acooling08 Posted 27 April 2012 Posted 27 April 2012 You could easily extend that to mental illnesses in general, for instance a fair few people still seem to regard dyslexia/dyscalculia sufferers as just "a bit thick". We really fall down in teaching people about mental illnesses, even more so in actually helping people cope with such issues. I think the issue there is that many people without those disorders use it as an excuse not to try. I've known a few people who don't even attempt to learn how to spell because they say they have Dyslexia even though they've never been diagnosed with it. I lose count of the amount of girls in college who moan about being depressed when really they're just a bit down or hormonal.
Rincewind Posted 27 April 2012 Posted 27 April 2012 There are plenty of free course now to aid reading and writing. And the tutors spend more time on a one to one basis. If it was just reading writing I would consider giving it a go (teaching) although I am not qualified as a teacher. It is the grammar where I struggle sometimes. Where to put commas etc. These things are much more recognized and I think the experts can tell the difference between the genuine and the excuse makers.
BHAFC Braders Posted 27 April 2012 Posted 27 April 2012 Fair play - currently doing something about this myself - been battling it for the last 6 years and December was at my lowest point on the medication , went to Counselling and on the waiting list for some CBT to get my through it , just to everyone who feels they're alone with this nothing could be further from the truth.
Jon the Hat Posted 27 April 2012 Posted 27 April 2012 Great thread Dave, you deserve thanks & respect for your honesty. In the last few years various members of my family have suffered from a range of mental health issues, and I agree that somehow while going to the doctors feels normal with a medical problem, it seems the opposite for mental health.
OzFox Posted 27 April 2012 Posted 27 April 2012 As a civil service employee I was entitled to two sets of six sessions with Relate, which is ending now and entailed me just sitting there for half of them - but just being able to get to the place was an achievement. As I've been able to open up we've just chatted and examined the inter-related nature of things and worked on me accepting that I am not to blame for the major incidents in my past and learning to forgive myself; this has been straightforward counselling. Obviously I'm not trying to say nothing in my past has been my fault, I'm pretty sure I have 50% of the responsibility for winding up Poynton Blue. I have had twice weekly, weekly and now fortnightly meeting with mental health nurses & the doc. Next month I will be beginning cognitive behavioural therapy at my local surgery. Stone the crows. When I first saw this thread I thought "what on earth would he have to be depressed about?". Obviously intelligent, sparkling wit, collects rep points with gay abandon etc etc. Amazing how it's often the outwardly cheerful people who are suffering the most. I struggled for years with a chronic illness that the quacks were all too desperate to label "psychlogical". It opened my eyes to the stigma that these illnesses carry and how benefits and insurance payouts are often reduced (in the UK at any rate). Disgraceful really, when you think that a psychological illness could affect any one of us at any time. I'd be interested to know how you go with CBT. I found it hard going. Some of the best advice I was given regarding these therapies is that being healthy doesn't just happen, it takes a lot of work and application to be well. Anyway, all the best and good luck
Daggers Posted 28 April 2012 Author Posted 28 April 2012 Thank you for the comments, I'm not brave - I'm just a person currently laid low by bi-polar depression who has chosen to share part of my personal story to highlight that it exists and has real consequences for families. I managed to remain upbeat for his presents in the morning but spent the rest of the day in silence in a darkened room. I managed to force myself, and it really was like that, to take the dog out into the rain and wind for a long walk in the late afternoon which helped to give me the impetus to share the evening with my family. I've started two more drugs this week, both of which have 'drowsy' as a side-effect. Most of my waking life is spent in a dreamlike state as a result because this is the side-effect from at least three of the other drugs I currently take. How have they taken it? It's tough to answer as I have been removed from it - but my wife had post-natal depression and can empathise very well. She has been a real brick throughout although she has to have days off to recharge. She's benefited from a very understanding boss, herself no stranger to depression, and the support from friends and family. The kids thought it was all related to my motorbike accident initially. Dad was in bed because he was injured! It became hard for them apparently when I started to make efforts to move about the house as they saw a zombie version of their Dad and also went on to watch me being more Dadlike one minute and a miserable cvnt the next. The routines were disrupted, the mental boxes they kept versions of their parents in got knocked over. But today is a good day, and I'm having more and more of them gradually. Some times I slide back, but the period of time I spend having bad moments is not as long, not as often, not as deep. My message for people who are suffering is that it gets better, something that I simply couldn't see during my darkest hours. I felt I was a burden to everyone who knew me - especially my wife. But, of course, I was a burden...it was simply that I couldn't see the love. I was numb to emotions like that. I remember watching my brother in floods of tears and feeling nothing at all. This in turn is amazing because I remember so little of 2012...and even now struggle with short-term memory. I am looking forward to my next stage of therapy because I have a positive future planned. And that is it for me in this thread, I want to focus on the future and positive stuff - that said I'm always happy to take PMs from anyone who needs help or assistance with a related matter. I hope those of you who know me feel comfortable in continuing to take the piss out of me in pre-match pubs and that you can fire questions at me - I'm not embarrassed or ashamed by any of this. Be healthy.
Smudge Posted 28 April 2012 Posted 28 April 2012 Just continue to get well Dave, my world is a better place when you're around
ajthefox Posted 28 April 2012 Posted 28 April 2012 I think the issue there is that many people without those disorders use it as an excuse not to try. I've known a few people who don't even attempt to learn how to spell because they say they have Dyslexia even though they've never been diagnosed with it. I lose count of the amount of girls in college who moan about being depressed when really they're just a bit down or hormonal. It's comments like these that make it all too clear why there's just been an awareness week, although how many actually gained any awareness from it I don't know. You've got no idea how many of them are genuinely depressed and although that's not your fault, comments like that don't help. I hope your situation improves Daggers, it is brave of you put it all out here in the open.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 29 April 2012 Posted 29 April 2012 This week is Depression Awareness Week. One in five people will suffer from depression; I'll spare you my personal story and that of close family but I can attest to its very real and threatening nature. I'm more than happy to talk openly in this thread or by PM if anybody needs to. Leicestershire and Northants NHS don't seem to be aware of the awareness week, unlike a number of other regions, but I've listed some other places you may wish to seek support if you need it. If you live with someone who is suffering from depression you can also find support out there as well. MIND: A resource for counselling and much more. The website also includes volumes of information, advice and blogs of others suffering. It is comforting to touch base with others who have felt or are feeling the same as you. http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/3283 The Depression Alliance: Information, support, advice http://www.depressio...reness-week.php Meets alternate Tuesdays in Leicester city centre DA head office - 0845 1232320 Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 8.00 pm [email protected] The Black Dog Tribe: Advice, support, awareness http://www.blackdogtribe.com/ I am with you all the way on this. It ties up with the self harming thread, I did. Currently I am on medication for depression, though I too will not waste time with my experiences. Anyone who feels they may have depression, should seek help immediately, although some people suffer from it without realising it.
Rincewind Posted 29 April 2012 Posted 29 April 2012 Just found this on a Tumblr blog. Thought it fitting and a little moving. And I do not usually admit that. Just thought it well written and thought provoking. http://sharants.tumblr.com/
FoxyPV Posted 29 April 2012 Posted 29 April 2012 Good luck Daggers, I hope the good days start to far outweigh the bad. Depression is a horrific thing.
Daggers Posted 23 July 2012 Author Posted 23 July 2012 http://4goesmad.channel4.com/ Channel 4 has a week of programming dedicated to raising and discussing the issues.
Rincewind Posted 23 July 2012 Posted 23 July 2012 Saw this the other day but never thought it went anywhere on here. I remember the thread and I try not to be too insulting in replies because I do not know what kind of day the other person has had. This a good code to live by.
lavrentis Posted 24 July 2012 Posted 24 July 2012 Glad channel 4 is doing programmes on it, I think it is still very misunderstood by a lot of the population thinking they can just 'snap out of it' or that it isn't real. Those people make me sick
AoWW Posted 24 July 2012 Posted 24 July 2012 Glad channel 4 is doing programmes on it, I think it is still very misunderstood by a lot of the population thinking they can just 'snap out of it' or that it isn't real. Those people make me sick Really? Surely they behave that way due to ignorance and a lack of understanding / empathy. I'm not saying they're right, just that your response seems a bit extreme.
Rincewind Posted 24 July 2012 Posted 24 July 2012 Some people will still remain ignorant. The ones watching the programs will be the ones who are aware of the problems. The ignorant will ignore the programs lableling them as left wing liberalism. Much the same as they will ignore other topics that do not back up their extreme views.
Daggers Posted 24 July 2012 Author Posted 24 July 2012 Some people will still remain ignorant. The ones watching the programs will be the ones who are aware of the problems. The ignorant will ignore the programs lableling them as left wing liberalism. Much the same as they will ignore other topics that do not back up their extreme views. The point of the week is not to engender sympathy from the general public - it is to empower those suffering because the one thing they all share in common is isolation, especially those with depression who lock it away from others. No one cares what cooling et al think about anything, certainly not those suffering from mental illness. When Wax was referring to "her people" last night, those were the only people who's opinions count because those of us who have a mental illness are the only ones who truly know what it is like. This year has seen a line of celebrities, sports-people and MPs speak out about their illnesses...now it is time for the government to put some sensible funding into their hitherto Cinderella service and change the law to end discrimination against the mentally ill.
Rincewind Posted 24 July 2012 Posted 24 July 2012 I was thinking more of educating peop[le and making them aware. I did not know about the programs. If available I will try and watch on catch up TV. I need educating. Or more like I want to be educated so I have facts that those who know it all already do not.
lavrentis Posted 6 August 2012 Posted 6 August 2012 Really? Surely they behave that way due to ignorance and a lack of understanding / empathy. I'm not saying they're right, just that your response seems a bit extreme. Nope they make me sick to be commenting on something they know nothing about.
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