Hello My dear friends. I have come to you with yet another message of hope. Once again, on the brighter side of mental illness Equal view of mental illness sane What is most amazing about the 2005 Legislature's bold move in requiring equal medical treatment of mental health disorders with other physical ailments is that it has taken so long. For decades, doctors have known that mental disorders are medical disorders. Dramatic breakthroughs in the past 50 years in pharmaceuticals that treat common mental illnesses — even severe ones such as schizophrenia — have obviously worked, enabling people who suffer from mental disorders to lead productive, self-directed lives. In taking this step, Oregon lawmakers have simply acted to close a loophole that prevented full application of the 1996 federal Mental Health Parity Act. It provided, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, "that group health plans, insurance companies and HMOs could no longer set annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health benefits that are lower than any such dollar limits for medical and surgical benefits." The parity act limits application of to employers with more than 51 employees and holds to 1 percent the increase group health insurers' costs due to additional mental illness treatment claims. The Oregon law permits up to a 2 percent increase. Now, mental and physical illnesses are not treated separately, period. There is no distinction, in terms of a legitimate ailment, between depression and diabetes. Not only will this make it possible to help more individuals, hopefully it will cure the stigma that still lingers over seeking treatment for mental health ailments. Of course, there's a long way to go in the public's mind. Few still embrace the loaded label of "mental patient," even if it means that someone has sought treatment and is more likely to recover from or manage a mental disorder. Ignorant prattle about mental health disorders doesn't help, and it still is prevalent. A well-publicized recent example was actor Tom Cruise's rant against psychiatry. Cruise, a high school dropout, declared psychiatry a "pseudo-science" and suggested that maladies such as postpartum depression could be better treated with vitamins, vigorous workouts and positive thinking. Well, everyone had their pet strategy for how to address mental illness, some more delusional than others. But centuries of wishful thinking, denial and active persecution haven't worked. Psychiatric therapy and drugs such as Prozac and Aripiprazole have. If more people who need it now seek treatment for mental health disorders, that will mean a likely increase in the number of people returned to productive lives. That should more than pay off, economically, medically and ethically.

Hello Rebecca I thought I would send you this article about diagnosing mental illness. It might give you some insight and comfort to learn about the causes and cures for mental illness. I hope you find this information of value. Mental illness, genetics link explored by clinic scientist By Matt Conn Marshfield News-Herald When someone has a broken bone, they not only have obvious symptoms, but a physician can look at an X-ray and physically point to the break. Something like an X-ray for mental health does not yet exist. "One of the biggest issues with mental health today is not necessarily treatment. There are a lot of good treatment options out there," said Seth Dobrin, a research scientist at Marshfield Clinic. "The issue is how to diagnose someone. How do you know if 'John' is really depressed? You don't." Instead, someone develops symptoms, and their doctor must make a determination what those mean. "'John' goes into his doctor's office and says 'I have these symptoms. Am I depressed or just crazy? What's wrong with me?'" Dobrin said. "There's nothing where you can point and say, 'You're depressed.'" Dobrin is studying genetic differences among people who have psychological disorders, hoping to find their causes and how they're related to environmental factors. He is the head of the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation's Center for Human Genetics' Mammalian Genotyping Service. A personal struggle By the time she was diagnosed with clinical depression, 52-year-old Diane Scheunemann of Marshfield said her symptoms had become overwhelming. In addition to medications and therapy, she also finds comfort in talking to others who are having similar experiences in local meetings of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "To me it's a support group," Scheunemann said. "It's like everybody there has the same afflictions, so you can talk about what went on and how you're feeling without feeling stigmatized." Scheunemann said she had her first episode about 30 years ago. She was hospitalized for about three months, but through a regimen of medication and therapy, she has found stability. However, she still struggles with her symptoms, as five of her nine siblings do. Because so many of her family members were experiencing mental disorders, Scheunemann said she contacted the National Institute of Mental Health, and they became part of a study. Her family members also have participated in the Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project. "One of the big things with us is, we want to find if there's a genetic thing going on because we're concerned about our kids," she said. Unlike some diseases, bipolar, ADHD, autism, severe depression and other neurological and psychological diseases have less clear genetic links. Dobrin said research into family members with a specific disorder and those who do not have the disorder will help lead to links. "You look at 'Jane' and 'John' and say, 'How are they alike and how they're different?' " he said. "You try to see what differences are at the molecular level of the two individuals and go from there." Treating the problem Dr. Edward Krall, a Marshfield Clinic psychiatrist, said a very careful history of each patient helps him determine the best treatment plan. "We try to assess that in the first session, getting to know a person, know their history and getting to know what the needs are," Krall said. Krall asks about current symptoms, how long a patient has experienced them, family history and recent history of symptoms. Treatment may include therapy alone, or in combination with medication, especially for patients who do not respond to therapy because of their symptoms. Mental health issues have become less of a stigma. As more medications have become available, patients have seen more of them advertised. "They come in asking, 'Is this right for me, as the ad suggests?' and sometimes it is and sometimes it's not appropriate," Krall said. "At least perhaps they're feeling, 'Hey, I'm not the only one who has a problem if this is advertised on TV. There must be other people who have this. Maybe I should ask.'" However, not every solution arrives in pill-shaped splendor. "Sometimes people look for medications to solve their problems they need to talk about and deal with," Krall said. "Pills aren't going to fix the messes in life. It takes some kinds of therapy to learn how they got in trouble and how to get out of that." Matt Conn can be reached at 384-3131 or 800-967-2087, ext. 328 or at mconn@marshfieldnewsherald.com.

Hi Julia I know I owe you a post or 2 and I'm sorry. Yesterday I finally got some sleep. I went to sleep around midnight and didn't wake up untill 4 pm that day. Now I'll stay awake for 2 more days probably unless I take my trazadone. The bad thing about trazadone is that if I do take it I don't know when I'll wake up. SOmetimes I miss a day here and there LOL. Anyhow, here is a good article about co- occuring mental illness and substance abuse.

Hello Rebecca I haven't heard from you in a while so I thought I would say hello. In your posts, I got the feeling like you have a lot of unanswred questions regarding mental illness You spoke of your mother having had a mental illness and the lady that works with you. I just recieved this article from the Mayo Clinic, one of the worlds leaders in the research of mental illness and I think a lot of your questions might be answered here. It is a rather long post so you might want to copy it. Anyhow, I hope this helps you find some answers to your questions. Mental illness and stigma: Coping with the ridicule By Mayo Clinic staff You've probably heard the words, tossed out loosely, without a care — words like "psycho," "schizo" and "wacko." Or you've seen the jokes on television about "loony bins" and characters in straightjackets. You might even have read about the government official who quipped that a congressman must be "off his meds and out of therapy." But if you or a loved one has a mental illness, you know that these words and gimmicks aren't just harmless fun. Rather, they perpetuate the stigma attached to mental illness. Stigma is painful and shaming, but you can both cope with it and combat it. Stigmatizing mental illnesses begins with a label Stigma is a mark of disgrace or shame. It has four components: Labeling someone with a condition Stereotyping people with that condition Creating a division — a superior "us" group and a devalued "them" group, resulting in loss of status in the community Discriminating against someone on the basis of their label Labels aren't always negative, though. In health, for instance, a diagnosis is, in essence, a label. A label can offer reassurance that your condition has a medical cause, and it can help steer you toward appropriate treatment. Labels don't always trigger stigma. In fact, many illnesses are gaining broad acceptance, with survivors and advocates taking part in fundraising events or proudly wearing ribbons or wristbands to show their support. Breast cancer is a shining example. Survivors are no longer stigmatized, but rather celebrated and honored. But some illnesses remain on the social fringe — shunned, mocked, disrespected and discredited. For many people, being diagnosed with a mental illness is akin to wearing a scarlet letter, an invitation for scorn and disdain. Defining mental illness: An interview with a Mayo Clinic specialist Stigma fuels inaccurate perceptions of mental illnesses Why do mental illnesses continue to be stigmatized? For one thing, the term "mental illness" itself implies a distinction from "physical" illness, although the two are intimately entwined. In fact, neuroimaging studies show physical changes in the brain associated with mental disorders, suggesting a biological basis. Some mental health advocates propose switching to less stigmatized terms, such as behavioral health or brain disorders or brain illnesses. To some, "mental" suggests not a legitimate medical condition but rather something that results from your own doing and your own choices. People may blame you and think your condition is "all in your head." They may think that mental illness is an indication of weakness or laziness. That you're a "moral failure" or simply "can't cut it." That you should just "get over it." Some people also believe that if you have a mental illness, you must be dangerous and unpredictable. This perception is often inflamed by media accounts of crime, although statistics don't bear out a connection between mental illness and violence. Some people also believe that those with mental illness are less competent, unable to work, should be institutionalized or will never get better. As a result of such stigma, mental illnesses remain the butt of jokes in popular culture. Negative portrayals of people with mental illnesses fuel fear and mistrust and reinforce distorted perceptions, leading to even more stigma. Some mental illnesses are more stigmatized than others. Schizophrenia, for instance, is more highly stigmatized than depression is. It's routinely mocked and misrepresented and is less likely to generate compassion. Depression, on the other hand, is less often ridiculed, perhaps because an onslaught of advertising for antidepressant medications has made the disorder more mainstream, thus more acceptable. Depression Schizophrenia Consequences of stigma For someone with mental illness, the consequences of stigma can be devastating — in some cases, worse than the illness itself. Some people with mental illness don't seek treatment for fear of being given a label — a label that's almost impossible to ever shed. They believe that once family and friends find out about their illness, they'll be scorned. They may try to hide their symptoms and not stick to treatment regimens. Some people with mental illness become socially isolated, locked out of their community by the shame and embarrassment that stigma triggers. Stigma also leads to social distancing, in which people refuse to rent rooms to someone with a mental illness, don't want them as neighbors or co-workers, and won't befriend them. Some people with mental illness have even been subjected to physical violence and verbal abuse. People with mental illness face discrimination in the workplace, even though the Americans with Disabilities Act outlaws it. They may lose their job, be the subject of gossip by coworkers and get passed over for promotions. And in many cases, health insurance coverage of treatment for mental illness is inadequate and far more limited than that of physical illnesses, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Celebrities help erase the stigma of mental illness Not all the news is bad, though. Today, the stigma surrounding some mental illnesses is slowly eroding. That's due in part to greater public understanding of mental disorders and the biological basis that many of them have. As causes of mental illnesses and better treatments for them are discovered, stigma may fade even more. Many celebrities are speaking out about their experiences with mental illness. Among them are Nobel Prize-winning economist John Forbes Nash Jr. (schizophrenia); actresses Patty Duke (bipolar disorder), Lorraine Bracco (depression) and Brooke Shields (postpartum depression); newspeople Jane Pauley (bipolar disorder) and Mike Wallace (depression); athletes Terry Bradshaw (depression) and Muffin Spencer-Devlin (bipolar disorder); writers Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., (bipolar disorder), Art Buchwald (depression) and William Styron (depression); and such public figures as Tipper Gore (depression) and Kitty Dukakis (depression, substance abuse). Celebrities who openly discuss their mental illnesses or write books about their experiences increase public awareness and help make it easier for others to reveal their struggles with mental illness. Bipolar disorder Postpartum depression Alcoholism Drug addiction You can cope with and combat the stigma surrounding mental illnesses If you have a mental illness, you can decide who to tell, if anyone, and how much to tell. You may not be comfortable telling anyone anything at all about your condition. In some cases, though, you may fear the worst, only to be met with compassion and acceptance — not the ridicule and disdain you were anticipating. Being open about your condition may be a risk, but you may gain much-needed support and unburden yourself from a heavy secret. Perhaps you want to actively combat stigma. You may only be comfortable pushing for more awareness and compassion within a close circle of family and friends, gently reminding them about the harm in jokes and stereotypes. Or if you're more comfortable tackling bigger challenges and facing bigger risks, you may decide to make your cause more public. In either case, here are some ways you can cope with and help end stigma: Get appropriate treatment. Don't let the fear or anticipation of being stigmatized prevent you from seeking treatment for your illness. For some people, a specific diagnosis provides relief because it lifts the burden of keeping silent and also underscores that you aren't alone — that many others share your same illness and issues. Surround yourself with supportive people. Because stigma can lead to social isolation, it's important to stay in touch with family and friends who are understanding. Isolation can make you feel even worse. Make your expectations known. People may not know how to support you, even if they want to help. Offer specific suggestions and remind people of appropriate language. Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," call yourself "a person with schizophrenia." Don't say you "are depressed." Say you "have depression." Share your own experiences. Speaking at events can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and also educate the public about mental illness. Until you gain confidence, you may want to start at small events, such as talks at a support group or a local chapter of a national advocacy group. Monitor the media. If you spot stigmatizing stories, comic strips, movies, television shows or even greeting cards, write letters of protest that identify the problem and offer solutions. Join an advocacy group. Some local and national groups have programs to watch for and correct archaic stereotypes, misinformation and disrespectful portrayals of people with mental illnesses. Depression and other mental conditions: Support groups can help Developing social support: How to cultivate a network of friends to help you through rough times Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame In the face of insensitive comments or crude advertising gimmicks, it may be difficult to feel good about yourself. Remember that you have a medical condition, that it's not your fault and that effective treatments are available. Try not to feel shamed, embarrassed or humiliated if someone knowingly or unknowingly ridicules your illness. Therapy may help you gain self-esteem and put less stock into what others think of you. And if you're comfortable enough to speak up, you may be able to help educate people about the hurt that can result from stigmatizing mental illnesses. The tide is slowly turning. Related Information Mental Health Center Additional Resources NAMI Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration June 01, 2005 MH00076 © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Advertising and sponsorship policy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this site • Site help • Contact us • e-Newsletter • Site map Privacy policy updated October 07, 2005 • Terms and conditions of use updated June 03, 2004 LEGAL CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF USE APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS OF THIS SITE. ANY USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE. © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.

Hello Friends Every day I get news feeds about how mental health systems are working for change. Every day I hear new ideas about how to improve the lives of those with mental illness. Evey day I get more and more determined to actually make these ideas and changes a reality. Perhaps patience isn't my best attribute but you know what, I am tired of waiting for everyones ideas to come to life. I am tired of hearing about the numbers of homeless people with a mental illness who remain so while the different agencies and governmental bodies continue to speak and not act. In the following article, an example of this general neglect of the real situation is clearly dipicted. I would love to hear your thoughts on this sublect. Homeless need help, not ACLU By Jan Perry, JAN PERRY represents the L.A. City Council's 9th District, which includes much of downtown Los Angeles. WHAT WAS Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa thinking last week when he nominated Ramona Ripston, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority? This is a city with 91,000 homeless people — the largest homeless population in the nation. Of these, 42% are chronically homeless and have lived on the street for many years. All of these people have complex problems and complicated life stories, ranging from poverty to mental illness and substance abuse. Some have simply cracked under extreme life experiences. ADVERTISEMENT These are people who need practical solutions. They need jobs, shelters, treatment, permanent homes. They don't need excuses. But the ACLU has offered them just that. For instance, the ACLU has litigation pending against the city seeking to prevent police from arresting people who sleep on the streets at night, arguing that the homeless should be "protected" by what they call a "necessity defense" because they don't have the resources to sleep elsewhere. But what good does that do? If we leave people on the streets and don't create ways to bring them in for treatment, the problem will continue. Homeless people don't need their right to die protected. They need help. We do have ways of helping them. Creating a system of year-round, emergency homeless shelters, for instance, has provided many with an alternative to life on the street and has helped thousands into better living situations. Public investment of more than $12 million has created 4,000 units of permanent affordable housing for the homeless in downtown L.A., and more is coming on line. I have worked with the ACLU in the past, and I have witnessed firsthand how the group's determination and zeal on behalf of the civil rights of the homeless often outweigh its efforts to find real-world solutions to a tragic and growing problem. Is it truly in the best interest of a person who suffers from mental illness and substance abuse to be given the pseudo-freedom to do harm to himself or to live among people who want to do harm to them? The highest incidence of crime in skid row is transient-on-transient crime. Is it really in the best interest of the community to allow continued drug dealing and open-air narcotic use in a community where others have recovered and are living a more stable life? Don't the people who work and live in skid row deserve the same benefits of a healthy and safe community that we all want? I think the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority should be made up of people with expertise in policy and people with access to funding for housing and services for mental illness. The ACLU — which likes to waste time on symbolic issues such as removing the cross from the L.A. County seal — has no place on this authority.