"One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in his or her lifetime. It is a pervasive presence in almost all of our lives. And yet we rarely speak of it," writes Globe and Mail editor-in-chief Edward Greenspon.
"The mentally ill are not different; they are us. As a society, we have thrown off many of our social stigmas, but not yet those surrounding mental illness."
People with mental illnesses face a stigma that can prevent them from getting care. It also stops the public from seeing the problem. Has mental illness affected your life or that of a loved one?
Share your experiences with globeandmail.com readers and let us know what single change in society or policy would help the most.
At least one in five Canadians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetimes.
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Posted Nov. 20, 2008
Mary Evans from Blind River: I have been reading your mental health series since the beginning and haven't seen Homewood Health Centre mentioned. It is a mental health facility in Guelph, Ontario that helps thousands of people learn to cope with their illnesses. I attended the Eating Disorders program from April to July this year for inpatient treatment for anorexia.
I have been living with anorexia for almost 30 years and with the help of Homewood staff and co-patients, I finally feel like I have the tools to stay in recovery longterm. There are no drugs to treat anorexia and like most mental illnesses it is not curable but the important thing to realize is that patients can learn to cope in a positive way with many of their symptoms and education is the key.
While at Homewood, I met patients from across Canada and in many other treatment programs besides Eating Disorders - Addiction, Post-traumatic Stress, Mood Disorders - and all of us were being given new hope of a better future. I think this country could use many more facilities like Homewood so that when people have the courage to seek help for their mental illnesses, treatment is available to them in or near their own communities and without long waiting lists. As for stigma, as more and more people speak about their struggles and seek help for dealing with them, the stigma of mental illness will slowly dissolve. Your series on mental health is a giant step in the right direction.
Steve Paterson from Windsor: I am a university student who has suffered from a debilitating anxiety disorder for the past 10 years. I am currently seeing a psychiatrist who has prescribed me a total of about 10 medications. I have finally found three that seem to work pretty well, yet every day is a struggle. What I would like to see happen now in Canada is a national mental health strategy.
It is vital that the stigma surrounding mental illness be terminated. I have fought for 10 years to get over this disorder of the mind, but I am still very scared to tell others in person. The medical profession does not put nearly enough funding into drug Research and Development for mental illness. Too often health is thought of as strictly physical without taking into account mental health. In order to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, there needs to be a national strategy on educating the public on mental health.
I'd love to see a national standard of teaching young students in elementary school and high school about mental health. If we as a society can now openly discuss sexual orientation, then it only stands to reason that we can talk about mental illness.
A generation ago, sex education was not available in the school system. Now is the time to implement this education, since 25 per cent of the population will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives.
I also would like to say that treating mental illness requires a comprehensive approach. Medication is only about 20 per cent of the battle with our current drugs. Other major factors that contribute to mental health are regular physical exercise, abstinence from drugs including tobacco and alcohol, a healthy diet following Canada's Food Guide, a regular sleep schedule, and most importantly the social support of friends and family. The mentally ill should not be closeted or shunned by society. Ignoring the problem will only cause more suffering among the mentally ill which in cause incease the number of suicides.
Posted Nov. 19, 2008
Simon Sunatori from Gatineau, QC: I have lost a happy family to mental illness (paranoid delusions). My ex-wife unilaterally left the house 2005-06-03. After she left, I was crying every day. I sought help myself because I became severely depressed due to the unexpected separation. My parents are still concerned about my ex-wife's mental health with paranoid delusions, while her own parents are still hiding the truth at any cost, and are happy to see their daughter projecting an appearance of normalcy to the neighbours and to the colleagues at her office. To them, giving her medical treatment for paranoid delusions is not a priority at all as long as she makes a good salary.
I am absolutely disgusted by their behaviour, but such is the enormous power of stigma towards mental illness.
I did my best to save the happy family, but it turned out to be impossible. My 12-year old daughter described my circumstance as 'worse than dead'.
I was keeping notes about my crisis during the tragedy in 2005-2006 as 'Surveillance and Spying', which I hope would be published someday in order to help other people in combating mental illness and especially stigma towards mental illness.
I met a German widow in Skype early last year. After a few chat sessions, the German widow told me that she was grieving because her late husband committed suicide. She disclosed to me that her husband was under suspicion that Stasi (the ex-East German secret police) was after him. I explained to her that such paranoid delusions are due to mental illness. In fact, she had no idea at all that there was biochemical imbalance in his brain.
We have been supporting each other, but the odds of encountering a total stranger with identical mental health issue is astronomical. Or paranoid delusions may not be so rare after all...
Leslie Tobias from Toronto: Mental Illness was not understood by the professional for many years. I know people who have been mis-treated and/or abused by their therapist etc. Advancement in mental health is realtively new to Canada. We are just beginning to learn & understand what the symptoms are and how to treat them.
I have observed and noticed early on the symptoms individuals would have in the family & in the workplace. The truth is - no one would listen.
They didn't want to know or understand. They were and still are insecure about mental illness. Some people such as bi-polar are friendly & adaptable people - they suffer because it is not detected.
Bullies are excused - as having bad behaviour and go unresolved. It is difficult also the person who lives or works with someone with the illness. Eventually they to become depressed and in cases are abused more than one who has the problem.
As for the work environment - they are not equipped or have any qualifications/experience in handling the problem. Most often it is the victim that gets punished because managers don't want to know about it or managers assume they have the skills just because the title on the door says 'managers'.
Mental illness it seems has become part of the Canadian culture. We know it, we recognize it and we ignore it. Passive/Aggressive behaviour is very much common place. Mental Illness Awareness has finally made the front pages, however it will takes years before the work environment and family home will be to deal with mental illness. Unlike physical symptoms and remedies. Mental illness is inside - it is not visiable to the eye.
One solution would be - the workplace. Every Government Office and Private Business should have a professional physcologist on board as part of Human Resources. Managers who are not equipped to solve these problems should not get involved and make things worse. Pass the issues to the Physcologist in HR - it is unbiased and a safer environment.
Glen Stover from Pickering: Three years ago I was at the top of my game, at work and socially.
At work, I was viewed as someone who was highly motivated, a respected leader and it was obvious to me and those around me that I truly enjoyed my job.
I considered myself one of the few people who was able to bounce out of bed in the morning, feeling pumped about the potential that the day had in store. Then it all changed. Not suddenly, but over time. It started with sleepless nights.
I became much more introverted. I had to force myself to eat, and often laboured over lunch in my office for hours. Needless to say, I began to lose weight, noticeably. I began to question my memory and cognitive abilities, and had thoughts that I was suffering the early symptoms of alzheimers. I was always tired, but still could not sleep.
My mood was increasingly morose, and I started to suffer shortness of breath, tightness in my chest. I lacked the ability to deal with day-to-day challenges at work and at home, and I actually had anxiety when the phone rang at home, for fear that it might be some bad news, that I truly felt incapable of dealing with.
Eventually, I became so consumed by it all, and actually would have welcomed death as a way to stop the torment.
Today, I am a survivor. A survivor, not of cancer or some other tragic disease that we don't choose for ourselves, but a depression survivor.
Without the support of my family and my employer, I shudder to think of where I would be today - not a survivor at all, but a tragic victim, like others in my family before me.
My experience taught me to be open an honest with those who are curious about my sudden and lengthy recovery and absence from work. Talking about it released the demons in my family closet that were never spoken of, and hidden away like the most shameful secret.
My father gladly shared his heart condition with me, that killed both my grandfather and great uncle. And why would I not share with my kids? Dumb question eh?
Rick Drysdale from Canada: 'A suicide's family still wonders 'if what we were doing was right or wrong'
What the hell is ' a suicide' ?
Is it a mother, father , son, daughter , neighbour, or any other person we could pass on the street?
People who feel they have no other alternative do not lose their humanity and become ' a suicide'
Who wrote that line ?
Posted Friday, Sept. 26
Joanne Husak from Canada: Fran Kordoski from Canada writes: I will probably be dismissed as unsympathetic and unenlightened. However I feel compelled to say that your statistics refer to those 'diagnosed' with a mental illness. This does not always mean they actually HAVE one. Far from being a stigma, this has grown to be almost a status symbol. Teenagers are sharing news about their latest bi-polar medication like they would about a new shampoo. I know several who have gone to a clinic, to a doctor who is meeting them for the first time, and walked out with a prescription and a diagnosis.
Fran, my daughter is one of the young people with mental illness. Most of hose with true mental illness do not admit to having it and do not seek treatment or medication. While I can understand what you are saying, your comments do not apply to those who are truly mentally ill and are really not helpful.
Posted Friday, Sept. 26
Judy Allen from St. Albert, AB: Mental Illness, is it a curse for the person who has it or for the people who live with this person? It is something I think about a lot. I am the person in my household with Bi-polar. I am considered smart, likable, funny and creative. Why mental illness? Why such mood swings, one day happy another so very sad? I try to rationalize things all the time, I am happily married, great kids, great job but there always is that nagging feeling in the back of my brain just lingering, it's a cloud. I take my meds not in any great way because if I am too happy I am careless and annoying (talk too much, too agitated, too much twitching, cannot focus well), then I drop my meds to a lower level and the depression hits. The flashbacks, the downward spiral, the self destruction of myself. I put all the guilt, shame, and treat myself like dirt because I feel that is how I should be treated. It is constant work to be 'normal'. It's all I want. I'm told by so many I have changed and I know I have. I will never be that happy-go-lucky person everyone knew. Today I like to be alone a lot, I don't care for lights on in the house, I like curtains closed and quiet. I am boring. Mental health hurts, it is shameful to me and I don't like myself. Nothing is clear everything is foggy and dull. What do I do? I see my psychiatrist who is wonderful, I see my addiction counsellor who is wonderful and I lean on my family. I can be my old self but for the most part I am on guard and I feel like everyone wants to say to me live with it, I have tried that too, no meds and boy do I crash. I have to recognize that I am ill and that like a diabetic I have to take my meds everyday. When that dark cloud hangs overhead I try to think about all the positive things I have and my family and hope that cloud breaks up into a beautiful rainbow. If it doesn't an episode begins and it can be high or it can be low I just have to see what happens. Thanks for listening.
Posted Friday, Sept. 26
Judyms from Victoria: Pieces of my life lie discarded at the side of the road, I wrote recently, like old sofas and grocery carts.
Five years ago, at the age of 42, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2, a type characterized by often extended periods of depression and relatively brief periods of hypomania ('little mania.') In the hindsight provided by this diagnosis, I can trace my depressive episodes back to puberty. But they were my secret; I merely thought I wasn't trying hard enough, or that I was weird. Not that I wasn't successful: I served as my high school's student council president, I am a university graduate, and I had a 15-year career in the film industry.
But this disease is insidious. It doesn't identify itself in a blood test or MRI, and symptoms can be mistaken for personal weakness, even by the sufferer herself. I'm grateful for my diagnosis, and for the excellent care I receive. Medication has been a godsend, levelling out the ups and downs, and keeping the downs from overtaking me. But I can't help but wonder how different my life might have been if I hadn't been hobbled by this illness.
In the pursuit of happiness, I moved homes 21 times (in 6 cities) and entered into a marriage that I then left only three years later. There were times when depression kept me from functioning my best on a film set, and times when hypomania/mania made me believe I knew more than anyone else. I have lost friends, estranging myself from them when I was depressed and offending them when I was manic.
We need to go into the schools and teach kids about mental health. It's not just about destigmatizing it, but about demystifying it. They should be taught to recognize symptoms in themselves and others, and be made aware of the resources available to them. They should be given the tools to support one another. Above all, they should know and believe that mental illness is not 'weird' and that it is highly treatable. No life should end up at the side of the road.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Deetrosa from Halifax: My mom was sent home by the hospital on Greyhound bus 72 hours after she tried to commit suicide. After being brought to the Halifax hospital, she was transferred to one in Kentville (small town 2 hours away) because there were no beds for her in Halifax. I was with her the whole time in Kentville, except the last day. I don't drive, or I would have made sure to pick her up. I assumed that since it was not her choice to go to Kentville, an ambulance or car would bring her back. When I came to pick her up from the bus station, she was still shaking, couldn't talk properly and I had to hold her up as we walked. They had not even given her enough time to completely detox.
While in the hospital, the 'doctor' on duty was unkind and cruel. The day after she was admitted, he had a consultation with my mom and me. She still had a lot of drugs in her system and would often stutter, or take a long time to speak. He would actually shout at her to 'hurry up' and tell her 'we don't have all day'. After a few minutes of this, I said 'I'm sorry we're such a burden to you' and I will never forget this, he said; 'You're not my burden, you're the taxpayers'.
Afterwards, the Halifax and Kentville hospitals kept arguing over who was responsible for my mom, and I couldn't get ANY help for her, no after care, no therapy referrals, nothing. The situation was frustrating to say the least because my mom has a long history of depression and this was not the first time (or to be the last) time she tried to commit suicide. I was 22 then, the first time I was 14 years old. The third time she tried was about 1 month after she was transferred to the Kentville hospital. No surprise there, as like I said, she was given NO after-care or help.
It seemed to take this 3rd time for the hospitals to actually help my mom. She was admitted to an intensive outpatient mental health program that really helped. It's been 2 years since then, and things are much better.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Papeters from Ottawa: I am so glad to have the opportunity to read the Globe series on Mental Illness and the debate that it has brought into the National sphere.
Not all mental illness is severe and is often very well hidden. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety several years ago and I don't think that anyone around me would know this. Thankfully I was at a large university in the US at the time where I had access to unparalleled mental health facilities.
During the first years of my diagnosis I had access to a psychiatrist, counsellor, group therapy, and world-class exercise facilities. How I long for access to these things again, and am shamed that others with mental illness have to suffer in silence without this level of support.
During this time I have gotten married, had a wonderful little child, learned a second language, lived in different countries, am finishing a PhD, and am working in a new position here in Ottawa. I still have episodes of severe anxiety but thankfully medication, therapy, and exercise have provided an avenue by which it is diminished. I am glad to see other people speaking up, challenging the out-dated assumptions that we should 'snap out of it.' I hope that there is some permanent, positive change from this series at a National level. At the very least, I hope it forces politicians to finally start supporting a national mental health system.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
kitty kosmetixxx from Canada: It is important to have a very open mind if you want to be working with other people's.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Spacedout63 from Independence United States: I feel like a freak! Everyone in my family is tired of dealing with me. I am 45 and just had two major mood shifts and was so tired of it all I tried suicide 150 pills, I should be dead but am not and glad I am not.
I just want to find a way to explain to my daughter how much I love her and need her and my two granddaughters. But she says just buck up like everyone does and straighten out your life. She has kicked me out like her father who is a creepy meth head. And was absent for 20 years of it. I think I have had this for a long time but for some reason it wasn't so bad. I am just rambling so I am going to stop here.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Bayrider from Toronto: Since my daughter was 8 I've been trying to get help for her mental health problem. She wanted to die. I called a psychiatrist -- there's a 9 month waiting list. I called the local children's treatment centre -- it took over a year until she was assessed. The psychiatrist reported she was fine at the time he saw her although she had been suicidal at some point before this.
Now she's 22. I'm still looking for the right treatment for her. She has finally been diagnosed correctly but it's been 3 years and we're still waiting to get the right treatment for her particular disorder. She's on a waiting list and they 'aren't allowed' to tell her how long it is before she might be entered into the treatment she desperately needs.
My teenage son was hospitalized last fall after making an attempt on his life. I pleaded with the doctor not to discharge him as I did not feel he was ready to be released. I was told to stop being such a fuss-budget, that I couldn't safeguard him forever. Two days after his discharge, he killed himself.
This week a friend decided to end his life but first dropped by to say goodbye to someone, who called me, knowing I had some 'experience with this kind of thing.' I had to call three distress centres before someone even answered the phone. The first distress centre told me all agents were busy and to call back later. The second call ended abruptly after I pressed 1 for English.
The government said it would put money into 'the system' to do early prevention, to add community services, and improve service for mentally ill patients. You hear and read about mental health reform. I'd say the system is overloaded, underfunded and has been a complete failure in helping me or my family. The government must do more to right the wrongs! These patients deserve the same care as anyone with a physical illness and the family needs help to cope with the stress, too.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Musketeerplus2 from Calgary: I 'suffer' from mental illness in the form of depression, and I have for years. Most days I don't suffer though - I live my life. I'm stable on my medication and have learned (through trial & error) that I NEED to be medicated to function properly. And function I do... better than a lot in today's society.
I've met some of these stigmas and the way I break through them is to be completely open about my condition, its permanence and how I cope. Unfortunately there are a large number of people who say 'Oh, but you're different' after finding out someone who holds a full time job, goes to university, takes care of ailing parents as well as having a fairly active social life is 'DEPRESSED'.
Many comment that they would love to be on my meds, so I know they don't understand that my meds lift the veil of depression and allow my true character to come through. True friends have seen the dark side, and not run away. I didn't realize how precious those people are until reading this article & seeing that 46% of people would stop socializing with me.
I don't know what can be done, but I hope I make my own bit of difference every time I show someone new that the mentally ill are not dangerous, crazy, nutty, crying people huddling in the corner.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Damunique from Canada: Maybe it's my depression talking, but I am a pessimist. I don't think anything will improve or change for us. In Ontario, welfare isn't enough even for a room, and disability benefits are routinely denied to people with mental illness. Appeals take 18 months. There's a ten-year waiting list for subsidized housing in Toronto. You cannot live with a family member if you want benefits, yet people with mental illness are those who experience the most difficulty renting rooms in other people's houses or sharing apartments with strangers. Suicide starts to look like your only option a lot of times.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Ted in Ontario: Mental illness happens like life happens. No one asks for it. I am 60 and retired, and had my first emotional breakdown in 1989 when my wife found me crying in the shower. The following 20 years have produced situations sometimes worse than the disease. I've had shock treatment that destroyed forever parts of my memory. I've attempted suicide once and think about it once a week. I've been on just about every medicine for what the doctors 'thought' I had. Is it depression or bipolar? They don't know. I've taken trycyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, you name it. I've seen three psychiatrists, and no one can diagnose it. I'm now looking for a fourth. There is generalized anxiety disorder in the mix. I have OCD which, when I am not doing embarrassing things, makes me crazy wanting a gun. The gun is just for me, my ticket to home. I'm so tired of all of this.
But I could put up with all of that if not for three regrets: first, I passed along the genetic predisposition of mental illness to my children and they have both received it. They are managing with medication. Second, my wife left me after 34 years of marriage, and I marvel she lasted that long. Third, the doctors still do not know what they are trying to treat. Meds get changed, the chemical cocktail shrinks or grows. Nothing changes. Twenty years later, no better, no worse.
One of the best lines in 'Fiddler on the Roof' is when Tevya says 'It's no great shame to be poor, but it is no great honour either'. Substitute mental illness for poor, and that is how I feel. The societal stigma will always be there. That's just the way it is. The 'Do You Know who I am' campaign is a waste of money. The issue is not knowing who I am, it is what I have, and how can I be helped so the public won't care who I am, because I will fit in.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
michelle flynn from toronto: I am so grateful that Mental Illness is getting some attention through articles such as yours. I was diagnosed in February of this year with Bipolar after many years of being misdiagnosed. It has been a very painful and destructive path I have had to go down. Along with many many other mentally ill people something very destructive had to happen for me to get help. I have support through a Mental Health Association and with their advice and support I applied to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)back in March/08 for Assistance.
Aug 22/08 I received a letter stating my application was denied. Basically I am not disabled enough. I am still struggling with this disorder, take my medication as prescribed but inside I am not well yet. I try my best not to let anyone know how I really am but I can't be an actress all the time. I guess what I am getting at is without assistance I don't know how I can try to better when I cant even afford to get to my therapy sessions.
I am not well and now the Government is telling me that they won't help to get better. Now I have to go through the whole process again and should I be denied again I don't know what I will do. I am really scared for myself. Thank you for the exposure you are providing about Mental Health issues. Sincerly Michelle Flynn
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
novelgirl from St. Albert, AB:: Mental Illness, is it a curse for the person who has it or for the people who live with this person? It is something I think about a lot. I am the person in my household with Bi-polar. I am considered smart, likable, funny and creative. Why mental illness? Why such mood swings, one day happy another so very sad?
I try to rationalize things all the time, I am happily married, great kids, great job but there always is that nagging feeling in the back of my brain just lingering, it's a cloud. I take my meds not in any great way because if I am too happy I am careless and annoying (talk too much, too agitated, too much twitching, cannot focus well), then I drop my meds to a lower level and the depression hits. The flashbacks, the downward spiral, the self destruction of myself. I put all the guilt, shame, and treat myself like dirt because I feel that is how I should be treated.
It is constant work to be 'normal'. It's all I want. I'm told by so many I have changed and I know I have. I will never be that happy-go-lucky person everyone knew. Today I like to be alone a lot, I don't care for lights on in the house, I like curtains closed and quiet. I am boring.
Mental health hurts, it is shameful to me and I don't like myself. Nothing is clear everything is foggy and dull. What do I do? I see my psychiatrist who is wonderful, I see my addiction counsellor who is wonderful and I lean on my family. I can be my old self but for the most part I am on guard and I feel like everyone wants to say to me live with it, I have tried that too, no meds and boy do I crash. I have to recognize that I am ill and that like a diabetic I have to take my meds everyday.
When that dark cloud hangs overhead I try to think about all the positive things I have and my family and hope that cloud breaks up into a beautiful rainbow. If it doesn't an episode begins and it can be high or it can be low I just have to see what happens. Thanks for listening.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
l thibl from B.C. : The single most difficult challenge facing families, certainly in the early stage of mental illness, is getting their ill loved one to agree to medication. This happens because the brain, the organ of reason, is the one that isn't working.
The complex and difficult hurdle of getting treatment for loved ones must be simplified if there's to be any real progress in the field of mental illness. What's worse, with much of the focus now on youth, as has been happening in the last 10 years or so, many older people with mental illnesses are being forgotten - left to their own devices to deal with serious psychosis.
I speak as a mother of twins who have been ill since 1981. One of them has been desperately trying to cope with severe psychosis and delusions since 1997, when his illness took a turn for the worse. It seems that 'the system' has given up on him and, rather than his doctor putting some serious effort into trying to alleviate his condition, he has pawned him off to the mental health system where he has languished first in a group home and now in a 3/4 house (assisted living I believe it's called).
We know our son can do much better, as his brother is, but not without a concerted effort to that end. On his bad days he has reached out to his doctor for help and been told that isn't the answer - in other words - don't bother him! The other problem that must be dealt with is the severe lack of hospital beds for the mentally ill across this country. It's worse than a crisis situation and complicit governments at all levels are responsible for this dreadful and inhumane treatment of a whole segment of society. If we have any compassion at all, we must recognize that this situation is simply not good enough and demand that changes be made.
Posted Thursday, Aug. 28
Helene Picard from Kelowna: My husband was diagnosed with depression. After different medications & appointments with a psychologist, there is progress due to early diagnosis. This episode can be tracked back to his work environment. As a photography business owner for 25 years & after a recent acquisition with the largest North American school photography company, his unheard concerns of a demotion, (11/2yrs.) caused chronic stress. Rather than using his knowledge & skills of his prime, he experienced neglect & mismanagement. This company is not accepting any responsibility & continues to deny any accountability This was a preventable situation. We've been affected with a reduced income being on disability for 6 months, we face an uncertain future & financial stress. On his physician's advice to not return to the same working conditions he received a termination notice. He was upfront with his illness & raised concerns as to how this continued denial will hinder his recovery? Do we have to go to the mental & financial stress of having the courts decide a fair & equitable settlement?
Thanks for allowing people to speak of their experience, it puts value on their situation & enables them to move on. The younger generation should question why some companies are not able to attract the best work force. I support legislation & education is crucial otherwise what does it say about our regard to human development?
Publish stories of companies that are proactive in the training of managers & offer their employees a supportive work environment. It would be a much needed statement. This could be useful to companies that want to change, a guide to those seeking employment in companies that are proud to display ethical conduct (financial & emotional) as a part of their commitment & also to future consumers who wish to support this type of movement.
Posted Friday, Aug. 8
Duncan Matheson from Charlottetown: I am a parent of a child with a severe mental illness. Our family has been dealing with the associated challenges for 5 years. While we have made many mistakes in trying to help our son, we have also had to deal with under-resourced hospitals and staff and a lack of meaningful programs to assist both our family and our son. We have lost the services of caring and concerned doctors who have left the province in frustration for the same reasons. They wanted to facilitate change and improve resources and services, yet, had to deal with stigma, budget restraints; lack of awareness of the real challenges and more. The experience has left us feeling that those suffering chronic mental health illness are marginalized and under-served. It is no wonder that many of our streets and prisons are populated by mentally ill individuals who have fallen through the cracks.
I recall trying to get long-term funding under our son which led us down a long winding path to our provincial social services offices which handles disability support and 'welfare'. We were shocked to learn that our son, with a severe mental health disability, did not qualify for the disability support program. We ended up in front of a 'welfare' counsellor who did his best to assist, however, was not trained, equipped or comfortable dealing with a person with mental health issues. I really felt bad for the guy yet absolutely perpexed that this was the last line of defense for someone with this kind of disability.
I wonder at the cost, socially and economically, at not effectively addressing the serious shortcomings on this issue. It was hopeful to learn that there is some focus being placed on a national mental health strategy for the future. Based on our experience, it is very much needed.
Posted Friday, Aug. 8
Olivia Beck from Canada: I'm tired. I want stability. I want to know that I will be able to have a roof over my head. I want to know that I will have food in my mouth. I want to know that I can have the life I dream of having, and have the life that is promised to every person who 'plans' and 'does the right thing.' (Whatever that is!) I'm not asking for big things here. I just want to have some shelter, and some food, and someone to keep me warm at night. I want to be able to dream about the things that other folks get to dream about... like having kids, maybe going for a trip somewhere, maybe I'd even dare to dream of the things I'd like to accomplish before I kick the bucket. I want to know that people can love me and be in my life without sacrificing their own lives and security. I just want to know that it's going to work out, for all involved. If this were only about me, I really wouldn't care. But there are others involved. And it bothers me that everyone who touches me needs to think twice before they can do anything with their lives. I've done the best I can to make sure I'm healthy. Really I have. Now it's your turn to hold up YOUR end of the bargain.
Posted Friday, Aug. 8
RD W from Canada: I suffer from depression. And 'suffer' is the right word. I used to be a successful engineer with a family. Now I am unemployed, I haven't seen my children, and I have little hope for the future.
Every day is a struggle as I decide if today is a day to live or die. The doctors and psychologists are trying to help, but so far I feel nothing but despair.
Sure, some days are OK, but most are a nightmare as I envision my own death whenever I blink.
The resources to help people like me are stretched beyond the limit. They say that 20% of us have some form of trouble, yet we feel like the forgotten ones.
Posted Friday, Aug. 2
Elizabeth Elder from Burlington: What the Government can change: Part 1 One thing that is very distressing to me and, I think, to many people with mental illness is the trauma experienced in the first few years of developing the illness. And there is much we can do to help. In my experience of developing bipolar I had no idea what was happening to me. Because of this i was on no medication. So i began to experience and eruption of foul and dangerous feelings. My education, relationships, and who I was as a person all crashed in a mess. Having no reason to give anyone for why, I was all alone trying to shield my vulnerable state from the anger and frustration of everyone around me. One simple change can protect people who are going to have an experience like mine.
I believe every doctor in Canada needs to ASK every patient if there is a history of mental illness in the family. Although it may not be pleasant; if there is a history, then the whole family should be prepped on exactly what to expect. They should be provided with all the information that's available. And I strongly believe Doctors must talk to these children when they reach their teens- before they get sick. Then before they have the illness clouding their judgment, the teens can feel the support of their families; they can properly assess how dangerous it is to be sick when not on meds; they can begin to accept that they may have to live with an illness such as bipolar; they can fully prepare themselves and they can know what to expect. I think, then there will be many who can nip the illness in the bud as soon as they are sure of symptoms and save themselves form years of confusion, anguish and embarrassment.
Part 2 There are many things that people and the government do to support Mental health. I am thankful that there are conferences out there; bipolar support groups etc. These are the people who are making others sensitive and more aware of our conditions. I am especially thankful for the government support for those who are too sick to work. I have yet to hold down a job and without Ontario Disability support program I wouldn't be able to survive. However, nobody in the Health care system told me of O.D.S.P when I really could have used it. I eventually heard of it from a friend. Therefore another positive change for the government could be that they make their services more available and widely known. They could do this through advertising, informing doctors to tell their patients etc.
In my opinion, Canada is one of the better countries for health care. Sure there is a long wait sometimes but the relief my wallet feels is much appreciated. I love my government paid psychiatrist. He has changed my life.
Finally I want to comment on Canada's hospitals, specifically Joseph Brant. I have never been turned away except from space issues. They have a wonderful, hardworking staff. For all the trouble us patients give them, they do a fabulous job of meeting our needs. The nurses would sit and chat with us, making us feel more at home. The hospital has entertainment for us like musicians and animals. There is also many activities to be a part of. They made it nice there and I felt secure.
Posted July 31, Thursday
Vancouver Canadian from vancouver: So this article deals with brain chemistry and drugs. How about doing an article on working through adversity. Depression often follows adversity. Stuffing down feelings brings depression, keeping a secret can bring on depression, a major life change can bring on depression.
I had to learn to work through all the beliefs and behaviours and emotions. Over time, doing this restored my mental health. I had to let go... said some therapists...when I asked how, they said release the feelings... I asked how... got no answer...so I learned myself.... tears can be healing but only if you develop a deeper understanding, forgive and develop healthy habits of compassion and gratitude.
Its not an easy journey, but it is a very worthwhile journey to heal. PS: Just to clarify, I'm not talking about clinical depression here, I'm referring to stress, adversity and reactive depression....
Posted July 31, Thursday
Horst Mulliner from Vancouver: Thank you for publicizing this important issue.
In 1990, while working as a travelling sales rep in my early 30s, I had a breakdown. I had suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) since childhood. At various points, my OCD became a big problem for me. But when I took a high pressure well paid job in 1989, working for two bullying managers, my OCD went sky-high. I stopped sleeping properly, had panic attacks, started getting valium (diazepam) and sleeping pill prescriptions from the doctor. Then he put me on antidepressants for the OCD, including Prozac.
It became unbearable, and one day I was about to go on the freeway when I became totally unable to drive. Had to call the emergency service and ask to be rescued. That was the point when my problems really got bad, because the psychiatrist put me on heavy duty tranquillisers to help the panic attacks. I got addicted very quickly and was gobbling these pills by the bucketful. Soon my liver became unwell and I collapsed in the grocery store in the checkout line one day. I had to stop taking the pills, and went through 3 weeks without any sleep as my body detoxed. Horrific, absolutely horrific. The OCD was still with me.
One factor that saved me was my Christian faith. I had already come to faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and I just trusted him to help me through all this terrible fear and anxiety. He did so. In 1999, my brother died suddenly, and the fear came back. I didn't take antidepressants or tranquillizers, after my earlier experience. It was not so bad this time, because I was older. But once again, the answer was to turn to Jesus, because he is the rock on which I stand. It may well be that in this life, I will never be free from OCD, as it appears to be a neurological condition - my father and grandfather had OCD, and on my mother's side, there is a history of anxiety and depression. But I know that I can give my fears and worries to Jesus to take care of.
Posted July 31, Thursday
K A from g Canada writes: My story point form: Mother professional classical pianist, visual artist, type 1 diabetes Father professor Biochemistry, survived war trauma, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease (rare neuromuscular degenerative disorder), developed alcoholism in mid-life. Education Walden school 3 years Catholic school 8 years, 2 international schools Responsible for care of 2 younger sisters by age 10, by 15 responsible for mother's physical care, trained to be full time nanny at home Witnessed physical abuse of sister, rape of mother. Age 15 felt suicidal daily, severe migraines. Sought help from 3 school counsellors, 3 doctors- told there is 'nothing wrong, you are young and healthy.' Age 16 felt extreme terror and guilt, turned to parents recent conversion to a pentecostal group. 18 left home to work. 22 actively suicidal. Saw psychiatrist biweekly for one year, given antidepressant. Ended with 'you're doing fine'. 24 returned home at dying mother's request. parental abuse escalated emotionally. left and teen sister moved in with me, on social services. Suicidal -Saw 2nd psychiatrist-appt's in a restaurant -2 yrs No medication/counselling Ended since no help. Mother died - struggling through university, supporting myself, parenting sister. Father disowned me. Sisters angry at me. Graduated 'with distinction' Started teaching Got married Collapsed age 30 Husband abused me Father's abuse left me undefended, unaware of violations Left husband once aware Abused by 2 counsellors No one believed me O.d.'d Ignored in Psych ward, sent to unsafe shelter 10 days later Terrified alone Returned to counsellor who conned me 100% of property finances credit 3 years later to 2nd shelter NO legal protection Cannot go bankrupt costs $1500 Terrified alone psych ward says be responsible for your life diagnoses PTSD now live below poverty line no family function 40% of time age 51 UNNECESSARY DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE CARE FOR ABUSE/TRAUMA
Posted Monday, July 22
Vitor Medeiros from Sarnia Canada writes: As a society we must remove the stigma associated with mental health. I will tell you a story. A man approximately 50 years old suffers a heart attack. He goes to hospital has everyone he knows come with get well cards and flowers. His room is filled with all this warmth and sincere words of hope. He recovers from surgery and goes home to complete his recovery. He falls into a deep depression. Why, you ask? Who knows he just does. Now picture him in a hospital room by himself, some friends, some family. No funny get well cards, no balloons, just him physically well but not mentally.
The cards and balloons and flowers that he woke up to when he was healing his heart helped. The visits from friends and family helped. Now alone when he needs his family and friends the most.
Posted Monday, July 22
Tracey Gallant, Riverview, New Brunswick: It is wonderful to read that Canadians are all too aware of the many people in our lives that we hold dear being challenged daily with medical afflictions of the mind. It is even more wondrous to watch people despite Mental Illness, thrive! That's my favourite little simple sunshine.
When I witness people I love challenged and struggling through it all . . . falling and getting right back up, and moving on . . . you can't know how it excites me.
I am married to the most amazing man, who teaches me everyday how to cope with our Families that have so many loved ones afflicted with Mental Health Concerns that it's exasperating . . . yet he just keeps on keeping on with his 'this too shall pass' while I'd be SCREECHING ' it better be well soon because I sometimes feel like I'm on the moon.'
Michael has been treated for nine different medical afflictions in the past 12 years, and is a walking talking example of the wonder side of treatment. He is well.
The article is long overdue. All of us will have people we love afflicted with Mental Health Concerns if we live long enough. The most important ingredient in the Health Care System to help Canadians Coping (or Not) with Mental Health Issues is 'Acceptance' of the fact that all of us will be Healthier if we work diligently as individuals, as families, as neighbours, as communities, to 'Slay the Dragon Demon Snotty Nosed Monster - Stigma' just do it.
As Canadians, we must work to embrace one another, and end the embarrassing 'oh, God not another one' sortta thing when someone we love becomes sick.
End the Stigma now.
Love Ben & James' Mom, who screeched her way through apparent madness so many times we've all lost track. Wouldn't it be lovely if our Children's Children lived to see the day when there was 'no stinkin ole' stigma' attached to Medical Affliction of The Mind. God Bless everyone in the world and especially The 6.2 Billion that became 1....Dreamer I remain
Posted Wednesday, July 16
Joanne Dunn, Sarnia: I'm 48 years old. My first episode (not sure what to call it as I am still, to this day, undiagnosed) was at 13. Without understanding it, I wanted my life to end. Daily living was hard. Smells nauseated me. I couldn't sleep.
My second episode was at 19. I tried to sleep but couldn't because I was busy scolding myself for not having figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I was scared to death that I would not be able to fend for myself in the 'real' world and that I would be on social assistance. These thoughts were pervasive and rendered me unable to sleep one wink for about a month.
My last episode occurred after giving birth in 1988. I obviously suffered post-partum depression (bordering on psychosis), but could find no help anywhere. Even when I drove to the Emergency room at a Burlington hospital to tell them I could no longer cope. They sent me home.
I cope rather well today. I have found a psychiatrist that is willing to help and allows me to challenge him (as if I know better than he - not!) I'm now dealing with my emotions and mood disorder in a healthy manner. For years I drank to self-medicate. I fully and completely understand anyone who does same.
I have friends who also suffer from various mental health issues. We rail at the lack of help. Thank God we are articulate enough to advocate for ourselves. I pity those who don't have the energy to scope out community resources and mental health specialists. They certainly don't come to you. You have to get out there and look. And keep looking... I mourn the childhood I never had.
Posted Wednesday, July 16
Elizabeth Elder from Burlington Canada writes: Medication: Part 1 Doctors don't have it easy. They are pressured by the patients and their families, and they are pressed for time, for their patients can harm themselves when not medicated. Sometimes you hear of doctors pushing drugs, well the three psychiatrists that I've been to were very careful in dissecting my life's history to be sure of my diagnosis. Then they immediately started me on the highest researched drug with the best success rate, and added only what I needed to be stable.
In my experience of being around many mentally ill people while watching them get medicated I've found there are many reasons behind a person getting overmedicated. With the psychiatrists we try to find a perfect dose, balance and combination. Psychiatrists usually do know how much medication a patient needs and they go with their seasoned knowledge.
The thing is, when you go into their office and sit down, they are aware of how many people before you and just like you have been picked up by an ambulance or detained by police officers and so yes, maybe they are eager to put you on the highest dose that they've found success with. But if you are committed to your wellbeing and continue to explain the details of your symptoms, and explain what's bothering you about your medication, I've always found they are willing to carefully try adjusting your meds. Unless you have been already a danger to society, then I've actually seen a social worker go to that person's house daily to enforce that the medication is taken. Those types of people have to be on a high quantity of drugs just so they're not dangerous. The person may not like it, and it may seem alarming to you, but I don't think that the police officers, ambulance drivers and the hospital with its staff and those who fund it would have it any other way.
BUT after being medicated and stabilized many patients find they are still experiencing symptoms such as racing thoughts or voices. And it's the patients that push for more drugs hoping that they can feel as though they have no mental illness at all. But what you need to know is that it's just not like that.
My doctor tells me all the time that as the pill does something good in your body it will also leave an additional, unwanted effect; your body's reaction. That's the nature of most drugs. So, sometimes the amount of drug needed to completely extinguish the symptom (i.e. racing thoughts) will cause gross side affects such as drowsiness or slurred speech. In your opinion this may be overmedicating because the only thing obvious is the side effect of the drug. No one likes that, but patients keep going back to their doctors demanding relief from their symptoms, and unfortunately, increasing the medication is the only way they can get that relief.
Of course there are a huge amount of people who are different. Some people have immediate success on little to no drugs. Or there are people who learn to deal with the extra symptoms because they want to avoid the terrible feeling of being too medicated. And of course there are many levels of a type of illness, and many types of illnesses.
One time a psychiatrist did take me off meds that were harming me but didn't put me on anything after that. This was so he could be sure I was even bipolar. I therefore became dangerous. But since he didn't have enough information of my history, he had no other way to learn of my diagnosis. He didn't want to medicate me if I didn't need it.
It is probable that if a psychiatrist or doctor doesn't take the time to discover what exact type of illness a person has, they could misdiagnose and overmedicate. That is why it is so important to write down exactly what is happening to you daily and consistently present this info to your doc. It is also important to see a psychiatrist, not just a doctor. Only when I wanted my doctor's help instead of a psychiatrist did I get misdiagnosed and put on the wrong meds. And it was very terrible for me.
Once you know of your diagnoses, I believe it is empowering and important to do your own research on medications. Ask your doctor for all the info on drugs he or she may prescribe. Finally if the drug is not widely used and you hear no success of it, chances are it will not work. Thankfully now I have a psychiatrist who explains all of his choices with much depth and many analogies. He wants to give me enough knowledge so I can make choices myself. He actually feels my pain when I complain about weight gain, etc. He also pushes me to go for my dreams and do things that help my soul, not just my mental state.
I don't know how long my stability will last. But I have luckily found a way to keep from danger (going manic), while still staying at a level of functionality that I'm happy with. But yes, it comes with ignoring a huge symptom in my life (hearing things) in order to avoid being 'overmedicated. ' Because yes, slurred speech and no desire to do anything does suck!
Posted Wednesday, July 16
Damuniqued, Canada: I haven't told everyone before now about my diagnosis. This is for several reasons. First, because it doesn't define my life. I don't tell everyone about my back problems, either. Mental illness is something I have, not who I am. I also have talent, salt-and-pepper hair, a big nose, a wicked sense of humour, a hell of an I.Q., a bad wardrobe and more education than I will ever use.
Mental illness has, indeed, made a difference in my life, usually for the worse. So have my bra size and my intelligence.
Next, I prefer to avoid having every aspect of my life and actions, especially my politics, analyzed through the prism of mental illness.
Finally, there is always the danger that anyone who wishes to harm me could get away with it, simply because I may not be considered credible. People such as myself live in constant fear of abuse by others with impunity. Statistically, we are victims of crime far more often than we are perpetrators.
To me, the biggest social change necessary is the assiduous avoidance of the ad hominem fallacy: i.e., remembering that just because someone you don't like says the sky is blue, doesn't make the sky orange. We need rigorous fairness in the justice system and too often, don't get access to it at all because we are not taken seriously.
Posted Wednesday, July 16
kathy Isinghood from Canada writes: I remember being 6 and so sad, life just wasn't really that great. My family was, but I was always alone, trying to just do the things that kids do. As I grew older, I always figured I was weird or crazy, or both. Now I am 41, I understand it all, the self medicating, the sexual issues, being in abusive relationships. I went to a doctor in BC 15 years ago after my son was born. I went again, and again, trying to understand the immense hatred I had for myself. One attempt on my life when I was 19 years old, something had to be wrong.
Living my life with those wonderful sayings 'Just think happy you will be happy' and 'Wake up and decide you will be happy for the day' only served to make me realize that I was a failure at the simplest stages of life, and for years I wanted the pain gone. A huge change in my life bought upon a breakdown, and finally the realization that I was sick. This bought about a lot of pain, a lot of self recrimination, and so much healing that today, when I feel depressed, I can cope, realizing its my illness and not my shortcoming.
I suffer bipolar type 2. My son's friends all know that I have a mental illness and in being open with them, I am realizing very quickly I am not alone. Many of these parents have issues, the teens have issues and I am watching them self medicate, all the time letting them know, its ok to be sick, you need to get help when you are ready!! These are kids who are 14-18 years old, who are understanding the trauma and crisis MI brings to families, to friends and social circles. Many have been in rehab, drug and alcohol charges are frequent, and the city I live in has a huge population of 'using' teens.
My life has been hell, I have been through so much. Thankfully it is better now, and I am surviving, even thriving some days. Life can be good if you get the help and can put this terrible illness into remission!!
Posted Wednesday, July 9
Elisabeth (Tina) Holland from Winnipeg: I was diagnosed with Bipolar illness at age 27, but suffered since I was 12 years old with what I thought was depression. I would go on medication and off meds, my life was a rollercoaster for so many years. At 27 I decided I would finally kill myself or learn to live with this illness. I was put on the correct medication after dozens of tries, I have been on the same medication ever since. I then began trying to redo the way I was thinking so I would be more positive now I know that is called CBT.
I had a very successful career in Real Estate with the help of a very understanding owner who paid me a draw salary while I was getting better. I eventually paid it back, but had that not happened I would have ended up destitute, instead I am still a productive member of society.
I have since retired from real estate and started working at The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, heading there Education Department and speaking and teaching wherever I can. This is definitely the most satisfying work I have ever done. My favourite audiences are teenagers, I hope if I can get through to just a few teens then I can spare them the years of ups and downs I had.
I find so many people try to get off medication and their entire focus in life is getting on or off medication. For myself the best thing was to find a medication, learn to get used to it and then concentrate on living my life to the fullest, learning how to move ahead, and finally realizing that I can help other people to accept there illness, treat it and get on with there lives.
Why do so many people advise us (those with a mental illness) to get off our medications? If this is truly a chemical imbalance like diabetes let us get used to the meds and get on with living.
Thank you for listening to my long tirade as you can see I feel passionate about the subject.
Posted Wednesday, July 9
H Alexander from Surrey writes: Never give up seeking support. Fight for your kid. Too many doctors undermine concerned parents. If Mom thinks something is wrong with baby, then listen! Offer referrals, support services, respite. Early intervention is critical, but medical professionals often write-off Mom's concern as post baby blues or anxiety and write a prescription for anti-depressants.
Negotiating the waters of getting support is complex and begins with the family doctor, if that doctor is willing to listen. Extended family members need to be supportive too and withhold judgment calls. Having a mentally challenged child is a huge strain on family resources both financial and emotional. Marriages can break down. Most often Mom has to stay home to deal with ceaseless demands of a troubled baby and her career may be on hold indefinitely. Siblings have to learn cope and their needs are put on the backburner.
How often when a teenager or young adult is finally diagnosed, Mom wonders back and always knew something wasn't quite right. A baby that never, ever stops crying isn't suffering from colic; there are many more complexities involved and all avenues both physical and mental must be explored. Unfortunately for the parents, costly private analysis is often a last resort.
Two of my four kids have challenges and it is by the grace of strangers that they travel on the road to their recovery and adult independence. But for the younger little boy, that road is still long and treacherous. Blessings to all of you out there that are coping, supporting and loving someone in your life that needs your help.
Posted Wednesday, July 9
Alison Philpotts from Calgary writes: It is interesting that there has been no mention of alternative care for mental disorders; Acupuncture, reiki, energetic and spiritual healing have all helped people or clients in the past ( I have been a massage therapist for sixteen years). Clearing away the 'dark clouds' , ( low feelings, low vibrations) have worked, plus meditation, retraining of thoughts (riding of mind chatter) are extremely beneficial. Empowering the individual to curb or heal is the most important and they can!!
Medication is just a band-aid, but the individual can become more conscious and find a way to heal themselves and move on. There are solutions outside the allopathic health model.
Posted Wednesday, July 9
carol emery from Canada writes: I read with great interest your article Breakdown Seeking Solutions. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the brain stimulation procedure could eventually help people with all types of mental disorders.
My son is a recovering drug addict who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder. He takes medication for it, but imagine the freedom my son and thousands of other people could have if this procedure becomes available to all people in need. This is something that the government should be putting money into. There are too many people suffering. Imagine being able to treat a person with addictions, so that they would no longer have cravings for abusive substances. I hope that research will continue and that help will be available to anyone seeking it.
Posted Wednesday, July 9
Lindsay MacKinnon from Toronto writes: The past 4 have been hell for my family and myself as I have been struggling with Mental Health issues. Currently I am 15 years old, and have recently just gotten out of long-term treatment. Doctors have diagnosed me with labels such as Depression, Major Depressive disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.
After my uncle died at age 10, i started going downhill. At age 11, almost 12, i started experimenting with Self Injury. I don't know what drove myself to pick up the razor for the first time but i did. At first it was only little scratches, like cat scratches. After a few months it started getting worse. It turned from scratches to cuts, then to even deeper cuts. At age 13, things started getting way worse. I began to think of suicide as my only option. After not being able to get better, i attempted suicide by ingesting a handful of random pills i found in my house. After ingesting them i felt guilty that my parents might find me dead, so i decided to tell them. They took me to the ER, and after taking my blood and treating me, they took me to a different hospital to a children and adolescent psych ward. After a month and a half stay they diagnosed with depression and sent me home with a prescription for Wellbutrin XL. After a few months of being home, i got so desperate that i took my whole prescription on Wellburtin. This lead to my trip to the ICU, which eventually lead to another trip to the psych ward. In the following months there were 3 other hospital visits, the last one leading to my admission to a long term treatment facility.
After a year and a half stay at the treatment center, I can definitely say that getting treatment helps, as i today no longer self harm. I do however get the urge to do it, but with my new found coping skills i no longer feel the need to self injure or feel the need to commit suicide even though i get the thoughts sometimes.
Posted Wednesday, July 9
Michael Miller from Pierrefonds, Canada writes: I live in a subsidized mental-health apartment building, run by a community organization. I suffer from anxiety, which is improving, and depression.
What one policy change would I recommend? I have little to complain about as the welfare system in Quebec for those considered unable to work is quite generous. Perhaps more mental-health subsidized housing, or an increase in welfare cheques for those living in non-subsidized apartments. For me in particular, it would be more funding and availability of part-time work or volunteer work for those with mental health problems.
But there are many things that could be done to help more, like increase the quality of care in hospitals and increase the number of workers to help those with mental health problems.
I have suffered from agoraphobia, and it would have helped to have a therapist come to help me by driving me further and further from home, taking the bus further and further and just giving me tips on how to heal myself. The agoraphobia program is located a two-hour bus and metro ride away from me at the Allan Memorial. What good is that if I am nervous taking a bus for over half an hour? The help in this case never really came, although I do have a social worker who does drive me around once a week. There is help, but not enough, I would say.
When I say quality of care at hospitals, I mean like having more phones, more activities, more actual therapy in the hospital. The main emphasis in my experience in the hospital is on medication and I think very little is done in the way of talking therapy. I tried to commit suicide once, and barely anyone talked to me about it. To quote from Gary Renard's bestselling book, 'Your Immortal Reality','Suicide is the biggest problem in the world that the world is in total denial of...people...have no idea how widespread it is.'
Sorry if I gave more than one idea, but I felt it was important to share my thoughts. God bless. Thank you for raising awareness about mental health.
Posted Wednesday, July 9
Sharon Evans from Penticton, B.C. writes: I graduated from Riverview Hospital in B.C. in 1967 as a Psychiatric Nurse. During these 40 years, mental health care has moved from distant large hospitals to home community services.
It is my opinion that what has NOT moved is equivalent funding to promote and maintain community based services. I am a family member and volunteer for the Penticton Branch of the BC Schizophrenia Society. Our primary organizational goal is peer support for the front-line caregiver: the family. Families, as repeatedly noted in the series, struggle to help our loved one stay alive, to cope with the demands of daily living, to cope with the rejection of others, to set goals and achieve their dreams. These struggles are not related to any specific diagnosis but to all. By sharing experiences and strategies, families can help themselves and each other.
As described by Mr. Picard (June 27), our lived experience must be used to develop and sustain mental health systems. The lived experience of our family members who are in recovery from a mental illness must be used to evaluate services. Funders, including Ministries of Finance, want to have tangible goods purchased with their dollars. It is easy to see a medical device beeping away in a hospital room. It is not so easy to see the improvement a psychosocial rehabilitation program provides for an individual in the community. Recovery programs require trained staff.
From the recommended $10 billion mental-health fund, there must be dedicated funding for education for mental healthcare providers. Technology provides opportunities for distance education and conferences through the Internet. The Schizophrenia Society of Canada and its provincial societies can provide grassroots leadership to the Mental Health Commission of Canada to promote mental health programs, and to eradicate the scourge of stigma. Sharon Evans RPN, ADPN, BSPN Penticton Branch BC Schizophrenia Society
Posted Wednesday, July 9
Lina Dhingra from Toronto writes: In June, 2006, my mother was murdered. This crime was committed by my father, Ved Dhingra, who had been released from hospital after his fifth serious suicide attempt, a stab wound to the stomach, within one week. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1988.
In March, we won the battle to have the first-degree-murder charge dropped and my father declared not criminally responsible. However, he did serve prison time at Lindsay Correctional Centre from June, 2006, to March, 2008. ... Currently, he is in the forensic rehabilitation unit of the Whitby Mental Health Centre.
I have seen huge improvements, but clearly there is a problem within our justice system and the mental-health-care system.
Something needs to be done, and hopefully I can help to create change.
Posted Friday, July 4
Diane Cizek from Burlington Canada writes: When I was diagnosed with a history of major depressive disorder, I was experiencing only moderate depression, but the diagnosis was devastating enough to catapult me into an episode of major depression.
I was horrified at being mentally ill and suffered from my own stigmatization. A cascade of horrors followed. After only one term at graduate school, I took a one-year leave during which time I fell into deeper depression and anorexia. There was outpatient therapy, multiple trips to the ER, and self-destructive behaviour. After returning to my studies, I overdosed and was hospitalized, at which point I dropped out of university, never to return.
My nightmares continued when I discovered that the doctors thought I might have Borderline Personality Disorder (this was later confirmed). I was appalled because everything I knew about borderline patients was extremely negative. They are the most dreaded of patients—some doctors even refuse to treat them—and they are considered the most difficult to treat.
While it is agreed that a mood disorder is not a weakness of character, how could the same be said for a personality disorder when there is no consensus that it is even an illness? I thought BPD meant I was BAD. Even the suggestion that I might be borderline was enough to make me plummet into despair. I have never met anyone who admitted to being borderline. Even in the many submissions to The Globe and Mail about mental illness, there was no mention of BPD, so deep is the shame and stigma that surrounds it. And none of the stories published by The Globe featured BPD, perhaps because borderline patients do not usually evoke compassion; someone with BPD is an unlikely candidate to be a poster child for mental illness.
For many psychiatric patients, the treatment or even the diagnosis of contributes to the illness, something the profession calls "iatrogenic." Having had this experience, I wish for a greater understanding of mental illness for everyone.
Posted Friday, July 4
Andrea Paquette from Victoria Canada writes: Most media stories/people focus on the tragedy that people with mental illnesses endure, but often forget to highlight how mental illness can sometimes be a gift as it has been for me.
It does not define me but is a part of me, just as are my hazel eyes and my defined dimples. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with bipolar disorder and many would say that my story is tragic, sad, and disturbing. I used to convey that I lost everything as I was stripped so far to the bone that I attempted to end my life. It was not my time.
How can bipolar be a gift? I am assured that a lot of my energy was a catalyst to complete a double degree, run for the nomination for member of parliament at age 26, teach overseas as a University Professor, and most especially write poetry like the wind. I feel so intensely, possibly like no other. I often say, I would rather feel great devastation and sadness like I have, then nothing at all, for I know I am alive. I feel overwhelming happiness, hope and most especially empathy in a way that I have never experienced before the breakdown.
I have seen, heard and experienced things in a way that 99% of the population never will. Creative genius did not escape Edgar Alan Poe, Virginia Wolf, or Vincent Van Gogh and this truth reminds me that we are not doomed but indeed are given a gift. Perhaps a cursed gift, but a gift nonetheless. It may be a tireless battle for many at stages in their lives or every day, but luckily for me, I am renewed.
I am an advocate for the mentally ill and I am finally ready to battle stigma as I am working on a project that will bring education and clarity to all people. It begins with people like me, cursed with this gift, to speak of the experience and in doing so, we create a dialogue and eventually a universal acceptance.
Who wants to be normal anyway, perhaps being normal is its own from of insanity. I remember when I was insane...ironically, the world actually made sense for the first time.
Posted Friday, July 4
Virginia Gill from Sault Ste. Marie Canada writes: It was a great relief to finally admit that I suffer from Depression. My doctors tell me that it is a life long medical condition and that I will be on medication for the rest of my life.
What bothers me the most is when people find out, they resort to cliches: Just buck up...quit thinking about yourself...keep busy...exercise.
If it were that simple you can be assured I would have tried it. This condition is no fun and there is no cure. The medication helps, but not 100 per cent. I would love to be energetic and involved, but unfortunately, it is not possible.
Posted Friday, July 4
Garry from Canada writes: I would like to share with you my story. It all started one day in 1998. I sat in an office on my own, shaking, sweating and full of nervous anxiety. I had reached my bottom. I had finally gotten to that place, I could no longer go on like this.
I went to my boss who agreed to get me help. He informed me in the old boys network way..." If I screwed up, I was gone!"
This was and is a sentiment still held I am saddened to say, by many in big business today. Sadly very much alive, is an old boys network where alcohol is part of the job, a sign of manhood, part of the team.
I was a functioning alcoholic, the No 1 producer on the crew always managing to hide my alcoholism. Each day started with a screwdriver, then pouring a bottle of vodka in a bottle of water and sipping on it all day. That day back in 1998, changed my life. Thanks to a fellow craftsman Dennis Buckley I have regained a sense of self worth. Dennis was and still is the chairman of a wonderful recovery house called NEWGATE 180 located in Merrickville Ontario.
In Newgate I learned there were several reasons for my drinking. One...I have a genetic marker making me more susceptible to alcoholism, a learning disability, and a very poor family dynamics. In the 28 days I was in Newgate, I learned to accept and work with these contributing factors. I also feared returning to work and the stigma that would come from some of the old boys network. A stigma that is very much alive today with co-workers commenting that I use alcohol as a crutch and that I am weak. I learned in Newgate to cope the these attitudes, and have tried with limited success, to change the thinking of management and the old boys network.
Newgate gave me skill and knowledge that if I didn't have, I believe today I would be on the street drinking. In AA they teach us anonymity. I have always broken mine, hoping it would help someone who may some day turn to me for help.
I invite you to visit Newgate 180 and see the wonderful atmosphere and staff that have helped to keep me sober for 9 years, 24 hours at a time.
I close this letter giving thanks to the 3 people who have saved my life ... so many 24 hours ago, my loving wife Nancy, my late sponsor John Desroches, and of course Dennis Buckley. There is more to my story and my little successes along the way, but for now I thank you for your articles. They have given me the courage to speak out and as we move forward I hope I can help in changing attitudes about addictions. Thanks for your time......yours in recovery Garry Pryor
Posted Friday, July 4
Bev Lundahl from Canada writes: Breakdown, the recent series in The Globe and Mail inspires me to comment. As one who went through this nightmare years ago and now watches a son struggling to recover from a similar disability, I think about the way society has dealt with people like us.
Both of us have gone the medication route, a blessing and a curse. Medication has enabled me to function independently for almost three decades, but I have also spent a great deal of that time walking around in medicated lethargy, a side effect which can often be misunderstood.
What concerns me today is what I call a breakdown of community. The privacy laws make it difficult for family and friends to be involved with a loved one's treatment or even admission to hospital. I found it disturbing to walk into the psychiatric ward and see staff look down at the floor to avoid eye contact when I approached. They are bound by the law not to discuss the patients who can often be so out of touch with reality they are unable to give the necessary permission for release of information. Granted there is a fine line between help and interference from relatives and friends.
During a time of intense stress, which comes during a breakdown seeing signs that read "abuse will not be tolerated" in health facilities is not conducive to one's sense of well-being and comfort at a time when one needs it most. People on both sides of those signs are however dealing with a difficult area of the law and what I suggest is symptomatic of community breakdown.
I might add that I was comforted when a hospital security guard, a man I knew, went into the parking lot to coax my son back into emergency when I couldn't handle the situation. And to have a wonderful family doctor for almost 35 years that would go the extra mile. But then I have been in this community for a long time. What about those who have not?
Unable to care for my son by myself, he is now perilously close to the "streets". At the moment he has been able to access affordable housing where he is safe and is presently working at a job that is an asset to the community. SARCAN, a successful bottle recycling business in Saskatchewan employs people who are being rehabilitated. This is the great side of community and I have a deep gratitude for these programs. But the road getting to this point has been long and fraught with danger spots. It could have ended differently.
Walking downtown now with my son, I am getting to know some of those people hanging around the street corners. Some he has met in hospital and they are now out in the community. Do we recognize them and give them the time of day? Do we know why they are there? Do they really want that quarter or that cigarette, which they may ask for or do they just, want to belong?
On a more positive note, technology is creating new types of community of which the on-line information-sharing group is an example. Thank you to The Globe and Mail for creating this therapeutic community and for this awareness-raising campaign.
PS: The series inspired me to bring to your attention a book about the old mental hospital in Weyburn, Sask. by a former patient.
The book "Lady With A Lantern" by Kathleen M. (Kay) Parley was published by Benchmark Press (offices in Regina and Winnipeg) in 2007. ISBN 978-0-9782876-2-7
The author is unique in that she was a patient in the 1940's and later trained there in the 1950's to be a psych nurse. Her father became a patient there when she was seven and also her maternal grandfather was a patient. She trained there at the time research was being done at this hospital into the new medications and LSD was being used experimentally by researchers to simulate effects of psychosis. Weyburn Hospital also received the American Psychiatric Association Achievement Award in the 1950's.
Kay's book shows how patients in earlier days were isolated from the community by being kept in a custodial institution. Her own personal experience is on the cusp of the old ways and the new. The evolution of the new way is described below in my own experience in the 1980's and my son's two decades later.
Posted Friday July 4
Sandra Reid from Toronto Canada writes: I have suffered from 4 depressive episodes since 1977. After the last instance I determined that I could no longer live without anti-depressant medication. It was not always that way, to my detriment! I have now been 'symptom-free' for over 15 years.
I have also suffered from Grade 3 breast cancer and survived chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy along with additional treatments of Herceptin. I was diagnosed in 2004 and continue to thrive!
I would gladly undergo more treatments for cancer in preference to being depressed.
Your articles made me realize that, while I speak freely of my cancer experiences, I still reserve my comments about depression. Yes, I still often hold back after all these years and it is because of the stigma attached to mental illness. By providing the safe forum to talk about mental illness as we do about breast cancer I believe we can change attitudes. I will try to do my part. Thank-you for opening up our means to communicate.
Posted Thursday, July 3
Sandra Larter from Canada writes: We lost our only child to schizophrenia when he was 17. I noticed subtle personality changes for several years but thought it was normal for a teenager. The crisis came when he used LSD and saw the face of the devil. After taking him a psychiatrist, he was sent to UBC for diagnosis and hospitalized for the first time. Social workers recommended he be placed in a group home.
This started the revolving door, as he was non-compliant with rules and medications. VGH and then Riverview were next. After 9 months in Riverview, he was released with a bus ticket, some cash and nowhere to go. The downward spiral continued...he went from hostels, infested apartments and sleeping on the street. I would help get an apt. but he would be evicted due to not taking his meds, drinking and unkempt conditions. This cycle went on for 12 years.
At 30, he met another mental health consumer at the clinic. She became pregnant, so they married and had a child. Extended families on both sides agreed to help them take care of the child. Life was too difficult for them and his wife subsequently left with her child to live with her parents. He was eventually evicted from the apartment for accidentally setting a fire.
Now 40, he lives in subsidized housing run by the Kettle Soc. Threats have been made by his landlord to evict him but he is hanging in. He was hospitalized again last summer and released on the condition that he had to take his medication. He recently got legal aid to help him fight the system and he is no longer on medication.
Our son needs help. He needs a job. He goes to Coast Foundation every day but there doesn't seem to be any help there. How do we help him?
When he gets ill again (and he will), I will have to watch him 'hit bottom' again. We won't have any right to force him to take medication or hospitalization. The toll on families is unbearable, but we love our son and continue to support him.
Posted Thursday, July 3
jodi foreman from toronto Canada writes: it's quite ironic, that as i was leaving my nutritionist's office the other day she had a client coming after me that she has been telling me about it was sean miller. i was asking her how i could learn more about that procedure, because since i was 10 years old i have been in hell. Diagnosed with ocd originally, i got into drugs and alcohol as a lot of people do to self medicate, but unlike most people who get sober and join 12 step programs it got worse for me. for the first few years i was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, ocd, and severe depression and i tried every anti depressant, none worked and some made me psychotic. about 8 years later i was diagnosed with bipolar II rapid cycling and mixed states as well as ocd, but again no meds worked and the side effects were unbearable. i tried spirituality, hands on healing, homeopathy, intense & cognitive therapy. orthomolecular treatments. i have been suicidal for over 14 years , i have had many breakdowns but for the last six years i have felt like i have gone down so far the damage is unrepairable and i will never be free. seeing people who are happy makes me even more sad cause the i remember being a kid feeling that love of life and wishing i could feel it again. i don't think life is supposed to be this painful, especially when i have so much love in my life and so much to live for, but mental illness has broken my spirit and i have become lost in my disease. i heard that they will be doing tests for deep brain implant for people with bipolar and ocd, i don't know if this article or the fact my nutritionist knew sean miller and he was coming to see her right after me is a coincidence but i am hoping that it is a miracle and one day too i will be free from this hell and maybe it will be with this procedure for i have exhausted all others.
Posted Wednesday, July 2
virginia glover from Brockville Canada writes: As many other contributors to this conversation have described, the anguish of mental illness can devastate the family and friends as well as the sufferer.
My son disappeared for over two years after many years of troublesome behaviour, starting in early elementary school. I will never forget the advice of a friend who suggested that I take a course offered by the CMHA 'for people who have a concern about a family member'. This 12-session course, developed by the National Advocates for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), explains the various kinds of mental illness, its effects on those who are ill, and how one can best help the sufferers. Most importantly, it shows participants how widely mental illness pervades society. In my class of twenty I discovered five acquaintances. What I learned in the NAMI course opened my eyes to the struggles my son was facing. My new understanding made it possible for us to forge a new relationship once we had reconnected. I strongly recommend the CMHA/NAMI course to anyone affected by the mental illness of a co-worker, friend, or family member.
Posted Wednesday, July 2
Christine Mulkins from Toronto Canada writes: From the bottom of my heart, thank you to The Globe and Mail editors, writers and participants who agreed to tell their tragic stories. This is exactly the attention this devastating condition needs to raise it up out of the darkness and fetal position and into a lightness of love, acceptance and understanding.
I have watched in slow motion horror as lightening bolts of mental illness have struck down loved ones, mentors and acquaintances. Some people are too afraid to admit, face and treat these illnesses; they are mostly afraid that talking about it will make it worse or that by admitting it, they will also have to stare down their addictions and excuses.
The lesson from this series is that we need to fully address these conditions - not avoid or hide them. As I raise my two young children - and struggle with my own state of mind - in this terrifying, rapidly changing world, I will try to encourage my kids to keep their fingers on the pulse of their own mental health and to reach out to me, friends or doctors when/if they feel things going the wrong way.
We need to support each other through all illnesses - physical or mental - and keep striving for a balance of good health, consciousness and love. Thank you again and keep up the outstanding work.
Posted Wednesday, July 2
elaine sack from toronto Canada writes: Please reprint Globe and Mail, Wednesday September 29, 1993 Facts and Arguments page under FAMILY. Doris Sommer-Rotenberg had a son, Dr. Arthur Sommer-Rotenberg,who had battled manic depression for over 18 years before he took his own life in November 1992. Out of her anguish, his mother initiated a chair for studies in suicide at the University of Toronto department of psychiatry to try to spare lives and pain. This work is continued at St. Michael's Hospital and elsewhere.
The Globe was not a newspaper to shy away from this subject then, and 15 years later, The Globe has begun a diverse and inclusive dialogue which I hope supports the cause; information and accessible treatment. Mental illness does not play favourites.
I hope these articles bring questions to mind on improving the lives of our fellow human beings, young and old, rich and poor. Depression is not merely sadness or grief. It is a deeply entrenched joy-buster. We need to bring out how there are treatments that help, there are places to go, we can help people we know and ourselves by contributing whatever we can to assist people suffering to remain part of society in whichever way they choose.
The doctor I spoke of was working temporarily in a colleagues general practice after-hours. When he saw my medical history, he took the time to discuss life and how I saw it following 3 hospitalizations. It is not just his family that has lost out; the practice of medicine has lost a compassionate and caring doctor.
Posted Wednesday, July 2
zahava lambert from Canada writes: I live in Toronto and received a call from North Vancouver to say that my daughter had been hospitalized after hanging from a bridge. The doctor there wanted me to take her out of his hospital, but although he wanted her out of his institution immediately - he had no desire and made no attempt to facilitate her admission to a facility here in Ontario. And because of the provincial authority over mental health, her dangerous behaviour in British Columbia had no relevance to any Ontario institution.
No one in Ontario was willing to admit her or help me get her here. Even though I hired a private nurse to help me escort her on the plane, and cleared it with the Montreal head office of Air Canada, the pilot did not want to allow her on the plane.
What is the responsibility of our national carrier to people with health problems?
Once in Ontario, she h