My title is reflective of a documentary I watched last night ( April 28, 2009) on PBS. Shocking, sadden, and hit with a dose of reality were just some of the emotions I felt as I sat in pure astonishment watching the special that highlighted mental illness at its best.
So much hit close to home it became a little painful to watch. It is amazing how medicine can totally turn a persons personality around. I sat and watched a story on a man who was arrested multiple times due to delusions. He thought he was the "Antichrist," Osama bin Laden or he was trying to capture him, and the devil. Out of all the features in the documentary Lynn Moore stuck out more than any of the subjects.
He seemed to be fine if he was on his meds and under supervision. Moore like the rest of the mental ill men in the documentary were fine as long as they had someone there to tell them what to do (when to take their medications). Everything went to hell in a handbasket when they were either released from jail or the group homes some of them lived in.
The purpose of the documentary is to say that people like Lynn Moore do not belong in jail but in a supervised psychiatric hospital. With funds being cut daily and people like more constantly ending up in jail the unasked question is what is the real solution? Mentally ill people do not belong in jail. At the same time there just is not the manpower to make sure that medicines are being taken.
Mental illness is a double edge sword. There are solutions to problems but often the treatment is not accessible or affordable. Many mentally ill people lack support of loved ones and are left to fend for themselves. Sucky, most definitely but unfortunately this is a sad and true reality.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Decriminalize Me-ntal-Illness
Okay...In Michigan, my home state, it seems to be the only way someone who is mentally ill to seek treatment is to be arrested or in crisis to seek court ordered mental health treatement. Hmmmm.....It seems to me that Michigan is one state that needs to get aboard the other states that mandate treat with just a court order.
The whole reason I felt the need to blog on this topic is because of someone who was close to me. When you are 16 and dealing with a person who is suppose to provide and be there for you how can you make them get treatment? No person should have to be arrested or be in crisis in order to get help. If you are arrested it is obviously much too late and if you are in crisis the later is true. I hope one day people begin to see mental health, disorders, and injustices as a serious concern. Society needs to realize mental issues do not equal jail.
The whole reason I felt the need to blog on this topic is because of someone who was close to me. When you are 16 and dealing with a person who is suppose to provide and be there for you how can you make them get treatment? No person should have to be arrested or be in crisis in order to get help. If you are arrested it is obviously much too late and if you are in crisis the later is true. I hope one day people begin to see mental health, disorders, and injustices as a serious concern. Society needs to realize mental issues do not equal jail.
So Much Buzz
When I'm asked to explain this post in class I will only say that I wish I had the time to view this movie. On every search I have conducted over the last week and a half I have results that constantly talk about "The Soloist." There seems to be much buzz surrounding this movie in the mental health community. And maybe it's long over due for a movie such as this.
Just to give a little background on the story it is about the true story of Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Lopez’s relationship with a deeply troubled, homeless virtuoso musician ( http://www.thedailyaztec.com/). I know nothing of Steve Lopez and hope when I have spare time to read upon him and view to view this film.
Is Money Really This Disruptive????
I can't help but revert back to stories concerning mental health and the economic crisis. It astounds me the reaction and actions people are having at the thought of being poor. Everyday we see people who are not well off and manage to get through everyday life, so what is so different with the so called wealthy? The whole reason people have money is because they prepared and planned properly or maybe you are one of the few lucky people and are a "trust fund baby."
The first time a big economic crisis came about I was not even thought of. Secondly, if the people I deal with on a daily a basis at work (many are very wealthy) are a sample of what these stories are being based on I have to tell you many of these folks already had issues. I think it is insulting to constantly read stories about how because the stock market has crashed many people have lost their minds. I'm hear to tell you some wealthy people are already mentally unstable and the current conditions of our economy has nothing to do with it.
So many people who have money become consumed with it. The money has a hold on them that they is really unexplainable. Not to sound uncaring but many are suffering from depression and many other psychological issues that stem deeper than money. Every time I hear of someone dying or someone killing because they think the loss of a job is the end of the world it's sad but there were already some deeper issues. I know the old say that "money is the root to all evil," but if does it have to be. As I have mentioned in many posts if you feel yourself slipping please get help. There is so much to live for and money is not the end of the world.
The first time a big economic crisis came about I was not even thought of. Secondly, if the people I deal with on a daily a basis at work (many are very wealthy) are a sample of what these stories are being based on I have to tell you many of these folks already had issues. I think it is insulting to constantly read stories about how because the stock market has crashed many people have lost their minds. I'm hear to tell you some wealthy people are already mentally unstable and the current conditions of our economy has nothing to do with it.
So many people who have money become consumed with it. The money has a hold on them that they is really unexplainable. Not to sound uncaring but many are suffering from depression and many other psychological issues that stem deeper than money. Every time I hear of someone dying or someone killing because they think the loss of a job is the end of the world it's sad but there were already some deeper issues. I know the old say that "money is the root to all evil," but if does it have to be. As I have mentioned in many posts if you feel yourself slipping please get help. There is so much to live for and money is not the end of the world.
Monday, April 27, 2009
You Take Account
Although this story takes place in Ireland, I can see that some US corporation following this trend. Why should bankers have to have mental health training? Speaking from a banker’s point of view we do deal with some real works of arts and we encounter many different situations, including those who want the banks to take responsibility for their financial woes.
In the article, “Mental Health Training Needed For Bankers,” it basically states that with all of the concerns people are having regarding their finances, banks need to have a system in place to monitor “erratic spending.” All I have to say to that is please…
What were people doing before the economic crisis? How did those who are allegedly suffering from this so-called “debt depression” get by? The same way they are now. It is not the responsibility of the banks or bankers to baby sit accounts. If you feel you are under that much stress seek counseling from a professional or talk with a financial counselor. Not to sound like a total bitch but I deal with people like this everyday and I get sick of hearing the same song. I do have some empathy for a person who do not abuse the system and that’s what all this boils down to-abuse.
Banks are in the business to make money and not refund countless fees for those who chose to not be responsible. I understand the stress that comes with money troubles but I do not feel that this should be a cause for bankers to have to undergo some special training. We are bankers not psychologist and our job is to provide financial services not psychiatric ones. So, for those in need of how to get a handle on your finances know that a banker can give you suggestions and advice but if your spending habits are stemming from something deeper a psychologist is your best bet.
In the article, “Mental Health Training Needed For Bankers,” it basically states that with all of the concerns people are having regarding their finances, banks need to have a system in place to monitor “erratic spending.” All I have to say to that is please…
What were people doing before the economic crisis? How did those who are allegedly suffering from this so-called “debt depression” get by? The same way they are now. It is not the responsibility of the banks or bankers to baby sit accounts. If you feel you are under that much stress seek counseling from a professional or talk with a financial counselor. Not to sound like a total bitch but I deal with people like this everyday and I get sick of hearing the same song. I do have some empathy for a person who do not abuse the system and that’s what all this boils down to-abuse.
Banks are in the business to make money and not refund countless fees for those who chose to not be responsible. I understand the stress that comes with money troubles but I do not feel that this should be a cause for bankers to have to undergo some special training. We are bankers not psychologist and our job is to provide financial services not psychiatric ones. So, for those in need of how to get a handle on your finances know that a banker can give you suggestions and advice but if your spending habits are stemming from something deeper a psychologist is your best bet.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Most Costly Of Them All
It may be a little known fact but the top most costly condition to treat in children is mental disorders. According to News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “$8.9 billion dollars went towards treating mental disorders such as depression (http://www.health/ NewsDigets.com).” I find this staggering news since it seems that more and more children are suffering from certain disorders but don’t seem to be getting the treatment.
Rated "D"
In a report released by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), they have graded the United States mental health care system a big fat “D”. Many factors went into the grade and can be review at http://www.nami.org/.
One of the biggest criteria for the grades has been all of the recent cuts to the mental health care sector, like everything else is being blamed on the economic crisis. But NAMI is does not see this as acceptable. Other issues that raise concern is the alarming number of people being put in jail that are suffering from some mental disorder rather than treating them. NAMI says, “the costs of our failure to provide adequate services to people with serious mental illnesses are also well know (http://www.cnn.com/, http://www.nami.org/).”
I don’t know if it’s really fair to give the mental health system a low grade. The government provides funds for many of the programs offered. So, if we are grading we need to grade the government on the non-attempts at helping to fund clinics that are trying to help those cope with mental disorders.
One of the biggest criteria for the grades has been all of the recent cuts to the mental health care sector, like everything else is being blamed on the economic crisis. But NAMI is does not see this as acceptable. Other issues that raise concern is the alarming number of people being put in jail that are suffering from some mental disorder rather than treating them. NAMI says, “the costs of our failure to provide adequate services to people with serious mental illnesses are also well know (http://www.cnn.com/, http://www.nami.org/).”
I don’t know if it’s really fair to give the mental health system a low grade. The government provides funds for many of the programs offered. So, if we are grading we need to grade the government on the non-attempts at helping to fund clinics that are trying to help those cope with mental disorders.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hidden Link
According to research currently being conducted by University of the Highlands and Islands in Great Britain, there may be a link between gluten and mental illness, schizophrenia in particular. I find studies like this quite interesting. Why? Because I have been in numerous psychology classes and never have I heard a professor mention a mental illness being linked to a chemical in food.
Maybe the scientists are on to something. If we overeat and are not active that contributes to gaining weight, heart disease, and high blood pressure to name a few. Diabetics who eat too much sugar have complications and need insulin. So, I suppose that something in the food we eat can contribute to mental illness.
Maybe the scientists are on to something. If we overeat and are not active that contributes to gaining weight, heart disease, and high blood pressure to name a few. Diabetics who eat too much sugar have complications and need insulin. So, I suppose that something in the food we eat can contribute to mental illness.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Recession Blues
Before things get any better they are going to get a whole lot worse. Hotlines across the US are lighting up with callers who are distraught over the loss of their jobs, homes, and the uncertainty in the stock market. With all of the newly depressed the mental health agencies are starting to become overwhelmed with the number of people seeking help.
I find it more and more astounding they way people are coping with the recent economic conditions. In a story from newsday.com medical centers are starting to see more and more people coming in for treatment of alcohol abuse and intentional overdoses. More people are looking “overwhelmed and suicidal, because of the economy.”
My thoughts are this matter is in life we all go through something. Sometimes the situation gets to a point where it breaks you down to where you think you cannot make it and this is what many folks are experiencing with our country’s current economic situation. Some how people have to know that things will be all right. I know losing your job and feeling like you will never be secure again is a hard and depressing issue but some way people have to know things are going to workout!
I find it more and more astounding they way people are coping with the recent economic conditions. In a story from newsday.com medical centers are starting to see more and more people coming in for treatment of alcohol abuse and intentional overdoses. More people are looking “overwhelmed and suicidal, because of the economy.”
My thoughts are this matter is in life we all go through something. Sometimes the situation gets to a point where it breaks you down to where you think you cannot make it and this is what many folks are experiencing with our country’s current economic situation. Some how people have to know that things will be all right. I know losing your job and feeling like you will never be secure again is a hard and depressing issue but some way people have to know things are going to workout!
The First To Go
Last week, I blogged about a story concerning the DSM changing what would count as a mental disorder. It looks like there is controversy surrounding Autism. I don’t know much about Autism but I definitely would agree that it should be disregarded as a mental disorder. I know there are different levels to this disorders and some autistic people are functioning. According to the piece written by Jill Rubolino Autism is “a medical disorder with many causes, some of them genetic and totally unrelated to a psychiatric diagnosis altogether.
I guess some people could see both sides of why doctors may diagnosis this as a mental condition rather than a medical. But if this is the case then other medical issues such as Down Syndrome should be considered a mental disorder according to what the DSM says is a mental disorder but it is not. As time goes on I think there will be some hell raising taking place over the DSM. I know as boring as it sounds this topic will be very popular soon.
I guess some people could see both sides of why doctors may diagnosis this as a mental condition rather than a medical. But if this is the case then other medical issues such as Down Syndrome should be considered a mental disorder according to what the DSM says is a mental disorder but it is not. As time goes on I think there will be some hell raising taking place over the DSM. I know as boring as it sounds this topic will be very popular soon.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"Next To Normal"
I like to look for stories that highlight the plight of mental illness. During my search I found an article that spoke about a play currently on Broadway dedicated to mental illness. "Next To Normal" is based on a mother who suffers from bipolar disorder and whose daughter is suffering anxiety due to her mother's mental illness.
Currently, the musical is running in New York and from the looks of it this musical has had a long run. I think it is great that someone has decided to bring such a taboo subject to light. Each and everyday thousands of families are secretly dealing with a loved one who suffers from a mental disorder. I hope in the coming days that I will have the time and opportunity to see this musical if it comes to Chicago.
No matter the media or the method, it is time for people to become aware of how and what mental illness can do to a family!
Currently, the musical is running in New York and from the looks of it this musical has had a long run. I think it is great that someone has decided to bring such a taboo subject to light. Each and everyday thousands of families are secretly dealing with a loved one who suffers from a mental disorder. I hope in the coming days that I will have the time and opportunity to see this musical if it comes to Chicago.
No matter the media or the method, it is time for people to become aware of how and what mental illness can do to a family!
Is A Change Coming For The DSM-V
In my early years of studying psychology, I had to purchase the DSM-V for an Abnormal Psychology class. The purpose of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is to determine what mental disorder the patient is suffering and in short a tool used for billing insurance companies.
Could it be that what really counts as a mental disorder in the DSM-V be changing soon? According to Psychiatric Times the DSM or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders may be reshaping the definition of mental disorders if the adaptation of the a certain pyramid is put into place. The pyramid which will talk about what should or should not count as a "disease" could change the outlook on what is considered a mental "disease."
What does this mean for those suffering from certain mental illnesses? Well, what it sounds like this will mean is it is going to take longer to diagnosis the patient. It also looks like this could mean that things once defined as a sickness may no longer be classified as such. Therefore, treatment is going to be delayed and for those using insurance to pay for the treatment may have to pay for it themselves if the disorder is not covered.
Could it be that what really counts as a mental disorder in the DSM-V be changing soon? According to Psychiatric Times the DSM or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders may be reshaping the definition of mental disorders if the adaptation of the a certain pyramid is put into place. The pyramid which will talk about what should or should not count as a "disease" could change the outlook on what is considered a mental "disease."
What does this mean for those suffering from certain mental illnesses? Well, what it sounds like this will mean is it is going to take longer to diagnosis the patient. It also looks like this could mean that things once defined as a sickness may no longer be classified as such. Therefore, treatment is going to be delayed and for those using insurance to pay for the treatment may have to pay for it themselves if the disorder is not covered.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Teacher, Teacher: Can You Save Yourself??
I wanted to blog about this particular story relating to teachers and mental health. Even though this pertains to the United Kingdom, I am sure teachers everywhere are experiencing the same traumas.
This story is from the UK and I have yet to hear anything concerning the mental well being of teachers in the US. According to the National Union of Teachers (NUT), which is an organization that works with teachers and their mental health, “Half of all teachers have considered leaving the profession due to stress, citing the long hours, excessive workload, lack of support and poor pupil behaviour.” Other issues such as violence and workplace bullying are other stresses that are contributing to why teachers want out.
I commend the teacher’s today. I’m not sure why stories like this don’t get much press. I mean if I were a teacher and had to deal with the constant disrespect from some students, worrying if someone is going to come to school or my class with a gun and try and teach lessons amongst all the madness, I would breakdown mentally as well.
This story is from the UK and I have yet to hear anything concerning the mental well being of teachers in the US. According to the National Union of Teachers (NUT), which is an organization that works with teachers and their mental health, “Half of all teachers have considered leaving the profession due to stress, citing the long hours, excessive workload, lack of support and poor pupil behaviour.” Other issues such as violence and workplace bullying are other stresses that are contributing to why teachers want out.
I commend the teacher’s today. I’m not sure why stories like this don’t get much press. I mean if I were a teacher and had to deal with the constant disrespect from some students, worrying if someone is going to come to school or my class with a gun and try and teach lessons amongst all the madness, I would breakdown mentally as well.
A Setback In The Making
Just as I thought I was beginning to see strides in the mental health sector, here comes a huge setback that will probably ring throughout cities across the US— more cutbacks in the mental health industry.
In an economy this is suffering, I have never understood why certain areas of healthcare have to be cutout. Mental Health services are one of the main services that should go on uninterrupted. In the case of the Lake County’s Mental Health Department, cutting services is on the horizons. The reason for the cutbacks is due to a large deficit the county has because they received too much reimbursement money. You have got to be kidding me.
People who are really in need of help will have to suffer because someone received too much money. None of this makes sense and in my opinion this is just another way to put mental healthcare on the back burner.
In an economy this is suffering, I have never understood why certain areas of healthcare have to be cutout. Mental Health services are one of the main services that should go on uninterrupted. In the case of the Lake County’s Mental Health Department, cutting services is on the horizons. The reason for the cutbacks is due to a large deficit the county has because they received too much reimbursement money. You have got to be kidding me.
People who are really in need of help will have to suffer because someone received too much money. None of this makes sense and in my opinion this is just another way to put mental healthcare on the back burner.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Attention Needed
"One in four people will suffer from a form of mental illness at some stage in their lives (www.inthenews.co.uk). Which is why New Horizon's, a program being launched by the Department of Health in the UK was created. The specifics of what will be entail is still be worked on. But the main component is to help those who are suffering from or may suffer from a mental illness at some time in their lives.
It seems to be a consensus around the world that mental illness is a problem. It the United Kingdom it seems to be an ever growing problem. With the New Horizon program the Department of Health hopes to create more awareness by talking to individual groups and employers. The hope of doing this is to come up with more help for those suffering.
The program also want so to help lessen the depression and anxiety that many are suffering from due to the stress of everyday life and the way the economy.
It seems to be a consensus around the world that mental illness is a problem. It the United Kingdom it seems to be an ever growing problem. With the New Horizon program the Department of Health hopes to create more awareness by talking to individual groups and employers. The hope of doing this is to come up with more help for those suffering.
The program also want so to help lessen the depression and anxiety that many are suffering from due to the stress of everyday life and the way the economy.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Any Means Necessary - Is This Another Option?
PA Needs To Bring Its Mental Health Legislation Up To Speed.
In the plight against treating mental illness, judges in Pennsylvania have just been given provisions to "order a person to seek outpatient treatment for mental illness." (http://blog.pennlive.com)
Is it right that judges have been given this power? I say yes. Currently, there are 42 states with such provisions that allow a judge to order treatment if the they can see a clear need for it. The downside to the legislation in Pennsylvania is that the judges can only require treatment if there is "clear and present danger" to themselves or others.
What I find wrong with this picture and as the posting states is that it is often too late when the judge orders treatment in the cases where danger is present. If the judge waits until there is "clear and present danger" then more times than not it is too late. And many of these people end up in prison where they do not belong and cannot get the proper treatment.
Hopefully the legislation being introduced by Sen.Stewart Greenleaf, which would make it so judges could order involuntary outpatient mental health treatment for those who need it for up to a six month period. (pennlive.com). I think this could be very beneficial to those families looking to seek treatment but their sick loved ones are unwilling.
Help For The Families
National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwest or NAMI is support group that is dedicated to helping families and friends whose loved ones are suffering from a mental illness. Currently, the group is seeking volunteers for an upcoming fundraiser in September. I think this is a wonderful chance to raise money for a good cause. Even more, I wish I knew of this group a long time ago.
If anyone is interested in finding out more information on NAMI or is interested in volunteering for the upcoming fundraiser please contact 708-425-0925.
If anyone is interested in finding out more information on NAMI or is interested in volunteering for the upcoming fundraiser please contact 708-425-0925.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Children
I feel like I hit the jackpot with my story searchers this week.
Some cities and states are starting to realize the importance of having sufficient services to help in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. San Joaquin County has created a three-year plan though would help create new services for those dealing with mental disorders.
The country has dedicated over $12 million dollars to this program, which will focus on the youth wants to help prevention in the early years. I think this is an excellent plan and it hope nothing stands in the way of this program. It is so important to target the mental issues early so in adulthood these issues do not manifest into something more. The plan will distribute money in schools, juvenile facilities, and even programs for seniors and other adults needing assistance.
Some cities and states are starting to realize the importance of having sufficient services to help in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. San Joaquin County has created a three-year plan though would help create new services for those dealing with mental disorders.
The country has dedicated over $12 million dollars to this program, which will focus on the youth wants to help prevention in the early years. I think this is an excellent plan and it hope nothing stands in the way of this program. It is so important to target the mental issues early so in adulthood these issues do not manifest into something more. The plan will distribute money in schools, juvenile facilities, and even programs for seniors and other adults needing assistance.
World Health Day
According to WHO mental health is, “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and able is able to make a contribution to his or her own community (World Health Organization).”
What the World Health Organization is doing in the promotion of mental health is helping to define what mental health is. I think it is wonderful to have a clear definition of what it means to be mentally healthy in order to begin treatment or work on staying mentally healthy.
The World Health Organization is making mental health its focus this year. The WHO will focus on promoting mental health and the safety that should be taken if emergencies should arise. World Health Day 2009 primary focus is having more investments in the health care industry. WHO feels that by doing this mental health will be promoted as well. It sounds like a far-fetched idea but hopefully it will work.
What the World Health Organization is doing in the promotion of mental health is helping to define what mental health is. I think it is wonderful to have a clear definition of what it means to be mentally healthy in order to begin treatment or work on staying mentally healthy.
The World Health Organization is making mental health its focus this year. The WHO will focus on promoting mental health and the safety that should be taken if emergencies should arise. World Health Day 2009 primary focus is having more investments in the health care industry. WHO feels that by doing this mental health will be promoted as well. It sounds like a far-fetched idea but hopefully it will work.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Will They Ever Get Treatment
The saga continues everyday for those mentally ill seeking treatment.
"An estimated 70 percent of the people living on the streets of Philadelphia have some degree of mental illness (philly.com)." And the messed up part is that most of these people have to rely on the care of facilities that are not equipped to handle them.
Advocates such as Debbie Plotnick is outraged by how little attention is given to countless deaths happening because these people are just left out on the streets and little is being done to build up sufficient housing with the right treatment to help them get better.
I say to myself when will people start paying attention to this area. I agree that if people start to take the treatment of mental health more serious and funds are allocated to this area then I think more can be done.
The reason I feel right that a wide variety of treatment ranges are not available for those who live on the street is because they cannot afford to pay for the care. In a future blog I want to talk about the disparities the mentally ill poor face vs. those who can pay for the care. Until then will any justice and funding come for the facilities who are trying to help those in need?
I am thankful to read about nonprofit organizations like the Mental Health Association, which provides education and support for those with mental health issues. If more people advocate and show the seriousness of mental disorders then I feel more will be done.
"An estimated 70 percent of the people living on the streets of Philadelphia have some degree of mental illness (philly.com)." And the messed up part is that most of these people have to rely on the care of facilities that are not equipped to handle them.
Advocates such as Debbie Plotnick is outraged by how little attention is given to countless deaths happening because these people are just left out on the streets and little is being done to build up sufficient housing with the right treatment to help them get better.
I say to myself when will people start paying attention to this area. I agree that if people start to take the treatment of mental health more serious and funds are allocated to this area then I think more can be done.
The reason I feel right that a wide variety of treatment ranges are not available for those who live on the street is because they cannot afford to pay for the care. In a future blog I want to talk about the disparities the mentally ill poor face vs. those who can pay for the care. Until then will any justice and funding come for the facilities who are trying to help those in need?
I am thankful to read about nonprofit organizations like the Mental Health Association, which provides education and support for those with mental health issues. If more people advocate and show the seriousness of mental disorders then I feel more will be done.
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