Written by margiealtman   

“ Words Have Power Words have power.” ― Mira Grant, Blackout

Mental illness is and has traditionally been a controversial and frankly a neglected/low priority issue for multiple reasons. The reasons for this have been outlined many times. They include; the unknown cause of the conditions which creates anxiety for those who want a quick remedy, the often bizarre and unfamiliar behaviors that confuse, terrify, and are seen as in defiance of our rigid conformist value system,, the guilt that emerges when we abdicate our moral responsibility to care for the mentally ill, the stigma that envelops the mentally ill population, the economic “burden” that rests upon the taxpayers shoulders and creates animosity by and that highlights the fact that many of these individuals cannot contribute to our profit-driven economy.
The seriously mentally ill in their extreme and untreated states are not attractive, lucrative or media friendly subjects; they are isolated, paranoid, unwashed, unpredictable and in the kind of pain that a calm word or an aspirin cannot take care of. Legislators, advocates, families and policy makers who push for reforms have tremendous courage when they take up the fight for fixing the broken mental health system in legitimate and scientifically supported ways.
As a society we want quick and easy remedies for mental illness and unfortunately there are individuals and groups that propose to hand these remedies over to those who are in a frantic search for relief.
A recent post on FB caught my attention and is one of many that inflict more guilt upon people who are seen as not taking advantage of inexpensive . natural ways of reversing the course of mental illness.
Here is the post;
“When you look my way, you see that mental illness is highly preventable, treatable, and even reversible using inexpensive natural methods....but you have to be looking. Please, if you or a loved one are suffering from ANY brain-related symptom, including too much stress, reach out. I am here with all the info for the asking.”
In the midst of all of the barriers that must be overcome in order to remediate our shattered mental health system and bring our disenfranchised, isolated and dehumanized citizens into the care system there are those who capitalize upon the guilt, the fear the confusion and animosity and the search for an easier, faster solution. They use provocative and seductive language that implies that mental illness is reversible using inexpensive natural methods. To make matters worse they imply that you have to be “looking” as though blindness or ignorance is the cause of not taking advantage of remedies that are within reach.
This is not the first of such posts from a contributor whose proclamations may inhibit or delay individuals from considering avenues that may help in coping with major mental illnesses. The terms that should be considered, in lieu of “reversible, inexpensive and natural” are; rehabilitative strategies, identification, strengthening , recovery process,a nd comprehensive treatment,
Within the current scientific literature the only “reversible” illnesses that effect the brain are certain kinds of dementia and cognitive disorders. Most of the broad categories of those Dementias that are irreversible, progressive, degenerative disorders gradually reduce a person's ability to function in everyday life. A person with dementia cannot regain his or her previous level of functioning, even though some symptoms may be managed through treatment. Examples of irreversible dementias include Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Dementia caused by the AIDS/HIV virus.
On the other hand, progression of reversible cognitive disorders can be halted by identifying the cause of the symptoms and properly treating the underlying disorder. With appropriate treatment, a person's previous level of functioning can be restored. Examples of reversible cognitive disorders are pseudodementia and delirium. Here we have current and scientific examples of those brain-based conditions that may be “reversed” and they are pseudodementia and delirium.
The Importance of using and understanding the language of mental illness;
Such appropriate and positive terminology as; relief of symptoms, regaining health and functioning, halting progression, recovery, strengthening skills are the words that our mentally ill relatives and friends need to hear and pay attention to. Many illnesses are “chronic” and require attention and diligent monitoring without being considered hopeless causes. When we work on subduing the voices of despair; guilt, animosity, fear and anxiety we can focus upon the advances that are being made in the domain of mental illness and forge ahead with renewed energy and passionate commitment to reform.
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, requiring lifelong treatment; it need not be considered to be a death sentence.
There's no sure way to prevent schizophrenia. However, early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook.
Sticking with the treatment plan can help prevent relapses or worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. In addition, researchers hope that learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
With proper treatment, patients can lead productive lives - according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMN), treatment can help relieve many of the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the majority of patients with the disorder have to cope with the symptoms for life. This does not mean that a person with schizophrenia who receives treatment cannot lead a rewarding, productive and meaningful life in his or her community.
With appropriate care and support, many people are able to regain their health and live full, produce and happy lives. Unfortunately, too many people do not receive this level of care. While this study is a step forward, we need to put funding into additional research to develop even more effective methods of treatment and prevention.”
The consensus is that cures and reversible strategies are not yet available but are being pursued and there is hope that the future will bring the permanent relief that we so desperately need. In the meantime the Seriously Mentally Ill urgently need an economic and political power base that will give them a strong voice in the legislature and with policy makers in the Congress and Senate. Those that can and do vote may consider forming a political group with a strong agenda and members who collectively present their demands in language that is realistic and that resonates with the public.









Regaining health? Not the same as reversing the illness;
Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., the Foundation’s President and CEO, had this comment on the newly reported results: “This study demonstrates the importance of an approach to treatment for people with schizophrenia that includes psychotherapy, family involvement, and additional support for patients and their families in addition to medication. With appropriate care and support, many people are able to regain their health and live full, produce and happy lives. Unfortunately, too many people do not receive this level of care. While this study is a step forward, we need to put funding into additional research to develop even more effective methods of treatment and prevention.”