Recovery from Mental Illness
Mental Health Commentary22 total reviews
Comment from JW
I am very sorry to hear about your setback, Debbie and hope you are doing better.
Your story is well written and definitely helps educate those less informed.
Thanks for sharing this. JW
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I am very sorry to hear about your setback, Debbie and hope you are doing better.
Your story is well written and definitely helps educate those less informed.
Thanks for sharing this. JW
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I was initially hesitant to share this, but if it helps one person see there is hope even following set-backs, it is worth it. Sadly, we now know the German Wings pilot had significant mental health issues, and should never have been allowed to fly. My heart breaks for the family and friends. Thank you, my friend~Debbie
Comment from janalma
What a well-written and thoughtful article. I am glad that you're feeling better. I know that depression is a frightful thing. I've been there, tho not as badly as some. And, I feel for those who do go thru that as well as other problems. I have a grandson on the autism spectrum and I worry about him all the time. His isn't the high-functioning, more capable sort. His reality is different, and I wonder how the world will treat him. Your essay is hopeful and I thank you.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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What a well-written and thoughtful article. I am glad that you're feeling better. I know that depression is a frightful thing. I've been there, tho not as badly as some. And, I feel for those who do go thru that as well as other problems. I have a grandson on the autism spectrum and I worry about him all the time. His isn't the high-functioning, more capable sort. His reality is different, and I wonder how the world will treat him. Your essay is hopeful and I thank you.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I was initially hesitant to share this, but if it helps one person see there is hope even following set-backs, it is worth it. Sadly, we now know the German Wings pilot had significant mental health issues, and should never have been allowed to fly. My heart breaks for the family and friends. Thank you, my friend~Debbie
Comment from Lovinia
Hi Debbie
Well written with only a nit or two. Clear, concise ... hmmmm I'm having a word wobbly day ... difficult to imagine me lost for words I know. I wondered what was wrong, I thought the infection may have worsened. So sorry, though as usual you always turn your experiences to the positive. What courage you have and only minimum support.
You outline some of the difficulties for sufferers of mental illness, and report the positives and help that is available. Unfortunately it is not enough, especially when transport and distance is involved. Your NAMI support centre is a valuable resource ... it is a shame it is no longer viable for you. I know my area has support programmes for social activities ... a movie, cafe, restaurant, outdoor experience ... much of it about social interaction in combination with the activities run at the centre.
You provide hope for recovery, advise of support and with courage express your own experience. You also highlight how difficult it can be to reach out and ask for help. We all need to remember the difference we can make as a friend ... just being on hand to talk or just hold a hand.
So horrific that untreated mental illness can lead to such tragedy as this plane crash, mass shootings and other acts of terror and violence either outwardly or inwardly. It is important to raise awareness and keep readers up-to-date, you have done that here. Well done. An excellent entry for the contest. I wish you the best of luck.
**Nits:
"Support groups led (by) well-trained facilitators ..."
"When I went to my first support group ...: I suggest delete "went to" and replace with "attended" or something like it.
Hugs - Lovi xoxo
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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Hi Debbie
Well written with only a nit or two. Clear, concise ... hmmmm I'm having a word wobbly day ... difficult to imagine me lost for words I know. I wondered what was wrong, I thought the infection may have worsened. So sorry, though as usual you always turn your experiences to the positive. What courage you have and only minimum support.
You outline some of the difficulties for sufferers of mental illness, and report the positives and help that is available. Unfortunately it is not enough, especially when transport and distance is involved. Your NAMI support centre is a valuable resource ... it is a shame it is no longer viable for you. I know my area has support programmes for social activities ... a movie, cafe, restaurant, outdoor experience ... much of it about social interaction in combination with the activities run at the centre.
You provide hope for recovery, advise of support and with courage express your own experience. You also highlight how difficult it can be to reach out and ask for help. We all need to remember the difference we can make as a friend ... just being on hand to talk or just hold a hand.
So horrific that untreated mental illness can lead to such tragedy as this plane crash, mass shootings and other acts of terror and violence either outwardly or inwardly. It is important to raise awareness and keep readers up-to-date, you have done that here. Well done. An excellent entry for the contest. I wish you the best of luck.
**Nits:
"Support groups led (by) well-trained facilitators ..."
"When I went to my first support group ...: I suggest delete "went to" and replace with "attended" or something like it.
Hugs - Lovi xoxo
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I was initially hesitant to share this, but if it helps one person see there is hope even following set-backs, it is worth it. Sadly, we now know the German Wings pilot had significant mental health issues, and should never have been allowed to fly. My heart breaks for the family and friends. Thank you, my friend~Debbie
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Hi Debbie
Yes, I can understand. I think you show great courage ... and yes, I think those who make themselves vulnerable really do help those who can't speak up, or seek assistance. A number of world tragedies seem to be putting mental illness on the agenda. Hopefully we won't fail to get the message. I hope you're feeling better ... I wish there was more loving support for you. Well, you have it ... all the way from DownUnder! Love ya. Hugs - Lovi xoxo
Comment from meggie13
The topic you chose for your write is interesting and beneficial to those suffering any kind of mental illness. Many years ago people did not seek help for fear of being labeled. I hope that after reading your post any person that is suffering from this debilitating disease feels free to seek help.******
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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The topic you chose for your write is interesting and beneficial to those suffering any kind of mental illness. Many years ago people did not seek help for fear of being labeled. I hope that after reading your post any person that is suffering from this debilitating disease feels free to seek help.******
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I was initially hesitant to share this, but if it helps one person see there is hope even following set-backs, it is worth it. Sadly, we now know the German Wings pilot had significant mental health issues, and should never have been allowed to fly. My heart breaks for the family and friends. Thank you, my friend~Debbie
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You are welcome, Debbie. meg:))
Comment from mumsyone
I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through lately, Debbie, but glad to hear that you're back on track. Good luck in the contest. I'm awarding 5 stars because I know you're one who fixes errors.
Support groups led (by) well-trained facilitators have proven very helpful.
making us feel not quite o (so) alone.
What brings this to mind, pen and paper today are two things. (Sounds like some of this sentence is missing, Debbie.)
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through lately, Debbie, but glad to hear that you're back on track. Good luck in the contest. I'm awarding 5 stars because I know you're one who fixes errors.
Support groups led (by) well-trained facilitators have proven very helpful.
making us feel not quite o (so) alone.
What brings this to mind, pen and paper today are two things. (Sounds like some of this sentence is missing, Debbie.)
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I was initially hesitant to share this, but if it helps one person see there is hope even following set-backs, it is worth it. Sadly, we now know the German Wings pilot had significant mental health issues, and should never have been allowed to fly. My heart breaks for the family and friends. Thank you, my friend~Debbie
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Though you may not be aware of my stinginess with six-star accolades, I hope you revel in some celestial glow just the same. Early on, there's a typo, if, instead of or something like that, and an awkward sentence in the early paragraphs. Try reading it out loud to pin-point the only weakness in this essay. Sorry, I'd have high-lighted it, but my technical skills continue to fail me.
Here's why I gave you a six.
I love that you didn't justify, blame or try to explain your illness. Asking a cancer patient to justify his disease is just as inane. You came on screen not to purge or weep, but inform.
Your essay was magnificent. You qualified your ability to share the information and then presented it as a humble acknowledgement of recent events and reader despair and confusion.
I thought you did a magnificent job!
Now, there are, according to my sources, somewhere around 7.2 billion people in the world. Mental illmess needs exposure, general education. If less than 1% of the global population suffers from varying degrees of impairment or reactive trauma, then the world is a scary place. The numbers are staggering. But, I have been diagnosed with PTSD from childhood abuse, and yes, of course it affected my life, but nobody cared.
Through essays like yours, you'll educate and soothe people to accept diseases of the brain need treatment and compassion, just the same way a common cold needs chicken soup and Kleenex.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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Though you may not be aware of my stinginess with six-star accolades, I hope you revel in some celestial glow just the same. Early on, there's a typo, if, instead of or something like that, and an awkward sentence in the early paragraphs. Try reading it out loud to pin-point the only weakness in this essay. Sorry, I'd have high-lighted it, but my technical skills continue to fail me.
Here's why I gave you a six.
I love that you didn't justify, blame or try to explain your illness. Asking a cancer patient to justify his disease is just as inane. You came on screen not to purge or weep, but inform.
Your essay was magnificent. You qualified your ability to share the information and then presented it as a humble acknowledgement of recent events and reader despair and confusion.
I thought you did a magnificent job!
Now, there are, according to my sources, somewhere around 7.2 billion people in the world. Mental illmess needs exposure, general education. If less than 1% of the global population suffers from varying degrees of impairment or reactive trauma, then the world is a scary place. The numbers are staggering. But, I have been diagnosed with PTSD from childhood abuse, and yes, of course it affected my life, but nobody cared.
Through essays like yours, you'll educate and soothe people to accept diseases of the brain need treatment and compassion, just the same way a common cold needs chicken soup and Kleenex.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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Sorry, I have been slow to respond, but I wanted to wait until I had time to do justice to this wonderful review. Unlike many, I don't write for stars, but out of a genuine desire to further the acceptance of both physical and mental disabilities as well as to validate the feelings we have.
I decided a few years ago that since I wasn't going to return to work or run for public office to be as open and honest about both my mental and physical disabilities as possible.
I share my story anytime I can as these are issues that need more exposure, and if it helps just one other person it is well worth it.
I have published 2 books which I have no intention of making money from, but out of a sincere desire to help others. I am currently finishing up a book for early elementary children about disabilities. I plan to give it free of charge in copy ready form to as many schools who will use it.
I am also working on an anthology of poetry written by the disabled about there disabilities. If there would be any profit, it will be used to donate books to libraries.
I don't copyright my disability pieces and encourage others to use them in newsletter, etc. All I ask is to be given a copy so I know they are being used appropriately.
I do right about other subjects and also just for fun as I find it therapeutic, but the disability pieces are what I live for.
It is so very nice to get to know you. I don't think we have really shared our stories before. I would like to become a fan and stay in touch with you. Great to meet you, my friend~Debbie
Comment from Mastery
Hello, my friend. I am glad to hear you made it over that hump this past week. Bless you. I think your essay is very helpful and should be read by everybody on board here. "We will never give up hope." True. Be well, deb. Bob
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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Hello, my friend. I am glad to hear you made it over that hump this past week. Bless you. I think your essay is very helpful and should be read by everybody on board here. "We will never give up hope." True. Be well, deb. Bob
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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Thank you so very much, Bob, my friend. I had the best news--I'm getting a new beagle tomorrow. It will help so much. How are you and how is you book? Debbie
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Good for you, deb. A dog will be good company. I am doing fine with my health...the book is doing so good...I am really elated. Bob
Comment from marion
A very informative account on mental illness, and your role within it. I congratulate you on your books, which will further educate and help those who are affected and those who are around them. I myself took on a six hour week job to help in the recovery of a mental health patient living in the remote area we do. (Five hour trip to town by car to get a bottle of milk). I was untrained, but because I had the right personality, our national health care provider employed me on just that. My job was to help bring Jean back into the real world as much as was possible. I achieved that over two years, and she now happily lives in town. As for the airline disaster, my mind can go no further than the 150 people killed, and their families/friends/associates. I cannot help but feel deep resentment for that pilot, despite his problems/illness. There are millions with mental health issues and yet they don't go and do that. I suppose that is the irony of it all. And that is the research you are speaking about. Marion.
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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A very informative account on mental illness, and your role within it. I congratulate you on your books, which will further educate and help those who are affected and those who are around them. I myself took on a six hour week job to help in the recovery of a mental health patient living in the remote area we do. (Five hour trip to town by car to get a bottle of milk). I was untrained, but because I had the right personality, our national health care provider employed me on just that. My job was to help bring Jean back into the real world as much as was possible. I achieved that over two years, and she now happily lives in town. As for the airline disaster, my mind can go no further than the 150 people killed, and their families/friends/associates. I cannot help but feel deep resentment for that pilot, despite his problems/illness. There are millions with mental health issues and yet they don't go and do that. I suppose that is the irony of it all. And that is the research you are speaking about. Marion.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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Some of us have a natural talent and it sure sounds like you do. We need more people, my friend~Debbie
Comment from judiverse
My husband and I are fans of "Criminal Minds," and when they are dealing with a suspect who has mental issues, they always look for the "stressor" to determine what set him or her off. You have an excellent expression. It carries weight as you speak from your own experience and mention the work of a specific group, NAMI. Including the twelve principles of support is helpful. It's important for people to recognize the signs of someone who's in trouble, and see that they get help before something tragic happens. We don't know what triggered the suicide mission of that co-pilot, but it was horrendous that he took so many others with him. judi
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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My husband and I are fans of "Criminal Minds," and when they are dealing with a suspect who has mental issues, they always look for the "stressor" to determine what set him or her off. You have an excellent expression. It carries weight as you speak from your own experience and mention the work of a specific group, NAMI. Including the twelve principles of support is helpful. It's important for people to recognize the signs of someone who's in trouble, and see that they get help before something tragic happens. We don't know what triggered the suicide mission of that co-pilot, but it was horrendous that he took so many others with him. judi
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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Thank you, my friend~Debbie
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You're welcome. Writing must be a helpful stress reliever for you. I think it helps me. A very powerful article. judi
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You're welcome. Writing must be a helpful stress reliever for you. I think it helps me. A very powerful article. judi
Comment from patcelaw
As one who has fought mental illness (Bi-Polar Depression) for over 3 decades I avow that this is so true of the mentally ill as advancements have been made in treatment and medications. I was devastated the first time I had to be hospitalized for the illness and face much stigma from the outside world as there was no understanding of my illness. Thanks for sharing this story and I do wish you the best in the struggle you are now in. Patricia
A couple of small corrections needed:
making us feel not quite so (quite so) alone. ()remove
new understanding (i)f mental illness (o)
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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As one who has fought mental illness (Bi-Polar Depression) for over 3 decades I avow that this is so true of the mentally ill as advancements have been made in treatment and medications. I was devastated the first time I had to be hospitalized for the illness and face much stigma from the outside world as there was no understanding of my illness. Thanks for sharing this story and I do wish you the best in the struggle you are now in. Patricia
A couple of small corrections needed:
making us feel not quite so (quite so) alone. ()remove
new understanding (i)f mental illness (o)
Comment Written 28-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2015
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It is only those of us who have been through it who truly understand. Thanks for catching my spags. Have a wonderful evening, my friend~Debbie
need to add the s here
not quite o alone