Mothers and Mental Illness

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Comment by GradSchoolMom on September 10, 2009 at 11:30pm

Hello,

In June I completed an internship in mental health (outpatient and inpatient) some of the resources that I used for groups and resources were samhsa.org, nami.org, and Mary Ellen Copeland's Wellness Recovery Action Plan (W.R.A.P.) I got good reviews from the patients and other health care professionals. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Some other things to try would be:

excercise (walk or run)
dance (bellydance is great!)
eat right
get enough sleep
talk to someone
delegate household work
keep in touch with your healthcare professional
listen to calming music
enjoy nature
watch children play
get a massage
light a candle
take a warm bath
do something nice for yourself
set limits
meditate or pray
color
re-enact favorite childhood past time
journal
make a collage/picture of how your want your life to be
utilize your supports

Comment by Jewel Mack on September 10, 2009 at 11:16pm

I am so glad to see that participation has picked up. I have been down and out also but it seems to be easing up now. Mental illness has so many ups and downs. I am also looking to find a natural med that would help. Hope to speak to you soon.

Comment by Robin Lelani Thompson on September 9, 2009 at 5:14pm

I'm dealing with major depression and severe anxiety. Today has not been a good day for me. I can usually pull out of it, but this day is a doozie. I'm on Wellbutrin, clonozipan, and trazadone to help me sleep. I've had an intense weekend and beginning of the week where stress is concerned. Perhaps an early good night of sleep will help. I'm glad to be a part of this group. I'll be praying for a healing for us all.

Robin

Comment by CHRISTINE on September 4, 2009 at 2:54pm

Hello. I am a wife to one who suffers from mental illness, my husband was diagnosed with depression right after we were married. For two years it has been up and down and we recently decided to attend marital therapy as the illness has taking a toll on our marriage. This was a first step and I am so glad he was willing to take it, and even happier that I am able to be there for him as he goes through this tough time. Hopefully we will be able to ween him off the meds. For my fellow members dealing with this illness I can only say I understand how you feel even though im not the one who was diagnosed, im still sympathetic to those that were.

Comment by GradSchoolMom on August 26, 2009 at 7:16pm

I think it was a great idea to start this group. I am a health care professional and in my experience I find that not only is mental illness stigmatized, but I feel that it is heavily stigmatized in the African American community.

Comment by Darcel on June 23, 2009 at 3:22pm

Hello. I was diagnosed with PPD, PTSD, PMDD and Major Depression about 4 years ago. It's been a serious struggle since then. I have been on and off several meds. I'm on 20 of Lexapro right now, but have started a journey into holistic treatments for the depression. My goal is to be able to wean off the meds next summer.

Comment by Sheknows1self on March 9, 2009 at 1:50pm

As far as the disability aspect is concerned, it took over 2 years for the approval. I also have had numerous job losses due to the disorder and this helped my case along w/ notes from employers about my combative attitudes at times and inability to adhere to policy and procedures, especially attendance. I had several hospitalizations over the years and feel like I have tried every drug combination possible (allergic to lithium). Even w/ the initial denial (which I have come to understand is quite the standard for all) and a secondary denial stating I could be cashier ( which was the least trained job I ever held), my attorney was confident he would be able to get a favorable decision.
If you have documentation then you have a great chance especially w/ an attorney. The attorney is only paid if your receive a favorable decision and receive a portion of you lumpsum payment.

Hope this helps

Comment by Jewel Mack on March 9, 2009 at 8:57am

I am discouraged about the disability aspect. I take Celexa and Lithium. The Lithium is for bipolar and the Celexa is for depression. I feel I need the disability because this mental illness is keeping me from keeping good jobs or causing me to lose good jobs. It is very aggravating.

Comment by Sheknows1self on March 9, 2009 at 1:42am

What a great resource! I also suffer w/ bipolar so severe I am no longer employable and receive disability for the disorder. I have struggled for over 20 years w/o much relief until recently. Jewel, I currently take a mood stabilizer, Depakote, an antidepressant, Pristiq guinea pig, and Abilify at a low dosage to assist the antidepressant. This cocktail has given more results than any. Hope this helps

Comment by Jewel Mack on March 3, 2009 at 11:39pm

Is there anyone suffering with a bipolar disorder? If so how have you learned to cope? What meds if any are you taking?

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