You all know that I am huge advocate (meaning that I post about it from time to time on my blog) for mental healthiness. I hate to see people suffer because they are unwilling to let go of their pride and reach out to professionals. What I hate even more is to see people make their loved ones suffer because of their own untreated illness.What I hate the most, is seeing people and families and friends suffer the effects of mental illness because of ignorance and/or for the fear of being stigmatized.
Here is a tragic story of how PTSD destroyed one of America's heroes.
The argument could be made that the war destroyed this young man's life, and I am open to that argument. I really don't like war and wish it was never necessary to use force. (Although I understand America's God given responsibility to promote freedom) But, really, this man did not have to take his own life. If he would have been successfully treated, he could have lived a long and happy life.
So, if any of you out there are depressed or anxietal or OCD or whatever else that you know deep down inside is not normal. Don't wait until it's too late. With medication and therapy, you can be as normal as me. :) And, don't let that stop you. As bad off as you think I am, it could be so so much worse.
I overheard a conversation at lunch the other day... the people at the table next to us were discussing just that. The stigma that comes with being diagnosed with mental issues.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing worse than not getting help is having someome tell you that you can cure your chemical imbalances and mental health issues with herbs. ????
I had a lady listen in on a private conversation that I was having with a friend (we were at girls camp in the mountains)once and she very rudely told me to go off my meds immediately and when we got home she would give me something that would fix everything. ????
I had another man tell me that I should NEVER take my stomach meds that had been prescribed by a gastroenterologist after an endoscopy. ???? He told me that I would die from CANCER. ????
We need to always remember that we need to be supportive of each other and NOT judgemental.
ToOdLeS,ShEiLA
soberint--but much needed.
ReplyDeletethanks, alice
I don't know exactly how I feel about all of it, but what I do know is if you need it, you need it. People shouldn't tell someone otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. There is hope. There is help. You do not always have to feel this way.
ReplyDeleteThis is my area of specialty. I have specific training related to trauma.
Thank you for encouraging others to seek help.
Totally agree with you. If you need it- take it. I take a pill every morning for an autoimmune disease. My body fights against my thyroid. How is that any different than someone who has low uptake of certain vital chemicals to keep them able to function at a good level? Not different at all but the stigma associated with "mental Illness" is hideous and inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Alice. Illness is illness and should be treated not ignored.
ReplyDeleteI agree mental health should be taken more seriously! There are too many people who feel embarrassed or are afraid of the stigma and are never treated. They go day to day carrying such a load.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I think there can be a better balance as far as meds go. It seems doctors prescribe too many pills not only for mental health, but for physical ailments as well when there are more natural ways to deal with both. There are definately people who need drugs, but I've had drugs prescribed to me way too often, when they weren't necessary so I'm a bit of a skeptic.