Archive For The “mental illness” Category
With all the recent talk about gun control and mental health, I decided to take a look at how far America’s mental health system has changed (or not changed) over the past few years. First, I must state that when I wrote a blog about Mental Illness and the Law, the research shows that those [...]
In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first full week of October in sponsoring many kinds [...]
I was recently interviewed for an upcoming production that will address bipolar disorder and pregnancy. As a result, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share my thoughts on bipolar disorder and pregnancy. The pressing question is can a woman with bipolar disorder have a successful pregnancy and postpartum period? I believe the [...]
With the summer winding down and the start of a new school year around the corner, I have been thinking about the challenges of mental illness in the classroom. The mental health of children is something that can not be ignored. Did you know that, according to the National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health [...]
Can postpartum psychosis be prevented? This is a tough question but one that I think needs to be addressed. I, personally, have seen that postpartum psychosis can be prevented. As a Volunteer Coordinator with Postpartum Support International, I provided emotional and informational support to many moms experiencing mental illness related to childbearing. I recall, one [...]
I recently learned from my routine annual blood test that my thyroid is hyperactive. Since getting the results, questions have been running through my mind as to what could be causing my thyroid to overwork. My thyroid has been checked regularly over the years and the results have been fine so why am I having [...]
(Some names have been changed to protect identity) In early 1996, eight weeks after the birth of my son, I was struck with postpartum psychosis, a rare, life-threatening illness, the most serious mood and anxiety disorder associated with childbearing. My son was just 8 weeks old when I went three nights without sleep. I never [...]
Are Psychiatric Medications Prescribed Too Frequently? This is a challenging question to answer. There has definitely been an increase in the number of psychiatric medications prescribed but is this a result of better identification of mental illness or is it as a result of the medications being pushed by doctors and pharmaceutical companies? I guess [...]
It appears that individuals with mental illness have higher rates of physical problems, at least according to an U.S. Government report released last month (April 2012). But do physical problems cause an increased risk of mental illness or does mental illness cause an increased risk of physical problems? In regard to mental illness being tied [...]
Many people are familiar with postpartum depression in women but postpartum depression in men is hardly ever talked about. A new baby is a wonderful blessing but the demands of parenthood are very stressful and can be overwhelming to both parents. Mothers and fathers share many of the same stresses. According to one of the [...]
