Mental Illness Alive and Well

STARTING CONVERSATIONS IS KEY TO UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS AND PREVENTING TRAGEDIES

Mental illness has proven, once again, to be alive and thriving across the world. As we have lost yet another famous person to their inner demons, it seems as good a time as any to address this broad topic in hopes of raising awareness for people who are struggling, or the many people that live with people affected with the wide range of this disease.

Having a well-known person associated with mental illness is always tragic, yet provides a unique opportunity to speak out about it. It also proves that it can affect any one at any time, regardless of their economic situation. No amount of money or luxury can afford one to escape the deathly grip that mental illness can often bring with it.

He hung himself from a belt, and had been known to suffer with Bipolar Disorder, depression and substance abuse. Suicide is never the answer for anyone, whether affected with mental illness or otherwise. It is the end to the individual’s suffering, perhaps, but it is something that cannot be undone. There is no ability for explanation, no opportunity for forgiveness and no way to right that wrong. Loved ones are left with questions and people have a very hard time finding closure when someone decides to take their own life.

According to a recent survey, there are 5.7 million people in the United States currently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, with 20% of them committing suicide in an average year ( StatisticBrain.com ). And that number continues to grow. Typically, people are diagnosed with this disease between the ages of 25 and 30, so they may have been suffering for years before their diagnoses. There are many medications available for people, and have proven to have quite beneficial results. With the right mix of appropriate medication and therapy, people have been known to become and remain very stable with this disease. There are certainly added difficulties for someone living with mental illness, versus someone who does not have this disease.

Bipolar Disorder creates very high ‘highs’ and very low ‘lows.’ It is not just being moody, it is having extreme, and often severe mood swings. There are two very different states of being when one suffers from Bipolar Disorder. There is the manic state, where people can often be driven to stay awake for days and appear to be very high-functioning. Often associated with reckless behavior, anything from binge drinking to reckless shopping sprees can occur.

Many famous writers, entertainers and others who are in the limelight are often ‘caught in the act’ at this stage, because being manic can be exhilarating. However, there is then the depression that sets in. The depression associated with Bipolar Disorder has been well-documented as being nothing less than devastating. Getting out of bed can present a daily challenge, and the lows can cause people to do things that they wouldn’t normally do. Being in either the manic or the depressed state can often cause people to commit suicide, and can be equally dangerous.

Being bipolar does not make you disabled, yet it can have very debilitating results. It will affect a person’s personality, often times showing a completely different side to who they normally are. For loved ones, providing acceptance and understanding are key.

The best thing for providing mass acceptance for this disease, and many others, is all about communication. Get the conversations going about it, and keep communicating with each other about it. Many people try and hide from their diagnoses, but unlike a common cold, this disease does not leave. It does not take vacation days, so neither can you-you must take your prescribed medication daily, as stability is also key with this disorder.

Locally, there are over 100 counselors, psychologists and treatment facilities available to anyone suffering from mental illness. If you believe that you are in need of services, there is help available, so do not think that you must suffer alone. Do not be ashamed if you feel that you need to ask for help, that is what it is there for. If you’ve tried getting help in the past and have been unsuccessful, try, try again. The key is to finding a mental health professional that you feel comfortable with. There are options out there for you!

It is with much sadness that we have lost another great American entertainer. Someone as talented, and as loved as the late Robin Williams will be greatly missed. But it didn’t have to end like that. And it doesn’t have to for anyone. Find out what you can about Bipolar Disorder, and stay informed. It just may help you save a life. 

If you, or anyone that you know is suffering, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255.

by Maggie J Shepeard

Maggie J. Shepeard lives, works and plays in Marquette, Michigan with her husband and four amazing children, ages 10-18. She’s been an avid writer since the moment she first picked up a writing utensil. Non-fiction novels are her specialty, but she can see a storyline in everything and everywhere that she looks. Often working under the pen name, “Kathryn Lee,” she’s had one book published and is under contract to complete two more before year’s end. She’s a full- time student at Northern Michigan University, in Marquette, with a Major in Multimedia Journalism and a Minor in Writing. She’s taken every English and Writing class that she can, but still learns something new with every new subject. Maggie enjoys traveling and camping with her family and looks at everything is life as an adventure. She’s a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan, and she can be found every Sunday (during the season) rooting for her team. Maggie is a “Yooper” all the way, and is originally from Powers, Michigan, although she’s also lived in both Cadillac and Escanaba, Michigan before finding her permanent home on the pristine shores of Lake Superior, right here in Marquette. To see more of Maggie’s work, or to reach her via email, please click the link below.

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