A Lesson I Keep Having to Learn and Relearn

In a perfect world we act, sometimes wrong, and when we do we learn not to do that action again.  We move on with life not really thinking about it again, chalking it up to one of life’s learning moments.

There are times though when, for me, that doesn’t always work.  There is that intellectual part of my brain that tells me, “You shouldn’t do that, you know what is going to happen and it’s time to step back and think first.”  Then there is a other side of the brain, the one that thinks it knows better and can control  everything, that  tells me, ”Don’t worry, we got this.”

Seems complicated, doesn’t it, actually it’s quite simple and it is in that simplicity that I lose myself and my logical thinking.  With my mental health challenges I know that I need to take care of myself in every way possible, the right amount of sleep, eat right, exercise, take my medication, but most of all I need to listen to my body and what my mind is telling me.  This lesson is one that was brought to the forefront recently and set me back a bit.

Working a part time job four or five days a week is OK, the hours are good and I have plenty of down time and freedom to focus on what I need to do.  However, a couple weeks ago they became shorthanded at work and asked me to come in on my two days off.  Of course I jumped at the chance, two extra days of pay, how could I turn that down.  My mind right away went to how much I could make with the additional days, what we would be able to do with the extra money – that was the focus, the extra money.  I wasn’t thinking about the affect it was going to have on me both mentally and eventually physically as well.  My normal five days suddenly turned into 12 days, it wasn’t until day 8 that it hit me and I realized what I mistake I made!   I had gone against my better judgement. 

Eight days in I was physically exhausted, I still believed I could do it, finish the next four with no problem, I had blocked the tiredness out of my head – dissociated you could say and kept moving.   When I finished my assigned days, I had two days off and collapsed.  I enjoyed the days off and knew that after that I would be on again for five more days. 

That’s when it hit me, I woke up that morning for work and a weight was on my chest.  The world was coming at me from every direction, conversations I’d had recently had suddenly became scenarios in my head where I was wrong and would be chastised for, and no good to anyone.  I was in the midst of a major anxiety attack.   For the first time in many months I took my anxiety medicine and went to work, wanting nothing more than to just be alone and let this pass, and jump start my brain again.

As you can imagine this is not the first time I have done this, felt I could take on the world and have no repercussions, and sadly it probably won’t be the last.  Each time, however, I can only hope that I get a little stronger, a little smarter and maybe a little wiser and know that I need to listen to not only my body, but my mind.  In my case, my mind is what is most important, if that happens to short circuit, the whole wall will tumble down and it will often take days to try and build it back up to try again.

Oddly enough, yes, there is a positive side to this.  I am learning, slowly and with encouragement that I need to take better care of myself.  Look at the bigger picture, i.e. myself, not what a few extra days of work will do for the bank account, think of what it will do to me.  It’s not selfish, its self care and knowing what it will take to stay well and available for friends, family and life in general. 

The Person that changed my approach to mental illness

                                                                               

The person that changed my approach to mental illness was my dad, but not in a way you may think.

In 1996, just shy of my 30^th birthday I was hospitalized for the first time and officially diagnosed with Schizo-Affective Disorder.   (This illness was passed genetically to me from my father who lived with Paranoid Schizophrenia.   Schizo-Affective in essence is a combination of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia)   I finally had an answer to what had been happening to me mentally, physically, not to mention the effects it had on those I loved.  I knew what I had to do to help myself, take my medication, visit the psychologist and take care of myself physically.  This was not going to go away over night, or with the magic of a pill.  It was long term and I had to face it. 

Like most people, however, I am stubborn and believed I knew better than the doctors, I could do this on my own.  I didn’t want medication or help from them, I knew what was wrong and could get myself through it, and after all I’d made it this far, right? 

My theory seemed to be working until one early April morning in 1999; I received a phone call that my dad had passed away.  While his death was heartbreaking, knowing how and why he died threw me into my own reality and made me see who I didn’t want to become.

My dad lived for more than 30 years in a world of his own.  He rejected treatments, doctors and hospitals; he was a wanderer, always searching for what was in his heart or an idea he was chasing.  I consider that a part of who he was, as a Native American his spirit called to him and he followed, it was the  part of himself that he could control and enjoy, the one part that was not taken away from him by illness.   Videos were found after his death that he had made; snippets of himself trying to explain away the voices and confusion in his head,  we could see that while the intelligent and talent man we knew was talking, his mind was not his own.

That moment, those images, rocked me to my core, he was not able to help himself when he needed it most.  The illness that took over his mind was too powerful for him to control and without help from a doctor; he could not put the voices and images to rest. 

I realized that what I had been doing was no different from what my dad had done, ignoring the doctors, and believing I was better on my own, that the voices and images were nothing to worry about. I came to realize that yeah, they were something to worry about and if I didn’t start listening and taking care of myself, I too would become a statistic – as statistic like my dad. 

I tell people that he gave life to me twice, he is my father, but in his death he saved me from falling down the same path he did.  I’m not saying it’s been easy, I have been hospitalized a few times over the years and at times still buck the system, but what has kept me going is knowing that I am stronger with each day and I believe he is with me, watching to make sure I stay on track and live my life, a life that was cut short for him.   

His Native American spirit is in me as well, I too am a wanderer and find the greatest joy and peace when I am hiking or taking photographs, it is then that the voices settle, the mind focuses and just for a moment, I am free!

I live now for both of us.  

Are you too intelligent to be Mentally Ill?

This is a common problem for many people, the outside world, as it can be referred to, feels that if you are intelligent or creative, then you can’t be mentally ill.  The stigma is that those who are mentally ill commit crimes and cause trouble. 

If you look down through history some of the greatest minds have been or are mentally ill.  Famous authors, musician, painters, doctors, etc.  It seems that the creative mind feeds off its self.  These disorders fuel the brain, whether it is depression, mania, hallucinations or anxiety, each plays a part in shaping who we are and bringing our gifts to light.  Recently Carrie Fisher passed away, a great voice for bringing Mental Illness to light.  She had an amazing gift and used it to bring joy to others through her movies and understanding through her work to fight the stigma of these illnesses. 

I wish I could explain how it all works, but the one thing I can agree with, is what Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys spoke of in a 2002 interview. *In 2002, he spoke of how the disorder affects his creativity, explaining: "I haven't been able to write anything for three years. I think I need the demons in order to write, but the demons have gone. It bothers me a lot. I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to find a melody.*  There is a lot of truth in what he says, our brains are meant to work a certain way for us and to change that, changes who we are.   

I’ve been hospitalized a few times and what I learned there or was told was that I was too intelligent!  I was to analytical! I became friends with the art therapist, she would push me to do things differently, to not analyze, to do something that I haven’t done before.  It was a great challenge for me because it’s not who I am.  It is a quandary we often find ourselves in and not one that we can answer or control.   

While I will admit it is a nuisance at times, it helps me to be the best I can be at my craft – writing and photography.  I believe it is the complexity of my brain that allows me to do these things, to craft stories, to see things in nature that others may not see and share that through my photography.  Would I want it to be different? That’s actually a hard question to answer, while yes to be without my illness would be great, no more medications, doctor visits, no mood swings and all the things that go along with it, however, I wouldn’t be ME.  I curse this illness most days, but it is because of it that I am able to do what I do.  My brain, while many would see it as not working correctly, I feel works just fine.  Yes, I have challenges, but doesn’t everyone? 

The thing is, beyond all the talk, stigma and misunderstanding,  there is the knowledge that we are gifted because we are fighting harder than we ever thought we would be able to and that in itself is worth bragging about.   So, be creative, be loud, be funny and let the world know that this is what Mental Illness looks like. 

Light versus Dark in Mental Illness

As I sit on the rocks overlooking the sea everything seems possible.  Such beauty in the water, calm and serene one moment, crashing ashore the next with all its power.  Clouds come from every direction.  The dark and the light meeting in the middle, vying for control bringing out the beauty in each other.

I have learned that each side tells a story.  One that I need to listen to, to understand the illness I live with and must face each day.

The darkness whispers in my ear, “I am too strong for you, I cannot be beaten.”  In that moment I believe, faith in myself falls to the wayside and I wonder if I will ever be “normal,” again.   My anxiety increases as I look the cloud in the eye, I know it is right I am not strong enough for this.  Sadness overtakes me and I slide down the wall, sit on the floor and wonder how I got here.

Just when I am ready to give up the sun speaks up, “Are you going to let the dark control you? Are you not going to fight?”  I look up, the brightness makes me smile, yet I am skeptical.  Can it be that simple?  Walking outside I feel the warmth on my face and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.  I start to remember how far I’ve come, and what I have done to fight this battle and survive.

The sun smiles and the cloud rumbles in defeat.  I look at them knowing they will always have a place inside me; they will battle each other again and again.  That I cannot deny.  While each believes in their power, I have to know who I am and what I can do when the dark cloud stops by to talk for a while. I cannot give into his lies and defeating attitude.  The sun shines on my face, my guide to battle the darkness, bringing me to the place I need to be.  The healthy, confident person I have worked for and to be an advocate for others.  

Mental Health and the Supportive Partner

In early January 2016, while corresponding with a friend in Tasmania, I told him of my mental illness.  Being that open and honest and sharing my story with someone was terrifying.  Once I hit send, I was more than terrified at the email I would receive in return.  Would we still be friends, would I receive an email back at all?  I feared rejection, but it never came.  Instead  he asked questions and never judged me.  He listened to what I had to say, being more inquisitive than anything.  So, he did his own research and learned all he could on Bipolar Disorder and what he could do to support me. 

Here is what I wrote:  

In, '96 I attempted suicide and spent 3 weeks in the hospital. While there I received the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, anxiety and PTSD.  My mental illness is hereditary, my father was paranoid schizophrenic.  He never sought treatment and was a wanderer. My mom tells me I am just like him.  He passed away in 1999, a victim of his illness. 

I need my medication, it's reality and not a big deal to me anymore. There are days that are bad and days when the world is perfect.

Over the next few months, our relationship grew and we made the decision for me to make the move to Tasmania.  There was concern, of course, on how I would handle the change, mentally.  As we talked, we came up with a word, something I would say when I was anxious, depressed - when I needed help.  Our trigger word became, "home." A word that would bring the help I needed to combat the darkness and anxiety that  crept in when I least expected it. 

My biggest challenge was that I was alone and dependent on my partner.  I missed my family and friends, and some days wondered if I had made the right move.  I would go for a walk and see what was around me, the beaches, breathtaking sunrises and the love of my partner.  I knew it would not be easy at first, I had made a major change in my life, disrupted my structure and had to learn a new life.  In the first weeks I learned to drive on the opposite side of the road, a new money system and met friendly people.  Though I think some were more intrigued with the American in town.  

A few days ago I woke up depressed,  I didn't want to be out of bed, all I wanted to do was cry and I felt completely alone.  I picked up my phone and not realizing what I was saying, texted "I love you, hurry home."  Within ten minutes my phone was ringing, I had said "home."   In that moment I knew I wasn't alone, he comforted me and told me to get dressed and go for a walk, get some fresh air.  Two hours later, after a 2 1/2 mile walk, my mind was clearer and I was able to face the rest of the day.   I realized then that everything we had planned for, was working and I could ask for the help I needed. 

The message here is, find people who will support you, whether it is a spouse, friend or other family member.  Talk with them, tell them what you need when things are not going well, make a plan for what to do in those instances.  Plans need to be in place before a depressive or manic episode takes over.  This is when you will need a support person to help you find your way through the cloud of confusion.  

We are all Hoarders

Image via Wikipedia

Chaos is my word for today.  Chaos can send you into a world of confusion and depression, lethargy and just plain nothingness.  Chaos can create extreme anxiety because there seem to be no way out.  Chaos around us will throw you into chaos and paralyze you with fear.  Sounds horrible, doesn’t it?  Sorry to be so negative, but the more we let things build up around us, the harder it is to find our way out, to find a way to be at peace and feel free from our prison of stuff. 

I have watched the T.V. show Hoarders and wonder how people can live like that, most who watch the show will readily criticize and say they just need to get off their butts and clean, let go of the junk.  While this is true, it’s not that easy for any of us to do.  To an extent, we are all hoarders.  We all have things  we do not want to let go of, items that collect in drawers, in corners and even in our minds, we cannot  imagine parting with.   Face it, we all have the notorious junk drawer.  That one place where we keep items that we know we will need one day, for some reason.  

What we see on T.V. is obviously the extreme and the majority of us will never get to that point, but the tendency is there for anyone to become trapped within their own chaos, whether it is physical items that others can see or mental that we hide from everyone.  Mental hoarding, while probably not an official term, to me is just as debilitating as hoarding objects and becoming buried by them.  I believe we can also become buried by our thoughts.  Those thoughts we keep burying in our minds can bury us just as easily as material objects.  They cloud our judgement, blind us to reality and keep us from thinking clearly and rationally.  

  

The label hoarder can come in many forms.  What are you hoarding?  

Related articles

• Toss The Chaos (multicreativist.wordpress.com)
• The rise of hoarding (bbc.co.uk)

DEBT STRESS CAUSING HEALTH PROBLEMS

Image by echoesofstars via Flickr

If you suffer from neck pain or even back, head and stomach pain - it may be stress from the problem of ever deepening debt.

Medical research has found that chronic stress can be linked to many ailments. Researchers have found is it is not only those who suffer from depression, but millions of Americans are facing these ailments are increasing as the amount of debt increases. To the extreme, there are those who suffer from ulcers, severe depression, heart attacks and panic attacks - to the point to avoiding the mail man and no longer answering the phone.

The numbers show 10 to 16 million Americans are facing illness because the never ending worry of where the next payments will come from, how they will feed their family, and what their future holds. The research has also shown that, the increasing stress from debt is 14% higher than 2004, a staggering number and sign of the times.

While our bodies are conditioned with a "fight or flight" response, where the body on its own releases adrenaline and a stress hormone called Cortisol; in the situations many American face now - the body stays in a constant state of worry, keeping the body in fight mode, in turn causing the numerous physical and mental problems.

One would think that with ever climbing numbers of debt, Americans would be more aware of what they are doing - just opposite seem to be true. Since 2004, credit card debt has increased by 957 billion, car loans are up almost 3000 and mortgages are up nearly 3 trillion.

Many admit their debt is due to wanting more, keeping up with other family members or friend. Looking for a bigger house, things that will - in their minds, make them happy. In the end, however, it seems these wishes are making them sick, taking away the joy of life. It should be noted, however, that even the everyday expenses such as gas and food, are just as responsible.

What will it take for us to see what we are doing to our bodies, our minds and lives? The non-stop goal of "more" will in time begin to take lives, if only mentally. Is it worth it?

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The Number of PTSD Patients Continues to Increase

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At an increasing rate, the number of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) patients is being tracked as the war in Iraq and Afghanistan continue.

As the war in Iraq enters its 5th year, the affects on the troops continue also. Along with the physical injuries, many also suffer from PTSD. The number of soldiers increased 46% last year, brining the total to 38,000 since the war began.

So, what is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an illness that stems from the trauma of physical injury, as well as seeing other hurt or killed. The symptoms of PTSD can result in irritability and outbursts of anger and sleep difficulties, trouble concentrating, extreme vigilance and an exaggerated startle response. Often the the events are relived over and over again, resulting in horror and/or helplessness. While the war has brought PTSD into the spot light, the symptoms and realities of the illness are evident in abuse victims as well.

While many may consider it a simple case of bad memories, it can be debilitating and take away a life once known.

U.S. Military facilities statistics recorded 9,549 cases in 2006, jumped to 13,981 last year. The rise in numbers coincides with the increase in deployments, along with the tours of duty being extended from 12 months to 15 months.

The number of PTSD patients, when combined with all branches of the military the number sits at 38,186 between 1/1/03 and 12/31/07. This number includes 28.365 for the Army and 5,641 for the Marines. One reason for the jump in number is the growing awareness of the illness and making a greater effort to track and help those who have PTSD. In addition, as troops return to combat fro multiple tours of duty; the likelihood of them developing PTSD also increases.

In a step to further help for these veterans, the Pentagon is being pressured and rightly so, to enhance the current treatments for PTSD. For some returning troops, seeking treatment or help their PTSD is not an option, for fear of repercussions and how it will after their future military career.

Many will hide their fears and nightmares in order to keep their jobs. For this reason Defense Secretary has brought forth a change for the U.S. government clearance process that would allow these individuals to maintain their careers and clearances and receive the treatment needed to any illness.

I have touched on this topic previously here and here, and my comments remain the same. Though it is a terrible way to seek improvements to the mental healthy system, the war has unfortunately brought many illnesses to light and made them acceptable and real.

It is my hope that these changes and advances will remain even after all troops have returned home. These illness are often long term, a quick "cure" is not available.

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Back to "Blogger"land

I look back on the posts I have made over the last couple months and have seen a common theme - time has gotten away from me. My thoughts and ideas for posts have gone to the way side, replaced by work, work, work, bouts of mild and severe depression, anxiety and sheer exhaustion.

I still have the ideas for posts, many written, and plan to continue the original plans for this blog in the coming weeks and return it to the status it was originally intended for, sharing the world of mental illness with all who stop by, a look into the life of someone with a mental illness and more importantly the important stories from around the world.

How do you deal with bouts of depression? We all face them at some point, though many people will not admit it. By sharing strategies with one another we can help those who feel lost, or unsure how to approach their difficulties and sadness.

One thing I have found to work, not only for my depression but for stress and anxiety as well is, taking some time for myself, writing and focusing on something I enjoy. It does work, though not fool proof.

Thank you to all who have continued to visit over the past months, I apologize for my "disappearance."

The Uncertainty of Life - The Mind Struggles

Image via Wikipedia

An addition to what I posted earlier today - I attended the viewing of my friend's mom's funeral this evening. We have all created such a bond, being there for each other is a comfort. Then I came home and checked my email - the news sent me into a downward spiral - I could only sit and cry. Another friend of ours, lost her husband in a car accident Friday night. The viewing will be Friday night. I am at the end of my rope right now, I did not have the time to call my doctor today - tomorrow I will be on the phone first thing. I can not take much more. Continue reading below for today's original post.

I received the news late Sunday night, a friend’s mom passed away suddenly – only a day after attending her grandson’s graduation.

For those of us who knew her, it is difficult to accept just knowing she will not be around. She was a large part of our high school years; we were looking forward to sharing a band reunion with her in August. Instead, we will spend time remembering our “second mom,” her devotion to us “impossible teenagers.”

When I checked the newspaper for the obituary, I discovered another friend’s father had passed away, what affected me about this one was – yet another person I knew had lost a loved one.

Since October 2006, I have attended 8 viewings/funerals. It began with my brother-in-law in October 2006, at the young age of 31 passed away suddenly after a stroke. Two months later, I took my daughter and her friends to the viewing/funeral of a friend of theirs who had been killed in a car accident the day after Christmas. In May of 2007, I attended the viewing of a friend’s mom, the next day attending a viewing of a friend from high school (the same day attending the Baptism of my nephew, who was named after my brother-in-law) Fast forward to 2008, attending the viewing/funeral of a friend’s dad in March, a viewing of my youngest daughter’s friend’s dad only 2 weeks ago, now will attend two viewings this week.

Personally I have had enough! I understand it is a process of life, it is God’s plan for us to stay on this earth for only a short time, but I’m tired. Maybe it’s the realization that I am getting “older,” and fragility of life is becoming more evident. When my oldest daughter became engaged last week, then gradated from high school last night it hit me that time has passed by so quickly and with each day the uncertainty of life becomes more of a reality.

I believe it is a mental challenge right now, as well as a faith challenge. Trying to understand God’s hand in all this and doing my best to trust that this all part of a greater plan for all of us. In the midst of that, I struggle to keep my mind focused – instead I simply want to sit and hide from the world. I contemplated calling my doctor this morning, asking for a refill of my anxiety meds – but have yet to dial the phone. Do I need to rely on the meds? I am tired enough right now, physically and mentally – the meds would only make me more tired, not sure how that would help. I have fought so hard to maintain my illness with minimal medication, I take only 2 now – the third for anxiety I try to avoid, but at times like these I wonder if I am doing more harm than good. I know the reality of this illness; I’ve been down this road too many times.

When I attend the viewing tonight I know the emotions will get the best of me, and the next couple days are sure to be a challenge. Will I call my doctor? Probably – though I want to fight this on my own, I am a realist and know that I need it sometimes – the alternative is not an option.

The New Face of a Nervous Breakdown

Image via WikipediaNervous Breakdown, not a word that is heard much anymore, today we have names that are more specific to what was once referred to as a Nervous Breakdown. In the 1950's and 60's, having a nervous breakdown was a polite way of saying there is a problem, and we are taking care of it, and would refer to everything from a bad day to a psychotic episode. The idea of mental illness being spoken out loud was unheard of. Today, things are different. The advances in the field of psychiatry that have been made over the years, along with public knowledge is encouraging people to talk about topics that once were only whispered between family members.

In the 19th century the "cure" for a nervous breakdown consisted of rest, isolation and/or preventing all stimulation. The 20th century brought hydrotherapy, electric shock treatments, insulin treatment or a lobotomy. During these periods of time long-term commitments in institutions were common. The 1950's brought a new anxiety medication, Milltown, and marketed to both men and women in an attempt to calm women's nerves and pressure men felt at work. It was marketed with the idea that modern society was moving too fast for those who had been sheltered from the realities of life. Today treatments can include antipsychotic medications, people are now more educated and willing to approach their issues head on and not hide behind code words and silence. They are more likely to seek support groups, medication and focus living a ‘normal’ life.

In 1952 there were only 106 mental disorder listen in the DSM, today in the 4th and current edition includes 297 listings. The code words have not completely disappeared though, in Hollywood it more often referred to as "exhaustion," when stars and musicians find themselves "in trouble."

It is common knowledge that everyone has a point where they just feel they can not take anymore; they reach their "breaking point." It is not a secret or abnormal, everyone has that point where they just need to take a break from life. In many cases, a day off to relax and do things for yourself are what are needed. For those who need something more, it is no longer seen as a bad thing, there is more understanding and help available. We just need to seek out that help.

Why do you believe in God? Is it your faith that draws you or loneliness

Do you believe in God? Do you believe in angels, miracles or other supernatural beings? It is believed that for some, believing in these things is more mere survival than an understanding or feeling.

Researchers at the University of Chicago say that we, as humans are social creatures, while not essential we look for a connection to people, to share our lives and form relationships. For most people the idea of being alone or isolated can be devastating, no matter the reason.

It is believed through research that when a feeling of loneliness is present, a person will often do one of three things; there may make an attempt to rekindle old friendships, try to create new ones or in some cases will form connections by personalizing gadgets, like computers, cars, pets or religious figures.

In order to test their theories, groups of people were brought together to try to induce the feelings of loneliness in order to monitor how it affects how they perceive pets and/or belief in religious fixtures. Those who feel lonely showed a stronger belief in the supernatural, be it ghosts, angels, miracles, and God.

Overall, this study showed that whether a person feels lonely, or are "induced" to feel lonely, the tendency to lean towards the supernatural was prevalent. In the end, it was seen that these attachments are not necessarily wrong, being connected socially to other people seems to produce the same feelings of belonging as those with a closer connection to pet and/or religious agents.

It just goes to show that we may not actually be alone; wherever we may be it is possible to combat the feelings of loneliness in many ways.

When collecting becomes a problem

Do you collect something? Snow globes, bells, spoons, Santa clauses. Most have a favorite item that we enjoy having around and show them off to friends, often becoming conversation pieces. There are those, however, who take it to the extreme, to the point where their lives become endangered. They are called hoarders.

Actress Delta Burke is one; "collecting" antique furniture and porcelain dolls - enough to fill 27 storage units. Another case is an older gentleman who collected books, newspapers, plastic grocery bas and leisure magazines. These two people are not alone - they are part of some 3 to 6 million people in the US who live with the same condition.

Researchers are now just beginning to understand the complexity of those who are hoarders, by performing PET scans to measure their brain metabolism. Through these scans, they were found to have lowered activity in a certain part of the brain involved in decision-making, focused attention and regulation of emotion. It was found that compulsive hoarding is a distinctive diagnostic category - which could help when it comes to diagnosing and treating.

The implications of being a compulsive hoarder are the direct effect on their lives. They do not have the ability to stop collecting things, often believing they will be useful eventually. This can get to the point where the house becomes unlivable, no longer being able to cook, use a table, bed or in extreme cases walk through the house.

It is unfortunate that even with what seems a simple problem can lead to death. In one incident a 62 yr old woman suffocated under a pile of clothes. If this is not enough, another serious issue is vermin, in another incident involved rats eating through an oxygen line. The house was later declared a biohazard.

With each of these cases, families try to help the person, usually to no avail. Because of the hoarders belief, they do not see what they are living in and will deny what is around them.

So do we have the answer, not completely, but these issues have opened the eyes of local health departments to create task force dedicated to hoarding, working with the healthy department, fire, police, family services, meant healthy services and housing and public works coming together to help those with the compulsion.

For more information on hoarding, click here.

The Effect of Bullying

Researchers have discovered a correlation between bullying and depression and anxiety in kids. In a study with identical twins, it was discovered that when one twin was bullied between the ages of 7 and 9, and the other was not, the bullied twin was more likely to keep problems to themselves, internalizing them leading to symptoms of depression – as opposed to acting out as some may expect.

Though the correlation is there between bullying and depression, there is still the question as to if it is solely bullying that is causing the internal issues? Family dynamics, living conditions or already existing mental health issues – often times attract bullies to them and can increase the risks of future depression.

While the discoveries of the effects of bulling are evident, the focus needs to go with stopping the bullying and helping those who have been bullied. This does not affect only one person.

A school in California has taken a unique approach to teaching kids empathy with the help of a baby. Will the help? It may be too soon to tell, but the fact that the effort is being made says a lot. We are tired of the tragedy that is all too often the result of bullying. The kids are tired of living in fear; parents are tired of sending their kids to school praying they will return home. The cycle continues and it needs to be broken. It is unfortunate, as I have said before, that change comes after tragedy.

Sex Offender wins Lottery

Many will debate that once a person is convicted of a serious crime, their rights should be limited, especially when it comes to one of the most heinous crimes – sex abuse.

When the news hit the airwaves that a Massachusetts man, considered one of the most dangerous sex offenders won the lottery you have to wonder where the justice is. Should a man, who has taken so much from his victims, from innocent children, be given the opportunity to live like a king? While it is not possible to know who will win a lottery, should there be a stipulation that if it does occur they must give a percentage to their victims.

For those who were his victims and victims in general it’s a slap in the face. Convicting a sex offender is difficult enough – as they seem to have more rights, knowing his life will be easier does not help much. Those who know him now say he is using the money to help his children and is not a “flight risk,” but who is willing to take the chance?

According to the article he had moved from Connecticut to Massachusetts, failing to notify Connecticut authorities he was moving out of state. Now, let’s review – this guy is a Level 3 sex offender and deemed most likely to re-offend, with all this information the power that be did not that he was gone. If he needs to update his residency every 90 days, and they didn’t hear from him – shouldn’t they have checked?

High-level sex offender wins $10 million lottery

Everyday the news tells us of sex offenders, both male and female and the young children and teens they prey on. The additional coverage may actually help bring the situation to light and reinforce the need to protect our children, protect their right – after all they are our future.

Who is right in this? Everyone will have an opinion – that is guaranteed, those who believe Sex offenders can be rehabilitated will say leave him alone and give him a chance; those who are his victims and sex abuse victims in general will say lock him up and he does not deserve the winnings.

Imagine how they feel having to struggle through life, while their abuser sits on “easy street.”

Justice?

Virtual Reality to help PTSD patients

Virtual reality is known more for video games, flight simulators and theme park rides, than treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but virtual reality therapy is becoming a reality.

While PTSD has been a reality for generations, it has been more commonly seen since the Vietnam War, treating those suffering from the disorder would isolate themselves and live in fear of what they see in their dreams.

Now there is hope for those struggling to readapt once they return home – there is thought to be 15-30% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffering from PTSD. In light of these statistics, the Office of Naval Research provided $4 million to research the benefits of using virtual reality to treat the soldiers returning to the states. The treatment would consist of an interview where the soldier would share what may have brought on the PTSD symptoms; in turn the virtual reality scenario is tailored specifically for that person, with the capability to add realistic smells, such as gun fire and burning rubber. When put together they heighten the level of realism and help the vet tell their story and face the fear and memories that continue to affect their lives.

In the past treating PTSD consisted of group therapy and/or individual therapy and having the person imagine the experience. BY using virtual reality, the experience is more vivid aiding in the recovery process, without relying completely on drugs.

It’s always good to see advanced technology being use to help those in need.

Disability

What do you think of when you hear the word Disabled? Most people would think of someone who has lost a limb, or other medical condition that would prevent them from working. Why then does my doctor insist on me going on disability. Though I agree with her that working, at least for me, is a nightmare. I usually have only ever lasted maybe 3 or 4 months. The stress comes and, well, it’s not pretty. I refuse to accept it though. I want to prove to the world that a mental illness does not render someone disabled! Why can my dr. not see this? Part of me knows that she is right. I know there are problems when I get stressed, I become overwhelmed and it feels as if the world is going to fall apart around me. Anxiety creeps in and i’m not sure how i’m going to get out. Then it comes, the peace that i’ve looked for. I know it when it comes, I am no longer stressed. I have no one breathing down my neck, and I can go about life as it needs to go. I’m not sure why my brain does not work like anyone else’s, it just is what it is. Disabled? Not in my opinion - but what do I know.