Unintentionally the man drew attention to himself.
Most people didn’t notice as he came into the Social Security office. They were huddled in their own space waiting for their number to be called.
This man, let’s call him Sam, became noticed after he checked in at the computer terminal, and began to unload his pockets on a nearby table telling the everyone, and no one, why he was there. We found out that he had lost his wallet with all of his valuable papers.
I watched for a moment wondering how he got all those things in his pockets. It appeared to be his entire filing system. Everything important to him was in his pockets.
It appears to me that Sam clearly has a serious mental illness. Just as clearly, Sam disturbed others waiting in the office.
People were growing uncomfortable. Heads went down to avoid eye contact. The security guard, to whom Sam was speaking, tried to move him along quickly without having to interact with Sam.
When Sam took a seat those who were sitting near by, turned away. To no avail, Sam continued talking with everyone, and no one. The collective, yet silent, sigh of relief was felt when Sam was called to a window.
During the 30 minutes in which Sam was taking care of his business, the waiting room was quiet. There was a feeling of fear that Sam would talk directly to someone.
After Sam left, the room returned its normal buzz of conversation. People relaxed.
Why was everyone uncomfortable with Sam, but not with the young man with numerous body piercings and tattoos? Why did Sam make people nervous while the lady with palsy did not?
Sam’s disability is invisible. He does not behave within the societal norms. Even body piercing and garish body art is more normal than Sam. People don’t know what to do with Sam.
Sam isn’t the first, he won’t be the last, going into the Social Security office with a mental illness. At the very least, all employees should have some sensitivity training for those with mental disabilities. If the security guard had been more comfortable, the public would have been.
Sam was completely unaware of the discomfort around him. He was there to complete a task and complete it he did.
Sam is in recovery. Unlike so many with mental illness, he’s able to take care of his needs by himself. So what if his way of doing is different from others? He is doing.
Someday our society will see Sam the person and not Sam the illness.
That is such a sad post! But you are so right about society. Wow, that is all I can say.
By: parsonsk2255 on October 14, 2008
at 8:29 am