Let's Start Here.

“In human intercourse the tragedy begins, not when there is misunderstanding about words, but when silence is not understood." - Thoreau

This is a blog about real human beings.  We have been diagnosed with a myriad of mental illnesses.  Most of us have been diagnosed with more than one condition.

We live, love, thrive, and fall apart - not necessarily in that order - while surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding.  We want to share our stories, so that we can process our experiences, and demystify our illness.

Who are we?  Some of us will be straightforward and identify ourselves right away.  Others of us will post anonymously, because it is the only way that we can manage to disclose our illness at this time.

Along with our personal stories, we will share information and resources.

At present, we are not doctors, counselors, social workers, or other clinical professionals.

We ARE: Children, Parents, Spouses, Lovers, Artists, Animal Lovers, Neighbors, and more.  And, we've also been diagnosed with one or more form/s of mental illness.

So, welcome to our blog.  Please feel free to post comments, questions and suggestions.  In the meantime - let's start the demystifying, here:

Mental disorder

From Wikipedia

A mental disorder or mental illness is a psychological or behavioral pattern that occurs in an individual and is thought to cause distress or disability that is not expected as part of normal development or culture. The recognition and understanding of mental disorders has changed over time and across cultures. Definitions, assessments, and classifications of mental disorders can vary, but guideline criteria listed in the

ICD DSM

and other manuals are widely accepted by

mental health professionals

. Categories of diagnoses in these schemes may include

dissociative disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders , psychotic disorders, eating disorders,

developmental disorders, personality disorders

, and many other categories. In many cases there is no single accepted or consistent cause of mental disorders, although they are often explained in terms of a

diathesis-stress model and biopsychosocial

model. Mental disorders have been found to be common, with over a third of people in most countries reporting sufficient criteria at some point in their life. Services for mental disorders may be based in hospitals or in the community. Mental health professionals diagnose individuals using different methodologies, often relying on case history and interview.

Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication

are two major treatment options, as well as supportive interventions and self-help. Treatment may be involuntary where legislation allows. Several movements campaign for changes to services and attitudes

.

This is a blog about real human beings.  We have been diagnosed with a myriad of mental illnesses.  Most of us have been diagnosed with more than one condition.

We live, love, thrive, and fall apart - not necessarily in that order - while surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding.  We want to share our stories, so that we can process our experiences, and demystify our illness.

Who are we?  Some of us will be straightforward and identify ourselves right away.  Others of us will post anonymously, because it is the only way that we can manage to disclose our illness at this time.

Along with our personal stories, we will share information and resources.

At present, we are not doctors, counselors, social workers, or other clinical professionals.

We ARE: Children, Parents, Spouses, Lovers, Artists, Animal Lovers, Neighbors, and more.  And, we've also been diagnosed with one or more form/s of mental illness.

So, welcome to our blog.  Please feel free to post comments, questions and suggestions.  In the meantime - let's start the demystifying, here:

Mental disorder

From Wikipedia

A mental disorder or mental illness is a psychological or behavioral pattern that occurs in an individual and is thought to cause distress or disability that is not expected as part of normal development or culture. The recognition and understanding of mental disorders has changed over time and across cultures. Definitions, assessments, and classifications of mental disorders can vary, but guideline criteria listed in the

ICD DSM

and other manuals are widely accepted by

mental health professionals

. Categories of diagnoses in these schemes may include

dissociative disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders , psychotic disorders, eating disorders,

developmental disorders, personality disorders

, and many other categories. In many cases there is no single accepted or consistent cause of mental disorders, although they are often explained in terms of a

diathesis-stress model and biopsychosocial

model. Mental disorders have been found to be common, with over a third of people in most countries reporting sufficient criteria at some point in their life. Services for mental disorders may be based in hospitals or in the community. Mental health professionals diagnose individuals using different methodologies, often relying on case history and interview.

Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication

are two major treatment options, as well as supportive interventions and self-help. Treatment may be involuntary where legislation allows. Several movements campaign for changes to services and attitudes

.

Comments

[Laurie]

I am a creative person who has Major Depressive Disorder and am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. Currently employed in a county Psychiatric Emergency Room. I have a history of being molested, raped and substance abuse problems. I would love to participate in your challengesa and help with advice etc. I ask that my real name be kept confidential for obvious reasons. I have struggled and am a survivor.I am honest about my past and feel I can contribute in several ways.