Imagine if you were blamed for having cancer, that’s ridiculous, right. The same should be considered when speaking of individuals with mental illnesses. They have no control in or over this situation. There’s no magic pill that can cure this disease, but with constant treatment and patience, most individuals will learn to adapt to their new lifestyle with a successful medication regimen in hand while some won’t. This transition is very serious and should not be taken lightly or in a joking manner.
We see commercials marketed about different psychotropic and depression medications that have tons of side effects, and because we have normal lives, we do not give it a second thought, but we have colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives have been turned inside out because of different mental illnesses.
I have had the pleasure of working in the world of pharmacy for the last eight years and let’s just say I have a deeper respect for those individuals in care. Working in a pharmacy definitely made me more cautious of the medications that doctors sometimes prescribe and why they describe them. Never be afraid to ask questions. Make yourself knowledgeable about the medications and its side effects before treatment it can possibly save your life in the long run.
We’ve all heard the stories that drug companies control what hits the market so you have to ask yourself if it’s for your benefit or their profit. One of the reasons most people sways towards or holistic methods of medicine. Ultimately your health means more than anything so educate yourself about medications, your illness, and outline a goal for your recovery.
It’s easy to think that all (mental health patients) were born that way but that’s simply not the case. Most of these patients were once successful men and women with husbands/Wives, and families that they supported. They are not all homeless, and most times they are more afraid of you than you are of them.
Something happened that’s unexplainable to the patient themselves. We can look at stress, history of family mental illness, or drugs/ alcohol that could have been the cause, but there’s never one factor. We must be grateful for small things like our sanity. Just like that old saying goes, there’s a fine line between genius and insanity. So be kind to people because you never know what battles they are fighting.
There are many hospitals that have Inpatient Psychiatric wards that will evaluate a patient if they feel that they may be a threat to someone or to themselves. If you are ever having thought of depression, hate, or suicide, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that a bad day never lasts more than 24 hours and that the sun always shines after it rains.
Here are a few tips that may help with coping with some of the stresses of life.
1. Eat Well.
2. Talk about your feelings
3. Take time for yourself.
4. Appreciate who you are
5. Have a hobby (Outlet).
6. Exercise.
7. Don’t over indulge.
8. Reward Yourself.
9. Be honest about who you are.
10. Ask for help.