The Voices In the Mind... amongst other things.
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In a lot of societies, mental illnesses are still considered an 'affliction' and very much a taboo subject.
Be it depression, disorders of thought, speech, mood and behaviour, most people (and families) would rather live in self-denial and keep it under wraps for fear of the ostracization of a cruel society.
I find that it's such a sad situation - when we all realize that mental health equals to a mental state of well being, and very treatable when diagnosed and helped by medication, anti-depressants and pyschotherapy sessions.
People who have problems relating to their mentality often have problems going about their daily activities, organisation, and responsibilities. When they are left alone to wallow in their 'depressed state, more often than not it comes to a point when their disorders and problems take over their already fragile stability. They can have a specific problem, or many different types all at one time.
Imagine those times when you feel frustrated and don't know what to do. When you feel like you have reached a dead end and your existence cease to matter to yourself, and to those around you. Imagine hearing constant voices in your head - telling you what to do, how to feel, and how to react. Imagine having many different voices with conflicting opinions. Imagine being chased by taunting shadows every corner you turn.
These people need help, and a form of understanding from society and their loved ones that they are not alone in their volatile state, but are we ready to do so?
Can all of us be open minded enough to not speak in hushed whispers about 'the flapjack next door'? Are we able to cast aside all notions that 'mad' people are pretty much the same as you and me - apart from the fact that they have in a way, succumbed to being slaves of their own thoughts?
Often,s the stigma sometimes attached to mental illness means that some people delay seeking help. Perhaps if we are more aware of the causes and effects of mental illnesses - and realize that it can happen to [/b]anyone;[/b] even ourselves, more people would seek help as and when they feel 'disturbed' by the silent forces of the mind.
I think the society's attitude and mindset toward these individuals has to change. Then, and only then... perhaps more would work toward improving their ability to function, and thus, enhancing their way of life. -
[quote]Originally posted by BabyRS:
Be it depression, disorders of thought, speech, mood and behaviour, most people (and families) would rather live in self-denial and keep it under wraps for fear of the ostracization of a cruel society.
for a lot of people with mental disorders, they keep it to themselves because they feel that no one can understand them.not even therapists/psychiatrists. and anyways, no one needs to know about their condition because they know that they will get dumb@ss comments like "just snap out of it".
I find that it's such a sad situation - when we all realize that mental health equals to a mental state of well being, and very treatable when diagnosed and helped by medication, anti-depressants and pyschotherapy sessions.
sadly, medication and stuff dont help everyone. Anne Sexton mentioned to her therapist that Sylvia Plath's suicide ought to have been hers. there are many people who commit suicide because after years and years of therapy and whatnot, nothing has improved.
These people need help, and a form of understanding from society and their loved ones that they are not alone in their volatile state, but are we ready to do so?
the singapore government complains about the rising suicide rate in singapore. however, after all these years of health education, i just realized two years ago that we never ever touched on mental illness AT ALL. if people are not educated about it, how will they ever know anything about it? most people i know think that its just "in their minds". they cannot seem to understand that depression is a chemical imbalance. that its not something people can control. they get mad at the victim and tell them to just "get a grip", or "just be more positive". people probably want to help. but because they dont know how, they end up making things worse.
Often,s the stigma sometimes attached to mental illness means that some people delay seeking help. Perhaps if we are more aware of the causes and effects of mental illnesses - and realize that it can happen to [/b]anyone;[/b] even ourselves, more people would seek help as and when they feel 'disturbed' by the silent forces of the mind.
a lot of people dont realize that they have a problem. especially schizophrenics. which is why these diseases are so dangerous. the victims do not realize that they are in danger. that they are a danger to themselves and the people around them. many people get help because someone figured out that something was terribly wrong and therefore sorta made the person go seek medical help. and sometimes the victim doesnt because even the victim thinks that mental illnesses are (put in all the stereotypical stuff people say about mental illnesses) and are therefore insulted that someone thinks they are diseased.
I think the society's attitude and mindset toward these individuals has to change. Then, and only then... perhaps more would work toward improving their ability to function, and thus, enhancing their way of life
i dont think it is entirely possible to change the people's mindsets. but the only way to improve things would be to educate the people. only then will they be able to understand why people with certain illnesses behave a certain way. and so that they can treat them in a more correct way, and try to help. and even then, it is hard to help. -
As long as Job Application Forms have a section at the back where they ask if you have sought treatment or have been hospitalised for any psychological / emotional ailments or conditions, the stigma shall always remain.
However, depending on what the diagnosis is, I would hesitate to rally for a total eradication of this section simply due to the fact that there are jobs where you wouldn't want to risk putting a psychologically / emotionally unstable person in. Again, this depends on what diagnosis it was and the probability of a recurrence.
Yes, we should be more sympathetic and not judge so harshly but at the same time, we shouldn't throw all caution to the wind without being discerning and well-informed. Whilst there are individuals who can be helped back on track and henceforth are 'normal' just like you and I, there are others who are afflicted by chronic conditions and certain triggers can 'set them off' so it's important to know.
Discern, but do not judge and condemn. -
In certain cases, only the professionally-trained people can help...Originally posted by udontknowme:i dont think it is entirely possible to change the people's mindsets. but the only way to improve things would be to educate the people. only then will they be able to understand why people with certain illnesses behave a certain way. and so that they can treat them in a more correct way, and try to help. and even then, it is hard to help.
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not even professionally-trained people can.Originally posted by Rhonda:In certain cases, only the professionally-trained people can help...
many people who are in therapy commit suicide.
there are poeple who overdose on their own anti-depressant/meds to kill themselves.
its extremely complicated... -
it's the thing with the "asian" mindset... where they feel that mental problems are a source of shame and must be hidden away at all costs... there have been instances in malaysia of people locking away relatives in chains for years..
perhaps, looking at the elections last night, things are changing... as the older generation gives way to the more educated and hopefully, more enlightened generation, such things may become less and less taboo.. and people who suffer from such illnesses may be treated without being stigmatised...
that being said, there will be a bunch of people out there who will take advantage of this.. in a cynical society where everything and anything will be taken advantage of, this may drive the true sufferer back into the woodwork again..
already, there are people who feign mental problems and psychosis in order to dodge NS, and worse, some even use that as a weapon in civil cases against other people..
in the end, mental patients suffer...
however, even when we are forewarned of the charlatans and the conmen out there, we must keep in mind that these people are humans and each one is worth the time, effort and resources to help, and hopefully to heal...
for it is written on the walls of the mission of Mother Teresa, words of wisdom which we should all strive to live by..
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
perhaps, with the kindness and patience in those words, we may find a way to bridge that gap, and to not only hold out our hand, but have the perseverance to be able to still be there when they decide to reach for our outreached hands.. -
Professionally-trained people can help as in providing the proper counselling, prescription of the correct meds if needed, coordinate the various modes of treatment, etc.Originally posted by udontknowme:not even professionally-trained people can.
many people who are in therapy commit suicide.
there are poeple who overdose on their own anti-depressant/meds to kill themselves.
its extremely complicated...
They can help, but sometimes, cannot prevent the dreaded outcome of suicide from happening.
So far, out of the cases of attempted suicide I've seen (slightly over 10), I can only think of two that are previously-diagnosed psychological cases - one of Schizophrenia where the person jumped from a low height for the third time, and survived, and the other, a case of Chronic Depression who stopped turning up for counselling sessions and stopped taking her meds. -
Bear, you seem to be taking a different stand from when we were discussing the issue of the JC boy who committed suicide because of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder). Back then, you were pretty vindictive.
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i am.. because of something i learnt when i was at work... case-by-case basis...
we reach out.. but when he doesn't want to grab hold of that hand we hold out and keep holding out, he has chosen death...
there are some people we cannot save, no matter what..
and for a cause as stupid as his, we can hold out our hand until hell freezes over.. and ultimately, we will hold out our hand... if he doesn't want to grab on to that helping hand, we can't do anything about it..
you want to keep him in a straitjacket and imprison him in a padded cell?
if he didn't top himself this time, he'll top himself over another way...
do not mistake our willingness to help, with forcing the "help" on them...
if they choose death, no matter what we try and help, there can be nothing we can do..
besides, we are talking about a different thing too.. we are talking about the stigma of mental illness.. that BDD stuff? it could be the "charlatans" i mentioned... chances are, it probably is.. ADHD was proven to be a fraud and not before a generation of children were drugged into a stupor..
we must make the distinction between helping and being a bleeding heart...
to pander to every maladjust crying out for attention... is to push "anyway" to the stage where the real sufferers end up being lost in the rush...
so, "anyway" is to be the best and to do all we can.. for the correct people.. we may be taken advantage of once in a while, but it sure has heck doesn't mean we turn into patsies...Originally posted by Rhonda:Bear, you seem to be taking a different stand from when we were discussing the issue of the JC boy who committed suicide because of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder). Back then, you were pretty vindictive. -
that is happening around the world.Originally posted by the Bear:that being said, there will be a bunch of people out there who will take advantage of this.. in a cynical society where everything and anything will be taken advantage of, this may drive the true sufferer back into the woodwork again..
already, there are people who feign mental problems and psychosis in order to dodge NS, and worse, some even use that as a weapon in civil cases against other people..
in the end, mental patients suffer...
with things like anorexia/bulimia/self-injury/various mental illnesses becoming 'COOL'. and it is because of these people that causes poeple to view these illnesses in such a negative light.
take SI for example. to be more specific, cutting. people who cut because they HAVE* to usually hide their cuts and scars. the only time they show it is when they are desperate for help. and they hope that someone will see the cuts/scars and drag them off to get help.
however, for pro-SI people, they show off their cuts and stuff. they take pictures of it and post in on the internet.
a lot of poeple will lump these pro-SI people and those who do it because they dont seem to have another choice together...
and pro-ana poeple...they encourage each other to starve themselves. they take pictures of themselves and say they are fat. it is quite obvious that they dont actually mean it when they say they are fat. many of these pro-ana people know that they are actually really skinny. but they treat this as a game/competition. the skinniest wins. again, becauase people do not know much about what anorexia really is, this would be what anorexia is to them. because this is all they are exposed to.
of course, some of these pro-whatevers are actually really suffering from the disease. some are in denial. others...i dont know.
*i said have because many people cut as a last resort to keep themselves alive. ironic. no? there are tons of different reasons as to why they cut. usually, it is NOT because they want to commit suicide. one of the reasons as to why people cut is so that they can find a reason to hurt.
"How you hurt yourself on the outside to try to kill the thing on the inside"
-girl, interrupted -
As long as one has been officially diagnosed to have some psychological / mental / emotional disorder, he/she will then be put on a Suicide Precautions alert, which means that even if he/she insists on dying and refuses help, we STILL have to administer treatment, because to refuse to do so would render us professionally liable for the outcome. People with diagnosed disorders like these are considered to not be in a fit state of mind and like it or not, worthwhile or not, the onus of their safety lies on the health professionals who have been put in charge of looking after the case.
BDD is a very real psychological disorder, listed under the official DSM-IV list of mental / psychological / mental disorders. There's nothing unreal about it. Just like Depression, it's very real. It's something you might think is constantly used as a convenient excuse by irresponsible people out to abuse the system, but to people suffering from Depression, it is very real. THey may see themselves plundering into the depths of depression, they might even try to rationalise themselves out of it in the beginning, but it is not a battle they can win alone, without the loving support of close friends and family, as well as trained professionals, and sometimes, medication too.
Sadly, even the GP's here might not take psychological disorders seriously enough to take the appropriate action fast enough. When I read the article, his constant obsession with his penis size despite the assurances of everyone, including his GP, is a warning sign that he might have an underlying problem. I was surprised that the GP didn't try to arrange for him to meet a trained counsellor to discuss his worries. Sometimes, we're too quick to dismiss early warning signs.
Once again, that poor boy had BDD, and it's unfortunate that the appropriate help wasn't given to him soon enough. -
so was ADHD and ADD..
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That's so true... in HOllywood, anorexia and bulimia is almost worn proudly like some badge of some exclusive club!Originally posted by udontknowme:that is happening around the world.
with things like anorexia/bulimia/self-injury/various mental illnesses becoming 'COOL'. and it is because of these people that causes poeple to view these illnesses in such a negative light.
take SI for example. to be more specific, cutting. people who cut because they HAVE* to usually hide their cuts and scars. the only time they show it is when they are desperate for help. and they hope that someone will see the cuts/scars and drag them off to get help.
however, for pro-SI people, they show off their cuts and stuff. they take pictures of it and post in on the internet.
a lot of poeple will lump these pro-SI people and those who do it because they dont seem to have another choice together...
and pro-ana poeple...they encourage each other to starve themselves. they take pictures of themselves and say they are fat. it is quite obvious that they dont actually mean it when they say they are fat. many of these pro-ana people know that they are actually really skinny. but they treat this as a game/competition. the skinniest wins. again, becauase people do not know much about what anorexia really is, this would be what anorexia is to them. because this is all they are exposed to.
of course, some of these pro-whatevers are actually really suffering from the disease. some are in denial. others...i dont know.
*i said have because many people cut as a last resort to keep themselves alive. ironic. no? there are tons of different reasons as to why they cut. usually, it is NOT because they want to commit suicide. one of the reasons as to why people cut is so that they can find a reason to hurt.
"How you hurt yourself on the outside to try to kill the thing on the inside"
-girl, interrupted
And then, there are the vainpots who, like you mentioned, are skinny, and like to post photos of themselves calling themselves 'fat'. I think what they really want is for people to reassure them and say, "No, I don't think you're fat, you're in fact very slim and sexy!". They look for validation that way, and in the process, abuse the terms that they casually toss around. -
Yes, it is true that there is a limit to what we are able to / how we are capable of helping when it comes to mental disorders.
I agree that in most cases, people who may be diagnosed with these mental issues do not seek help because they themselves aren't fully aware of what they are facing. Even their families usually attribute it to 'moody episodes' or phases in their lives due to stress at work, or coping with other things in life.
...and we can only help when they themselves want to be helped.
Professionals in this field are usually familiar with the symptoms and the best way to go about alleviating one's situation. Whilst it may be so that the success rates are 'neglible' to say the least (these patients usually have to be entirely dependent on medication for almost a good part of their lives) any help is better than none at all.
For every one that can be helped, it is already a step in the right direction and a hurdle won on its own terms.
My point here is not so much the patients themselves, rather the attitude of the society in general. We can't ignore the fact that most people (the older generation, in general) have a typical view of these individuals. Usually when they say: Xiao Char Bor (and the reverse in gender) - this is accompanied by a look of contempt and disdain... almost like it was a shameful facet of one's life, an infectious disease, and he / she should be shunned lest they may get 'influenced'.
Thankfully... all this is slowly changing. As mentioned, hopefully with the increase in awareness and education, the younger generation would not judge mental disorders with as much hostility and scorn as their older counterparts. -
ADHD and ADD still exists. I've seen kids with ADHD and it's very obvious that they ARE ADHD.Originally posted by the Bear:so was ADHD and ADD..
The controversy is with the meds used and wrongly-diagnosed cases. Apparently, people were too happy to slap the ADHD label on kids without diagnosing them properly first.
However, mass mis-diagnosis and wrong treatment meds does not rule out the existence of ADHD and ADD altogether.
I just checked in the DSM-IV online and ADHD is STILL recognised as a bona fide official diagnosis. -
i wish i had lung cancer... well at least that's what i've been thinking recently
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Originally posted by kopiosatu:i wish i had lung cancer... well at least that's what i've been thinking recently
kopi, erm... why are you wishing for a death sentence?
And trust me, you DO NOT want to be a lung cancer patient... if you remain unconvinced, let me talk to you face-to-face about what they have to go through. -
Right on - these are the attention getters who thrive on the sympathy handouts of society.Originally posted by Rhonda:That's so true... in HOllywood, anorexia and bulimia is almost worn proudly like some badge of some exclusive club!
And then, there are the vainpots who, like you mentioned, are skinny, and like to post photos of themselves calling themselves 'fat'. I think what they really want is for people to reassure them and say, "No, I don't think you're fat, you're in fact very slim and sexy!". They look for validation that way, and in the process, abuse the terms that they casually toss around.
It's almost as if they need to be convinced, coddled, and the fact that they are entirely the opposite.
However - there are some cases whereby these girls actually look in the mirror and see a 'fat' self, totally repulsive in their mind. How then do we distinguish who is telling the truth? It's a moral dilemma. -
i just want a slow death... body dying slowly...Originally posted by Rhonda:
kopi, erm... why are you wishing for a death sentence?
And trust me, you DO NOT want to be a lung cancer patient... if you remain unconvinced, let me talk to you face-to-face about what they have to go through.
no point living anyway, the world is so screwed. -
just because it has been diagnosed, doesn't mean it exists!
it doesn't!
the guy who came up with the paper and got it recognised as a "disease" finally admitted that it was all a fraud!
it does not exist.. it never existed..
it's just a bunch of children who cannot keep still...
and these children were doped up with drugs for a generation!Originally posted by Rhonda:ADHD and ADD still exists. I've seen kids with ADHD and it's very obvious that they ARE ADHD.
The controversy is with the meds used and wrongly-diagnosed cases. Apparently, people were too happy to slap the ADHD label on kids without diagnosing them properly first.
However, mass mis-diagnosis and wrong treatment meds does not rule out the existence of ADHD and ADD altogether.
I just checked in the DSM-IV online and ADHD is STILL recognised as a bona fide official diagnosis. -
It's not just "a bunch of children who cannot keep still".Originally posted by the Bear:just because it has been diagnosed, doesn't mean it exists!
it doesn't!
the guy who came up with the paper and got it recognised as a "disease" finally admitted that it was all a fraud!
it does not exist.. it never existed..
it's just a bunch of children who cannot keep still...
and these children were doped up with drugs for a generation!
I've babysat before, and I've also volunteered in YWCA's children's camps before. The ADHD kids I've seen ARE definitely different. Sometimes, I'd think, "This kid is different" even before I was told about them so it's not like I see the difference because I was prejudiced and had pre-conceived notions.
If it really doesn't exist, I'm wondering why it's still on the DSM-IV. -
Eh, kopi, what happened? Why suddenly so sang4 qi4?Originally posted by kopiosatu:i just want a slow death... body dying slowly...
no point living anyway, the world is so screwed. -
click => ADHD Fraud
in the cult leader, we have, in a nutshell, why some would choose to feign mental disorder...
there will be many who will jump up and protect them..
the need for the conman to be coddled is fulfilled by the people who are fooled by them...Originally posted by Rhonda:It's not just "a bunch of children who cannot keep still".
I've babysat before, and I've also volunteered in YWCA's children's camps before. The ADHD kids I've seen ARE definitely different. Sometimes, I'd think, "This kid is different" even before I was told about them so it's not like I see the difference because I was prejudiced and had pre-conceived notions. -
i don't know... everything seems... meaningless.Originally posted by Rhonda:Eh, kopi, what happened? Why suddenly so sang4 qi4?
i'm just waiting to go to work tomorrow. how eventful. -
take the bad with the good.. it s the bad that makes the good feel that good..
if it was all good, it won't matter..
Abe Lincoln once said that we have to choose to be happy in order to be happy.. choose to be happy