Sunday, July 26, 2009

A really good article that made me feel not alone. (It's so hard to name these posts:)

My life has been very busy lately. I'll get to that in another blog post.

Right now, I have two big thoughts on my mind, one I might share, and one I am definitely sharing Right Now! I am SOOO EXCITED to have found this wonderful article, right off the bat, of all things, in the Yahoo 'Most Popular' section, which frankly means something to me because I never see a well-written mental health article on Yahoo, let alone in 'Most Popular.' My opinion and I'm entitled to it.

Please go here http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090726/ap_on_he_me/us_med_stopping_schizophrenia/print

I have printed this article for my own purposes and taken two different color highlighters to it.

I think the title is little presumptuous, as the article even admits that that they are nowhere near 'stopping schizophrenia,' as they are still talking brain scans and that it is way too early to draw conclusions on what studies they are conducting.

I am willing to get over the typical media over-blown title designed to grab your attention (and that's why this will be listed under my 'some more from the Liberal God_amn Media' label, take it as you will) but read the article, and you will find gems on what the "prodrome" is - the beginning of psychosis, where you understand those odd thoughts aren't right - and a little discussion of psychosis, where that is all out the window and you are believing your odd thoughts (my paraphrase).

Most importantly, and heart-breakingly, and to me oh-so-powerful, you read about the nurse asking the student about the thoughts he/she has been having and the UTTER RELIEF it is for that person to know they are not alone, they are not the only one who has been having these thoughts, they are not the only one the T.V. has ever talked to, for instance - that someone knows enough to ask them these questions and that there is help.

I am also very interested in the hope that researchers are finding in psychosocial treatments, which is precisely what Trillium Center is all about, and I can't wait to show this article to our Director. I still believe in the meds, but this just confirms the power of the social arena for the mentally ill.

I swear it's the nature of these illnesses for us to isolate ourselves and I know how hard it is to hold onto friends while you're in the depths of hell, and this article specifically talks about keeping social contacts as extremely important to holding onto sanity. I know firsthand that is not easy.

Actually, I know firsthand that it is true, as I have had my bouts with psychosis and God only knows (ok my family, too) how the heck I have turned out pretty well despite not knowing anything about anything and somehow surviving it and almost getting to the point where I am thriving (well sometimes. Sometimes it STILL seems touch and go).

The good news is that life goes on. You can survive a hell of a lot, you can make new friends, you can make a new life for yourself.

You are NOT alone. I am not alone. And that means a heck of a lot to me.

Thank God, we talk to each other more now, thank God for that program they're talking about in the article that taught a nurse to recognize a student's real anguish. If all we do is help each along the way, well let's just say, that's the stuff that heartens this 'Tart's heart. It heartens my heart.:)

9 comments:

Mike Golch said...

Great Posting.so good that I think it deserves the major award that I just got.(it's the one with the leg lamp)Not to mention I have been one prolific blogger lately.I have hit my 1000th posting and about 29 or 30 more.not to mention the redecorating that I did on my blog.

'Tart said...

Thank you, Mike!:) That means a lot to me.

Ooooooooh! The leg lamp award - I am excited! I will come check it out and your revamps and new postings!

Congratulations on reaching your 1000th and beyond!
Sincerely,
Jungletart

Wanda's Wings said...

Great posting. I really found the article very interesting.

Denise said...

Hey girl...... I am out and about trying to visit some of my friends.. You sound good and I love the positive attitude.... We are not along and we all are one body.... We are all meant to help each other along the way...... Some have forgotten that......

Tracy said...

I have been an awful friend and blogger friend as well. I am very sorry my friend.

This is a great post btw. As you know i tend to isolate myself also. I do not even do it knowingly. One day i wake up and say huh... I have not been keeping in touch with those i love most. Anyway I am awake again. I have class this morning, but will try and call you after i am done. If for some reason i do not, know i will call you soon!

Again I am so sorry i have been so silent.

Hugs

Wanda's Wings said...

JUST CHECKING IN ON YOU. HOPE ALL IS WELL!

'Tart said...

Hey all, Tart here.:)

Tracy you are not a terrible friend. I think we both have gotten so busy lately. You have had some very important prayers answered lately!:) We must talk soon!

crazybeanrider: good to see you here. I'm so glad you like my blog and that this article was helpful to you too.:)

Wanda,
Thank you for checking up on me and getting me to comment.:) I am doing pretty well, I am actually sooo tired today because in fact I worked two jobs and commenting here is about all I can handle! I am thinking of things to write about on the blog and I will be back soon. I am going to take my shoes off and put my feet up!:)
:)Tart

JC said...

Hey Tart!

It's been way too long... I hope you're doing well. So for me as of late, I have to make my blog private, just for awhile, and I wanted to make sure you're invited to stay. I need your email address to invite you! You can send it to me at scenario.matters@live.ca Thx hun! :)

'Tart said...

Hey Jena,
I've thought long and hard about it, but it's important to me to keep my email private. I hope you'll come back and let me know when your blog is open to the public again and that you'll keep coming back here to read and comment. I hope things are well with you and that you are doing okay. Be well.
Sincerely,
Tart