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December 16 Here's to your Mental HealthIf you are one of the millions (44.3 to be exact) of Americans who struggle w/mental illness, this is an especially hard time of year for us all. But know this - YOU ARE NOT ALONE!MENTAL HEALTH FACTS^ Link to these statistics, facts, quotes, etc.^
One in Five 22.1% of Americans ages 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Applied to U.S. Census figures, that's 44.3 million Americans. National Institute of Mental Health, 2001 Archives of General Psychiatry, 1993; U.S. Census 1998 People with Mental Illness Enrich our Lives Abraham Lincoln • Virginia Woolf • Lionel Aldridge • Eugene O'Neill • Ludwig van Beethoven • Gaetano Donizetti • Robert Schumann • Leo Tolstoy • Vaslov Nijinsky • John Keats • Tennessee Williams • Vincent Van Gogh • Isaac Newton • Ernest Hemingway • Sylvia Plath • Michelangelo • Winston Churchill • Vivien Leigh • Jimmy Piersall • Patty Duke • Charles Dickens There is little evidence that the stigma f mental illness has been reduced in contemporary American society. Preference for social distance in most social settings between the public and those with mental health problems remains distressingly high. MacArthur Foundation, NIMH & the National Science Foundation, 1996 Suicide is the 11 th leading cause of death among Americans. Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death for young people 15-24 years of age. The incidence of suicide among adolescents and young adults has nearly tripled between 1952 and 1995 in the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 2001 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. and other developed countries are mental disorders.
World Health Organization/World Bank Harvard University Press, 1996 18.8 million American adults, 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older have a depressive disorder in a given year. Nearly twice as many women (12.0 %) as men (6.6%) are affected by a depressive disorder each year. National Institute of Mental Health, 2001 U.S. Census, 1998
Mental Health is not just the absence of Mental Illness “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The World Health Organization's 191 member states have endorsed this statement. From the Constitution of the World Health Organization Report on Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope, 2001 “... Americans must understand and send this message: mental disability is not a scandal - it is an illness. And like physical illness, it is treatable, especially when the treatment comes early.” “Our country must make a commitment. Americans with mental illness deserve our understanding and they deserve excellent care." President George W. Bush Launch of the President's New Freedom Initiative April 29, 2002 The cost of severe mental illness to the U.S. economy is staggering. The price tag for direct treatment costs, including hospitalizations and medications, is $67 billion. Health Care Spending: National Expenditures for Mental Health, Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Treatment Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1998 The costs of untreated mental illness to the individual, family, and society are staggering. Unnecessary Disability Unemployment Substance Abuse Homelessness Inappropriate Incarceration Suicide The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than $100 billion each year in the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 2001 60% of emergency physicians report that the upsurge in people with mental illness seeking treatment in community emergency departments is negatively affecting patient care, causing longer wait times, and affects everyone's access to life-saving treatment. 2/3 rds of these physicians attribute the recent escalation to state health care budget cutbacks and decreasing number of psychiatric beds for people living with mental illness in crisis. American College of Emergency Physicians, national survey, 2004 It is easier for a person with a severe mental illness to get arrested than to get treatment. Jails and prisons are becoming a dominant living setting for persons with severe mental illness. More than 10% of all inmates – 250,000 individuals – in prisons and jails suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, at an annual cost of $6 billion. This is nearly 4x the number of those cared for in hospitals. Criminal Justice and Behavior: Morris, Steadman, and Veysey, 1997 Severe mental illnesses are treatable disorders of the brain. Treatment works, if you can get it. Success rates for treating mental illnesses are high: • Treatment success rate for bipolar disorder: 80% • For major depression: 65% • For schizophrenia: 60% • Treatment success rate for heart disease: 45% Health Care Reform for Americans with Severe Mental Illness National Advisory Mental Health Council, NIMH, 1993 An estimated 10-20% of children have one or more mental or behavioral problems. Many mental and behavioral disorders commonly found among adults can begin in childhood. World Health Organization Report on Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope, 2001 Mental health policies, legislation, community care facilities, and treatments for the mentally ill are dismally short of resources. World Health Organization Report on Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope, 2001 Overwhelmingly, the American public believes that if treated, mental health problems will improve. They also believe, however, that if left untreated, these problems will not improve on their own. Americans' Views of Mental Health and Illness at Century's End: Continuity and Change “Film and television shows depicting mental illness can help the public learn it is treatable and that suicide is preventable…they have a greater ability to disseminate information and attitudes than we (health workers) do alone.” – Former U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, M.D. Unlike the rest of health care, Medications comprise only 3% of the costs for mental illness. Some experts contend that they may be responsible for more than 50% of positive treatment outcomes. “Restrictive Formularies,”M.Graham Department of Healthcare Reform, National Mental Health Association The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.” – Eleanor Roosevelt “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “Mental Illness is not a choice. Learn more before you judge.” • Steve Quinn “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” – Margaret Mead “Hope is like a road in the country. There was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.” – Lin Yutang “The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost “Recovery from mental illness is now a real possibility. The promise of the New Freedom Initiative – A life in the community for everyone – can be realized.” Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D., Chairman July 22, 2003 “The time has long passed for yet another piecemeal approach to mental health reform. Instead, the Commission recommends a fundamental transformation of the Nation's approach to mental health care. This transformation must ensure that mental health services and supports actively facilitate recovery, and build resilience to face life's challenges.” Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D., Chairman “Too often, today's system simply manages symptoms and accepts long-term disability. Building on the principles of the New Freedom Initiative, the recommendations we propose can improve the lives of millions of our fellow citizens now living with mental illnesses. The benefits will be felt across America in families, communities, schools, and workplaces.” Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D., Chairman
In Massachusetts: Nearly 185,000 of MA's 6,000,000 residents have a severe mental illness. U.S. Center for Mental Health Services U.S. Census, 2000 Roughly 20,000 individuals with mental illness are waiting on lists for services from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. These are nearly 50% of those who are eligible for services. Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, 2000 Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is a violation of an individual's civil rights to deprive him or her of the opportunity to live in integrated community settings. States must assume a leadership role in ensuring that people with mental illness have access to permanent and affordable housing of their choice. Currently there is a severe housing crisis in MA. U.S. Supreme Court, Olmstead v. L.C., 1999 In 2000, the estimated number of children and adolescents with a serious mental disorder in the U.S. was over 1,866,000. = More than 58,000 in MA. An estimated 17.6 % of those affected live in poverty. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2001 Health Disparities There are only 29 Latino mental health professional for every 100,000 Latinos in the U.S. 51% of White health care providers believe their patients do not adhere to medical treatments as a result of cultural or linguistic barriers. Of this same group, 56% report having no form of cultural competency training. Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHS, 1999 “Minority children … are much less likely than Whites to get the help they need and much more likely than Whites to be trapped into a system from which many never return. This represents not only a loss of freedom, but also a loss of tremendous human potential.” Mental Health: Culture, Race, Ethnicity Supplement to U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, 2001
African Americans are over-represented in high-need populations that are particularly at risk for mental illness: • 40% of the homeless population. • Nearly 50% of all prisoners in state and federal jurisdictions • almost 40% of juveniles in legal custody. African American patients released from inpatient mental health care only receive follow up care 33% of the time, compared with 54% for whites. Mental Health: Culture, Race, Ethnicity Supplement to U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, 2001
Barriers to Recovery Work Disincentives: Lack of continued health coverage is the single most significant policy barrier to gain meaningful employment for persons receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI). Consequently, and 85-90% unemployment rate exists among individuals with mental illness. Priced Out in 1998: The Housing Crisis for People with Disabilities Edgar, E, et al.; Technical Assistance Collaborative; Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, 1999 Nearly 50% of individuals with severe mental illness receive either SSDI or SSI. With an average combined monthly SSDI and SSI benefit of $1100, persons struggling with these disorders are among the lowest income households in the country. Priced Out in 1998: The Housing Crisis for People with Disabilities Edgar, E, et al.; Technical Assistance Collaborative; Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, 1999
NAMI
With more than 210,000 members, NAMI (the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) is the nation's leading grassroots advocacy organization solely dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness and their families. NAMI promotes SUPPORT for individuals living with mental illness and their families. EDUCATION to raise awareness about mental illness and to eliminate the stigma often associated with these biological brain disorders. ADVOCACY at state, national, and local levels to raise funding for non-discriminatory and equitable treatment and services for individuals with mental illness in the public and private sectors. RESEARCH into causes, symptoms and treatment of mental illness. December 13 Talking to my Angel ~Melissa EtheridgeDon't be afraid I've always had to run This town thinks I'm crazy Don't be afraid December 12 BTWSee the Christmas list in my photo album? That's also my birthday list...so if you feel like getting me something, any of those things would be just peachy! I especially want that Fuzzy Wuzzy soap cause I'm so glad I didn't dream that shit up. I talked about it a couple of times to people and they looked at me like I was growing a second head. That stuff really did grow fur and I want to know how??? Thank God I finally found it on the internet. Geeeez...not all my childhood memories are just demented psychosis are they? Birthdays and other sucky days of the yearFinally, birthday week is here and I have with some effort managed to NOT mention to anyone that I will be turning 44 this week. I have intentionally not mentioned it to Mike because I want to see if he remembers. He should since we've been together for 4 years and two years ago on my birthday he had his long time companion, a black lab named Bud, put to sleep. Bud had cancer and it was the humane thing to do...but could he not have waited two days? Or maybe taken him out a couple of days early? Noooooooooooo...he had to wait and do it right on the 15th of December...then call me and squeak out a nearly unitelligible "Bud's gone" before wishing me happy birthday thru his tears. Yippee.
I wonder if he will remember...I wonder why I feel the need to play these games with him...I wonder how we've kept this relationship going for 4 freakin years. I guess there's some validity to what my brother keeps telling me...you're comfortable with your situation so you do little to change it. He's right...I know he's right. I'm calling the therapist today. Its time to get back in shape, mind first. December 08 JohnInspired by Indigo's tribute to the Beatles....
Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to strawberry fields.
Nothing is real and nothing to get hungabout. Strawberry fields forever. Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see. It’s getting hard to be someone but it all works out, it doesn’t matter much to me. Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to strawberry fields. Nothing is real and nothing to get hungabout. Strawberry fields forever. No one I think is in my tree, I mean it must be high or low. That is you can’t you know tune in but it’s all right, that is I think it’s not too bad. Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to strawberry fields. Nothing is real and nothing to get hungabout. Strawberry fields forever. Always, no sometimes, think it’s me, but you know I know when it’s a dream. I think I know I mean a ’yes’ but it’s all wrong, that is I think I disagree. Let me take you down, ’cause I’m going to strawberry fields. Nothing is real and nothing to get hungabout. Strawberry fields forever. Strawberry fields forever. WTF?I'm just a two-bit hack on Spaces. I should say half the shit that runs through my head during the day and maybe somebody would read this pathetic blog. I don't even know why I'm here sometimes....oh, wait a minute...yes I do, I love all of the other Spaces, the ones that make me laugh and keep me from throwing myself off the roof of the parking garage. December 05 Get to know yourself betterThis quiz was eerily accurate.Get to know yourself better
Your view on yourself: Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for: You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.Your readiness to commit to a relationship: You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.The seriousness of your love: Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.Your views on education Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.The right job for you: You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.How do you view success: You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.What are you most afraid of: You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.Who is your true self: You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.Christmas WisdomIn the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'" - - Dave Barry "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
One good thing about Christmas shopping it toughens you for the January sales. - - Grace Kriley
"You might as well do your Christmas hinting early." - - Anonymous a three y/o commented at Christmas dinner, "I don't like the turkey, but I like the bread he ate". December 03 Excellent QuoteBe on the alert to recognize your prime at whatever time of your life it may occur. -Muriel Spark December 02 Belinda Mason CardenStephen Carden was my college philosophy professor and my uncle Dickie's best friend, Belinda Mason was Prof. Carden's wife.
A native of eastern Kentucky, Belinda Mason was, as she
says, "a small-town journalist, a young mother, a reliable Tupperware party guest" until she became infected with HIV in 1987 She decided to go public with her condition and devoted the remainder of her life as an advocate for AIDS prevention, education, treatment, and human rights. In this program, Belinda talks about her own experiences dealing with AIDS and the support she found within her rural community. "AIDS is less about dying than about choosing how to live," she says. Included is a presentation she made with her pastor to members of the Southern Baptist convention. She noted, "People ask me if I think AIDS is a punishment from God. I can't pretend to fathom what God is thinking but maybe we should look at AIDS as a test, not for the people who are infected, but for the rest of us." Belinda also comments on her role and responsbilities as a national spokesman for people with AIDS, saying "one Bush Administration insider, when asked to explain the President's decision to bestow a coveted seat on the National Commission on AIDS on me, observed that I was 'palatable' -- like mashed potatoes and gravy."* Belinda Mason Carden died from AIDS related complications in 1991. Her contribution to the fight against AIDS and her efforts to inform the rest of us are I think, note worthy. |
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