We talked about the benefits of rest, group activities, and assessment for a possible chemical imbalance to treat depression. She saw the merits, and in spite of the social stigma of 'hospitalization', which has not changed over twenty years as I keep fervently believing it can, agreed to give herself this gift of care. Now here's the 'kicker' for me. This particular facility had no qualms about her lesbian partner having visiting rights. But it did not guarantee my client was free from those sneaky, often self-guiding hidden agendas.
Selective ignorance is potentially alive and well within any profession.
Karen did not receive care without the influencing prejudice regarding homosexuality. Some of it was subtle and some not. I am so thankful to say. However, Karen had made a difficult choice. She had relinquished quite a bit of privacy in hopes of learning how to take better care of herself.