Navigating and Advocating in the Mental Health System

It's all connected.

Navigating the health system is tricky in a system that is disjointed. I initiated a referral for a neurologist for a family member in April 2014. We just got in to see the neurologist the end of September 2014. We like the doctor. She is professional, takes the time to explain the next steps, and is a strengths-based provider. We like that.

I won't be spending much time on the problems, as I am pursuing the solution. However, in order to put solutions into context, one needs to address what the problem is in the first place. Balance, my friends. It's all about balance.

Today is the MRI. From my layman's knowledge of what they're trying to rule out (and I've been googling way too much, mind you), MRI's typically rule in/out disorders that cause damage to the CNS (Central Nervous System: brain and spinal cord). Examples of these would be Multiple Sclerosis and brain tumor.

This is where my breathing and positive affirmations come into play. Spirituality and creative visualization are helpful as well. Some practitioners don't believe in the power of these things. However, coming from a place where only diligent rehearsal of what is going well, being grateful for what I/we have, and having hope (and letting others have hope for me/us when I/we couldn't)...these being the only things that have gotten me through my dark times... well, I am a believer. Stay tuned.

Stigma, a new perspective (I hope)

I just now saw a comment intended for my blog...it was dated September 2014. Needless to say, I've been busy.

I finished my Thesis. I know you're not supposed to have an angle or an expectation when making hypotheses, but I couldn't help myself. The results were not what I expected. After a year-long editing process, I am grateful to be able to say that it is done!

I started working a paying job in October 2013, and kept up with the volunteer position along with that until June of 2014. I continue to work with those with mental health issues and substance-related disorders.

Both my older children have ongoing medical issues. One goes in for an MRI of her brain and spinal cord tomorrow. I'm trying not to panic.

Really, what I want to talk about from here on out, since this blog is no longer about a "disabled" human trying to get through grad school (I graduated with distinction), is STIGMA.
Specifically, stigma associated with having a mental health condition and being told it's "all in your head" - meaning, it doesn't exist. Not that it's actually in your head, because that would be helpful information. (That was sarcasm).

If there's no apparent cause, they are, actually.

Just because someone doesn't have a mouth growing out the center of the forehead, yelling "Hey, I have a problem over here!" doesn't mean there isn't a problem. Despite a stigma-awareness campaign in our area, there still exists the issue. And I'm part of the problem. If I don't speak up.

I do my best to work with my current clients to educate them on the idea that it's not a "disorder" or a "problem" unless it's a problem for them - and many times they need professionals and friends alike to help them recognize the problem (e.g. recognizing symptoms that don't want to be recognized, as in bipolar disorder). The issue then becomes learning how to deal with the problem, find the solution and learn to recognize the problem before it becomes a problem in the future. Fall down, get up, learn a little more, fall down, get up, learn a little more...

Mental health issues aren't the only ones that are surrounded in a sea of murky stigma; some not-so-easily identifiable physical health issues are as well. Again, if it's a problem for the patient/person/client, it's a problem. I am witnessing that in my child as we speak, on both fronts.
So, I'm going to find a solution. Period. And, until I do, I'll be talking about it (when time, energy, and the stars' alignment all add up to a blog post). I'd love your thoughts.