|
Posted
by
Jan 14, 2011 04:32 PM
There is a stigma associated with mental illness that is unfair to those who suffer from it and the loved ones that go through it.
Personally, I have been diagnosed with Bipolar II mixed episodes. My goal is to educate and inform with the hopes that one day those that suffer do not walk alone nor in silence, but feel they too can be open and free. I have a blog site that I speak openly and freely about such things as this. I know that I am only one person with a voice speaking out. There are larger organizations that out speak me by volumes and maybe one day I will get there too, but until then I will carry this burden alone and continue to look for outlets to be heard. Today I am tired as if I have banged my head against a wall and wonder if its even worth it as I hit dead end after dead end, but to give up now would be giving up on the few that have come to me and shared their story. -- Leah Powell
Comments: 20
Status: Implemented
|
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
20 Comments
|
Leah, I wish you every success with educating people! I know from my own life's journey that we need compassion & understanding from others; along with practicing self-kindness in our daily lives, not stigma & more negativity! It's lovely to meet you! I felt inspired to share this quote with you.... 'The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern' ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Much love |
|
Dear Friends, I have depression and had it for approximately the last 10 years. It slowly crept into my life. I tried using the 12 step recovery program I was in to help cheer me up, etc. However, when my work suffered, I had to face up to the fact that I might need medications. Fortunately, I knew about depression because in an attempt to understand my father (bipolar alcoholic), I read books and took workshops on mental health. I learned that mental illness is a neurobiological disorder (brain chemistry issue). Alliance for the Mentally Ill has been very helpful, and I support that worthwhile organization whenever I can. They have accomplished a lot towards ending "stigma" and continue to work in this area. They advocate for the mentally ill and educate consumers and families. There is still much for me to learn about depression. Certain physical symptoms and fatigue can pop up and I have a hard time discerning whether they are due to the depression or something else. I do alternative body work, eat reasonably healthy food, try to live a "balanced" life but still need improvement in this area and I call myself an "activist," as I am involved in doing what I can to help improve society. I believe in God and still attend 12-step programs (they are not a cure all, but care still very wonderful). Having a spiritually orientation in my life has helped me a lot and probably kept me from hospitalization when the depression was at its worst. I agree that it is hard to find people in the general society that understand mental illness, and I have had my own struggles in this area. I have joined the community on this site as part of my effort to lead a more balanced and productive life. I also struggle with sleeplessness and wake up more than once in the middle of the night. Prayers seem to keep me on track and get back to sleep sooner, but I would like to find a better avenue for dealing with. Sleep meds. did not work for me and in general I don't like them, as I am a recovering alcoholic/addict and have been so for over 30 years. The sleep issue became more pronounced when my husband's left foot was amputated an when our seemingly unremitting financial stress reared its ugly head at that time. I see a great therapist once a month (can't afford more) and find it hard to make new friends (a long sad story when my depression was in full flower). I have some wonderful old friends and some great newer friends. Enough for now,. I'm glad you have this forum. All the best to all of you. |
|
I teach Mental Health Nursing and one student at a time have seen what education can do to shift attitudes. I too have suffered from depression which began as a severe post partum depression. Ignoring it (as my family chose to do, most of them) did not help. What we are doing here, talking, sharing stories, validating, supporting, works miracles. Blessings to all of you. |
|
|
I hope that you can find courage in your triumphs over Bipolar disorder. I too have the disorder, and have found that knowledge of both my illness and my triggers have helped me grow strong in the disorder. Like any other illness, knowledge is power, and knowledge of bipolar disorder and other mental illness disorders is no exception. I hope you the best and remember, no matter what happens, keep your head up. |
|
|
Mental illness is something that slowly very slowly getting as much awareness as cancer or diabetes has in their earlier years. I am sensitive to those who have and are experiencing some kind of mental illness and hoping that they are not suffering in silence though I believe many are because they are not qualified to diagnosis themselves and if they have family that are busy and not taking time for one another - then that one individual suffers in silence. I know because I am one of them. But I believe as women we need to be there for one another and recognize suttle changes in our friends and also be authentic with one another so that we can openly express what is going on and not keep a mask on of all is well. First step I have recently taken is to be seen by a counsellor and also been prescribed some meds and of course I put the red flag up - thinking I am not that bad, but truth is I couldn't see and I thank God that the diagnosis was not a quick one but one that was throughall and with such integrity and dignification. So here I am on a med that is giving me a sense of control. But then there is my responsiblity in this recovery process - what am I feeding my mind, body and soul with. So I have started to read a few books, one being Marianne Williamson - A course in weight loss 21 Spiritual lessons for surrendering your weight forever. ng The other book is my bible and meditating on scriptures. Then I am empowering myself by journaling my day and reflecting what I wrote the next day. These are just my tiny baby steps I have taken and slowly I know it will take some time but I will embrace this journey as I will see it as a teaching opportunity. So my beloved sisters lets empower each other with the gifts and talents we have been blessed by God our Creator and see how He will move through us all. Blessings of love and peace to you.
by
Jan 6, 2012 07:03 PM
|
|
From my own experience I know your body wants to recover when given the building blocks and lifestyle choices that will support your mental and physical health. My complete recovery from bipolar disorder over a decade ago was a very slow process of bringing my biochemical imbalance back into homeostasis. Over the years of faithfully taking my medication, gradually the blood tests indicated to my doctor that the medication should be lowered until one day he said I didn't need anymore. It takes years to get out of whack and can takes years to return to a balanced state. Your body's natural state is to be in balance where your body is able to produce lithium, or your thyroid gland is able to function. So much of the "mental" illness can be changed if we choose to take responsibility and make the effort. In 2012 I am committed to sharing everything that enabled me to achieve vibrant health including: - a FREE Jan telesummit here on BraveHeart called Your Vibrant Health Secrets, - a small online course including 4 FREE videos called http:/ - launching a well researched book that at the moment is called Sane Off Meds - Curing the Incurable. It made a promise to my Mum that I would not write a book or ever speak about my recovery. She wanted to protect me from the stigma against mental illness and felt I should count myself lucky and walk away. I respected her wishes, but now she's passed away, I am able to step up and offer my voice of hope and the practical steps I used to regain my equilibrium. I really doesn't matter what the dis-ease is... your body wants to get healthy if you'll only give it a chance!
by
Dec 27, 2011 05:14 PM
|
|
|
I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression and PTSD at age 14. I have stayed well for 25 years. I started on Braveheart Woman to fight for better conditions for the organization I worked for 12 years, I walked out one day. I fell bad, its been 1 year and 3 months. Trying to get strong again, I have a 16 year old disabled daughter, she cut herself because of the condition I was in. More voices are needed to speak up. Everyone I contacted would not help me get them help. I need to find myself again to help them. I feel like I lost my purpose in life, Iam going to get it back. -- Doreen Paylor |
|
|
i am a 52yr old sexual abuse suvior and also a rape victim while serving in the army. i want to let all other female veteran's to know they dont have to suffer in silence like i did. i especially want to reach out to our current female veteran's who r now serving our country to report the abuse without fear..when i was raped i tried to report it but they did not believe me way back then so i continued to suffer in silence from then on..when i was a child i suffered sexual abuse by my father and suffered in silence again, as he told me it was a secret when i grew older i told my mom and she just could'nt believe this was going on, when she asked my dad he denied it and my mom beilieved him. i have a serious problem of confronting people now..i am currently in a women's veteran group with other's who suffered the same way-i am learning new skill's to challenge myself and also being accepted and believed the group has really been a challenge but has opened my eye's and heart. i also still have problem's of forgiveness as my dad to this day will not own up to any abuse. i know these things still accure at home and also in the military and if we as women spread the word maybe we can aleast try and provent it to continue...please help me spread the word....ty |
|
BIPOLAR-Nothings colder. Than when your own brain gives you the COLD shoulder. So, as I grow older- I "just keep my head up- lil' soldier" And, I grow BOLDER. Insted of ending up, a "fold-er." I just wrote that for you & every one who could use it. I hope it helps some. Always remember, no matter what- that their IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if you can't see it yet. |
|
|
Thank you so much for your post. Rest assure you are not alone. I have struggled with recurrent episodes of Major Depressive Disorder since childhood and during one especially bad episode I attempted suicide. I haven't had an episode in five years, but the symptoms lurk in the background and remaining in recovery requires persistence and dedication. I really appreciate your willingness to speak out and would love to share and help in any way I can. Please don't give up and please dont ever think that you are wasting your time because you never know when your efforts might become a needy soul's life preserver! God bless you! |
|
I can't tell you enough how happy I was to find this. My husband suffers from a mental illness a personality disorder. And sometimes I suffer too. I don't ever have anyone to talk with or share with or even cry with about this. It is wonderful that there is others to finally do this with. Thank you so much. I so look forward to this. -- Kitty |
|
|
I am glad for your sharing, all of you that I have read so far actually. It has touched everyone in my life, including me. I am still not taking prescription medication for it, but I realize it was the source of my cries for help as a kid. Scary back then. Now I do my best to accept and work with that I may be more bipolar than I thought and not at the moment in a place to seek any other medication for it. I have found too, that having places to write and talk about it, safe ones, like this, provide much in the way of helping us feel ok even though mental illness still carries such a stigma with it. I hope to continue my quest and thank you all for being here. -- M J M Mareejoy |
|
|
I'm a life-long patient of depression. I am now 52. My nineteen year old has suffered with his depression since early childhood also. Just yesterday he told me of his frustration with the "invisible" illness he has. "Mom, sometimes I feel I would rather have an obvious physical injury instead of depression...At least people would be able to see it and not just think I'm a constant whiner." Boy do I know what he means. People say "it's all in your head"...And unfortunatley it IS! |
|
Yes it takes courage and hard work to heal your mind and emotions. i have labored many years with this and have found profound change in my self. Good Tx, the right meds, God,and a good support network make all the difference in the world. I have a strength and courage now I did not have before and want to share my insights and growth with others who are struggling. Never give up!- joicee |
|
|
It takes courage to heal an injured mind. Anyone who struggles with an injured mind should be praised for their endurance and tenacity not to give up. I have been doing research on trauma and recovery for the last 8 years. Neuroscience is coming to the rescue of victims labeled mentally ill. Check out these sites: http:/ http:/ No one says, "Oh that's the broken leg person." What we may suffer from is not who we are. I have found that doing research on how the brain works and is affected by trauma helpful to me. Just as a broken bone can be mended so can our brains. Just take a look at Jill Bolte Taylors book, "A Stroke of Insight." There is help out there and a movement to reeducate the field of psychology. |
Leave a Comment
You must log in to comment on this idea.
