Let's talk about mental illness is a new blog I started so that I could focus on something very important to me. Sharing information that I have learned and educating those who know nothing about mental illness means that I am doing something positive. Fighting the stigma against the mentally ill is something that I feel very passionate about.
I am not ashamed and maybe I am just a very brave person but really that is not true. Accepting the things that you cannot change does take courage but what other option is there? Life may be hard at times but it is also quite wonderful. Being blessed with good friends, family and having the opportunity to make a difference is something to be happy about.
Mental illnesses are not always easy to deal with but neither is heart disease, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions. If mental illness is a disease of the brain, the brain is an organ and how is it so different from gallbladder disease or any other organ disorder? Is it because it effects the way someone acts?
What is "normal" anyway? Is anyone bold enough to leave a comment and tell me that they have no issues to deal with? I think not. Everyone has something to overcome or learn to deal with. No one is without fault and no one is perfect. We are all unique human beings. Have compassion for those whose struggles are more than yours. Don't assume that because someone has been diagnosed as being bipolar (for example) that they should be pitied or shunned. Bipolar people still have feelings and they are still productive members of society. Bipolar disorder varies in severity and some people cope better than others. This is true about all people, bipolar or not.
It's my life and it's now or never. I just want to live while I'm alive and while I'm living I'm sharing it here - totally raw and all Jersey!
Showing posts with label stigma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stigma. Show all posts
Is Depression Real?
Is Depression real? Some people look at depression as something that only happens to "weak" people. They look at someone's life and cannot understand why someone would be depressed. They think you can "will" yourself out of the feelings of depression.
If only clinical depression could be that easy to "cure". The problem is that for those who choose to recognize depression, it can be a long and lonely road to recovery. Depression is real. It can happen to anyone, from children to the elderly. Rich or poor, black or white, it doesn't matter.
If your elderly parent shows signs of depression, as many do, getting them help can be frustrating but necessary. Mental health still has a lot of stigma attached to it and the older generation is not as open to acceptance.
So many live in denial of our symptoms. Why do people think that they are so above others who will admit to being challenged by a mental illness?
I am not ashamed to say that I suffer anxiety and depression symptoms and have received treatment on and off for years. I recognize symptoms in other people and it still surprises me how they deny it. There is help out there and it doesn't make you weak to seek it. I am no different from the person who has diabetes, heart disease or any other chronic medical condition.
But back to the elderly. Your golden years should be relaxing and happy. If you know someone whose personality has changed, has been complaining too much of physical pain, has had a drastic change in sleeping or eating habits and is more irritable than normal, read the following article and get them help!
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/328510_depression-and-the-elderly
If only clinical depression could be that easy to "cure". The problem is that for those who choose to recognize depression, it can be a long and lonely road to recovery. Depression is real. It can happen to anyone, from children to the elderly. Rich or poor, black or white, it doesn't matter.
If your elderly parent shows signs of depression, as many do, getting them help can be frustrating but necessary. Mental health still has a lot of stigma attached to it and the older generation is not as open to acceptance.
So many live in denial of our symptoms. Why do people think that they are so above others who will admit to being challenged by a mental illness?
I am not ashamed to say that I suffer anxiety and depression symptoms and have received treatment on and off for years. I recognize symptoms in other people and it still surprises me how they deny it. There is help out there and it doesn't make you weak to seek it. I am no different from the person who has diabetes, heart disease or any other chronic medical condition.
But back to the elderly. Your golden years should be relaxing and happy. If you know someone whose personality has changed, has been complaining too much of physical pain, has had a drastic change in sleeping or eating habits and is more irritable than normal, read the following article and get them help!
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/328510_depression-and-the-elderly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)