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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5 to 29 of 38. Go back in thread:
Posted by Sarahmarie on May 23, 2002, at 22:26:10
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » waterlily, posted by sid on May 23, 2002, at 20:43:12
I tend to ignore the question of mental illness and the only time I had to admit to depression was for my pre-work physical(all of this kept confidential as the simply state you either pass the physical or you don't. I passed. The Doctor who was giving me the physical said I didn't even look depressed. I only admit depression to those who are close enough to me that I can trust.
Today I had a little hard time at work, because I forgot my Lorazepam and had to go home to get it. Inside of me I just wanted to share with someone how panicked I was at the time, then I realized nobody knows about my Major Depression and OCD and anxiety--so I just asked for an early lunch to go home and get my meds. I think it is a tough question that all of us deal with. It has been unfortunately stigmatized not only by society, but also by very profession which treats it. Take care.
Posted by kazoo on May 23, 2002, at 22:33:54
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by waterlily on May 23, 2002, at 16:33:59
> How can you blame that on diet?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Eat Twinkies, commit murder, claim mental illness, get away with murder; however, don't ask Dan White ... he committed suicide on October 21, 1985.
You did say "diet," didn't you?
[ In memory of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. ]
kazoo
Posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 22:36:28
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by waterlily on May 23, 2002, at 16:33:59
you are so cool! my therapist has a phrase that i absolutely love: when i'm complaining about being annoyed by certain people, he'll ask me if it matters (ie: would i choose them to be my friends anyway?) it's good perspective.
i'm also sad to hear about what your family has had to go through, but i am happy that you seem armed with the knowledge to get through it. i'm happy that you are being knowledgeable for your own kids.
terra
Posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 22:43:28
In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23
i remember being asked that question when getting my driver's license (they rattle that off with a list of about 10 other questions.) i always say, "no" because that's what i'm supposed to say, but i always feel like i am lying. i had to answer that on a job application recently.
they should be worried about those who have a mental illness and aren't aware of it.
with national events, at least PTSD seems more understood these days (ie: i don't get looked at like "funny, you couldn't have been in vietnam.") i think people get scared by what they just don't understand.
terra
Posted by IsoM on May 24, 2002, at 0:42:09
In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23
I handle it with pride & dignity & to hell with the stupid people. Notice I didn't say ignorant? If someone truly is ignorant, in other words, doesn't know much about it, I try to educate them as much as they wish. No overkill.
I have ADHD, narcolepsy, & depression. If someone is to ask me if I'm mentally ill, I look at them in horror & say "what constitutes mental illness? Who decides what is & isn't?" I don't consider myself mentally ill in the least & will say so.
I consider someone who's bigoted, someone not wanting to learn about the world around them, someone cruel, hateful, & spiteful as mentally ill - not what we are! And I speak it plainly.
When you start discussing the concept of mental illness in this way with others, you'd be surprised at how much others will open to you, telling about problems in their own life & that of their families. We need to let others know & believe for themselves that there should be NO stigma attached to the "emotional" ills so many suffer with today.
Posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » terra miller, posted by IsoM on May 24, 2002, at 0:42:09
I like IsoM's response.
I don't think I've ever been asked that directly and my mood and how the question was asked would determine my answer.
1. I knew you liked me.
2. Run away screaming and waving my arms wildly.
3. I knew you were a brutha when I saw you
4. Did you just ask me if I had a mental illness or did I just hear it in my head?
5. No, I take 12 pills a day because they're pretty.
6. Yes
7. No
8. You tawkin to me?
9. Why, are you wanting to help?
10. I suffer from depression which is controlled by medication and therapy. I and 18,000,000 other Americans and many millions of people all over the world. Here are some 'friends' of mine:
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
Shelley Beattie, athlete (bodybuilding, sailing), artist
Ned Beatty, actor
Maurice Benard, actor
Danny Bonaduce, radio personality, actor, writer
Robert Boorstin, writer, special assistant to Pres. Clinton, State Department
Art Buchwald, writer, humorist
Alohe Jean Burke (Ghafoor), musician, vocalist
Tim Burton, artist, movie director
Robert Campeau, financier (Canada)
Lisa Nicole Carson, actor
Dick Cavett, writer, media personality
C.E. Chaffin, writer, poet
Rosemary Clooney, singer
Garnet Coleman, legislator (Texas)
Francis Ford Coppola, director
Patricia Cornwell, writer
John Daly, athlete (golf)
Ray Davies, musician
Lenny Dee, musician
Eric Douglas, actor
Robert Downey, Jr., actor
Kitty Dukakis, former First Lady of Massachusetts
Patty Duke (Anna Duke Pearce), actor, writer
Thomas Eagleton, lawyer, former U.S. Senator
Margot Early, writer
Robert Evans, film producer
Carrie Fisher, writer, actor
Larry Flynt, magazine publisher
Connie Francis, actor, musician
Stephen Fry, actor, author, comedian
Kaye Gibbons, writer
Kit Gingrich, Newt's Mom
Stuart Goddard (Adam Ant), musician
Shecky Greene, comedian, actor
Linda Hamilton, actor
Kristin Hersh, musician
Jack Irons, musician
Kay Redfield Jamison, psychologist, writer
Daniel Johnston, musician
Margot Kidder, actor
Peter Nolan Lawrence, writer (England)
Rika Lesser, writer, translator
Bill Lichtenstein, producer (TV & radio)
Jay Marvin, radio personality, writer
Kevin McDonald, comedian, actor
Kristy McNichol, actor
Dimitri Mihalas, scientist
Kate Millett, writer, artist
John Mulheren, financier (U.S.)
Robert Munsch, writer
Ilie Nastase, athlete (tennis), politician
Tony Orlando, musician
Margo Orum, writer
Nicola Pagett, actor
Susan Panico (Susan Dime-Meenan), business executive
Jimmie Piersall, athlete (baseball), sports announcer
Charley Pride, musician
Mac Rebennack (Dr. John), musician
Jeannie C. Riley, musician
Lynn Rivers, U.S. Congress
Alys Robi, vocalist (Canada)
Axl Rose, musician
Francesco Scavullo, artist, photographer
Lori Schiller, writer, educator
Frances Sherwood, writer
Scott Simmie, writer, journalist
Earl Simmons (DMX), musician, actor
Alonzo Spellman, athlete (football)
Muffin Spencer-Devlin, athlete (pro golf)
Darryl Strawberry, athlete (baseball)
Ben Stiller, actor, comedian
Gordon Sumner (Sting), musician, composer
Lili Taylor, actor
Dimitrius Underwood, athlete (football)
Jean-Claude Van Damme, athlete (martial arts), actor
Mark Vonnegut, doctor, writer
Sol Wachtler, judge, writer
Tom Waits, musician, composer
Brian Wilson, musician, composer, arranger
Jonathan Winters, comedian, actor, writer, artist
Luther Wright, athlete (basketball)
-------
Here's some people you may rememberStuart Adamson, 1958-2001, musician
Chris Antley, 1967-2001, athlete
Diane Arbus, 1923-1971, photographer
Samuel Barber, 1910-1981, classical composer
Samuel Becket, 1906-1989, writer
Menachem Begin, 1913-1992, Prime Minister (Israel), Nobel Laureate
Tommy Boyce, 1939-1994, musician, composer
Clara Bow, 1905-1965, actor
Cheyenne Brando, 1970-1995, actor
Richard Brautigan, d. 1984, writer
Donald Cammell, 1934-1996, movie director, screenwriter
Truman Capote, 1924-1984, writer
Paddy Chayefsky, 1923-1981, writer, movie director
Lawton Chiles, 1930-1998, senator, governor (Florida)
Winston Churchill, 1874-1965, Prime Minister (U.K.)
Kurt Cobain, 1967-1994, musician
Tyrus Cobb, 1886-1961, athlete
Calvin Coolidge, 1872-1933, U.S. president
Dennis Crosby, 1935-1991, actor
John Denver, 1943-1997, musician, composer, writer
Terence Donovan, 1936-1996, photographer
Michael Dorris, 1945-1997, writer
James Farmer, 1920-1999, civil rights activist
Philo T. Farnsworth, 1906-1971, inventor of electronic television
Andre Franquin, 1924-1997, cartoonist
Michel Foucault, 1926-1984, writer, philosopher
Judy Garland, 1922-1969, singer, actor
Stan Getz, 1927-1991, musician
Arshille Gorky, 1904-1948, artist
Philip Guston, 1913-1980, artist
Hampton Hawes, 1928-1977, musician
Lillian Hellman, 1905-1984, writer
Ernest Hemingway, 1898-1961, writer
Margaux Hemingway, 1955-1996, actor, model
Audrey Hepburn, 1929-1993, actor
Herman Hesse, 1877-1962, writer
Edward Hopper, 1882-1967, artist
Eugene Izzi, 1954-1996, writer
William James, 1842-1910, philosopher, writer
Lyndon Johnson, 1908-1973, U.S. president
Franz Kafka, 1883-1924, writer
Danny Kaye, 1913-1986, actor, comedian
William Kurelek, 1927-1977, artist
Primo Levi, d. 1987, chemist, writer
Ross Lockridge, Jr., 1914-1948, writer
Jack London, 1876-1916, writer
Malcolm Lowry, 1909-1957, writer
J. Anthony Lukas, 1933-1997, writer
Salvador Luria, 1912-1991, geneticist, Nobel Laureate
Susannah McCorkle, 1946-2001, vocalist, writer
Peter McWilliams, 1949-2000, writer, activist
Robert Merrill, 1924-1998, musician, lyricist
Carmen Miranda, 1909-1955, dancer, actor
Claude Monet, 1840-1926, artist
Thelonious Monk, 1917-1982, musician
Marilyn Monroe, 1926-1962, actor, singer
Vaslov Nijinksy, 1889-1959, dancer, choreographer
Richard M. Nixon, 1913-1994, U.S. president
Laurence Olivier, 1907-1989, actor
Eugene O'Neill, 1888-1953, writer
Wilfred Owen, 1893-1918, poet, soldier
Dorothy Parker, 1893-1967, writer, poet
George S. Patton, 1885-1945, General (U.S. military)
Walker Percy, 1916-1990, writer
Sylvia Plath, 1932-1963, writer
Jackson Pollock, 1912-1956, artist
Cole Porter, 1891-1964, composer
Freddie Prinze, 1955-1977, comedian, actor
Norman Rockwell, 1894-1978, artist
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962, First Lady
Amelia Rosselli, 1930-1996, poet
Mark Rothko, 1903-1970, artist
Gabrielle Roy, 1909-1983, writer
May Sarton, 1913-1995, poet, diarist, novelist
Ronnie Scott, d. 1996, musician
David O. Selznick, 1902-1965, film producer, director
Anne Sexton, 1928-1974, poet
Charles Schulz, 1922-2000, artist, cartoonist
Dmitri Shostakovich, 1906-1975, musician
Diana Spencer, 1961-1997, Princess of Wales
Dusty Springfield, 1939-1999, vocalist
Gene Tierney, 1920-1991, actor
Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1864-1901, artist
Spencer Tracy, 1900-1967, actor
Vivian Vance, 1909-1979, actor
Tennessee Williams, 1911-1983, writer
William Carlos Williams, 1883-1963, physician, writer, poet
Bill Wilson, 1895-1971, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
Hugo Wolf, 1860-1903, composer
Ed Wood, 1925-1978, movie director
Natalie Wood, 1938-1981, actor
Tammy Wynette, 1942-1998, musician, vocalist
Faron Young, 1932-1996, musician
Robert Young, 1907-1998, actor
Posted by sid on May 24, 2002, at 8:17:23
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » IsoM, posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56
Phil, are you Canadian? I didn't know about Gabrielle Roy - depression too?
Impressive list !!! I'm saving it for future reference - thanks for all this info! You made this list yourself or you found it somewhere? Impressive in any case.- sid
Posted by alii on May 24, 2002, at 11:51:26
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » IsoM, posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56
Thanks for morning laugh Phil to help offset my morning tears.
Great list.
--Alii
Posted by waterlily on May 24, 2002, at 16:59:31
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » terra miller, posted by IsoM on May 24, 2002, at 0:42:09
> I have ADHD, narcolepsy, & depression. If someone is to ask me if I'm mentally ill, I look at them in horror & say "what constitutes mental illness? Who decides what is & isn't?" I don't consider myself mentally ill in the least & will say so.
>
I think you're right. My mind brings up images of people who cannot control themselves and and cannot function in society when I hear 'mentally ill'. However, if we claim that our problems are at least due in part to biochemistry, we have to call ourselves 'ill' or else 'in remission' from the disease (again, if you subscribe to the belief that it is biochemical). I sometimes have to answer something at a doctor's or dentist's office that says 'have you been under psychiatric care?' to which I answer 'yes' because it is important to provide accurate medical information to get the best possible treatment. When I donate blood there is a question that says 'Are you in treatment for a disease that has not been mentioned?' to which I answer 'no' because I know they're concerned only with conditions that would cause an adverse effect on the donor or recipient. Psychiatric illnesses do not pose a threat, nor do the medications I take.
Posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:33:57
In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23
I find that I don't perceive myself as having a mental illness. I'm aware that I do -- if I'm having memory problems due to anxiety, I must.
I find that I am struggling against these symptoms, struggling not to succumb to mental illness -- striving to create a stable, happy life for myself despite the illness.
There are long periods of time -- years -- in which my life is 'uninterrupted' by illness. I go kayaking, fall in love, go to school, work. Then out of the blue -- whoosh -- some worsening of my previous symptoms impacts my life. It can be immensely disheartening.
It is difficult to acknowledge being 'mentally ill,' in part I think because of the social attitude. Isn't it just a 'weakness'? But I think acknowledging the difficulty and persisting despite it are both part of the cure.
Posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:35:20
In reply to how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by terra miller on May 23, 2002, at 9:44:23
I also find that there's a 'seed,' an inner self inside me that remains unchanged, despite the traumatic experiences I'm going through. That -- despite the changes -- there is something that is essentially 'me.'
Does anyone else feel this way? I feel that it may be a clue to the nature of existence -- *pondering the purpose of life*
:D
Posted by Dinah1 on May 24, 2002, at 17:44:04
In reply to inner self, posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:35:20
I think that's wonderful. It's something I am lacking in completely. I have no continuing sense of who I am at all. Although others tell me I'm more constant than I feel.
Maybe that's one of the many meanings of "ego".
Posted by terra miller on May 24, 2002, at 22:02:43
In reply to inner self, posted by Bookgurl99 on May 24, 2002, at 17:35:20
i'm totally confident that i put away long ago who i was meant to be before being traumatized, and i believe that this part of me has always been nurtured and protected and kept pure and innocent. no one bad can touch it. and that's what keeps me going. some say inner self, or inner child. i just know that, as an adult, i play better than most because i am aware of myself inside. i think really that we're all kids in a way.
terra
Posted by ST on May 25, 2002, at 4:25:26
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » terra miller, posted by IsoM on May 24, 2002, at 0:42:09
HI,
Good question. IsoM is right on, I think, in how to deal.
I've never been asked that directly, but I am completely open about it. I want to de-stigmatize menatl illness. It's really a cause for me. I honestly hope that someday I am in a position to reach large numbers of people in order to inform and de-mystify depression and mental illness. On the few occasions I've taken my meds in public and nosy people have innocently asked, "Oh, what are you taking, vitamins?" I repond: "Actually it's Wellbutrin, which is an antidepressant. Want some?" They usually start laughing and then say, "Wow, you don't even seem depressed." It's then an opportunity for me to inform them a little without overloading them with info. In the end, these people walk away with less fear, suspicion and bias.
When I was first diagnosed with bipolar II, I wanted it hidden. I told my friends to never tell anyone and hid it form my agent, my bosses, my co-workers, EVERYONE. I was sure I'd never find a boyfriend again. I thought no one would want to work with me. I am blessed that I work in a business where most of the people are "mentally ill" on some level. I honestly don't know how I'd deal with it if I wasn't.
So, I look at it as an opportunity every time an uninformed person crosses my path.
Sarah
Posted by ST on May 25, 2002, at 4:31:46
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » IsoM, posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56
Phil, what a great list! Thank you.
Posted by IsoM on May 25, 2002, at 15:00:20
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » IsoM, posted by Phil on May 24, 2002, at 6:36:56
Phil, you always make me smile or laugh. Damn, you should be a stand-up comedian (in your cowboy hat & thong)!
Think I'll stop giving a sensible answer about 'mental illness' & choose answer #2 - "Run away screaming and waving my arms wildly." More fun & I'm sure the exercise will do me good.
Posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 20:23:15
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question? » Phil, posted by sid on May 24, 2002, at 8:17:23
No, but if Cynthia Kereluk would have me, I'm willing to move...tomorrow.
I got the list off of Dr Ivan's site. Lot's of info there.
Posted by terra miller on May 25, 2002, at 21:07:56
In reply to Re: how do YOU handle the mental illness question?, posted by ST on May 25, 2002, at 4:25:26
i don't know that i will ever be able to be direct about it. i can't imagine saying to the driver's license person, for example, "yes and this is why."
i wonder if it matters: if you are asked the "mental illness" question, and you answer yes and talk about depression vs. if you answer bipolar (that is, the general population i'm assuming has more knowledge of depression) or ???
not to say that one dx is better/worse/different than another. i'm just waxing philosophical i suppose.
can you imagine trying to explain to a driver's licensing person why you should be allowed to drive even though, according to your "mental illness" you are known to heavily dissociate? (a little comical relief.)
~terra
Posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 21:30:44
In reply to different dx's=different stigma level??, posted by terra miller on May 25, 2002, at 21:07:56
But I always drive in the narcolepsy lane.
I'm not telling them sh*t. Why don't they ask if you plan on driving drunk or trying to drive as you rack up 2000 minutes a month on your cell phone. I love these people dialing their phone as they round a corner headed straight for my ass.
They have a baby in the back of their Lincoln Navigator...somewhere. That bus must have a navigation system pointing the way to gas stations around the universe.
I work for the state. We're all on meds or alcohol.
Posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:06:43
In reply to Re: different dx's=different stigma level??, posted by Phil on May 25, 2002, at 21:30:44
Pardon me, I know this is off-topic, but I have been on Admin, and I just need a moment to scream.eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!
Thank you.
*Nobody* is appreciating my subject lines, btw, in the current, um, matter at hand.
You may go back to your thread now.
Zo
Posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:10:01
In reply to Re: --- a short interruption ----, posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:06:43
Posted by Phil on May 26, 2002, at 5:33:56
In reply to Re: --- a short interruption ----, posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:06:43
Cracked me up at 5:30 in the morning. Thanks!!
Phil
Posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19
In reply to (speaking of mental illness) (nm), posted by Zo on May 26, 2002, at 3:10:01
Does this really belong here? Perhaps the 2000 or 2001 board could be used for laughing at others.
Posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:15:19
In reply to Re: that was not about therapy » Zo, posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19
you were referring to yourself. Sorry I hadn't considered that possibility.
Then this board would be perfectly appropriate.
Posted by Phil on May 26, 2002, at 10:16:32
In reply to Re: that was not about therapy » Zo, posted by dinah 2 on May 26, 2002, at 9:12:19
Where is that happening? Enlighten me.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
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