Speaking Up About Mental Illness and The Advantages of Social Media

One of the most difficult things for those who live with a mental illness is sharing their diagnosis with others. There is an undeniable fear that comes with being open about how they feel and how they may be perceived if anyone found out they were “crazy.”

The uncertainty of how you will be received is real and it is not uncommon to go for years without telling anyone that you are struggling. With the popularity of social media, however, the ability to talk anonymously has made it easier to share and open up lines of communication, where in the past there seemed to be very few.

For years I struggled with whom to tell, who not to tell, what they would think if I did tell them; the conversations and scenarios played constantly through my mind.  It wasn’t until I started becoming more active in online forums, groups and talking with people on line that I realized there is a way to talk about mental health and not be judged.   Recently, I replied to a comment in a group on Facebook, the person had asked for advice on how to stay focused when you have Bipolar.  Within 20 minutes there were four other people, besides myself, who also had Bipolar offering suggestions and sharing our experiences.  With a simple question, those who would have otherwise stayed silent, spoke up and made themselves known, adding they were available to talk anytime.  Through this I now have a few more friends to talk to and share experiences, both good and bad. 

There are countless articles on the web that offer positives for those with mental illness to be on-line. 

According to www.mentalhelp.net, the connections we make online can reduce depression and anxiety, social media allows interaction with others without the stress of face-to-face interactions,   these interactions alone can often bring on anxiety.  In addition, Facebook has countless support groups for those struggling with illnesses and feel alone.   Personally, I have used them and they are especially helpful when you live in an area where there are no meetings available, or prefer to remain anonymous while remaining socially connected, without the stigma that is often attached to mental illness. 

www.paintedbrain.com, agree, saying that social media can be quite helpful when it comes to staying motivated to achieve healthy goals and receiving positive reinforcements from online support groups.  By having others help you stay accountable it can increase the chances of staying on track and reaching out when you need it most.  These individuals and groups can help take the loneliness out of mental illness.  

The examples could continue, but I think you have the idea of how of social media can, in many ways help in our struggle when we feel most alone.  Being able to reach out and not be faced with the stigma, in itself is one of the best reasons to speak up.    

“H” is for Healthcare, Hope and Happiness #atozchallenge

I combine these three in this way; I have hope for happiness with the right healthcare; it is and has been, however, easier said than done.  One of the greatest challenges those with a mental illness face are healthcare.   It is unfortunately difficult to find a psychiatrist at times, a specialty the medical field that few seem to gravitate to.  If a good doctor is found the next obstacle is insurance, there is a major problem when it comes to insurance and their willingness to pay for mental health care, leaving the person to pay out of pocket.  This is one of the people do not go for care; they can’t afford it and insurance companies won’t pay for it.  An article in February of this year talks about mental health care and the Affordable Care Act,  while insurance companies will now be required to fund care, finding doctors to the take the insurance may be another battle, due to the shortage of doctor's and the overload of patients who will seek care.  

It amazes me that one of the first things to be cut from a budget is psychiatric care, clinics and hospitals. It is sad to know that those who are mentally ill are neglected in the healthcare area, when they need it the most.  A article from October 2013, talks of  President John Kennedy’s vision for mental health care and that, “Fifty years later, our biggest providers of mental health care in the U.S.A. are not hospitals or community mental health centers at all… but prisons.”  His vision was never realized, and today we find more and more people in jail rather than receiving the treatment they need.  While incarcerated they are still not given the help they need further complicating the person's illness. 

There are countless articles and news reports on the lack of funding and doctor’s available to treat those with psychiatric illnesses, but they are not usually brought to the forefront until something goes wrong, such as a school shooting.  It is only then that it is addressed, and the questions come as to why it continues to be allowed.  Mental illness is no different than cancer, or diabetes, but is looked at as something to be swept under the rug and not talked of – something that has not changed over the years. 

The sad thing is so many people could be helped, and maybe many disasters avoided if only we listened.   In some cases, these acts are being carried out as a cry for help, not to hurt people but so someone will notice, and they can get help.  If you ask someone with a mental illness if they have ever attempted suicide for attention, you will find that the answer very well will be yes, it’s a cry for help in a world that just does not want to listen.  

The conversation and finger pointing will go on for years to come, I am afraid, but it is a reality we must face.  It is why I decided to go public with my own struggles with mental health and what I have gone through not only personally but also concerning health care.  While I have insurance that does cover it, my co-pay for my doctor visits is higher and the number of specialists to choose from is very low, so even though I am covered there is still a problem.  This cannot  continue if we plan to help those who need it most. 

B is for Barriers #atozchallenge

One of the biggest challenges (no pun intended) I have found with blogging for this month is that  there are numerous choices for each letter, I may end up having to write more than one a day.   The one that jumped out first this morning is barriers.  Yes, we all know those things we do or don’t do that keep us from accomplishing tasks, but all too often for those with mental illness it that stubbornness that leads to additional problems, though they may not be seen right away.  

In an article titled, Barriers to Mental Health Treatment: Stigma or Self-Sufficiency?, The reasoning behind this practice is looked at more closely.  It is an assumption that stigma would be the first reason why people do not seek treatment, surprisingly it ranks at number four, self-sufficiency is the top reason.   There is a profound belief that mental illness can be handled without doctors, medication and other treatments.  I can disagree with them because I have done that myself.  It took me almost seven years to realize that I could not take care of this my way; I believed I knew better than anyone else.  Eventually I realized I  had to look for help in other places and trust that the doctors I turned to would be able to guide me to wellness in a way I had been unable to do on my own. 

Another side to the self-sufficiency decision is all too often the inability to find the right doctor and medicine cocktail.  These two factors are probably the most common reason why treatment is cast aside.  I cannot begin to tell you the number of medications I have been on, over the last 18 years I have tried more medications than I could name.  Few have worked; however, many more have left me with side effects that I would not wish on my worst enemy.  The last one landed me in the emergency room with stroke like symptoms.  It was at that point that I told my psychiatrist; I was done with medications, and if I was to be treated, we had to find another way.  Her response, she referred me to another psychiatrist who has become a godsend, and we are using, ECT (Electro-convulsive Therapy) and TMS (transcranialmagnetic stimulation) to treat my illness along with CBT (Cognitive-BehavioralTherapy) with my Psychologist.  I still take two medications, and for now; it seems to be the right plan for me.   

We are taught as children to be self-sufficient, to find the answers on our own and follow a different path, we have to understand though that there are times when looking for a treatment alone is not the best plan.  Persistence is the first course of action and for some, it can take years, but when you find the right doctor, medications, and treatment it makes all the difference in the world.     

Additional reading:  What prevents people from seeking help 

I have Depression and I am alive!

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For those with mental illness, from the time the words come out of the doctor’s mouth it seems to define who you are, the illness becomes all you think about, hear about and write about. It seems to take over your every waking moment – but in the midst of it all, you can’t forget who you are, yet that seems to be the first thing we lose – our identity.

Some of that may come from society in general, mental illness, to them, is who we are. They can’t see past the words, the image, and the actions.

What we need to do is to remind them that we are people, no matter what. We just fight to show people the true face of mental illness – wouldn’t they be surprised if saw the truth.

If you live with severe depression, or know someone who does keep these things in mind – write a note to them, or to yourself to remind you who you are, the person that is inside because there will be days when you will find yourself lost and wondering where your life is going.

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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FDA EXPANS ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUG WARNING

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US food and drug administration has issued a warning that older, conventional antipsychotic medications may increase the risk of death in some elderly patients.

The drug companies are being required to include "black box" warnings pertaining to the potential risk in older patients who suffer from dementia-related psychosis. Some newer drugs, such as abilify and Zyprexa already carry such warnings.

Most of these drugs are approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, a disorder that causes unusual thoughts and behavior, including speech and memory problems. With this information, doctors can use them to help treat dementia patients - even though they are not approved for such treatment.

Having taking both of these drugs I know I would never take them again. Abilify made me terribly sick and Zyprexa - that just made me sleepy and more of a zombie. I can certainly see how it can cause problems. Thankfully I was able to stop, only after I left the psychiatrist who had prescribed them after he refused to listen to the problems I was having.

Doctors are right to try new treatments, but side effects and bad reactions need to be monitored closely, especially if using a drug that is not normally used for a particular illness or condition.

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ADHD Results in Lost Work Hours

Image via WikipediaIn 1845 Dr. Hein rich Hoffman wrote "The story of fidgety Phillip," the story of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), a so called problem for children. What people do not realize is that when these kids grow up, ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder)/ADD does not go away - it goes from disrupting class in school to losing nearly a month's worth of work - per year.

Researchers at the Netherlands institute of Mental Health and Addiction, state that the lack of ability to concentrate can take 22 days of work away, which includes 8 additional absent days. One idea is for the employers to not only screen workers, but provide treatment for those who do live with ADHD. It makes sense to help those who are looking for employment.

7,075 people between the ages of 18 to 44 in 10 countries were interviewed by the researchers; the results showed an average of 3.5% were diagnosed as ADHD. In the US alone, research shows 4.5%, resulting in 28.3 days of lost work. While the US rates are high, France has the highest rate at 6.3%; in contrast the lost time was only 20.1 days.

While this may be a reason for lost days of work and lower productivity, what is the best way to “deal” with it? All too often, in this day and age, there are people who look for an excuse to take time off work and a reason for what is in actuality not wanting to work. It’s a tough call, if you do not help them, it’s discrimination – if you do help, and they are lying you are enabling.

Flip a coin and hope you are right.

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Antidepressants may help Stroke Patients

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Each year more than 700,000 American’s suffer from a stroke, at least 1/3 third of these individuals will face a battle with depression within 2 years. In addition, these individuals may recover at a slower rate, often resulting in death. Researchers say this is due to the possible damage to the part of the brain that affects mod, add to this frustrations of relearning simple everyday tasks and living with impairment related to the stroke. Taking this into consideration, depression may not be such a surprise.

The answer? Antidepressants

In recent research funded by the NIMH, doctors have found that giving the antidepressant, Lexapro to stroke patients from the beginning may deter the onset of depression. According to the studies stoke patients are 4 to 5 time less likely to develop depression as opposed to those taking a placebo.

The study including 176 stroke patients that ranged in age from 50 – 90, these individuals were then divided into 3 groups – one being given Lexapro, the second given a placebo and the third engaged in therapy. The results showed that 9% of patients on Lexapro developed depression, a lower percentage when compared to 22% of those taking placebo and 12% of those who engaged in therapy. As with any discover, however, there is a downside. Side effects of the drug, as well as giving a drug to those who may no need it, may subject them to the added frustration of side effects.

If you are given the option what would you choose? Though the study included on stroke patients in 50 – 90 years old, would this new therapy be as beneficial in younger patients? It would seem to me that the younger the patient, or the more independent a person is, the greater chance of them facing depression; losing their independence, can be devastating.

I thank God for the doctors who continue to look for ways to offer a continued life of independence and comfort. You never know when these discoveries may affect you and your family.

Taking Away Childhood in Search of Mental Illness

Image via WikipediaSince it is not possible to detect mental illness before birth, some are taking the next step and having their babies evaluated for mental illnesses at younger and younger ages.

There is a list of mile stones that "should be reached" according to age, if they are not hit on the mark - then there must be a problem. Are we reacting too quickly?

Infant mental health has become more popular in recent years as statics say that the prevalence of ADD and Autism has jumped to 1 in 150 children in recent years. Are these numbers accurate, or are they merely a way to explain away discipline problems or a child not "performing" to where the professionals think they should be.

Now, I am not completely disregarding the need for early intervention - there are many cases when it is necessary and vital to a child’s future development. But do we need to go "looking" for reasons to treat them, or a way to make them "perfect" in our eyes. Heaven forbid our children should have a problem in their life, what will people think of us as parents? If we are trying to make kids perfect what will happen when they are older and come realize that life is not perfect?
My 2nd daughter did not begin talking 'normally,' until she was nearly 3 years old. She did smile, walk and laugh - but did not talk as "most 2 year olds did." Today, she is 17 and perfectly normal. She just didn’t feel the need to talk. Having an older sister she just followed her around and did what she did. No mental disorder just a toddler with more important things to do with her time. I wonder if she was 3 years old now what would have happened to her. I am glad she was born when she was - at least we saved her childhood for her.

I am not sure I will truly understand the reasons fro adding labels to infants to young to understand what they people are saying they have. How can they know?

When did we start living by labels?

Taking Away Childhood in Search of Mental Illness

Image via WikipediaSince it is not really possible to detect mental illness before birth, some are taking the next step and having their babies evaluated for illnesses at younger and younger ages.

There is a list of mile stones that "should be reached" according to age, if they are not hit on the mark - then there must be a problem. Are we reacting too quickly?

My 2nd daughter did not begin talking 'normally,' until she was nearly 3 years old. She did smile, walk and laugh - but did not talk as "most 2 year olds did." Today, she is 17 and perfectly normal. She just didn’t feel the need to talk. Having an older sister she just followed her around and did what she did. No mental disorder just a toddler with more important things to do with her time. I wonder if she was 3 years old now what would have happened to her. I am glad she was born when she was - at least we saved her childhood for her.

Now, I am not completely disregarding the need for early intervention - there are many cases when it is necessary and vital to a child’s future development. But do we need to go "looking" for reasons to treat them, or a way to make them "perfect" in our eyes, and societies? Heaven forbid our children should have a problem in their life, what will people think of us as parents?

Infant mental health has become more popular in recent years as statics say that the prevalence of ADD and Autism has jumped to 1 in 150 children in recent years. Are these numbers accurate, or are they merely a way to explain away discipline problems or a child not "performing" to where the professionals think they should be.

I am not sure I will truly understand the reasons for adding labels to infants to young to understand what these people are saying they have. How can they know?

When did we start living by labels?

Ignoring Diabetes to stay thin

Diabetes is a common disease today, though some find it difficult to accept - this idea can have dire consequences.

The practice of skipping insulin shots, or using only partial doses had become widespread and been given a name, "Diabulimic,” categorizing it along with anorexia and bulimia.

The beginning signs of Type 1 diabetes will be sudden and dramatic weight loss. While this is a telltale sign, when insulin is prescribed, there is a tendency for weight gain, not only gaining back the weight originally lost, but additional pounds as well. For this reason many young women are making the choice to use only a minimum amount of insulin, enough to keep them “functioning.” The ease of this habit makes it harder to monitor, as diabetics give themselves shots and can adjust their dosage with no one’s knowledge. As the trend continues, doctors are forced to take notice and reach out to their patients, before they cause permanent damage to their body.

Because this is not an official disorder, Diabulimics are forming groups in cyber world, reaching out to each other, looking for answers, treatment and learning how to make their doctors and the medical world in general away that there is a problem. It seems, as with most illnesses and disorders, there is no real “light shed on it,” until someone dies or makes it famous.

A quote in the articles states, "This behavior is like playing Russian roulette with your health. It's almost like they're turning back the clock to a point in history when we didn't know that the consequences of diabetes were preventable."

My Cluttered Mind

I sat here looking out my window this morning wondering what earth shattering topic I could cover today, the only thing that jumped out at me was………….well, why isn’t it SPRING YET??????????? Here we are March 28th and it’s raining, it’s cold and I want to see the sun.

But seriously, I thought I would sit down today and write a post about mental illness, my illness and what I see in the news on any given day.

I was diagnosed as Bipolar about 12 years ago or so, though you can look back and there were signs way before that. For as long as I can remember I knew I was different. I saw the world differently, I wanted to know everything. I would lose myself in books and search for answers to things that caught my attention. I was always writing or drawing, rearranging my room and decorating. Today you hear talk that those with BP are some of the most talented people around. Some may wonder if it’s a prerequisite – no, but there are times when it helps. More often than not there are times when it hurts and creativity.

Ever try to write a book when the world is closing in on you and don’t want anything to do with anyone or anything. Interesting times. The thing is on the other side there is always a manic phase waiting impatiently in the wings to through you into a tailspin. I can get some serious house cleaning done when I am manic. I have to, if I hit depressive episode –there is nothing getting done. So, all in all there is a method to the madness.

I am slightly manic today, anxious and nervous. My first novel, my baby, the book I have been working on for close to 10 years (off and on) has gone to an agent for consideration. I am working on some edits now for the first 6 chapters, and then I need to get my butt in gear and start writing the rest. I decided it is time for me to do what I want to do, focus on my writing and not just writing to make some money. My muse, I have found out does not like that path very much. Actually, it down right pisses her off – so to appease her, I am writing what I feel inside.

I read some things in the news lately also; I am still deciding how I want to approach those. First I have to figure out if people are truly that stupid and if they are, what happened to the sanity we once had?

And the call ME crazy!

Diabulimics look for their voice to be heard

Diabetes is a common disease today, though some find it difficult to accept - this idea can have dire consequences.

The practice of skipping insulin shots, or using only partial doses had become widespread and been given a name,
"Diabulimic,” categorizing it along with anorexia and bulimia.

The beginning signs of Type 1 diabetes will be sudden and dramatic weight loss. While
this is a telltale sign, when insulin is prescribed, there is a tendency for
weight gain, not only gaining back the weight originally lost, but additional
pounds as well. For this reason many young women are making the choice to use only a minimum amount of insulin, enough to keep them “functioning.” The ease of this habit
makes it harder to monitor, as diabetics give themselves shots and can adjust their
dosage with no one’s knowledge. As the trend continues, doctors are forced to take notice and reach out to their patients, before they cause permanent damage to their body.

Because this is not an official disorder, Diabulimics are forming groups in cyber world, reaching out to each other, looking for answers, treatment and learning how to make their doctors and the medical world in general away that there is a problem. It seems, as with most illnesses and disorders, there is no real “light shed on it,” until someone dies or makes it famous.

A quote in the articles states, "This behavior is like playing Russian roulette with your health. It's almost like they're turning back the clock to a point in history when we didn't know that the consequences of diabetes were preventable."

The importance of cancer screening and treatment

In today’s world the pace of life is so harsh and hectic it can influence our mood and character. Every day we go to work and leave little time to relax after a long and tiring day. When we are young we do not pay much attention to our health, thinking there is nothing wrong not considering any future consequences.

But one day you wake up in the morning and feel sick, during a visit to the doctor you are diagnosed with cancer. There is no clear cut explanation for how or why cancer develops, which is why special attention to diagnostic services providing an opportunity to diagnose it as soon as possible, for instance, breast cancer can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. In addition, many medical centers, especially in the United States, provide diagnostic services but treatment as well treatment. Michigan cancer diagnostic center offers diagnostic and treatment services under one roof. Finding a facility such as this, gives the patient the opportunity to be in the care of doctors who specialize in cancer related diseases; an essential factor for successful treatment.

Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Image via WikipediaBipolar Disorder has been in the news a lot lately, new drugs, understandings, findings - it seems people can not get enough of it. In some way this can be good, a blessing so to speak; now maybe people will understand and take notice that the stigma does not need to stand any longer.

While that is true, the down side is that those who are putting this disorder in the news are also finding new medications for it, and for some new diagnosis to make sure more people fit the diagnosis. An attempt, maybe by drug companies to collect more money through telling more people they are ill.

So, while the stigma may be finally finding a light, at the same time it is being shot down even further by those who want to give more people medication for disorders/illnesses they do not have, in turn opening up the path for more and more people to use it as an excuse for things they do by their own free will.

Bp seems now to be one of the top 5 most researched disorders at the present time, opening the publics view to a disorder that seems to have a life of its own.

When I first wrote this post back in September of last year, I was first beginning to notice the increasing news reports. Today, there seems to be no end in sight in the fascination with Bipolar - while I find this good, in a way, I wonder if maybe it is simply "jumping on the band wagon." We'll see I guess.

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