Recovery from Mental Illness
Mental Health Commentary22 total reviews
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Debbie,
recovery from mental illness? That's an interesting thought. Does one every really recover from mental illness? I believe you may get over each different hurdle that this type of illness throws at us, but at best, we can only manage it... it's like a scar in your subconscious... but in saying that, one can rise above the adversity and grow with the correct tools and strategies...eg, identification, early detection, so as not to prolong the nasty chemicals imbalances that ensure from every bout... and for sure, no one knows as good as a sufferer how to empathize and identify with another suffer... in what ever degree that may be.
As you have pointed out from the very start... self esteem is the real killer... thinking that this is it... a person with this type of dis-ease couldn't or wouldn't contribute to the society they live in... or even be any good to themselves, yes, that is as far from the truth as one can get... of course there is varying scales of any conditions... and support groups remain the most valuable tool along with professional guidance... and yes, the support of some medications if the circumstances demand it.
I don't believe anyone is immune from the effects of mental illness... if one goes through life unscathed, never knowing mental illness, that person should know he/she are the minority... for it is estimated in the next ten years that psychological disorder related illness's will rise a further 75%... that's a staggering thought now, isn't it?
I am truly glad you are back on your game after all the things that have been thrown at you over the years... but you my dear friend are a survivor and a very valuable addition to any community you are involved with or in... this write tells me this... that, and of course, I know and admire you, your strength and courage... your ability to bounce back, strike after strike... Hats off to you dear friend, and all the very best in this contest with a well constructed and written entry.
With our thoughts we create,
our destiny,
James vx's
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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Hi Debbie,
recovery from mental illness? That's an interesting thought. Does one every really recover from mental illness? I believe you may get over each different hurdle that this type of illness throws at us, but at best, we can only manage it... it's like a scar in your subconscious... but in saying that, one can rise above the adversity and grow with the correct tools and strategies...eg, identification, early detection, so as not to prolong the nasty chemicals imbalances that ensure from every bout... and for sure, no one knows as good as a sufferer how to empathize and identify with another suffer... in what ever degree that may be.
As you have pointed out from the very start... self esteem is the real killer... thinking that this is it... a person with this type of dis-ease couldn't or wouldn't contribute to the society they live in... or even be any good to themselves, yes, that is as far from the truth as one can get... of course there is varying scales of any conditions... and support groups remain the most valuable tool along with professional guidance... and yes, the support of some medications if the circumstances demand it.
I don't believe anyone is immune from the effects of mental illness... if one goes through life unscathed, never knowing mental illness, that person should know he/she are the minority... for it is estimated in the next ten years that psychological disorder related illness's will rise a further 75%... that's a staggering thought now, isn't it?
I am truly glad you are back on your game after all the things that have been thrown at you over the years... but you my dear friend are a survivor and a very valuable addition to any community you are involved with or in... this write tells me this... that, and of course, I know and admire you, your strength and courage... your ability to bounce back, strike after strike... Hats off to you dear friend, and all the very best in this contest with a well constructed and written entry.
With our thoughts we create,
our destiny,
James vx's
Comment Written 30-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I sent you a PM. Thank you so very much, my dear friend. You are a great source of love and support. I have a new furry friend and life seems so much better today. She's helping me type these replies. Take care, my friend~Debbie xx
Comment from Alan K Pease
Beside your writing your investment of time in Mental Health issues is a complement to you as a person. Recently a nurse friend retired from the psychiatric clinic where she was working for forty years. She has been a guardian angel to me taking me on as an outpatient since I was hospitalized in the early 90's. I am sure that her appreciation of me as an intellect to prevent me from being too buried in medications was a godsend. She persuaded the psychiatrist to change medication when it became difficult for me to cope with its effects. The change was miraculous.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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Beside your writing your investment of time in Mental Health issues is a complement to you as a person. Recently a nurse friend retired from the psychiatric clinic where she was working for forty years. She has been a guardian angel to me taking me on as an outpatient since I was hospitalized in the early 90's. I am sure that her appreciation of me as an intellect to prevent me from being too buried in medications was a godsend. She persuaded the psychiatrist to change medication when it became difficult for me to cope with its effects. The change was miraculous.
Comment Written 29-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. I am glad you found the help you need. Take care, my friend~Debbie
Comment from Tatarka2
I'm so very, very glad you shared this, Debbie. (Would you consider this a 5 1/2?) So many people are going to read this and be encouraged that there is indeed help for them, that others have suffered in the same way they are suffering and have come through it, and that it's ok, even healing, to talk about it. I'm wondering what you think: with all the lack of clarity about the Germanwings pilot and his diagnosis (if any) do you think there will be more or less understanding and compassion for those who struggle with mental illness? I'm so glad you've found NAMI to be a source of strength and support. God bless you.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I'm so very, very glad you shared this, Debbie. (Would you consider this a 5 1/2?) So many people are going to read this and be encouraged that there is indeed help for them, that others have suffered in the same way they are suffering and have come through it, and that it's ok, even healing, to talk about it. I'm wondering what you think: with all the lack of clarity about the Germanwings pilot and his diagnosis (if any) do you think there will be more or less understanding and compassion for those who struggle with mental illness? I'm so glad you've found NAMI to be a source of strength and support. God bless you.
Comment Written 29-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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I know you've helped A LOT more than just one person by sharing this piece. I also feel so much compassion for the people who lost their lives on that plane, as well as for the co-pilot and his family. My prayer is that this tragedy won't be a setback in the way people view mental and emotional problems, and that people won't hesitate to seek treatment because of this. When people share their triumphs and their struggles, as you have done, I think it helps everyone.
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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 in hopes of making the world a more accepting place for persons with disabilities as well as to validate the feelings that we have.Thank you for the supportive review, my friend~Debbie
Comment from Nosha17
I am glad that you sought help and were able to bounce back. It actually proves a point that some people do desire help when they know they need it, but some people are in denial and carry on, putting others' lives at risk as in the case of the German Wings pilot. He is known to have told someone he would make a mark on the world and he would go down in history. There is rather a dark aspect to this which I have difficulty in accepting. Whatever his problems he committed mass murder, innocent victims who perished. I do not know the solution, but I am still in shock over it. Well expressed views and good to highlight these issues. Faye
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I am glad that you sought help and were able to bounce back. It actually proves a point that some people do desire help when they know they need it, but some people are in denial and carry on, putting others' lives at risk as in the case of the German Wings pilot. He is known to have told someone he would make a mark on the world and he would go down in history. There is rather a dark aspect to this which I have difficulty in accepting. Whatever his problems he committed mass murder, innocent victims who perished. I do not know the solution, but I am still in shock over it. Well expressed views and good to highlight these issues. Faye
Comment Written 29-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 Ekim777
What our author writes is very heartening but whether we are disabled or psychically disabled or just unfortunate, the answer surely lies with the gift of creativity which we might all possess. I say this because we do live in an un-heroic age where we are not encouraged to exceed ourselves. I think nearly everyone, what with our perceptions, needs more than just adapt ion to the world we live in. I say this despite the scientific and medical advancements. How can we face the fact that our civilization is not the grand success that we would like it to be?
What ever the case, our society is our first reality and we must live with it. I think our writer poses more questions than answers. -Ekim777
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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What our author writes is very heartening but whether we are disabled or psychically disabled or just unfortunate, the answer surely lies with the gift of creativity which we might all possess. I say this because we do live in an un-heroic age where we are not encouraged to exceed ourselves. I think nearly everyone, what with our perceptions, needs more than just adapt ion to the world we live in. I say this despite the scientific and medical advancements. How can we face the fact that our civilization is not the grand success that we would like it to be?
What ever the case, our society is our first reality and we must live with it. I think our writer poses more questions than answers. -Ekim777
Comment Written 29-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 barbara.wilkey
Once again you have shared with us something that every human should read. Thank you!
Support groups led well-trained facilitators have proven very helpful. (I think you are missing 'by' lead by..)
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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Once again you have shared with us something that every human should read. Thank you!
Support groups led well-trained facilitators have proven very helpful. (I think you are missing 'by' lead by..)
Comment Written 29-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 Kingsland
There is no such thing as an incurable mind. We all have learned to be certain ways, and we all can learn to be another way. The mind is made of putty and is waiting to be formed and shaped. No one is forever lost unless there is no one willing to help to find them. This was a very good article that I agree with. We all go through changes in our minds as we live and grow. You have written an excellent thought process here that I enjoyed reading and writing this response for... John
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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There is no such thing as an incurable mind. We all have learned to be certain ways, and we all can learn to be another way. The mind is made of putty and is waiting to be formed and shaped. No one is forever lost unless there is no one willing to help to find them. This was a very good article that I agree with. We all go through changes in our minds as we live and grow. You have written an excellent thought process here that I enjoyed reading and writing this response for... John
Comment Written 29-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 jpduck
I was fascinated by this. What a wonderful set of principles NAMI has.
A few typos and SPAGs (* *=insert; [ ]=delete):
'Advancements in both medications and new approaches in therapy have caused a dramatic change in that outlook, [today]' (Second use of 'today' in two sentences and not needed).
'Support groups led *by* well-trained facilitators have proven very helpful'
'What brings this to mind, pen and paper today are two things. (I'm not sure I fully understand this sentence. But whatever it means, surely the comma should be a question mark?)
'further diagnostic and treatment research does need to continue [on]. (The 'on' is unnecessary).
Adrian
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I was fascinated by this. What a wonderful set of principles NAMI has.
A few typos and SPAGs (* *=insert; [ ]=delete):
'Advancements in both medications and new approaches in therapy have caused a dramatic change in that outlook, [today]' (Second use of 'today' in two sentences and not needed).
'Support groups led *by* well-trained facilitators have proven very helpful'
'What brings this to mind, pen and paper today are two things. (I'm not sure I fully understand this sentence. But whatever it means, surely the comma should be a question mark?)
'further diagnostic and treatment research does need to continue [on]. (The 'on' is unnecessary).
Adrian
Comment Written 29-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 Louise G 23
This is an excellent essay, it's informative and heart-felt. I have family members and friends who are learning to cope with mental illness. It is difficult for them to talk about because so many people don't understand it...they think it can be talked or shaken out of them...if only it were that easy, then they could all bounce back and feel good.
It does need to be talked about more often so people who don't understand mental illness and what it does to people, can have some understanding and be compassionate toward those who are trying so hard to deal with it.
Once again, an excellent piece, thanks for opening up - I am sure it will help others.
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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This is an excellent essay, it's informative and heart-felt. I have family members and friends who are learning to cope with mental illness. It is difficult for them to talk about because so many people don't understand it...they think it can be talked or shaken out of them...if only it were that easy, then they could all bounce back and feel good.
It does need to be talked about more often so people who don't understand mental illness and what it does to people, can have some understanding and be compassionate toward those who are trying so hard to deal with it.
Once again, an excellent piece, thanks for opening up - I am sure it will help others.
Comment Written 29-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 ExperiencingLiphe
I have seasonal depression during the winter (Yes, it's a real thing), I have depression every once in a while due to my past and lets face it sometimes I'm just crazy. Mental illness is a real thing. I might suggest to put helpline numbers down in your author notes like the suicide prevention number or something. You never know who you're gonna help. I'm glad you're coming around. Asking for help is the hardest thing you can do, I know, I've been there. The whole plane crashing into the mountain just blows my mind. I feel so horrible for the innocent passengers on the aircraft but you almost feel bad for the co-pilot who made that horrible decision. He was so sick and needed help but was somehow "overlooked". I know things were handled 100% like they were suppose to have been in the cockpit but that's no reason for what he did. Great job friend and if I can do anything to help your spirits let me know
reply by the author on 01-Apr-2015
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I have seasonal depression during the winter (Yes, it's a real thing), I have depression every once in a while due to my past and lets face it sometimes I'm just crazy. Mental illness is a real thing. I might suggest to put helpline numbers down in your author notes like the suicide prevention number or something. You never know who you're gonna help. I'm glad you're coming around. Asking for help is the hardest thing you can do, I know, I've been there. The whole plane crashing into the mountain just blows my mind. I feel so horrible for the innocent passengers on the aircraft but you almost feel bad for the co-pilot who made that horrible decision. He was so sick and needed help but was somehow "overlooked". I know things were handled 100% like they were suppose to have been in the cockpit but that's no reason for what he did. Great job friend and if I can do anything to help your spirits let me know
Comment Written 29-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