses you. It doesn’t matter who you are, how many followers you have, how much money you have, or who your parents are. People argue that addiction isn’t a disease. Scientists say otherwise. Yes, I chose to take a pill, and I chose to take two more, and then four more, and so on… But I definitely didn’t choose to become addicted to them. Drug use alters the brain. According to the NIH, “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness.” Harvard also adds, “An addicted person’s impaired ability to stop using drugs or alcohol has to do with deficits in the function of the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain involved in executive function.” I see addiction as both a choice, and a disease, as one. You will never know the struggles until you have lived it. No one can cast stones if they, themselves, have not been in that situation.. and the ones who have been in that situation are usually the last ones to judge anyone.
People can be so hurtful. Some of the things I see people post make my mouth drop. I couldn’t imagine talking to someone the way I see some people “talk”. Maybe it’s the way I was raised; I don’t know. The world is a mess right now, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. All we can do is pray for each other and try to be a light in someone’s day. You never know how much a single praise, or even just a smile, can do for someone struggling.
It costs $0.00 to be kind to someone.
What kinds of things do you see on social media that you don’t agree with? What do you do when you don’t agree with something someone says?
What are some hot-button topics in your area?
Do you wear a mask? Why or why not?
Do you have any experience with addiction or mental health issues? What do you do to help?
**If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction,and wants help, call the SAMHSA hotline at: 1(800)662-4357.**
**If someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, and needs to talk to someone, call the NSPL at: 1(800)273-TALK (8255).**
Welcome to the Chaos.. 