Mental Illness is like a Ball and Chain by Peggy Godfrey In the October 21 issue of the Westchester Guardian
Several weeks ago I had interviewed Glenn S. about his mental illness. At that time, he appeared quite relaxed and friendly. Sadly, he said, a few days later his anxiety increased. This was caused by one of the triggers that one never knows when it will occur. This anxiety was so great that his body was slightly immobilized and his usual routine was interrupted. Glen cautioned, "Sometimes you can anticipate triggers and you can use certain skills to lower the negative effects, but if it is a different or new trigger this many not be possible." New coping skills need to be learned and when they become second nature they can alleviate some of the pain, but not all of it. Unfortunately, he lamented, "you can never get rid of mental illness. It’s like an invisible ball and chain."
However, on October 21 Glenn, who has a deep spiritual faith, is looking forward to the Interreligious Council of New Rochelle’s sacred prayer sessions at Shiloh Baptist Church at 8 p.m.in New Rochelle. Speakers from various faiths will be featured in a program that reflects the diversity of the faiths in their membership.. The Rev. Susan Ji-on Postal will lead a ten minute meditation and show people have to use this practice. She is a teacher who runs Empty Hand Zen. Sr. Phyllis Hinchcliffe, OSU of the Ursuline Community will lead some sacred prayers as will a Rabbi who will represent the Jewish community. Glenn S. Will also be giving a short prayer to begin the service. After prayers, refreshments will be served.
Glenn continued, "Mental illness is a non-visible, but physical disability. The physical part of is consists of chemicals inside the brain which are not properly regulated through no fault of the individual." The regulation of these chemicals and the nerve synapses according to Glenn can not be controlled entirely by medication. Science is still in the infant stages of learning how the brain works. Two people with the same diagnosis will have different reactions to the same medication. Scientists don’t totally understand why different kinds of reactions occur. First you have to slowly watch how an individual’s biochemistry reactions to the medication. For example, the medication Glenn S. uses might create problems for another person. Medications have to be tried on each person individually, Anyone hopes that when a new medication is tried it is going to work. The initial stage of diagnosis and management of mental illness can be the most difficult. For example, while an antibiotic can work on a certain illness for most people, there could still be a small group of individuals that does either does not respond to it, or is allergic to it.
Complicating this, according to Glenn, are the social complexities of everyday living which make the diagnosis of mental illness difficult. In Glenn’s case, there was a great deal of misdiagnosis in the beginning of his treatment. Glenn’s anxiety was at a high level a few weeks ago and he was slightly incapacitated. It took much of his effort to move and follow through using the skills he had been taught. Eventually he was able to get out of his house for a short walk.
This anxiety in Glenn’s view was a set-back and it prevented him from taken his usual half mile walk. Now that he has passed through this state, he tried to prepare himself for any new painful situations by learning new coping skills. He cautions retraining the brain after a lifetime of misdirected thoughts is difficult and that is where good therapy comes in. There is no such thing as an "overnight cure" or any cure, according to Glenn. Further people with mental illness can suffer daily. Here is where for Glenn, spirituality and faith play the most important role, along with the support of family and friends. The support circle for those who suffer with mental illness can either be the person’s greatest asset or the biggest detriment. Glenn considers this IRC conference on October 21 as a way for the wider community gathering to recognize and support those who suffer with mental illness. Glenn concludes with a positive note, ‘Society is slowly overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness."
