Alcoholism is Not a Crime May 2020
In 10 years, we are going to ask, “What is wrong with our young adults?”
“They were home schooled by alcoholic, weed smoking, sanxiety ridden parents without teaching experience.
Statements and memes similar to this are flooding social media. We all need some humor to lighten our days during these unsettling times and my dry sense of humor says, “Go for it.” My concern is that this attitude may simply sweep under the rug the feelings and real concerns of those struggling with increased consumption.
The American Heart Association reports that alcohol sales were up 54% in March. If you think that is astounding, digest this…April, alcohol sales were up 500%. Yep, 500%!
The media has brought to our attention the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and i’m thankful for the effort in destigmatizing mental health. I have yet to see an ad on the television bringing awareness to the correlation between the two. Its true that alcohol, weed, etc can add to preexisting mental conditions. What I do is see ads of happy couples sharing a bottle of wine in their beautiful garden or similar. These people are fortunate to have someone to share with during the stay at home orders and most likely have no point of reference just how lonely and stressful it can be for those who live alone. Not even to mention those who are in an abusive relationship and do not feel safe at home.
“Alcoholism is Not a Crime”, are not my words. They were told to me in the midst of a story a woman I am friends with shared with me speaking of her father. She was recounting her relationship with her father and those close to her family of origin. Diana stated that many family members did not understand mental health or alcoholism and outwardly expressed their feelings and disappointment, much to the chagrin of his children.
What struck me during this conversation was the clear love and adoration Diana had for her father. His true character was confirmed at his funeral. During his eulogy, not a word was mentioned about the mans alcoholism. What was spoke of was his gentle nature, how hard he worked to provide for his family, his silly sense of humor and the immense love he had for his wife and daughter. Old timers in their 80’s got up to the microphone to share story after story of how this man went out of his way to be kind. Buying extra bottles of milk to be delivered, putting them on the single mothers porch. This is just one example of the many kind actions this “alcoholic” did to care for and enhnce others lives.
I have attached the article from the American Heart Association. My hope for you today is that you take a few minutes to read the article and ponder who in your life couold use more compassion and understanding…less judgement and shaming. This is a tough time for All. How will you enhance another humanbeings life experience today and beyond. If we really are, “All in this together”, lets show it with our words and in our actions.