Mental Health Institution Impact

Our society often harbors preconceived notions about what constitutes "normal" behavior. Deviations from these standards are frequently met with criticism and resistance, as illustrated by Daphne Scholinski’s experiences during her teenage years. Much of her high school life was spent in mental institutions, which were intended to reintegrate her into society by eradicating her so-called abnormal behavior. Despite not having a mental illness, societal pressures dictated that she needed treatment to conform to traditional gender expectations. Scholinski's memoir, The Last Time I Wore a Dress, serves to highlight the harsh methods society employs to manage deviant behavior, particularly through her experiences in mental institutions.

Gender Norms and Societal Expectations

We exist in a society that is often terrified of deviation. This fear becomes evident when Dr. Madison, a character in Scholinski's memoir, expresses concern upon learning that Daphne is not sexually active. Daphne quickly realizes, “He was starting in on the gender thing again” (Scholinski 151). The medical professionals labeled Daphne with a gender identity disorder simply because she differed from typical teenage girls. This diagnosis challenges the binary norms of gender identity disorders, as it assumes that a girl must be sexually active to be deemed "normal." Society dictates that individuals must not deviate from established norms; thus, any perceived deviance is targeted for correction. This pervasive belief underscores a broader societal issue: the tendency to define individuals strictly by their conformity to gender stereotypes.

The Emotional Appeal of Scholinski's Memoir

Throughout The Last Time I Wore a Dress, Scholinski effectively appeals to the reader's emotions, or pathos. A poignant moment occurs when Daphne, Cindy, and Rochelle flee the Wilson Center and seek help from a warehouse employee, who reacts by stepping back upon realizing they are from a mental institution. His reaction underscores the stigma attached to mental health, leaving a lasting impression on readers who can relate to the sting of societal judgment. Such criticism often pressures individuals to abandon their unique traits in favor of societal acceptance, revealing a universal struggle against conformity and the fear of ostracization.

Gender Identity and Mental Institutions

Contrary to popular belief, institutionalizing individuals exhibiting deviant behavior does not necessarily benefit them. In Daphne's case, it exacerbated her struggles. The doctors concluded that she had a gender identity disorder, an assessment that disregarded her self-identification beyond the male-female binary. Gender identity is deeply personal and should not be dictated by medical or societal standards. Daphne was comfortable with her identity until the institution's environment compelled her to question it. This institutional approach to enforcing conformity can leave individuals with lasting trauma. Daphne's haunting revelation, “I think I’m finding peace, but I’m not” (Scholinski 200), highlights the enduring negative impact of her institutionalization, challenging the notion that mental institutions are a corrective measure for non-conformity.

Societal Cruelty: Historical and Contemporary Parallels

The practice of institutionalizing those who deviate from societal norms is reminiscent of the oppressive Jim Crow Laws. These laws were justified under the guise of maintaining order but in reality, perpetuated systemic violence and discrimination. The white community believed these laws were beneficial, much like the perceived corrective nature of mental institutions. Both scenarios illustrate how societal norms can be weaponized to justify the marginalization of individuals and groups. The reluctance to accept diversity, whether racial or behavioral, continues to inflict harm, underscoring the need for more inclusive societal frameworks.

Reflections on Mental Health and Society

Navigating a culture that prioritizes conformity is a formidable challenge. The stigma of being labeled as mentally ill can have lifelong repercussions. In Scholinski's narrative, Gender Identity Disorder is misrepresented as a mental illness, overshadowing Daphne's personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance. As noted in an academic article analyzed by "off our backs," Daphne's primary concern was not her gender identity but the neglect of her depression and history of abuse. This neglect highlights a broader societal trend of prioritizing conformity over genuine mental health support.

Concluding Thoughts: A Call for Change

The era in which Daphne lived differs greatly from today, yet the stigma surrounding mental health persists. Growing up with a skewed perception of mental health, shaped by familial attitudes, made it difficult for me to understand its legitimacy. It was only through witnessing friends struggle with severe mental health issues in high school that I recognized its gravity. Mental health is often dismissed as a non-issue, especially among men, due to societal expectations of strength and stoicism. However, mental illness affects millions and should be treated with the same urgency as physical ailments. An article titled "Under Addressed and Overlooked: The Mental Health Issue" underscores the magnitude of this crisis, with 40 million adults and over 17 million children dealing with mental illness daily. Society must acknowledge and address mental health as a critical component of overall well-being.

In conclusion, mental health deserves serious attention and action. Denial of its prevalence only exacerbates the problem, potentially leading to preventable tragedies. With one in four Americans affected by mental illness, as highlighted by McGreal, the call for increased awareness and support is more pressing than ever. Society must evolve to embrace diversity in all its forms, recognizing mental health as a fundamental aspect of human experience.

Works Cited

• Scholinski, Daphne. “The Last Time I Wore a Dress.” Riverhead Books, 1998.
• McGuire, Danielle L. “At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance–A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power.” Alfred A. Knopf, 2010.
• Connolly, Peter. “A Certain Kind of Wisdom: The Role of Philosophy in the ‘Treatment’ of Mental Illness.” Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology, vol. 11 no. 3, 2004, pp. 219-232.
• Foucault, Michel. “Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason.” Vintage, 1988.
• Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). “Prevalence, Severity, and Comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.” Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617–627.
• Crenshaw, Kimberlé. “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color.” Stanford Law Review.

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