Mental Illness

There are so many people that are walking around at this very moment
in a state of panic, depression, or obsessive ness.  Yet, they have no idea
that what they are feeling is not normal.

Being diagnosed with (for example) G.A.D. is no different than being
diagnosed with any other illness.  Just like any other illness it needs to
be treated.  When treated correctly and in a timely manor, the chances
are very good that you will become better within a couple of weeks.  Just
like any other illness, if it is not treated it will manifest itself.

It doesn't make you crazy.  I get so sick of hearing that word in relation
to mental illness.  Just like the old term "insane asylum".  It is a
medical condition.  If you are feeling depression, anxiety, or not right…
get some help.  There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of.  

The few people that have unkind or hurtful things to say about it are
just ignorant (and I use that word with its true definition).  It doesn't
make them bad people, they just don't understand it.  It really sucks, I
know.  The misconceptions about mental illness are directly related to
people's ignorance.  I believe that is why it is so taboo.

The important thing to consider is that if you have a hard time getting
through everyday life and something traumatic happens… what then?

If you already feel so horrible that you cry over stuff that shouldn't
bother you, obsess over things that really have no importance, or you
panic over small things… what happens when you (for example) lose a
loved one?  That is unbearable to deal with even when your brain is in
balance.  If your brain isn't in balance and something horrible happens
that is when it can easily get so bad that you might not be able to
recover properly.

Looking back at my mother, looking at my older sister, and looking at
me, I would swear that it is hereditary.   

I am not a doctor.  These things I have stated are my opinions.  I am not
trying to diagnose anyone.  I'm just hoping that people will take what I
have been through, pull some courage from it and get the help they need
when they need it.  

If you are worried about confidentiality, most family doctors are very
capable of diagnosing and treating these illnesses.  It's not something
you have to tell anyone and it normally doesn't require a specialist.  

Another thing is… if you have waited longer than you should to get
treatment and you are feeling so bad that you aren't sure you can make
it through a day, take the time to pick up the phone and ask family and
friends for help.  Even if you haven't talked to them in a year there is
always someone you can count on.  

Having a strong support system helps you stay well when you are well,
helps you get better when you aren't well, and helps you stay well once
you become well.  A support system full of loving individuals is priceless
at all times in your life but it is essential when you are feeling your
worst.

The good news is that once you are well, you may not need to take
medication all your life.  It varies from person to person.

Once you have been diagnosed and you feel better again, it is much
easier to see the signs in advance.  It's hard to see the signs when you
don't know what real living is like anymore.  When you have been in a
certain mental state for years, it seems like it's normal.  Once you see
that light, feel those bricks lift from your shoulders, and there is color
to the world again, it is pretty easy to tell when those bad symptoms
start creeping back.  It is much easier to manage once you are aware of
exactly what's wrong.

All of you that are still in a state of denial, such as I was, at least do it
for those around you that care for you.  It doesn't hurt to make an
appointment and go see a doctor.  

Although, there are still far too many stigmas about mental health, we
have come a long way since the days of doctors traveling from "asylum"
to "asylum" to perform lobotomies with flippin' ice picks (no shit).

Health, peace, love, and kindness…

Cindy Callinsky

Love you Mom, Kay Kay, and Angie!
Thank you
Constant Content
for stepping up to write personal articles regarding Mental Illness.   You all are
wonderful...
I appreciate it so very much.
~Cindy
OCD
Buy on
Web Design by:
DiscoverYourSite.com