Are we living in a world where we get a rise out of pushing the buttons of other people?
The world has become a fast paced environment where a text on the run trumps a chat over coffee at the local coffee shop. When I read the stories about Mindy McCready’s life, I for one can sympathize with some of the struggles that she experienced with mental illness and drug abuse.
While her decision to end her life was entirely her own and as it was very selfish to leave two little darling children behind, mental illness can do a lot of things to the people we expect it from the least.
Mindy McCready was a talented woman with a bright future ahead of her. Her suicide came as no surprise to Dean Cain, who dated McCready over 15 years ago.
“I’m saddened to hear of her passing, but I’m not surprised,” says Cain. “Everything she did was a manipulation of sorts. She would just get combative.”
Cain reflects about his time spent with the songstress as toxic and negative according to People.com. Could have he reached out rather than walk out? Did McCready’s demons push him away? I struggle with this question daily as I deal with people in my life who have mental illnesses. What does a person do to keep their own sanity, which is well deserved, in tact?
McCready aside, I often wonder if we are living in a world where we get a rise to push the buttons of people? I tend to think so. With bullying and anti-depressant use on the rise with teenagers, I think the “Mean Girls/Boys” scenario is still very much alive and well.
Being mean to get a rise out of someone is never OK. I always warn my children to be kind to everyone because you never know who it is that will snap at unkind words or judgmental comments.
Will they take it out on you?
Will they take it out on themselves?
Are your opinions that important that you want to take that chance?
Is there a way to extend an olive branch to make this person feel part of this world rather than a existence who is fighting against the world?
Is this person completely dark and dismal where anything you say will be construed as a negative against them?
I know for myself, these questions lurk daily. There are so many of us that want to help people with mental health issues but have limited experience in reaching that point where you break through the barriers and help. Aside from being there, what more can we give until they decide to help themselves?
However McCready lived her life, it was obviously a sad and dark existence. I feel sorry for her family, her children, and anyone that truly wanted to help her find her way. In the vicious and pompous world of PR, Entertainment, and Celebrity, McCready probably had a lot of things to deal with where coping was extremely difficult. In the end, we all make our own choices on how we live our life, make amends, and deal with our personal demons.
I hope that Mindy has now found the peace and solitude that she deserved in life.
