DOMINATING DEMENTIA

​​“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” – 2 Corinthians 10:4

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In 1999, the U.S. Surgeon General stated, "Powerful and pervasive, stigma prevents people from acknowledging their own mental health problems, much less disclosing them to others." (U.S. Surgeon General Report, 1999) Unfortunately, the media perpetuates the negative stigma surrounding individuals who are living with one or more mental illnesses. Society feeds into these depictions and tend to expect violence or suicide from individuals who have acquired a mental disease. Ultimately, the societal view of mental conditions segregates many who are classified and creates barriers that complicate one’s ability to rebound after their diagnosis.

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Rarely, do you hear about individuals who have managed to recover after being labeled. But they are out there…

One of the earliest influences in my life was Pastress Wynona Wright, whom was diagnosed with ten disorders including bipolar disorder. When asked how she overcame the stigma and negativity, she responded “Through my worship.” She credits her worship of Jesus Christ for making her more than a label. Being more than a conqueror, she is a warrior and a leader.

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More than a Conqueror

A simple article cannot even begin to detail all that she has overcome in her life. One particular obstacle that she has conquered is being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder often develops in a person's late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25. (National Institute of Mental Health) According to the 2005 National Comorbidity Survey-Replication study, about 20.9 million American adults, or 9.5 percent of the population ages 18 and older, have mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Being fully involved in the community which she is a part of Pastress Wynona Wright has triumphed over the negative stigma that society tends to attach to such a diagnosis.

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Warrior

Fully aware that as a Christian the fight we fight is not an earthly battle, Pastress Wynona Wright is a wounded warrior. Even still she stays prepared to bring the enemy down. As far back as I can remember, Pastress Wright has been a warrior for God. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Her influence inspires me to speak to situations that arise in my life, call out my oppositions and deal with my problems head on.

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Leader

Pastress Wynona Wright is a leader to those that society tends to cast aside. A true follower of Jesus Christ, she’s not a traditional pastor. She doesn’t mind being in the trenches and walking the streets with those who have been shunned. As a teen mother, she encouraged me to rise above the guilt and shame that I carried regarding my choices. “You are not the first and you will not be the last.” Her wisdom stuck with me more than the words of others. Pulling me out of bed and taking me to church, she combated my depression for me when I did not realize that I had the tools to fight it on my own.

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For not giving up or giving into the negative stigmas, Vent Box Network honors Pastress Wynona Wright. She has successfully made her “mess a message” that benefits others. Resilient individuals like Pastress Wynona Wright are why the stigma should be erased. She is living proof that mental disorders can be defeated given the right tools.  

It is not the goal of Vent Box Network to give further exposure to mental illness in an antagonistic way. On the contrary the goal is to eliminate the stigma and supply individuals with a tool where they can release their true thoughts about the obstacles they deal with while at the same time knowing they “are not the first and will not be the last” to experience issues of life.