Depression in teens

I watched a show I taped from PBS the other night called “Depression: Out of the Shadows” It was very good. It showcased several teens that suffered from depression. It also talked about adults, but spent a long time with the younger people.
One thing that was brought up was that teens and parents are taught [...]

Breaking the stigma

Today I gave a speech in Toastmasters about mental illness. Everyone replied positively about it. I was very nervous. They couldn’t tell until I picked up my last page of notes and the paper was shaking. I should have left the paper on the lecturn.
I did my part today in spreading the word about mental [...]

Leading cause of disability

In developed countries, mental illness is the leading cause of disability. This is my topic for my third speech in Toastmasters coming up this next Wednesday.
I joined Toastmasters for several reasons. One: to help me to become more professional in my speaking; two: to help me get over my fear of crowds and people; three: [...]

Helping someone mentally ill

Suppose you know someone who is exhibiting signs of mental illness, but is not getting help. What do you do?
First, do not shame or blame them. According to the Surgeon General, 25% of people will suffer from severe mental illness within a given year. 48% of Americans will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime. [...]

Fear removed

I am finally back from the writer’s conference. I had a great time. I met with some editors who wanted to see more of my work.
I am writing a book on mental health recovery. One editor wants to see it when I am finished. He said I could even send it without an agent if [...]

Going to conference

I will be gone for a week to a writer’s conference. I will resume posting when I get back.
I just want you to know that this conference is a big part of my recovery. I could have never gone to something like this even a year ago. I am very excited about going. I am [...]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

I have talked about the stigma of mental illness before. It is a shame that we can go to the Dr for having a common cold, but we can’t admit to having problems between the ears of our head. Yet statistics state that up to 50% of Americans will have mental illness in their lifetime. [...]

Boundaries

I received a phone call at 6:30 am this morning. Now I keep my phone on almost all the time with instructions to people in the program they can call me any time day or night in a crisis.
This morning’s call wasn’t someone who wanted a drink or even in a real crisis. It was [...]