The terrible impact mental illness can exact in a person’s life.

[Shalimar]

Recently, I was saddened to read some harsh comments directed toward a person I believe to be mentally ill. Initially, I was quite upset, then I realised that perhaps many people may not be aware of the havoc such illnesses wreak on the lives of those so afflicted. They often believe that either the person is full of bs, or

malingering in some fashion. It can be difficult to comprehend why a person is unwilling or unable to help themselves, access mental health options, work programs etc. Should the

individual also present with abrasive and caustic comments, and obsessive fixations/expectations of being taken care of etc, more often than not, slings against character are thrown. Being able to make positive, appropriate changes in one’s life is entirely

dependent on having the mental capacity to think clearly and follow through. Mental illness can take a buzz saw to that process. Some people don’t work because they can’t. This is not a

character flaw but a disability. We need to stop pointing fingers at those among us who are chronically ill. I have been where he is. All my

academic credentials, my skill sets around dealing with an apex anxiety disorder, CPTSD, weren’t worth crap when the trauma dragons escaped the mental cage where I had imprisoned them. I fell hard, unable to work, function, even speak. Ultimately, I ended up in ICU, damn near died of an overdose. To this day, I remember

nothing of that experience. Yeah, I also received some snarky comments, some from online individuals. It hurt. Fortunately, I recovered, but realistically, it could reoccur at any time. Please people, try to find a measure of understanding that mental illness is not a choice, or a deficit in character. To

have one’s mind out of control is a terrible thing, and medication is often ineffective. Let us try to be kind to each other, particularly during this time of plague. Whew, I don’t normally write such long posts. Be safe everyone.

 

[Ruthanne]

mental illness is not a choice, or a deficit in character

Thank you! This is so true.

 

[Shalimar]

Thank you! This is so true.

Oh, my dear, you are so welcome. We are all a part of the human family.

 

[rkunsaw]

My wife has Alzheimer's so I am very familiar with living with it. She is completely normal at times, then gets confused between past present and what she sees on tv. She gets frustrated because she can't remember things or sometimes she isn't sure where she is or even who I am.

 

[Shalimar]

My wife has Alzheimer's so I am very familiar with living with it. She is completely normal at times, then gets confused between past present and what she sees on tv. She gets frustrated because she can't remember things or sometimes she isn't sure where she is or even who I am.

Oh, how difficult that must be for you both. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your wife.

 

[Lee]

"there but for the grace of God go I" a saying that comes to mind when I see of someone less fortunate.

 

[Aunt Bea]

This is a tough one for me to remember but I'm working on it.

"If you can do no good, at least do no harm." - Kurt Vonnegut

 

[Devi]

Point taken, @Shalimar. It's also possible that people take the poster's input at face value, not having the type of knowledge or training required to discern the reasons he/she is unable to help him/herself, etc.

 

[Shalimar]

Point taken, @Shalimar. It's also possible that people take the poster's input at face value, not having the type of knowledge or training you have to discern the reasons he/she is unable to help him/herself, etc.

Absolutely. That is the primary reason why I introduced this thread.

 

[Kathleen’s Place]

Absolutely. That is the primary reason why I introduced this thread.

Because I fight depression on a daily basis, that thread disturbed me greatly. Was it a real call for help? Someone messing around? Or someone so mentally ill, like many, many of street people are, that we would never be able to reach him or her? Depression is one thing, but living in a schizophrenic mind like that, must surely be hell on earth

 

[Gary O']

Hell, I've been close to it for around 50 or so years, since my son was diagnosed with schizophrenia

Thing is, they'll drive YOU nuts if you let 'em

I may come off as harsh, but it's meant to shake the mental sh!t outa whatever nutcase I'm chatting with.

Gotta say, it's worked quite well

No suicides.....yet

And the dude, recently on here, had one theme.....money

Nuts? You serious?
Granted, trolls are bit off, but he was cognizant enough to maintain his campaign

Heh, I tried to reply to his question to me....couldn't
Didn't realize admin had offed any more posts...and rightfully so.

 

[fmdog44]

One thing about the internet/social media one person can claim to be anything and anyone with no threat of being uncovered. It has taught reasonable people to be suspicious of the many bogus claims and rightfully so.

 

[MarciKS]

There's times people are on the internet who are under a great deal of stress along with other illnesses and people get mad at them when they're trying to decipher what's being said to them and they don't always react properly. So it's not just always mental illness. There's lots of misunderstandings where posts are concerned and people take things wrong and automatically assume the worst. I think people need to give each other a break.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder 1975, although I was taking hallucinogenics at the time I am uncertain if they were the main cause for my breakdown, but that doesn’t matter. The real story is life after diagnosis.

Back then, society frowned on unemployment so I tried at menial restaurant jobs as a dishwasher or bussing tables. Symptoms were overwhelming I only lasted for 3 weeks or so and had to quit.

Not long afterward I got a letter from SSDI (social security disability) that because of my earnings I was no longer eligible for disability benefits including Medicare.

I was an adult and no longer covered under my parents insurance plan. SSDI was revoked along with Medicare so having no other choice psychiatric care I was admitted in a Georgia State mental institution for psychiatric treatment. It wasn’t a bad place, I kept to myself by listening to the radio and watching the jets overhead circling for landing at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport.

After losing SSDI and then reinstated sometime later I vowed not to work again. I met my wife in 1979, got married in 1980, two daughters later we moved to New York and I was the stay at home dad driving the kids to to and from school.

Kids graduated high school and left the nest. I was a pill popper and over time I was taking a lot of medication and herbal supplement. March 2005, I realized I double-dosed morning medications and called my wife who was at work. The office secretary could not understand my garbled speech so I pulled the phone cord from the wall socket.

I had a spiritual encounter and when it was all said and done my arrived from work and drove me to the local hospital where I was committed for 3 weeks. Where the hospital weaned me off the medications I was taking and introduced other types of medication to take.

It was scary times, my and I talked about getting a divorce because she could not care for me in the state I was in. Thankfully, my mind improved and I set forth the task of reclaiming my life after 34 years of absence.

I work as peer support in a 38 bed coed mental health living facility for severe to moderately symptomatic adults including 4 HUD beds reserved for the homeless.

You are correct in that some people living with mental illness are capable of achieving employment, independence and an education if they choose to do so. In my opinion the risks of attaining independence Is not success but a fear of losing governmental support and repayment of federal services.

It is easier to not try, at the least you cannot fail.

 

[Shalimar]

Because I fight depression on a daily basis, that thread disturbed me greatly. Was it a real call for help? Someone messing around? Or someone so mentally ill, like many, many of street people are, that we would never be able to reach him or her? Depression is one thing, but living in a schizophrenic mind like that, must surely be hell on earth

I hear you, Kathleen. It is difficult to know the answer for certain. I believed I recognised certain patterns of behaviour that fit within mental illness parameters, so that was the basis of my opinion. Plus, a strong gut instinct which has more to do with navigating the minefield that

was my childhood than anything I ever learned in university. In my opinion, his thinking is just too disorganised to fit a typical troll. I also know I cannot help him, he is not able at this time to accept anything outside his fixation on money being the holy grail. Your compassion does you

credit, particularly since you fight your own battle. Brave woman. I have some understanding of what it is to face the same demons day after day after day. Sister, you have my love and respect.

 

[Shalimar]

I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder 1975, although I was taking hallucinogenics at the time I am uncertain if they were the main cause for my breakdown, but that doesn’t matter. The real story is life after diagnosis.

Back then, society frowned on unemployment so I tried at menial restaurant jobs as a dishwasher or bussing tables. Symptoms were overwhelming I only lasted for 3 weeks or so and had to quit.

Not long afterward I got a letter from SSDI (social security disability) that because of my earnings I was no longer eligible for disability benefits including Medicare.

I was an adult and no longer covered under my parents insurance plan. SSDI was revoked along with Medicare so having no other choice psychiatric care I was admitted in a Georgia State mental institution for psychiatric treatment. It wasn’t a bad place, I kept to myself by listening to the radio and watching the jets overhead circling for landing at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport.

After losing SSDI and then reinstated sometime later I vowed not to work again. I met my wife in 1979, got married in 1980, two daughters later we moved to New York and I was the stay at home dad driving the kids to to and from school.

Kids graduated high school and left the nest. I was a pill popper and over time I was taking a lot of medication and herbal supplement. March 2005, I realized I double-dosed morning medications and called my wife who was at work. The office secretary could not understand my garbled speech so I pulled the phone cord from the wall socket.

I had a spiritual encounter and when it was all said and done my arrived from work and drove me to the local hospital where I was committed for 3 weeks. Where the hospital weaned me off the medications I was taking and introduced other types of medication to take.

It was scary times, my and I talked about getting a divorce because she could not care for me in the state I was in. Thankfully, my mind improved and I set forth the task of reclaiming my life after 34 years of absence.

I work as peer support in a 38 bed coed mental health living facility for severe to moderately symptomatic adults including 4 HUD beds reserved for the homeless.

You are correct in that some people living with mental illness are capable of achieving employment, independence and an education if they choose to do so. In my opinion the risks of attaining independence Is not success but a fear of losing governmental support and repayment of federal services.

It is easier to not try, at the least you cannot fail.

What an inspiration you are. Such strength and tenacity in order to reclaim your life, and then to use your experiences to help others. Yes, some mentally ill people are able to forge

meaningful and productive lives as you have, I only wish it could be possible for all. With your permission, I would like to share your story in one of my online veterans group sessions. They could really benefit from hearing such a positive story.

 

[Kathleen’s Place]

I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder 1975, although I was taking hallucinogenics at the time I am uncertain if they were the main cause for my breakdown, but that doesn’t matter. The real story is life after diagnosis.

Back then, society frowned on unemployment so I tried at menial restaurant jobs as a dishwasher or bussing tables. Symptoms were overwhelming I only lasted for 3 weeks or so and had to quit.

Not long afterward I got a letter from SSDI (social security disability) that because of my earnings I was no longer eligible for disability benefits including Medicare.

I was an adult and no longer covered under my parents insurance plan. SSDI was revoked along with Medicare so having no other choice psychiatric care I was admitted in a Georgia State mental institution for psychiatric treatment. It wasn’t a bad place, I kept to myself by listening to the radio and watching the jets overhead circling for landing at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport.

After losing SSDI and then reinstated sometime later I vowed not to work again. I met my wife in 1979, got married in 1980, two daughters later we moved to New York and I was the stay at home dad driving the kids to to and from school.

Kids graduated high school and left the nest. I was a pill popper and over time I was taking a lot of medication and herbal supplement. March 2005, I realized I double-dosed morning medications and called my wife who was at work. The office secretary could not understand my garbled speech so I pulled the phone cord from the wall socket.

I had a spiritual encounter and when it was all said and done my arrived from work and drove me to the local hospital where I was committed for 3 weeks. Where the hospital weaned me off the medications I was taking and introduced other types of medication to take.

It was scary times, my and I talked about getting a divorce because she could not care for me in the state I was in. Thankfully, my mind improved and I set forth the task of reclaiming my life after 34 years of absence.

I work as peer support in a 38 bed coed mental health living facility for severe to moderately symptomatic adults including 4 HUD beds reserved for the homeless.

You are correct in that some people living with mental illness are capable of achieving employment, independence and an education if they choose to do so. In my opinion the risks of attaining independence Is not success but a fear of losing governmental support and repayment of federal services.

It is easier to not try, at the least you cannot fail.

All I can think of to say is “WOW!!!!” What an inspiration you are, Mr Ed. Proud of you, because I know what you went through to get where you are today, is like pushing water up hill. Thank you so much for sharing...and keep on keeping on

 

[Aneeda72]

Let me say this. I do not think IDK was depressed. Could he have had a different mental illness?-sure. Could he have been a troll?-sure. Could he have just been messing with us?-sure. I stand by what I said on that thread. Let’s face it, I have never been accused of being politically correct.

He finally admitted his needs were being taken care of, food, housing, medical through Ireland’s welfare system. If he was in government housing, then he was not alone and had access to company if he wanted company. He chose to sit and stare at the wall. He wanted money-for what? His needs were being met.

Street drugs? A TV? Extra food? We will never know. I am curious but the thread was locked and there you have it.

I did foster care for mentally ill children.

I had one child that tried to hang himself from a tree in our back yard, the branch broke. The same child tried to hang himself from his clothes rack in his bedroom. It broke. Another child painted her bedroom with her mensural blood. A different girl re-enacted the moment she was raped by her father. A two year old who inserted a barbie doll and masturbated with it (try explaining that to a doctor and not getting yourself arrested). I could go on, but you get the picture.

I am NOT a medical professional. I don't have a 4 year college degree. I am not politically correct. There are some mentally ill people that scare the crap out of me, especially those with multi personality issues.

But there are also people I just don’t lIke-mentally ill or not, (my mother for example), physically ill or not, (my neighbor for example), myself sometimes, definitely my husband . Just saying that both mental illness and physical illness take their toll on people, (for example, I whine a lot).

None of us chooses to be mentally or physical ill or both. All of us have the right to react to each other as we please. If this involves not being “kind” to each other, sorry @Shalimar, virus or no virus, so be it.

 

[StarSong]

My apologies if I was harsh and skeptical regarding yesterday's thread.

Warning bells went off in my head because, to echo @Gary O', the guy came on a senior citizen forum with a recurrent theme of wanting money. Not help, not advice, not friendship, but money.

Online financial requests signal a scam, spam or troll 99% of the time. People are repeatedly warned by law enforcement to not believe what we hear and see via mail, telephone or online. We're also frequently reminded that our age group is extremely vulnerable and therefore frequently targeted by opportunists looking to take advantage of our kindness, naivete and resources.

If he indeed needs some mental health help, I hope he finds a way to access it.

 

[Shalimar]

Let me say this. I do not think IDK was depressed. Could he have had a different mental illness?-sure. Could he have been a troll?-sure. Could he have just been messing with us?-sure. I stand by what I said on that thread. Let’s face it, I have never been accused of being politically correct.

He finally admitted his needs were being taken care of, food, housing, medical through Ireland’s welfare system. If he was in government housing, then he was not alone and had access to company if he wanted company. He chose to sit and stare at the wall. He wanted money-for what? His needs were being met.

Street drugs? A TV? Extra food? We will never know. I am curious but the thread was locked and there you have it.

I did foster care for mentally ill children.

I had one child that tried to hang himself from a tree in our back yard, the branch broke. The same child tried to hang himself from his clothes rack in his bedroom. It broke. Another child painted her bedroom with her mensural blood. A different girl re-enacted the moment she was raped by her father. A two year old who inserted a barbie doll and masturbated with it (try explaining that to a doctor and not getting yourself arrested). I could go on, but you get the picture.

I am NOT a medical professional. I don't have a 4 year college degree. I am not politically correct. There are some mentally ill people that scare the crap out of me, especially those with multi personality issues.

But there are also people I just don’t lIke-mentally ill or not, (my mother for example), physically ill or not, (my neighbor for example), myself sometimes, definitely my husband . Just saying that both mental illness and physical illness take their toll on people, (for example, I whine a lot).

None of us chooses to be mentally or physical ill or both. All of us have the right to react to each other as we please. If this involves not being “kind” to each other, sorry @Shalimar, virus or no virus, so be it.

 

[Shalimar]

My friend, just for the sake of clarity, I didn’t escape with a four year college degree. I wish, it was a ten year slog to accrue the education required to earn the qualifications required to do what I do.

 

[Pepper]

@Shalimar
Thank you for this thread
@Mr. Ed
Thank you for telling your story

 

[Aneeda72]

My friend, just for the sake of clarity, I didn’t escape with a four year college degree. I wish, it was a ten year slog to accrue the education required to earn the qualifications required to do what I do.

I wasn’t saying anything about you except to say “sorry I disagree”. We are friends. I was pointing out that I don't have an education sufficient to judge anyone in a professional manner. I wasn’t judging IDK, I was giving my opinion of the situation.

I was also acknowledging, in an off hand manner, that you do have the education. I offer no apology for what I said on the thread. I apologize to people when it I think it is the right thing for me to do, not because anyone else thinks it’s the right thing to do. As I said, done being a doormat.

As for escaping what happened in my childhood, no I never escaped, still haven’t. I will escape when I die. I just carry on doing the best I can with what I’ve got which makes me no different than anyone else in the world. We all just carry on.

 

[Shalimar]

My reference to escape was intended to illustrate in a humorous fashion that I spent far too long in university for my liking. I have neither asked for nor expected an apology for anything you said on the thread, or wanted you to feel like a doormat.

 

[Aneeda72]

My reference to escape was intended to illustrate in a humorous fashion that I spent far too long in university for my liking. I have neither asked for nor expected an apology for anything you said on the thread, or wanted you to feel like a doormat.

No, you did not.