Jun5

Mental Illness

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Wed, Jun 05 2013 09:04:44

Mental Illness

Friday, 31 May 2013, the POTUS addressed the topic of Mental Health. I … flooded my twitter stream with my own experience, hoping to encourage by example. Please don’t mind the typos; I was passionate and my iPhone was trying to help correct everything.

  1. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Mental Health care is a huge deal. If my psychiatrist weren’t a family friend I wouldn’t have access.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:13:49

  2. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Mental health needs to be treated as seriously as physical health. The two are not separate entities.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:14:26

  3. whitehouse

    The White House@whitehouse
    President Obama: “We want to let people living with mental health challenges know they are not alone.” #MentalHealthMatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:02:16

  4. Upworthy

    Upworthy@Upworthy
    Obama: “It’s not enough to help more Americans seek treatment—we also need to make sure treatment is there.” #MentalHealthMatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:13:08

  5. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I don’t hide the fact that I take medication for mental illness. I defy the stigma. I didn’t ask for the illness or the stigma.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:27:45

  6. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    People who haven’t seen me off my medication don’t understand how bad things can be. Ask @hillarygayle about checking me into a mental hosp.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:19:09

  7. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I do not submit to the attendant stigma of mental illness any more than I feel bad about having had leukemia.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:20:14

  8. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I have been truly lucky to receive life-saving help. Not everyone has that. #MentalHealthMatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:21:07

  9. 1MissingButton

    D to the A to the NI@1MissingButton
    @upworthy Personally, it’s always comes down to being able to afford treatment. Do I eat this week or do I buy the meds?

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:22:14

  10. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If you do not believe mental illness can be life threatening, I have to ask how long you plant to keep your head up your butt.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:22:08

  11. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    @LadyLoveMonster @Upworthy And that people w/violent episodes can be helped with therapy & medication. The disorder is not the person.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:23:07

  12. NerdyWonka

    Nerdy Wonka@NerdyWonka
    Sec. Sebelius announces a new website that will help those dealing with mental health issues. #MentalHealthMatters mentalhealth.gov

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:27:59

  13. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    @upworthy more needs to be done. If my psychiatrist weren’t a family friend, I wouldn’t have access. #mentalhealthmatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:31:46

  14. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I was on FMLA for my illnesses but my employer exploited that and pressured me into resigning.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:35:23

  15. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    That resignation left me w/o recourse to unemployment ins or coverage for my meds & made it difficult to find further employment.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:36:41

  16. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    But I’m one of the lucky ones. Strong support system means I have access to treatment now. Not everyone has that.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:37:30

  17. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Even now, hospitalizations leave holes in my employment record. Hospitalized for major injury or surgery wouldn’t matter. Mental health? OMG

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:38:37

  18. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    So yes, today is going to be a flood of tweets about me tap illness and stigma and how both are ruinous.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:39:30

  19. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Someone you know battles a mental illness. And more than likely, s/he worries what you’d think if you knew. Change that.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:44:02

  20. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    And if you’re fighting for your life against a brain that wants to kill you, it can get better, I promise. It’s hard, but it can.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:45:40

  21. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I didn’t get treatment until I was nearly 24. I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like with earlier help. What matters is now.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:49:35

  22. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Meds are not magic happy pills for people w/o willpower.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:47:36

  23. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    It may take a while to find the right med/combo and longer for it to work. But it’s worth it. Fighting is worth it. YOU are worth it.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:48:32

  24. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    It took a long time to find the right combo of meds and we still tweak it when necessary, which scares me. But it’s worth it.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:50:16

  25. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If what you’re doing now isn’t helping, there are other options. Keep trying. Please don’t give up.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:51:32

  26. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Zoloft made me suicidal. Wellbutrin helped for a little while. Celexa helped a lot & so does klonopin. My brother is opposit.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:52:09

  27. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    What works for one (therapy, meds, etc) will not, by default, automatically work for another.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:52:39

  28. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Keep trying. When you finally shake off a layer of depression or anxiety, you won’t regret the battle.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:53:25

  29. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    My depression was so all-encompassing I could identify anxiety till years later. Finally, both are treated. It’s amazing.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:55:04

  30. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I don’t know how to underscore hard enough how worth it it is to fight stigma and regain your mind. Keep fighting.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:55:40

  31. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Seem treatment. You are not crazy. It’s a real illness & if it’s breaking your life, see someone.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 07:57:24

  32. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    There is help out there. And there are organizations that can help you gain access to treatment.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:00:53

  33. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    There are people who love you and there are people (like me) who will be cheering for you all the way.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:01:21

  34. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Don’t stop fighting. Don’t let stigma or your illness take you from a world that desperately needs what only you can offer.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:02:01

  35. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If you’ve taken the first steps toward getting help, let me personally tell you I’m so damn proud of you. Congratulations. Please keep going

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:03:13

  36. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Due to stigma, I didn’t know my I’ll was had a NAME, much less that it was treatable! My life stayed broken.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:05:33

  37. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I was. So sure my doctor would laugh me out of the office that it took ages to broach the subject. More time wasted b/c of stigma!

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:06:56

  38. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    When I finally told my doctor, he was tearful and reassured me I’m not crazy. This is a treatable illness.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:07:53

  39. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If your doctor does laugh or doesn’t take you seriously, FIRE THE DOCTOR. The doctor works for YOU.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:08:33

  40. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    By and large, though, a doctor is going to help you find treatment – medical, therapy, whatever. Take the first step.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:09:44

  41. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Also, nurses are badass humans who know so much. Talk to a nurse if your doctor is intimidating.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:10:23

  42. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    It will take a while for any treatment to kick in. Don’t give up! Please don’t give up. The right treatment will change your life.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:11:18

  43. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Don be afraid to tell the doctor that a med/treatment are t working, though. People react differently to different types. But TRY AGAIN

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:12:29

  44. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I went through so many meds/therapies before finding the right “cocktail.” It takes work, but keeping at it is worth it. I’m worth it.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:13:20

  45. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    And I’m gonna say it again: if you’re taking or trying to take those first steps, I AM SO DAMN PROUD OF YOU.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:14:42

  46. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If you’ve taken those steps & gotten help, SPEAK UP. Someone is waiting for your encouragement & your example.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:15:33

  47. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Don’t let someone wonder why it seems everybody else has it all together. Speak up. Be honest. Sometimes it takes help to get it together.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:16:37

  48. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Sometimes I joke about the number of pills I take or having my therapist on speed dial but those things SAVED MY LIFE.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:17:40

  49. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I wish I didn’t have to take meds. I even resent it sometimes. But compared what life was like before? Gimme the meds.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:18:18

  50. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I’m just going to say it again: the first step is never easy. But people will help you walk the path. I am so damn proud of you.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:20:08

  51. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If your family isn’t supportive, you choose family who is. Create your own family. Love doesn’t stand in the way of help.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:21:25

  52. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If you need help taking the first step, ask someone safe to go with you. Even someone sitting in the waiting room can make it a bit easier

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:22:17

  53. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    It’s not easy and it’s not much fun, but really? What have you got to lose?

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:22:54

  54. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I know what the darkness of depression looks and feels like. I call it the time I lived dead. It gets better.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:23:54

  55. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Take the first steps toward help. Speak out about help you’ve received. Kill stigma. I’m so damn proud of you.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:25:02

  56. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Don’t assume that your depression/anxiety is somehow less valid if it doesn’t stem from abuse. Imbalances happen even in “normal” people.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 08:46:18

  57. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Why you’re brave for seeking help: 1. Talking to a relative stranger about something so personal. #youarebrave #mentalhealthmatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:11:59

  58. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    2. Potentially taking meds when you know that the first one may not be the right one but it will probably take a month to know. #youarebrave

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:12:57

  59. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    3. Persevering despite steps backward and sideways because there IS something out there. #youarebrave #mentalhealthmatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:13:55

  60. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    4. Speaking up in affirmation that life does get better & there is hope & help. #youarebrave #mentalhealthmatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:14:41

  61. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I’m not sugar coating it. The road to health from mental illness is hard and painful. But what have you got to lose? It gets so much better!

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:16:00

  62. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Life can be worth living and your illness does not have to rule your life. There’s help. And I am so damn proud of you. #mentalhealthmatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:17:12

  63. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I am passionate about this. If someone had spoken out before I might have been treated sooner. I want to help others. #mentalhealthmatters

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:18:04

  64. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    It is hard. It can be lonely even with the best support. But it gets better and I am cheering my head off for you. I am so damn proud of you

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:18:54

  65. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    “Is Q still talking about mental health?” “Yep.” –my TL

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:21:34

  66. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If you haven’t read @AllieBrosh‘s brilliant & hilarious & heartbreaking depression post, do. hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:25:05

  67. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If you don’t have a mental illness, great! But that is no more your doing than a mentally ill person is to blame for being ill. Fight stigma

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:32:10

  68. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Again: Someone you know battles a mental illness. And more than likely, s/he worries what you’d think if you knew. Change that.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:29:29

  69. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Don’t let your perception of normality determine whether another’s suffering is “real.” Fight stigma, don’t encourage it.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:32:58

  70. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    If your friend talks to you about mental illness, that’s a sacred trust. Don’t crap on it. Stand with him/her.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:33:39

  71. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    It takes a lot of courage for someone to speak up the first time. If they’re talking to you, be honored and worthy if that trust.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:34:16

  72. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    In whatever way you can, let that person know that this does not change his/her value as a person & friend.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:35:07

  73. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Affirm that the person is not the illness. S/he is not the depression or schizophrenia anymore than you are your blood pressure.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:35:48

  74. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Don’t expect them to be magically better after starting a med or therapy. It takes time. Understand that & that there may be relapses.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:37:51

  75. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    And if you are a support person for someone dealing with mental illness, do draw boundaries & practice self-care. It’s best for you both.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:39:13

  76. Lanahobbs

    Lana Marie Hobbs@Lanahobbs
    @Quiara and don’t act scared and make it about you. it’s not your illness. if you have worries, don’t make her carry them also.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:38:57

  77. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    Be willing to be in it for the long haul. Most mental illnesses are a lifetime struggle, not a one-off event. Don’t minimize a relapse>>

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:41:01

  78. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    But don’t lose hope. Relapses are not proof that treatment isn’t working, just signals it needs augmentation.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:41:49

  79. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    I am so damn proud of you.

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:42:48

  80. NAMIMass

    NAMI Massachusetts@NAMIMass
    #Stigma creates barriers to treatment, employment, housing, & ultimately acceptance. Help us eliminate stigma. Don’t be silent. #mhm #mhsm

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 09:20:58

  81. Quiara

    Quiara@Quiara
    While tweeting about mental illness today, I have encountered so many brave, wonderful people. I am so damn proud of you!

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 10:26:15

  82. BarackObama

    Barack Obama@BarackObama
    FACT: With #Obamacare & other efforts, mental health benefits are being expanded to 62 million Americans. #MentalHealthMatters (via @HHSGov)

    Mon, Jun 03 2013 14:46:22

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2 responses »

  1. Pingback: Mental Health – from shame to seeking health – a note | Lana Hobbs the Brave

  2. Pingback: Mental Health — From Shame to Seeking Help, Part One: I Am Bipolar | H • A

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