A story about finding acceptance in mental disarray

Sarah Kane struggled with mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which makes her story autobiographical.

I propose that we can use art that addresses mental illness to de-stigmatize mental illness and create an understanding environment to discuss these issues.

It’s important that when discussing mental illness, you use the correct terminology. Part of the reason why mental illness is not often addressed, is because people do not have the vocabulary to discuss it and do not want to offend others. Let’s look at some of the words used in Kane’s writing.

The term “psychosis” is a result of psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia. Psychosis is not the name of an illness, but rather a term to describe the symptoms of an illness.

Examples of psychosis include hallucinations, delusions, and often described as having “lost contact with reality.”

The Mayo Clinic describes common symptoms of psychosis as “deficiency of speech, incoherent speech, or rapid and frenzied speaking, disorganized behavior, aggression, hostility, belief that thoughts aren’t one’s own, disorientation, thoughts of suicide, unwanted thoughts, anger, anxiety, apathy, excitement, feeling detached from self, general discontent, limited range of emotions.”

Mental illness is seldom discussed in the media, making it a taboo topic. Mental health is not addressed in education, so people aren’t taught to cope with it, talk about it, or talk to those who are affected.

Psychology professor Stephen Hinshaw from University of California–Berkeley says that those with mental illness in the media is often portrayed as “incompetent, dangerous, slovenly, undeserving,” (Fawcett)

Much of this lack of education and awareness results in ignorance, and the perpetuation of misinformation creates stereotypes.

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Those who struggle with mental illness seldom have the outlet to discuss their feelings. Since mental health is not discussed, people may even feel dissuaded from confiding in close friends. This can result in a build up of emotional damage. There is deep significance in the ability to talk to a doctor or professional about these issues, and people who need to should not feel shamed for seeking help.

We can analyze Kane’s illness through her very personal writing.

The play’s name is 4.48 Psychosis because, according to her friend David Grieg, 4:48 AM was the time that Kane often woke up with her most depressive symptoms.

Page 7 says, “At 4.48 when depression visits, I shall hang myself to the sound of my lover’s breathing.”

“I would rather have lost my legs pulled out my teeth gouged out my eyeballs than lost my love” (Kane 21).

Toward the end of the play, we hear Kane in a less depressed state, nearing hope. She speaks in fragments. “To overcome weakness” “to belong” “to be accepted” to draw close and enjoyably reciprocate with another” (Kane 24).

These desires are understood even by people without mental illness. Therefore, by analyzing Kane’s work, we can humanize her illness and bring it out of the illusion and stigma. We realize that Kane’s emotions are purely human and mental illness can be understood.

In my research, I learned that the way to de-stigmatize mental illness is to address it openly, like how Kane’s play allows us to do. Art is an affective way to bring it into conversation, because it allows interpretation rather than bias. 

“What I can do is put people through an intense experience. Maybe in a small way from that you can change things” -Sarah Kane

Read 4.48 Psychosis here 

SOURCES

Fawcett, Kirstin. “How Mental Illness Is Misrepresented in the Media.” US                   News. U.S.News & World Report, 16 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

Kane, Sarah. 4.48 Psychosis. London: Methuen Drama, 2000. Print.

Labeling Mental Disorders. Digital image. Why Psychiatric Labels ARE the                             Problem. CCHR International, n.d. Web. 6 May 2016.

Lewis, Sarah. 4.48 Psychosis Set and Costume Design. Digital image. Sarah                        Lewis Designs. N.p., 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 6 May 2016.

Proctor, Rachel. “Theatre Should Educate Us about Mental Illness, Not                  Increase Our Paranoia.” Everything Theatre. N.p., 14 July 2013. Web. 20             Apr. 2016.

Sarah Kane. Digital image. Independent. Under the Skin, May 1998. Web. 5                May 2016.

“Schizoaffective Disorder.” Symptoms. The Mayo Clinic, Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

Schulz, Charles M. Peanuts Lucy Psychiatrist Booth. Digital image. Welcome.              Fivecentsplease, Web. 6 May 2016.

Sujith. Mental Illness. Digital image. 8 Artists Who Suffered from Mental Illness.            MNN, 4 Aug. 2015. Web. 6 May 2016.