Comments on: Social Isolation and Mental Illness http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/ Topics from multidimensional biopsychosocial perspectives. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:14:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: DAVID IS GONNA BE FREE http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-384479 DAVID IS GONNA BE FREE Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:19:18 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-384479 THIS ARTICLE IS JUST SO TRUE AND SO VERY HELPFUL. I HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA AND MAJOR DEPRESSION. IT IS OFTEN JAMMED UP AS BEING CALLED SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER. HOWEVER I SEE THEM AS TWO RELATED BUT SEPARATE DISORDERS. THIS IS BECAUSE MY SCHIZOPHRENIA STARTED AS A SMALL CHILD OF 6 YRS OLD. I WOULD OFTEN SEE DISTURBING OPEN VIVID HALLUCINATIONS AND HEARD VOICES THAT CONTROLLED ME AND THAT CONSTANTLY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO KILL ME. IT WAS NOT UNTIL IN MY LATE TEENS THAT I DEVELOPED MAJOR DEPRESSION. IT'S ENTRANCE IN MY LIFE PRESENTED WITH ME ATTEMPTING SUICIDE AT 19 YEARS OLD. I TOOK A HANDFUL OF PILLS PROBABLY ASPRIN AND DRANK HALF A BOTTLE OF WINE AND WOKE UP. I ONLY TOLD ONE PERSON WHO I SWORE TO SILENCE AND I SOUGHT NO PROFESSIONAL HELP. SEVERAL YEARS LATER A SECOND SUICIDE ATTEMPT LANDED ME A STRETCH IN THE STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL. I WAS LOCKED IN A PADDED ROOM FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND NIGHTS - ALONE AND AFRAID. I WAS TALKED TO BY THE NURSES AND STAFF AS IF I WERE A RAGING LUNATIC. I WAS NOT CRAZY I WAS JUST DEEPLY DEPRESSED AND FELT EXTREMELY SAD. THERE WERE OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE THAT I SAW THERE WHO WERE SUFFERING JUST LIKE ME. I WEPT FOR THEM EVEN THOUGH I NEEDED HELP MYSELF. I HAVE SINCE BEEN TREATED COUNTLESS TIMES IN EMERGENCY ROOMS FOR COUNSELING, REFERRALS, AND PRESCRIBED MANY DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS BOTH FOR DEPRESSION AND SCHIZOPHRENIA OVER THE YEARS. MOST OF THIS HAS BEEN DONE VERY QUIETLY WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I CHOSE TO KEEP QUIET BECAUSE I HAD OFTEN HEARD FRIENDS MAKE AWFUL COMMENTS ABOUT THE MENTALLY ILL. IT MAKES ME FEEL SAD BECAUSE OF THEIR IGNORANCE AND HOW I WOULD MOST LIKELY BE THE NEXT TARGET OF THIS ABUSE FROM THE HANDS AND MOUTHS OF PEOPLE I HAVE LOVED FOR MOST OF MY LIFE. MY LATEST MENTAL HEALTH RELAPSE HAS LASTED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. IT CAUSED ME TO GO INTO A PROFOUND SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL AND PARANOIA. I STOPPED COMMUNICATING WITH THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE I KNEW AND WERE VERY CLOSE WITH FOR MOST OF THIS TIME. I AM CURRENTLY EXITING FROM IT WITH THE HELP OF COUNSELING - NO MEDS THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED. TO NOT RESTART MEDS IS JUST MY CHOICE AT THIS TIME. I AM OPEN TO IT IF I CANNOT RECOVER BETTER IN MY OWN WAY AND IN MY OWN TIME AS I FEEL COMFORTABLE IN DOING SO. I DO NOT ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO FOLLOW ME ON THIS DECISION. EACH INDIVIDUAL MOST CONSIDER THAT AND CHOOSE WHAT WILL BE IN THEIR BEST INTEREST. NOW THAT I AM BEGINNING TO FEEL BETTER I FIND MYSELF ASHAMED OF THE WAY I DISAPPEARED FROM FRIENDS AND I REALIZE THAT THEY TOO ARE FEELING VERY BADLY NOT KNOWING WHY I SUDDENLY STOPPED HAVING ANYTHING TO DO WITH THEM. IT IS AFTER MUCH DELIBERATION I HAVE MADE A POWERFUL DECISION THAT MAY AFFECT THE REST OF MY LIFE. AFTER SPEAKING WITH MY THERAPIST ABOUT DROPPING OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH TO MANY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES FOR ALL THIS TIME I HAVE DECIDED TO COME OUT. IT WILL BE IN A WAY THAT I FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHY I LEFT THEM ALONE SUDDENLY WITH NO WORD AND NO WARNING. I HAVE ELECTED TO EDIT MY REVELATION FOR NOW AS TO NOT OVERWHELM THEM AND INTRODUCE DEPRESSION AS MY DISABILITY. SOME OF YOU MAY NOT AGREE AND FEEL I SHOULD COME OUT BLAZING WITH BOTH BARRELS - HOWEVER IT IS AN INDIVIDUAL CHOICE FOR EACH ONE AND YOU SHOULD, I FEEL, IN WISDOM NEVER PUT OUT MORE THAN YOU CAN TAKE BACK NOR SHOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS MORE THAN WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE. IN TIME I WILL SHARE MORE I DO BELIEVE BUT THIS IS MY STARTING POINT AND MY CHRISTMAS GIFT TO MYSELF. I CHOOSE "THE FREEDOM" TO STOP HIDING AND TRYING TO EXPLAIN OR LET OTHERS SPECULATE - THOSE CLOSEST TO ME WHO DO NOT KNOW MY DIAGNOSIS OF WHOM I AM ENCLOSING THIS SPECIAL "LOVE NOTE" IN THEIR CHRISTMAS CARDS - AS TO WHY I SOMETIMES IN THEIR OPINION SEEM "STRANGE" TO THEM AT TIMES. I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE PLANNING TO DO THIS TO FIRST TALK TO YOUR THERAPIST, FRIENDS WHO SUPPORT YOU OR ARE ALSO DEALING WITH THIS VERY SPECIAL CHALLENGE TO GET SUPPORT AND TO GET A GAME PLAN. IN THE END YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOURSELF AND IF THEY REALLY LOVE YOU - YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW SO THEY CAN KNOW HOW TO BETTER SUPPORT AND RELATE TO YOU. AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY GOING THROUGH ANY CHALLENGE; BANKRUPTCY, DIVORCE, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, ETC. WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER AND NEED TO KNOW HOW TO BEST DO SO. AFTER ALL WE ARE ONLY HUMAN. I HOPE THIS POST WILL HELP SOMEONE OUT THERE IN SOME WAY...PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND LET ME KNOW IF IT HAS. I WILL IN TURN - AS LONG AS THIS POST IS UP - "CHECK IN" AND LET YOU KNOW HOW THIS YEARS HOLIDAY EVENTS AND REVELATIONS WENT FOR ME. ALSO IF ANY ONE IS AWARE OF ANY GREAT CHAT SITES OR ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA AND/OR DEPRESSION PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS, DAVID THIS ARTICLE IS JUST SO TRUE AND SO VERY HELPFUL. I HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA AND
MAJOR DEPRESSION. IT IS OFTEN JAMMED UP AS BEING CALLED SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER. HOWEVER I SEE THEM AS TWO RELATED BUT SEPARATE DISORDERS.

THIS IS BECAUSE MY SCHIZOPHRENIA STARTED AS A SMALL CHILD OF 6 YRS OLD.
I WOULD OFTEN SEE DISTURBING OPEN VIVID HALLUCINATIONS AND HEARD VOICES THAT CONTROLLED ME AND THAT CONSTANTLY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO KILL ME.

IT WAS NOT UNTIL IN MY LATE TEENS THAT I DEVELOPED MAJOR DEPRESSION. IT’S ENTRANCE
IN MY LIFE PRESENTED WITH ME ATTEMPTING SUICIDE AT 19 YEARS OLD. I TOOK A HANDFUL OF PILLS PROBABLY ASPRIN AND DRANK HALF A BOTTLE OF WINE AND WOKE UP. I ONLY TOLD ONE PERSON WHO I SWORE TO SILENCE AND I SOUGHT NO PROFESSIONAL HELP. SEVERAL YEARS
LATER A SECOND SUICIDE ATTEMPT LANDED ME A STRETCH IN THE STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL.

I WAS LOCKED IN A PADDED ROOM FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND NIGHTS - ALONE AND AFRAID.
I WAS TALKED TO BY THE NURSES AND STAFF AS IF I WERE A RAGING LUNATIC. I WAS NOT CRAZY I WAS JUST DEEPLY DEPRESSED AND FELT EXTREMELY SAD. THERE WERE OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE THAT I SAW THERE WHO WERE SUFFERING JUST LIKE ME. I WEPT FOR THEM EVEN THOUGH I NEEDED HELP MYSELF.

I HAVE SINCE BEEN TREATED COUNTLESS TIMES IN EMERGENCY ROOMS FOR COUNSELING, REFERRALS, AND PRESCRIBED MANY DIFFERENT MEDICATIONS BOTH FOR DEPRESSION AND SCHIZOPHRENIA OVER THE YEARS. MOST OF THIS HAS BEEN DONE VERY QUIETLY WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I CHOSE TO KEEP QUIET BECAUSE I HAD OFTEN HEARD FRIENDS MAKE AWFUL COMMENTS ABOUT THE MENTALLY ILL. IT MAKES ME FEEL SAD BECAUSE OF THEIR IGNORANCE AND HOW I WOULD MOST LIKELY BE THE NEXT TARGET OF THIS ABUSE FROM THE HANDS AND MOUTHS OF PEOPLE I HAVE LOVED FOR MOST OF MY LIFE.

MY LATEST MENTAL HEALTH RELAPSE HAS LASTED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. IT CAUSED ME TO GO INTO A PROFOUND SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL AND PARANOIA. I STOPPED COMMUNICATING WITH
THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE I KNEW AND WERE VERY CLOSE WITH FOR MOST OF THIS TIME.
I AM CURRENTLY EXITING FROM IT WITH THE HELP OF COUNSELING - NO MEDS THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED. TO NOT RESTART MEDS IS JUST MY CHOICE AT THIS TIME.
I AM OPEN TO IT IF I CANNOT RECOVER BETTER IN MY OWN WAY AND IN MY OWN TIME AS I FEEL COMFORTABLE IN DOING SO. I DO NOT ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO FOLLOW ME ON THIS DECISION.
EACH INDIVIDUAL MOST CONSIDER THAT AND CHOOSE WHAT WILL BE IN THEIR BEST INTEREST.

NOW THAT I AM BEGINNING TO FEEL BETTER I FIND MYSELF ASHAMED OF THE WAY I DISAPPEARED FROM FRIENDS AND I REALIZE THAT THEY TOO ARE FEELING VERY BADLY NOT KNOWING WHY I SUDDENLY STOPPED HAVING ANYTHING TO DO WITH THEM.

IT IS AFTER MUCH DELIBERATION I HAVE MADE A POWERFUL DECISION THAT MAY AFFECT THE REST OF MY LIFE. AFTER SPEAKING WITH MY THERAPIST ABOUT DROPPING OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH TO MANY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES FOR ALL THIS TIME I HAVE DECIDED TO COME OUT. IT WILL BE IN A WAY THAT I FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHY I LEFT THEM ALONE SUDDENLY WITH NO WORD AND NO WARNING.

I HAVE ELECTED TO EDIT MY REVELATION FOR NOW AS TO NOT OVERWHELM THEM AND INTRODUCE DEPRESSION AS MY DISABILITY. SOME OF YOU MAY NOT AGREE AND FEEL I SHOULD
COME OUT BLAZING WITH BOTH BARRELS - HOWEVER IT IS AN INDIVIDUAL CHOICE FOR EACH ONE AND YOU SHOULD, I FEEL, IN WISDOM NEVER PUT OUT MORE THAN YOU CAN TAKE BACK NOR SHOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS MORE THAN WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE.

IN TIME I WILL SHARE MORE I DO BELIEVE BUT THIS IS MY STARTING POINT AND MY CHRISTMAS GIFT TO MYSELF. I CHOOSE “THE FREEDOM” TO STOP HIDING AND TRYING TO EXPLAIN OR LET OTHERS SPECULATE - THOSE CLOSEST TO ME WHO DO NOT KNOW MY DIAGNOSIS OF WHOM I
AM ENCLOSING THIS SPECIAL “LOVE NOTE” IN THEIR CHRISTMAS CARDS - AS TO WHY I SOMETIMES IN THEIR OPINION SEEM “STRANGE” TO THEM AT TIMES.

I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE PLANNING TO DO THIS TO FIRST TALK TO YOUR THERAPIST, FRIENDS
WHO SUPPORT YOU OR ARE ALSO DEALING WITH THIS VERY SPECIAL CHALLENGE TO GET SUPPORT AND TO GET A GAME PLAN. IN THE END YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOURSELF AND IF THEY REALLY LOVE YOU - YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW SO THEY CAN KNOW HOW TO BETTER SUPPORT AND RELATE TO YOU. AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY GOING THROUGH ANY CHALLENGE; BANKRUPTCY, DIVORCE, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, ETC.
WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER AND NEED TO KNOW HOW TO BEST DO SO. AFTER ALL WE
ARE ONLY HUMAN.

I HOPE THIS POST WILL HELP SOMEONE OUT THERE IN SOME WAY…PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND LET ME KNOW IF IT HAS. I WILL IN TURN - AS LONG AS THIS POST IS UP - “CHECK IN”
AND LET YOU KNOW HOW THIS YEARS HOLIDAY EVENTS AND REVELATIONS WENT FOR ME.
ALSO IF ANY ONE IS AWARE OF ANY GREAT CHAT SITES OR ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR
SCHIZOPHRENIA AND/OR DEPRESSION PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

THANKS,
DAVID

]]> By: Dona Wheeler http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-360755 Dona Wheeler Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:22:29 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-360755 Isolation, diet, molestion,poor diet, negative thoughts which come from so many sources, childhood diets and vaccines are responsible for the increased diagnois of mental illness. Now factor in hormones, and shifts that take place all your life, and then hooking up with a shrink, who is comped for each prescriptive medicine he writes, who goes by a lttle book called a DSM, so he can bill, and be paid, which is full of weirdness.... Look at the big picture. What is more important here hooking you on the thought that these mind altering drugs are going to fix you, heal or cure you, is never heard. I managed beginning in 04 to look at all this and went through many emotions, even seeing a formeer shrink in 06 who told me I was never bipolar. I lost 14 years and credibility, cause if a shrink says you're crazy, you are right? My children ex, my home, my Mom, , my civil rights, untiold monies, my self worth was lost to me, as my family chose isolation. No one should go through what I did, yet it happens. I lost that trusting depenednt persona, and healed using natural suppliments, I am uniquely different, a superhyersensative person, which I have been all my life, and guard my freedom, and happiness. When I became open to the positive aspects beauty life and love found me. And now I council others, through CCHR. We are all worthy, and accepting that you are less than, is not right. Who descides what defines normal? Isolation, diet, molestion,poor diet, negative thoughts which come from so many sources, childhood diets and vaccines are responsible for the increased diagnois of mental illness. Now factor in hormones, and shifts that take place all your life, and then hooking up with a shrink, who is comped for each prescriptive medicine he writes, who goes by a lttle book called a DSM, so he can bill, and be paid, which is full of weirdness…. Look at the big picture.

What is more important here hooking you on the thought that these mind altering drugs are going to fix you, heal or cure you, is never heard. I managed beginning in 04 to look at all this and went through many emotions, even seeing a formeer shrink in 06 who told me I was never bipolar. I lost 14 years and credibility, cause if a shrink says you’re crazy, you are right? My children ex, my home, my Mom, , my civil rights, untiold monies, my self worth was lost to me, as my family chose isolation. No one should go through what I did, yet it happens. I lost that trusting depenednt persona, and healed using natural suppliments, I am uniquely different, a superhyersensative person, which I have been all my life, and
guard my freedom, and happiness. When I became open to the positive aspects beauty life and love found me. And now I council others, through CCHR.

We are all worthy, and accepting that you are less than, is not right. Who descides what defines normal?

]]> By: Hearin' voices http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-50734 Hearin' voices Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:36:48 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-50734 i totally agree with Susan here in saying that you think all eyes are on you. But the sad thing is..people think you are too self-centred, self-absorbed. This does not help the illness it makes the person far worse. We really need to do something as a nation to increase awareness of mental illness...soon!!!!! i totally agree with Susan here in saying that you think all eyes are on you. But the sad thing is..people think you are too self-centred, self-absorbed. This does not help the illness it makes the person far worse. We really need to do something as a nation to increase awareness of mental illness…soon!!!!!

]]> By: terri http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-50733 terri Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:34:21 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-50733 being diagnosed with depression at only 16 was very hard i was showing a lot of signs of mental illness it was like hell on earth and now im through it all it took a long time but it's what i call a "miracle." I now have so much insight and understanding in the behaviour of others this gives me strength. I never realise how many people have so little confidence i think this can lead to mental illness/depressin etc. But somehow, i think its in our genes in the way we thinh and the way we think influences our actions and the way we live. being diagnosed with depression at only 16 was very hard i was showing a lot of signs of mental illness it was like hell on earth and now im through it all it took a long time but it’s what i call a “miracle.” I now have so much insight and understanding in the behaviour of others this gives me strength. I never realise how many people have so little confidence i think this can lead to mental illness/depressin etc. But somehow, i think its in our genes in the way we thinh and the way we think influences our actions and the way we live.

]]> By: just me http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-50728 just me Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:29:41 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-50728 its amazing how many people do not understand the topic of mental illness this is when i realized the importance of understanding. Without people especially close friends and family unable to understand how you feel that is the hardest! its amazing how many people do not understand the topic of mental illness this is when i realized the importance of understanding. Without people especially close friends and family unable to understand how you feel that is the hardest!

]]> By: susan http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-285 susan Sat, 22 Jul 2006 20:37:34 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-285 Even simple tasks like grocery shopping can be difficult if you have agoraphobia, anxiety and depression. Sometimes I feel like all eyes are watching me. After my diagnosis over 10 years ago some family members still don't understand. Even simple tasks like grocery shopping can be difficult if you have agoraphobia, anxiety and depression. Sometimes I feel like all eyes are watching me. After my diagnosis over 10 years ago some family members still don’t understand.

]]> By: Elise Stobbe http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-122 Elise Stobbe Tue, 16 May 2006 18:06:00 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-122 How to create more understanding in the general population is a large topic, and will be addressed in future articles. Thanks for the comment! How to create more understanding in the general population is a large topic, and will be addressed in future articles. Thanks for the comment!

]]> By: Anonymous http://brainblogger.com/2006/05/15/anti-stigmatization-social-isolation-and-mental-illness/comment-page-1/#comment-121 Anonymous Mon, 15 May 2006 21:45:00 +0000 http://blog.gnif.org/?p=510#comment-121 This is a very true posting. However, I would like to see more on the solutions that have been recommended and/or successful. How do we create more understanding in the general population? This is a very true posting. However, I would like to see more on the solutions that have been recommended and/or successful.

How do we create more understanding in the general population?

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