Hello Friends During the onset of mental illness there is often a period of denial followed by a period of stigma related refusal to seek treatment. Unfortunately, mental illness doesn't wait for people to get through these firsr stages. It continues to worsen to the point that there can be no denial. Once this stage of the illness is reached, it becomes much more difficult to treat the illness and the chances of a positive outcome are somewhat diminished. As is the case with any illness, early diagnosis and intervention will play a major role in the outcome of the treatment. The following article demonstrates how one person watched the progressive stages of bipolar and did nothing untill treatment was no longer just an option. It ws a nessesity News > health & science Ending mental illness stigma With help of NAMI, author Campbell tries to increase awareness in black community By Linell Smith Sun Reporter Originally published December 2, 2005 Long before she wrote 72 Hour Hold, a searing account of a mother struggling with her child's bipolar disorder, novelist Bebe Moore Campbell fought her own suspicions that a close relative had a mental illness. At many points, she says, she would have felt devastated, but relieved, to discover a drug addiction was behind the erratic behavior she encountered. Mental illness suggested a grim, out-of-control future she couldn't imagine. "My loved one was manifesting mania and recklessness," she said by phone, requesting anonymity for her relative. "I remember sitting in the car with it zooming up to 100 miles an hour, while my loved one was laughing and zooming in and out of traffic. I thought we were going to die." There was impulsive behavior as well: "This person would say, 'Oh, I'm going to need a new car,' then pull off the road and buy it right then." She was also frightened when her loved one "said bizarre things and talked a mile a minute." But whenever life seemed normal - "even a broken clock is right twice a day" - Campbell would deny her fears, never sharing them. One day her relative's behavior became so physically dangerous that it led to a 911 call and the first of a series of psychiatric hospitalizations for what was revealed as bipolar disorder. (The title of her new book, 72 Hour Hold, refers to the amount of time patients can be held in a mental hospital without their consent.) Eventually, as her relative began to receive therapy and medication, Campbell discovered the healing world of the National Alliance On Mental Illness, a nonprofit organization that helps educate the public about mental illness and helps families cope. Campbell will speak at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at a NAMI-sponsored event at the Church of the Redeemer on North Charles Street. (Admission is $10. For details, call 410-435-2600.) "NAMI has given me a really good education about what's going on in your loved one's brain," the novelist says. "It's a wonderful network of people who are going through what you've gone through." Determined to increase awareness of the struggles of those with mental illness (one in five families is directly affected by mental illness, according to NAMI), Campbell has used her book tour to rally support for patients and their families. Often speaking to congregations at such churches as Baltimore's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, she has targeted African-Americans, who, she says, are still struggling to receive equal social treatment - much less equal treatment for a condition considered taboo. "Crazy is the new 'N' word," she says. "Nobody wants to be crazy. I think mental illness is far more stigmatizing than HIV. Many people think mental illness is a matter of character." Curtis N. Adams Jr., assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says African-Americans often think mental illness implies losing control - and that's particularly unacceptable for black women. "Our culture says, 'You have to go on no matter what' - if you're limping, if you're physically ill, if you're psychologically ill. As a consequence, getting help for yourself competes with meeting your other obligations." Despite sensitivity toward patients from different ethnic backgrounds, there are still cultural hurdles, says Majose Carrasco, director of NAMI's national multicultural action center. "An African-American or Latino talking to God could be perceived as a sign of mental illness in the wider culture whereas talking to a Supreme Being might be the norm in their cultures," she says. Research suggests doctors may misinterpret behavior that is culturally acceptable in African-American, Hispanic and Asian communities for symptoms of a psychiatric disorder. A recent study of roughly 135,000 patients with mental illness in a Veterans Affairs registry showed that blacks were four times more likely to receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia than whites. Hispanics were three times more likely. In addition, many blacks are fearful of being mistreated. For decades, the U.S. Public Health Service abused nearly 400 black men in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study by allowing them to believe they were getting free medical care. Nearly 60 percent of older African-Americans do not use the services they need for their mental health, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Surgeon General. "By the time somebody comes to see me, they have tried practically everything else," says Adams. "The drugs didn't work, the alcohol didn't work and now they're finally getting around to the idea that what I have to offer may help." Campbell often preaches the benefits of mental health education and medical treatment at church, the place where many blacks seek their mental health "prescriptions." Maxine Cunningham of Baltimore turned to NAMI after her talented teenage daughter fell into the abyss of depression. NAMI has provided her with information about mental health and coping strategies. "I wanted my family to love my daughter, not to reject her as strange," Cunningham says. "Their attitude used to be, 'There's nothing wrong with her that a good switch couldn't correct.' Or they would say, 'You spoil her.' "It's amazing how many people don't talk about mental illness in their families. There's so much unnecessary suffering. You do have to cope. You do have to manage." linell.smith@baltsun.com Mental Health And Political Forums http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=10129 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=9637 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=8212 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=7420 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=8259 Lifetime web building and hosting for under $40. One time payment http://www.superpayline.com/p002859 The most advanced VOIP system there is anywhere. https://wv0079721.betteruniverse.com/members/index.php?action=buy_miphone Better Universe. The People Helping People Company http://wv0079721.betteruniverse.com

Hello, again, William. I was reading this post and became a bit disturbed. Being bipolar with four children (3 who are bipolar and all who are ADHD). If my family, especially my mother or husband turned their backs on me, I would not have my children, I would probably not be here. I know emotional rollercoasters are very hard on those who have to put up with us. Heck its hard on us, but when you turn your back on someone with the disorder, you are destroying a chance to save a life (with children, it is even more distructive). What they need is encouragement, and support. If my mother hadn't kept telling me that I had a problem I had to deal with (from 1981 through 2000), I would still be in the mess I was in. Turning your back only creates hatred for those who are supposed to care the most. I know, because for 5 years my family disowned me. Did it help...no. I have only learned to hate. My mother has helped me with my children, especially after my divorce, and the death of my second husband, but there is still that anger and pain that I had to suffer. That will never go away, neither will the love I have for my current husband, who, when he realized what bipolar was (after I went off my meds!), stuck with me and is still here, even though I told him he didn't have to stay. What you do regarding those who are bipolar will be remembered, in detail, for life!! That is the one real fault we have...even elephants can't remember like we do. Everything is personal, and nothing is forgotten, we may try to forgive, but we never forget. Don't turn your back on them...they need you more than you realize, more than they realize. I feel for those who are on their own. Lola A

I just wanted to add a small statement. The thought that "there's nothing wrong with her that a good beating won't help" is used way too often in our world. I was "spoiled".... beaten almost to death, but spoiled... WHATEVER!! My mother, even knowing how I was, even knowing what "didn't work", still says the same of my girls. They are on medication for Bipolar and ADHD. I swore I would never treat my children like I was treated, and would not allow anyone else to. My mother, being my mother, thinks the same treatment she used on me can straighten out my girls. We are still at a stand-off in disciplinary actions, and she isn't happy that I won't allow her to beat my kids, but what my kids need is love and understanding, no matter how difficult it is for me and others to deal with them. I gave birth to them, I love them, and no matter the difficulty, I will be there for them for life. Lola A

Hello Lola I certainly hope that you didn't get the impression that I would ever turn my back on someone with a mental illness. I am sorry if something in this forum upset you also but that is somewhat the nature of the topic of mental illness. The main reason I have these forums is to provide some kind of support for those who may not have support from anyone else. It is true that many people with mental illness are ignored and even shunned and it is very sad.To have some sort of a support system in place while one is in recovery is probably the most important part of the recovery process. I am dealing with a situation right now where a family has just basically disowned a member of their family who is schizophrenic and bipolar. After many relapses resulting from her getting off of her meds, her family has just given up on her. It breaks my heart to see this. That is why I try so hard to reinforce in peoples minds that if you are on meds, don't ever stop taking them without your Dr saying so. Stay with your program and make the best of your life. When a family gives up on one of their own, often times the one they gave up on will never forgive them. And, often times, the family will never forgive themselves. Besides treatment and medication, love and understanding are a nessesary part of anyones recovery. Thank you Lola for sharing with us. I wish you all of the very best that this old world has to offer you and your family. Take care my Friend. Mental Health And Political Forums http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=10129 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=9637 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=8212 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=7420 http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=8259 Lifetime web building and hosting for under $40. One time payment http://www.superpayline.com/p002859 The most advanced VOIP system there is anywhere. https://wv0079721.betteruniverse.com/members/index.php?action=buy_miphone Better Universe. The People Helping People Company http://wv0079721.betteruniverse.com May a smile follow you to sleep each night, and be there waiting when you awaken. SIncerly, Bill Vanderbilt / Fanbelt

Hi Lola, Congratulations for taking a stand for your children and the mental illness they endure. We as a society still do not give the attention mental illness deserves. My son, before his passing, also had a bipolar disorder which was diagnosed when he was 25 years old. I look back now at many times in his childhood when he "lost his temper" and then came back 5 minutes later to apologize. I will never know how long he endured the chemical imbalance, but I do know that he worked very hard every day to have a normal life - and for all who knew him, he did. My thoughts and prayers are with you.