38 thoughts on “Mental Health – A Crazy Business!”
I am never too thrilled when individuals think mental illness is some sort of crazy. True, we all have our own peculiar habits but to call them “some kind of crazy” is to forget just what mental illness really is. It’s not like a medical disease where one runs a temperature or breaks out in a rash or a bone is broken. All those conditions are temporary. When you break a bone it typically takes six weeks or so to mend. But is not true if you suffer from some form of anxiety that is above the normal distribution. We can’t put a splint on it and take an aspirin or two. Depression doesn’t just go away like a cold or flu virus. In a way, mental illness is like a cancer. We can try to treat it with some form of therapy in the hope that one goes into remission, that state where one can function in a reasonable manner in life. But unlike cancer, the mental illness is always there until the day you die.
So please, if you want to talk about crazy, fine, but leave mental illness out of the joke.
William, thank you for the comment. I never realized it before, but yes, mental illness IS like a cancer. Thank you for that analogy.
I have bi-polar and depression. So, I’m not making fun of people with mental illness, I’m making light of my own hard situation.
It is not meant as offensive.
Lucy, you are a truly gracious person. We who read your posts regularly know what a kind heart you have and appreciate your humorous take on so many things happening in your life. Please don’t ever change. And never feel you have to apologize to anyone for being the authentic person you are. Your friend, Ethel (And Roxie says “ditto”.)
Lucy, I do understand and empathize with him. But! That does not excuse his tone and the fact he obviously judged you without following the link. No one messes with my Buds! 💜 Ethel
PS – As I look at his follow-up comments he strikes me as a pompous behind who won’t admit he’s wrong. He never read that article you took the time to link us to. Be careful with him, Melinda. I don’t get very good vibes. And remember the Face Book Fiasco! Love, Clare
I am sorry to learn that you suffer from bi-polar and depression. My daughter has, in her forties now, become diagnosed as bi-polar and suffers from depression as well. I know life for you and her are not easy and sometimes down right scary. Of course I’ll never understand your problem but I have lived with a partner who was mentally unstable for 14 years and on some heavy psychotropic drugs. Us care takers are often driven into mild depression during that process.
I know you did not mean to be offensive, that much was obvious. It was a slip of the tongue more than anything. Stella Lee just berated me for suggesting the need to be a little more mindful of our language. Perhaps having been so close to mental illness, being so personally involved, I may be a little over sensitive. Like gallows humor is funny and ironic until one stands on the platform with a rope around one’s neck.
I wish I had something more positive to say about your condition. All I can do is to wish you well and say enjoy and savor the good times. I am happy that my daughter is on level ground for now and I hope you are too.
Oh, William, I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. Having lived with a partner with mental health issues, and now your daughter, you’re as close as anyone can get to understanding, without actually suffering themselves.
I hope you have support for yourself, and her? Especially so that you don’t fall into depression yourself?
True that, about gallows humor.
I am so used to joking about it, that is my way to deal.
Thank you, William. I’m doing very well this week. So glad to hear your daughter is stable as well. that is wonderful news!
Thank you, for coming back to comment again.
Oh I understand your dealing with bi-polar. I used to do the same thing about my wife when I was in private. You know you can’t admit that the care taking function is getting to you because then people ask why you just don’t leave her and then what do you say. But you know the last year I was with her I would drive to work looking for a place to crash my car. We lived in the mountains and I was searching for the right place to run off the road and down the mountain side. that is when I made the decision to divorce her. But I never make the usual remarks most people make about “crazy and insane” people. As I have said so many times before, I no longer have to live with her illness but she does not have that option.
Right now I live about 1500 miles from my daughter so I can only talk to her on the phone. Her mother lives nearby, that is my first wife. And wouldn’t you know it, she suffers from mild depression. When it rains it pours. I think about a third of all the people I’ve known, worked with, lived next to, an generally interacted have had mental problems. What I fear is that the mental condition of these newer generations may be far more severe than it ever was for my generation. Of course now I am of the general opinion that the world is no longer crazy but is becoming more insane. Maybe I’m just getting too old. But hang in there and watch your meds. I’ve know individuals who were constantly going off their med and then wham. they tell me it’s a bear getting back to normal or what usually passes for normal.
It makes my heart sad to hear all the troubles you had, and have.
That is true, we (the ones with the illness) have no choice.
It does seem that mental illness is becoming more common. The world has turned away from God,I think is one reason.
Also, the stressfulness of our daily lives.
Thanks for the support. Oh yes! Trying to get back to stable after being off meds is sooo much harder!!
Life is doing what is necessary for yourself and your loved ones. Sometimes the going get tough, fact of life. But if we never had any challenges in our lives how dull we would be and how we could not have empathy for others.
I don’t know that mental illness is becoming more common. The past has been filled with ignorance and obliviousness. On the other hand I think too many professionals are trolling for more work. One can make the case either way.
I am glad you are getting back to what you consider normal or stable. Remember, it’s your feelings that matter. So revel in the pleasure of not being tied to medications, even if it is just a reduction. Each day is a victory.
Context is important and I can see you really didn’t take the time to get know Mel before you made your statement. If you don’t like what is being said you can just leave, there is no need for being rude. There is nothing derogatory or dismissive in the post about illnesses that are of a mental nature and I see no reason for your having made this comment. We are all aware that chronic illnesses are difficult to live with. I hope in future you will take the time to consider if your admonishing comments are appropriate.
Actually my comments were appropriate. First, I have several degrees in psychology and know the subject very, very well. Second, I was married to a woman who had severe mental problems for 14 of the 16 years we were married. She had to be committed twice. So I have lived through that situation and had to deal with individuals makes comments that were either intended to be rude or were a bit thoughtless in their references. Third, my minor was in linguistics so I know the power of language. With all that said, I understand that many of the everyday references such a “crazy as a loon” tend to be used in a harmless manner. But equating crazy with mentally ill or being possess of some mental illness is, in my opinion, going too far. I also realize that the comment was made more in jest than in reality. But it was a thoughtless comment regardless of intent and it does impart some measure of harm to those who do suffer from mental illness.
Understand that I grew up in a time where Negro was the formal name we used for Black or Afro-Americans. colored people was the informal usage, and nigger was the common insult. Times have changed and now one hardly hears those terms in common usage. The same is true of mental illness, the language has been upgraded (I hate to use that term but it is apt) to a more precise language and attention placed to make it less abusive. You may not agree with me. That is your right. I can only tell you my perception. This is not a discussion of political correctness, the stupidity of which I cannot begin to argue. It is about being a little more mindful of language. That is something we all need to be a little more in our daily lives.
I can understand your sensitivity to the word “crazy”. It can be overused in our society and has taken on different levels of meaning. (My favorite song is Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” and has really nothing to do with mental illness.) The article that Melinda linked us to has “crazy” in its title and it is being used, again, on another level. One that affirms what you are actually saying in your comment – that there are many times when mental illness is not treated as it should be. Times when the seriousness of the topic of mental illness is diminished by defining actions which are not really mental illness as being such. And there are greedy people who pander to this in order to benefit themselves. This is what Timothy Petri’s article (with the word “crazy” in the title) discusses. Having a diagnosed mental illness and seeking help is a positive step toward mental health and it is a brave action as it can open a person up to much more pain. I can see that in your words.
People use many types of coping mechanisms when dealing with pain and one of them is humor. Humor is something which also has many levels – from being purposely hurtful to self-deprecating. I think Melinda’s handling of her own difficult situation with humor is a positive method for her and many others. Bi-polar disorder and depression are serious. As serious as the aggressive cancer my husband Charley deals with every day until we can find a cure or until he dies. Any disease is hard to deal with on a daily basis and in her blog posts, my friend, Melinda helps us understand this daily, weekly, monthly, yearly challenge – not in a heavy-handed way, but one in which she does so well – with humor. To chastise her for this when she has taken the time to link to a source which will help us to better understand the point you are trying to assert is unfair. Your comment causes me to wonder if you are familiar with Melinda’s posts and to wonder if you just chose to lash out at her without even bothering to read Petri’s article?
You’re so sweet to be concerned but you know how life just sometimes throws you a curve, and I have to tell ya, Melinda, I don’t recover like I did 40 years ago…I’m working through it. My husband has numerous health issues, my son has distanced himself from us, my Dad has just been diagnosed with cancer…yet life goes on. And I’m working on my coping skills. My blog is part of that. Thanks for being my friend.
Oh yes, I know! Isn’t that the truth! I don’t do ANYTHING like I did 40 years ago!
I remember you said about your husband. I’m so sorry to hear about all that going wrong.
I’m here for you. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know!
Email me at purpleslobinrecovery@gmail.com anytime!
You’re so welcome.
purpleslobinrecovery 
I am never too thrilled when individuals think mental illness is some sort of crazy. True, we all have our own peculiar habits but to call them “some kind of crazy” is to forget just what mental illness really is. It’s not like a medical disease where one runs a temperature or breaks out in a rash or a bone is broken. All those conditions are temporary. When you break a bone it typically takes six weeks or so to mend. But is not true if you suffer from some form of anxiety that is above the normal distribution. We can’t put a splint on it and take an aspirin or two. Depression doesn’t just go away like a cold or flu virus. In a way, mental illness is like a cancer. We can try to treat it with some form of therapy in the hope that one goes into remission, that state where one can function in a reasonable manner in life. But unlike cancer, the mental illness is always there until the day you die.
So please, if you want to talk about crazy, fine, but leave mental illness out of the joke.
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William, thank you for the comment. I never realized it before, but yes, mental illness IS like a cancer. Thank you for that analogy.
I have bi-polar and depression. So, I’m not making fun of people with mental illness, I’m making light of my own hard situation.
It is not meant as offensive.
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You handled that very politely. I think I would have hit the delete button, which you are welcome to do on my above comment.
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Thanks, Stella.
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Lucy, you are a truly gracious person. We who read your posts regularly know what a kind heart you have and appreciate your humorous take on so many things happening in your life. Please don’t ever change. And never feel you have to apologize to anyone for being the authentic person you are. Your friend, Ethel (And Roxie says “ditto”.)
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Thank you, Ethel. I know he didn’t know me, and he has his own struggles to deal with in his life.
Thanks, Roxie!!
Love, Lucy
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Lucy, I do understand and empathize with him. But! That does not excuse his tone and the fact he obviously judged you without following the link. No one messes with my Buds! 💜 Ethel
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Thank you Ethel!! I know I can always count on you!! And Roxie!! And Stella!
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Yes, Stella definitely has your back.
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I have such wonderful friends. Thank you more than I can say!
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PS – As I look at his follow-up comments he strikes me as a pompous behind who won’t admit he’s wrong. He never read that article you took the time to link us to. Be careful with him, Melinda. I don’t get very good vibes. And remember the Face Book Fiasco! Love, Clare
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Thanks for the warning, Clare. How could I forget??
Love, Melinda
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I am sorry to learn that you suffer from bi-polar and depression. My daughter has, in her forties now, become diagnosed as bi-polar and suffers from depression as well. I know life for you and her are not easy and sometimes down right scary. Of course I’ll never understand your problem but I have lived with a partner who was mentally unstable for 14 years and on some heavy psychotropic drugs. Us care takers are often driven into mild depression during that process.
I know you did not mean to be offensive, that much was obvious. It was a slip of the tongue more than anything. Stella Lee just berated me for suggesting the need to be a little more mindful of our language. Perhaps having been so close to mental illness, being so personally involved, I may be a little over sensitive. Like gallows humor is funny and ironic until one stands on the platform with a rope around one’s neck.
I wish I had something more positive to say about your condition. All I can do is to wish you well and say enjoy and savor the good times. I am happy that my daughter is on level ground for now and I hope you are too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, William, I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. Having lived with a partner with mental health issues, and now your daughter, you’re as close as anyone can get to understanding, without actually suffering themselves.
I hope you have support for yourself, and her? Especially so that you don’t fall into depression yourself?
True that, about gallows humor.
I am so used to joking about it, that is my way to deal.
Thank you, William. I’m doing very well this week. So glad to hear your daughter is stable as well. that is wonderful news!
Thank you, for coming back to comment again.
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Oh I understand your dealing with bi-polar. I used to do the same thing about my wife when I was in private. You know you can’t admit that the care taking function is getting to you because then people ask why you just don’t leave her and then what do you say. But you know the last year I was with her I would drive to work looking for a place to crash my car. We lived in the mountains and I was searching for the right place to run off the road and down the mountain side. that is when I made the decision to divorce her. But I never make the usual remarks most people make about “crazy and insane” people. As I have said so many times before, I no longer have to live with her illness but she does not have that option.
Right now I live about 1500 miles from my daughter so I can only talk to her on the phone. Her mother lives nearby, that is my first wife. And wouldn’t you know it, she suffers from mild depression. When it rains it pours. I think about a third of all the people I’ve known, worked with, lived next to, an generally interacted have had mental problems. What I fear is that the mental condition of these newer generations may be far more severe than it ever was for my generation. Of course now I am of the general opinion that the world is no longer crazy but is becoming more insane. Maybe I’m just getting too old. But hang in there and watch your meds. I’ve know individuals who were constantly going off their med and then wham. they tell me it’s a bear getting back to normal or what usually passes for normal.
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It makes my heart sad to hear all the troubles you had, and have.
That is true, we (the ones with the illness) have no choice.
It does seem that mental illness is becoming more common. The world has turned away from God,I think is one reason.
Also, the stressfulness of our daily lives.
Thanks for the support. Oh yes! Trying to get back to stable after being off meds is sooo much harder!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life is doing what is necessary for yourself and your loved ones. Sometimes the going get tough, fact of life. But if we never had any challenges in our lives how dull we would be and how we could not have empathy for others.
I don’t know that mental illness is becoming more common. The past has been filled with ignorance and obliviousness. On the other hand I think too many professionals are trolling for more work. One can make the case either way.
I am glad you are getting back to what you consider normal or stable. Remember, it’s your feelings that matter. So revel in the pleasure of not being tied to medications, even if it is just a reduction. Each day is a victory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, William.
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Context is important and I can see you really didn’t take the time to get know Mel before you made your statement. If you don’t like what is being said you can just leave, there is no need for being rude. There is nothing derogatory or dismissive in the post about illnesses that are of a mental nature and I see no reason for your having made this comment. We are all aware that chronic illnesses are difficult to live with. I hope in future you will take the time to consider if your admonishing comments are appropriate.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the defense, Stella.
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Actually my comments were appropriate. First, I have several degrees in psychology and know the subject very, very well. Second, I was married to a woman who had severe mental problems for 14 of the 16 years we were married. She had to be committed twice. So I have lived through that situation and had to deal with individuals makes comments that were either intended to be rude or were a bit thoughtless in their references. Third, my minor was in linguistics so I know the power of language. With all that said, I understand that many of the everyday references such a “crazy as a loon” tend to be used in a harmless manner. But equating crazy with mentally ill or being possess of some mental illness is, in my opinion, going too far. I also realize that the comment was made more in jest than in reality. But it was a thoughtless comment regardless of intent and it does impart some measure of harm to those who do suffer from mental illness.
Understand that I grew up in a time where Negro was the formal name we used for Black or Afro-Americans. colored people was the informal usage, and nigger was the common insult. Times have changed and now one hardly hears those terms in common usage. The same is true of mental illness, the language has been upgraded (I hate to use that term but it is apt) to a more precise language and attention placed to make it less abusive. You may not agree with me. That is your right. I can only tell you my perception. This is not a discussion of political correctness, the stupidity of which I cannot begin to argue. It is about being a little more mindful of language. That is something we all need to be a little more in our daily lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, William.
And yes, “crazy” can be a hurtful term.
Thank you for having a civil discussion. that is always welcome.
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I can understand your sensitivity to the word “crazy”. It can be overused in our society and has taken on different levels of meaning. (My favorite song is Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” and has really nothing to do with mental illness.) The article that Melinda linked us to has “crazy” in its title and it is being used, again, on another level. One that affirms what you are actually saying in your comment – that there are many times when mental illness is not treated as it should be. Times when the seriousness of the topic of mental illness is diminished by defining actions which are not really mental illness as being such. And there are greedy people who pander to this in order to benefit themselves. This is what Timothy Petri’s article (with the word “crazy” in the title) discusses. Having a diagnosed mental illness and seeking help is a positive step toward mental health and it is a brave action as it can open a person up to much more pain. I can see that in your words.
People use many types of coping mechanisms when dealing with pain and one of them is humor. Humor is something which also has many levels – from being purposely hurtful to self-deprecating. I think Melinda’s handling of her own difficult situation with humor is a positive method for her and many others. Bi-polar disorder and depression are serious. As serious as the aggressive cancer my husband Charley deals with every day until we can find a cure or until he dies. Any disease is hard to deal with on a daily basis and in her blog posts, my friend, Melinda helps us understand this daily, weekly, monthly, yearly challenge – not in a heavy-handed way, but one in which she does so well – with humor. To chastise her for this when she has taken the time to link to a source which will help us to better understand the point you are trying to assert is unfair. Your comment causes me to wonder if you are familiar with Melinda’s posts and to wonder if you just chose to lash out at her without even bothering to read Petri’s article?
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until you have no one really understands it some folk like to turn a blind eye to it have a blessed day
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That’s so true!!
I’m blessed every day, definitely!
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I can provide additional evidence!
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Hey, Nancy! So good to see you!! Have you visited Janice lately??
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I did stop by a couple of days ago but couldn’t figure out the method for joining the activity on her blog.
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Oh, good! That you stopped by, I mean! lol When you quit blogging a while back, she and I were both worried about you.
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You’re so sweet to be concerned but you know how life just sometimes throws you a curve, and I have to tell ya, Melinda, I don’t recover like I did 40 years ago…I’m working through it. My husband has numerous health issues, my son has distanced himself from us, my Dad has just been diagnosed with cancer…yet life goes on. And I’m working on my coping skills. My blog is part of that. Thanks for being my friend.
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Oh yes, I know! Isn’t that the truth! I don’t do ANYTHING like I did 40 years ago!
I remember you said about your husband. I’m so sorry to hear about all that going wrong.
I’m here for you. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know!
Email me at purpleslobinrecovery@gmail.com anytime!
You’re so welcome.
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Yes
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This is such a great read!
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Thank you , Whitney. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully, people will learn more about mental illness.
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