Mental Illness?

If you stand on the street corner, yelling at people (or no one), are you mentally ill? Is it OK to laugh at those who do this? Here's a real life example...
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[@RiderObvious]

I don't know about mental illness, but that lane split was awesome!

[@SoopaBee]

Ha! I saw the opening and I just had to take it! :-)

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Yeah it's interesting to think on... Sometimes I think "that could be me" Not really, but then again why not? If I was homeless, if all I saw was the waste, stupidity and how the human race is hurtling towards it's own, self created demise, would I eventually just end up yelling at everyone? Is our "normal" behaviour just subdued denial of what we won't allow ourselves to fully take in? More than likely it's fuelled with substance abuse as well though. Scary and funny as the situation is, i feel for people like this too man.

[@SoopaBee]

I often think that the line between sanity and insanity is pretty gray. I mean look at us. We talk to ourselves in our helmets. There's no one there. Isn't this a little, well, strange? :-)

[@andypandy.]

I would say that a lot of people would laugh because it is a natural reaction to a situation that makes us uneasy.... so a smile or a laugh is intended to make the other person (or possible threat) see us as someone that does not pose a threat and therefore not target us, so only is it OK to laugh it is natural :-) As for the lady on the road, this day and age with the prolific use of prescribed and non-prescribed medication.... who knows?? She may have just had a gut full of the world and has finally decided enough is enough?? Sad though :-( Thought provoking..... nice work!! I like this one!!

[@SoopaBee]

Thanks for chiming in Andy. I like what you've said about laughing really being just a natural reaction to the situation. If there were a "right" answer, this has got to be it in my opinion. And who knows what was going on with the lady. Like you said, she may have just had enough of the bullsh!t. I could easily be there one day too!

[@WheelsNotHeels]

It's almost like a cry for help, like those who kill or kill themselves...sometimes, they really want some help.

[@SoopaBee]

Damn. I didn't think about it like that Wheels. But you could be right. Maybe it is the body's way to ask for help. Maybe it is almost like an involuntary response. Now you've got me thinking...

[@AdventuresinRealLife]

One of these days I'll get to Wisconsin, there I had an experience with a (presumably) schizophrenic lady that was anything but funny. Totally agree. Sidenote, as you know Adventures in Real Life came from a paper I wrote about Don Quixote. In it, I argued the case for the title character being a hero. Because he truly believed he was charging giants, how could he not be courageous? I do love Romanticism for the way it expresses mental illness, it was something I used to write about often. I think the ADV community, and perhaps bikers in general, have a higher rate of mental illness than the general population. Though, I wonder if it is a sort of therapy. Though I suppose this simplifies such ailments down to being out of touch with reality. Symbolically it's intriguing, like the wanderer trying to find a place that makes sense--riding itself is an atypical means of transit widely adopted by social outcasts. Anyhow, I've heard it said that humor keeps us safe from tragedy--and a fear I know--that we have so little control or understanding of our own minds that we too may one day find ourselves yelling at someone who isn't there. Easier to dismiss it as an absurdity--a character flaw--a peculiar circumstance. Because the worst thing, is knowing that there is a problem and having little clue how to deal with it. On a positive note, there is a big movement within the media to depict more relate-able characters suffering from mental illness, in the hopes of making the problem more socially acceptable. Many of the troubles faced by such persons are secondary effects, such as isolation from peers, belief that it is their own fault/responsibility, or that they themselves are absurd things undeserving or incapable of participation in society. That their experience is invalid, and that they are in need of fixing. Not that this is absolutely wrong, it's just...in poor spirit. My point is, subjectivity matters. Don Quixote might have been mad, and his experiences non-literal, but they revealed a character many of us wish we could be--honorable, dutiful, determined, noble, self-sacrificing. And he had Adventures in Real Life.

[@SoopaBee]

Thank you brother. Thank you so much for always sharing things that make me think on a deeper level. I appreciate it when you let us peek behind the curtain into the beautiful thoughts that live within that head of yours. Thank you my friend.

[@AdventuresinRealLife]

Of course, I've spent a long time alone thinking about things, might as well make some use of it. Oh! The past three months have been quite the experience, gotta say. Had a pretty bad one, worst in five years maybe. All's well now....I feel like I learned a lot, though that almost certainly exacerbated the problem. Can't go about exploring your value structure, beliefs, identity, and significant life changes too much without hazard. Fortunately I'm a lot more skilled than I used to be with this sort of thing. I feel like I'd walked into hell, stole a few things, then walked right out. One of these days I'll have to tell you about my mentor, and what happened at the Federal Center....because I understand the story now....and what becoming an adventurer really meant to me. Until then my friend.

[@SoopaBee]

Glad you are in a better place now man. I was wondering if something was up, hence my call. You know how to reach me brother if I can lend an ear. That's for real. And yes, I would love to hear the story about the Federal Center! Hope you didn't get...detained. Anyway, I'll reach out to you separately about finding time to get together in the next few weeks (may have to be February to be honest). Be well my friend.

[@OldManTony]

In the past there have been days when I've felt like shouting in the street like that, luckily my filters are in place so I haven't, however I wonder if I would have felt better doing it. Sometimes though mental illness does not manifest itself with visible signs and it's those people that go without help.

[@SoopaBee]

Very good points Tony. I am making a lot of assumptions here...probably falsely. Who knows what was going on with the lady. For all I know, she was having just a bad day and had hit her breaking point. And I have heard of mental illness being described as the invisible illness. This has got to be the worst because you don't get much sympathy from others. Anyway, thanks for chiming in man. All the best to you.

[@CalmBiker]

I suppose it depends upon the reason behind the laughter. Sometimes things make you laugh before you realise and there's nothing you can do about that really. Laughing at people in the sneering way or uncaring way that some people do isn't good. It's strange how mental illness is seen differently to physical problems. For me it would be the same as laughing at someone for having cancer-induced hair-loss. If they whipped off a wig with a grin and a flourish, I would probably laugh with them but I'd never laugh at them.

[@SoopaBee]

I appreciate you calling out mental illness as being no different from illnesses that manifest themselves in physical ways. I guess it has to do with the invisible nature that often accompanies mental illness. But I personally know those who suffer with an emotional pain that is just as crippling as physical pain.

[@CalmBiker]

I do too unfortunately.

[@YummisakiiRides]

Some people just go crazy in the City and don't have control over themselfs. Mostly starts in the childhood when something negative in their eyes happen they act agressive really fast. Or get pissed fast even if they smiled for like 2 minutes ago.

[@SoopaBee]

Yeah man, I don't know what's the root cause. I will say that you certainly see a number of folks acting "out of the norm" here in the city. LOL, maybe just living in the city is the root cause!

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

Seeing that kind of thing actually causes me to be fearful, because that could be me. It's genuinely terifying to me because as I get older I have no idea what kind of ailments I may be stricken with. And losing quality of life, especially in a mental capacity scares the crap out of me. And if it does happen there's nothing you can do about it. :o (

[@BikesDrones]

You will be fine Rob

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

Bikes & Drones ;o)

[@SoopaBee]

For me, it is actually a bit of a sober reminder to be grateful for what I do have. Material things. Family. And for the time being, my mental faculties. As much as I want to disagree with you, the truth is that you are right. We don't know what the future will bring. We could find ourselves in a position of "losing it" at some point. But I guess it does no good to dwell on it... Anyway, great to hear from you my brother. I think about you often and sincerely hope that all is good with you. And of course, give my regards to that amazing woman in your life! She puts up with a lot 😜 LOL!

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

SoopaBee Likewise bud, you're alway in my best thoughts and wishes. As long as I make her cups of tea Elspeth is happy to put up with me. ;o)

[@mountainbikerpaul2267]

It could happen to anyone of us, if you suddenly lost your partner and kids in some horrible accident who knows what that will do to your brain, I knew someone who ended up being taken away in a straight jacket for their own safety after losing their family, it was very sad, there is not much you can do when someone loses their mind like that, I'm grateful for what I have and never take it granted.

[@SoopaBee]

Paul, you hit it on the head. Every one of us is just one life event away from instability. This is a great reminder man. Thank you for chiming in.

[@mountainbikerpaul2267]

Your welcome Soopa, seems a bit early, but just in case you don't upload another vid b4, hope you and your family have a great xmas! Stay safe, Paul.

[@SoopaBee]

Likewise brother. You too my friend.

[@samsmithmotovlogs]

We have a lady in our town who is homeless and likes it that way. Everyday people stop and offer her help and the only thing she will accept is a donation to a local diner in her name so that she has a warm meal waiting when she wants one. Is she crazy? I don't think she thinks so. She is living life on her terms. It's not a life for me though. Thanks and take care.

[@SoopaBee]

Sam my friend, I don't necessarily doubt what you are saying, but "homeless and likes it that way?" Really? I'm sure it is plausible that someone would actually like being homeless but I have to admit to you man, this is just hard for me to comprehend. Especially coming from a woman. Being homeless period has got to be a hard life, but being homeless as a woman with the constant worry about your safety, has got to be just downright scary...at least for the average person. That's why I wonder if mental illness is at play for those who appear to "like" being homeless. Is something just not clicking. Hell, I don't know man. Maybe you are right and there just are people who really do prefer the freedom of it all. Thanks for sharing Sam. All the best to you.

[@samsmithmotovlogs]

I don't blame you for your doubts. I have a hard time comprehending it too. I have seen her almost everyday for two years now and I am sure that she has some mental issues but she is alert, smart and has a pattern to her life. She knows where to go when it's cold or rainy. Like I said I don't get it but she refuses all but that food aid. Thanks and take care.

[@SoopaBee]

Thanks again Sam.

[@samsmithmotovlogs]

You are most welcome.

[@Doticaster]

She could also be on something but either way yeh man, help needed. I think it's a natural human reaction instinct to initially find it funny, it's that that makes us stop and think. Take boxing for instance, everyone cheers and jeers when someone gets knocked out with one punch and then a few seconds later you notice the dude is still out on the floor, that's when it kicks in. Tcrs bro✊

[@SoopaBee]

That's another great example. It kind of takes a second to really kick in. And you are right. I have no clue if the lady was on something or mentally unstable. But I have certainly seen folks around town who are acting in ways outside of the norm that really make you think. But then again, I was talking to MYSELF in my helmet so maybe I'm the one with issues! LOL

[@PhantomRides]

What if she's just drunk considering you saw her the first time?

[@SoopaBee]

Very good point man. Who knows. Drunk. Drugs. Mental illness. Shoot, maybe none of the above. Maybe she was just having a bad day. And I could easily be there myself one of these days.

[@TheTriumfAnt]

It could also be drugs. Or both. Sad either way.

[@SoopaBee]

Drugs, alcohol, mental illness...who knows. Then again, maybe she just had enough and was just getting some things off her chest. I guess I do the same thing in a way with these KZbin videos. I don't know man...I guess we are all just trying to make it through this crazy world of ours...

[@katsugi183]

Or maybe someone to talk to? as she shouts to gain attention. Encountered one strange guy today after your video release, walking against traffic in a busy street 😲

[@SoopaBee]

Yeah, who knows man. I'm making a lot of assumptions for sure. But I have heard that mental illness does affect a number of the folks on the streets of Denver. But who knows what was going on with this lady.

[@katsugi183]

SoopaBee indeed. is a possibility

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

She does indeed need help. But, she had to take that first step and realize she needs help. It could be a mental illness or it could be drug induced. Either way, she needs help.

[@SoopaBee]

And who knows what was going on man. I admit that I am making an assumption that "mental illness" was the cause. But who knows. Like you said, perhaps it's drugs. Perhaps it alcohol. Perhaps it was simply just being fed up with something/someone in her life and she just needed to release the emotions. Hell man, I don't know. Anyway, thanks for chiming in man. All the best to you.

[@MrAusadventure]

Sane people just don't do that. It is pretty sad. Personally I get freaked out by people acting like that as they are so unpredictable. I don't find them funny at all. But I can understand how some people might be amused by their behaviour. It's funny on TV right?

[@SoopaBee]

It IS funny on TV! That's a good point. I think that the laughter that I admittedly have at times, really isn't meant to degrade or attack, it really is just a natural reaction to something happening out of the norm that is, well, funny. But I can't help but quickly catching myself and wondering what the hell is really going on to cause that type of behavior. Thanks for swinging by MrA!