The Serpent's Tale

They call us snakes. Evil. Cold blooded. Cruel. Why would you say that when learning someone was diagnosed with a mental disorder that was out of their control? Oh, but right, you hear about it on crime shows and boisterous podcasts, so that makes you a licensed-to-judge therapist. You hear about it in shootings, thievery, and sexual assault. Your babysitter has Bipolar Disorder, that does not mean they are going to slaughter everyone they go to school with that day. Your daughter has undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder, she is innocent and struggling, yet you call her volatile. The man who picked up the wallet that you dropped, and gently put it back in your hand, is struggling with Schizophrenia, but that does not mean he is incapable of trying to help others, even when they failed him. Bombs go off, soldiers die in front of the man who now packages your groceries. He has PTSD. Yet he smiles at you. He is struggling. Everyone that is mentioned here today is struggling. There are no comparisons when it comes to mental illnesses, yet.. which one made you more afraid when mentioned? Most people would say Schizophrenia, but there is another mental illness I mentioned in the beginning, that one which should not be named in fear of being locked up. ASPD, or, Anti-Social Personality Disorder. My friend, they have Schizophrenia. They struggle with sleep, yet they call me Sunshine when they finally awaken from their struggles. They are a good person, but would you look at them differently if I told you their diagnosis? Most would, and that should never be. Do not look at a Schizophrenia patient as if they are lesser than the other valid mental health concerns. I have Anti-Social Personality Disorder. I struggle with Anti-Social Personality Disorder. My empathy is low but not nonexistent. I am not cruel. I do not harm animals. I do not stand over people with knives. Television is lying to all of you. Every single one of you. Wake up and realize your discrimination against mental illness is harming real people. We are snakes, but not the kind that manipulate you into biting an apple, nor Jörmungandr who seeks destruction. In terms of the cold blooded, terrifying snakes you paint us as, we are Shesha, protectors. We are Ouroboros, everywhere, never-ending, constant, and willing to devour ourselves before we let you see within. Only 7% of snakes are deadly. Only 3% to 5% of mentally ill people commit crimes. Wake up.