My Way, No. 2

Hope you’ve been having a great week!

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— In my last WhirwinDISH post, I forgot that I was going to post a link for a unit conversion calculator. The recipe for the ginger beer came from the UK, and that’s what made me think of it. It comes in handy (unless you’re a math whiz, then you can just do it in your head 😉 ).Unit Conversion Calculator. I also realized that I wrote mouse instead of mousse in my Thanksgiving Trial Run post, lol. Fixed it.

— I found this link from the Alzheimer’s Society regarding dementia Equality, Discrimination, and Human Rights very informative. I think it’s an issue everyone needs to know about.

— In my post about Fermented Foods, I mentioned making a fabric cover for your slow cooker (if you didn’t want to use a bath towel to keep your homemade yogurt warm). You can always use an insulated bag, too, if you can find one big enough. Perhaps they sell insulated slow cooker bags, even. I don’t know. I’ve seen warmer bags for casserole dishes and such. Anyway, I could not find a DIY fabric cover pic anywhere (I’m sure someone has one somewhere) so here’s mine:

As I said, I am not a machine sewer, so I made mine by hand. It’s just a plain pillowcase on the inside with a layer of thick fabric insulation. I used leopard fabric and cording (leftover from other projects) for the exterior. An easier way would have been to just use a patterned pillowcase or bag for the exterior. But, I wanted to make use of this particular print. It’s a pretty generic cover — nothing fancy. If you are a machine sewer, though, you could probably tailor it to fit your model more precisely. I’m sure that would be cute!

— I want to read this book: Food, Family, and Tradition. There’s something about tradition and traditional foods that bring me comfort. I guess it’s the familiarity — no surprises. I need that in my life a lot of times. I do my WhirlwinDISHes of course, but much of that originates from necessity!

— I’m on a French fries kick! I’m making them with regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. I don’t actually fry them, though. I pretty much Misto most things that call for frying anymore. I don’t even pan fry. I have a deep fryer that someone gave me, but I only use it maybe once or twice a year. I don’t mind fried foods as much when they are prepared by other people. I just can’t get past seeing all of that oil, haha! But, every once in a while, frying can be cool…like donuts, fried clams, or pizza frites. I haven’t seen pizza frites around these parts. They are just fried pizza dough (shaped like a mini pizza) coated with powdered sugar. Super unhealthy, but yummy! Other foods I can get by with “bake-frying,” but not pizza frites.

— Yums: Gin and Lime Truffles, Guinness Burgers, Forager’s Salad.

— I thought this article about mental health was awesome! Read about the initiative called NHL’s Hockey Talks and a website called MindCheck.ca: http://thehockeywriters.com/the-canucks-are-soldiers-in-the-war-against-mental-illness-and-depression/

Have a great weekend!

World Mental Health Day, 2014 & NAMI Multicultural Action Center

http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2014/en/

“World Mental Health Day

10 October 2014

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

The theme for 2014 is “Living with schizophrenia”. The focus of the World Health Organization will be living a healthy life with schizophrenia.”

So many encouraging things I’ve been reading this week on mental health awareness. One particular video from Nigeria caught my attention. It is in Pidgin English, but I was still able to get to heart of the message. It was very moving for me to see:

http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/10/10/world-mental-health-day-2014-area-doctor-gbenga-adebayo-attempts-to-demystify-mental-health-disorder-watch/

If you are looking to educate yourself about specific mental illnesses, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has a very insightful page including information on:

“Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention-Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder (ADD/ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Illness, Eating Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Disorder, [and] Tourette’s Syndrome.”

And, you can also “find out more about conditions sometimes related to mental illness:

Anosognosia (lack of insight), First Episodes of Psychosis, Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Suicide, [and] Tardive Dyskinesia.”

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness

On this World Mental Health Day, I wanted to spotlight the NAMI Multicultural Action Center. Technically, July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, but this is what I felt in my heart was vital to share today.

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?section=multicultural_support

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Resources&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=55813

“NAMI created the Multicultural Action Center in 2002 to focus attention on system reform to eliminate disparities in mental health care for diverse communities, ensure access to culturally competent services and treatment for all Americans and particularly to help and support people of diverse backgrounds who are affected by serious mental illness.”

This Action Center has many resources and information that can benefit those seeking greater understanding, help, and support. I encourage you to take a look at it, no matter your cultural background.

I will leave you with a few other informative pieces, highlighting both positive and negative mental health issues. All bring more awareness, though, and that is what this day (and week) are about. Please see my other posts concerning mental health under the category of Health on my blog menu.

http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article2538647.html

http://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2014/10/05/week-aims-fight-stigma-mental-illness/16789921/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=

http://cumberlink.com/news/opinion/editorial/our-view-fight-stigma-of-mental-health-issues/article_6a138382-4da3-11e4-bc1e-07d8284230cf.html

http://www.edmondsun.com/news/lifestyles/article_5393a5fc-4dca-11e4-ae4b-9f89dcefcdc2.html?mode=jqm

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Royal+Ottawa+creates+suicide+research+chair/10273299/story.html

http://www.robesonian.com/news/opinon/50456665/NC-must-reform-its-approach-to-mental-health

http://www.newswest9.com/story/26731693/brookhaven-retreat-observes-mental-illness-awareness-week

http://www.irishexaminer.com/analysis/stigma-of-mental-illness-unfair-and-crude-290239.html

Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mental Illness Facts and Myths, & Cafe 54, Tucson, AZ

It seems like I just wrote upon the subject, but I thought to broach it again as this is Mental Illness Awareness Week and October 10th, World Mental Health Day.

http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=mental_illness_awareness_week

“Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11, 2014

In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined with others in their communities to sponsor activities, large or small, for public education about mental illness.

MIAW coincides with the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding (Oct. 7) and National Depression Screening Day (Oct. 9.)”

Some facts and myths about mental illness can be found here:

http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/myths_facts.aspx

And here:

http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/myths-facts/index.html

Why is it so important to know these myths, facts, and dispel the stigma surrounding mental illnesses?

“In this age where technology emerges at rapid pace there remains a baffling amount of misunderstanding about mental illness. The medical science related to diagnosing and treating mental illness is as extensive as the science related to treating diabetes or arthritis. The fact remains that even among educated people, mental illness is often seen as a fault and not a physical health affliction. Stigma about mental illness is predominant and implies that mental illness is a flaw of character. Stigma is harmful because it is an obstacle for many to receive psychiatric treatment and it directly stands in the way of social acceptance.”
(http://www.westlakebayvillageobserver.com/read/2014/09/16/end-stigma-and-create-compassion)

During this week of awareness, I wanted to highlight a wonderful organization right here in Tucson, Arizona:

http://www.cafe54.org

Cafe 54’s mission is “to support individuals recovering from persistent, chronic mental illnesses; to help them regain their ability to move towards their recovery with a focus on reintegration into the community…

[Participant’s in] Cafe 54[‘s] training program have spent months working under the instruction and scrutiny of job coaches at our full service, high quality bistro where all the food is made from scratch, including all entrees, breads, salads, and desserts. Trainees who complete the job training program at Cafe 54 have been taught a variety of jobs and have an understanding of kitchen safety, food safety, knife skills, customer relations, customer service, effective work-place communication, and personal accountability.”

Along with the fabulous cafe (which, by the way, does indeed serve some marvelous food — see my pic above), this community work has an art foundation.

“Café 54 Art Foundation was established to provide and assist individuals recovering from mental illness the opportunity to express themselves through the creative arts. All tips from the Café and the Café’s catering business go to the Art Foundation Fund. This funding is available to any individual who is recovering from mental illness and currently working with a Behavioral Health Program, who shows a desire to express him or herself through visual art.”

There are many things I hope to write on this subject at some point. But, for now, I will leave you with a few articles for your reference. If you would care to read my previous posts on mental health, you can find them here and here.

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/9/15/6140189/fifa-mental-health-research

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/i-will-listen-how-social-media-can-diminish-the-stigma-of-mental-illness/

http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/vandrevala-foundation-to-improve-mental-health-in-india-worlds-suicide-capital/

http://newsok.com/oklahomans-must-move-into-21st-century-in-dealing-with-mental-illness/article/5344880

http://centraljersey.com/articles/2014/10/03/newswire/doc542e187e455f1023533263.txt

http://www.roosevelttorch.com/news/view.php/849627/Stigma-around-mental-illness-needs-to-st

http://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-wellness/taking-action-on-mental-illness-57255

http://www.queanbeyanage.com.au/story/2599474/artworks-on-show-for-mental-health-awareness/

http://psychcentral.com/lib/responding-to-mental-illness-in-your-workforce-following-the-law/0008503

What is Stigma?

A few weeks back, I posted some information on mental illness stigma, and said I would continue to write on the topic as I found time. As I researched information for this post, I thought I should give a definition for ‘stigma’ (even if most people are aware of it):

http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mental_illness_and_health/mh_stigma.aspx

“What is stigma?

Three out of four people with a mental illness report that they have experienced stigma. Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labelled by their illness they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice which leads to negative actions and discrimination.”

This definition, I think, gives a good understanding of stigma in general and specifically the stigma associated with mental illness. The rest of the article this quote was taken from also gives a more in-depth look into the subject. Much of the information I gathered after my previous post I found a little saddening, though enlightening. I found many, many articles on depression, and even suicide, but not as many including other illnesses. Perhaps that has to do with what some articles I read stated: many people can relate to feelings of sadness and depression, but many may not relate to symptoms associated with other mental illnesses. Perhaps not, I do not know for sure.

I stopped watching television a few years back, but several weeks ago I happened to catch a minute of what my mom had her TV tuned in to. It was a horrible, stereotypical episode of a popular show from the 70’s (that I’ve seen many times) depicting mental illness as something to laugh about and ridicule. Now, as awful as that was, I was not that shocked given the decade the show was produced. But, as we have come so far in knowledge and understanding of medical and mental health conditions, that is why I was shocked when I continued to see programs produced like this within the past few years.

“Inaccurate portrayals of mental illness in the media are going to happen. After all, the goal is to entertain people, not teach them.

However, the media affects public perception. It is important for us to distinguish between media sensationalism and mundane reality.

The mundane reality is that mentally ill people are not unusually violent, broken, gifted, or entertaining. Getting sick is something that happens to everyone, and since our bodies and minds are linked and not separate, mental illness is no more sensational than physical sickness.

So if you or a friend is experiencing mental illness, avoid looking to media representations to educate yourself.” (http://everydayfeminism.com/2012/12/mental-illness-stigma/)

As this article points out, we should not look to media interpretations of mental illness to form our opinions. They are not in business to care about or educate people. They are in business to make a profit and entertain. Unfortunately, as the article also states, many people do indeed take their ideas from different forms of media (whether consciously or subconsciously). So, we need to be aware of that.

Stigma is not limited to media outlets, though. Many mental health professionals hold the same ideologies and opinions. I remember sitting on a jury and the ‘expert’ psychiatrist witness gave testimony about someone being “crazy as a loon” (to which, the courtroom broke out in laughter). So, we may have a long way to go even in that realm. It may be difficult for some people to overcome stereotypes they have held for a long time, so I like what I read in this particular article about educating children at an early age on mental health: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/09/01/mental-health-lessons-cuts-illness-stigma. It makes a lot of sense to me.

And, more is being done on other fronts, such as mental illness stigma in the military, appropriate language, and young adult education:

“Free Teleconference on Military Stigma

The ADS Center of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will hold a teleconference on “Mental Health for Military Families” on Tuesday, August 3, at 3 p.m. ET.

Military mental health was a major topic at NAMI’s recent national convention.

In an opening speech, U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy declared, “Every day in America, our military veterans are being held behind enemy lines.”…

“We’re only going to see great progress when the civilian community starts paying attention,” said Tom Tarantino, legislative associate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
—
Language: Let’s Keep Talking

There has been a great response to the last alert’s notice about SAMHSA’s dialogue on words used — or avoided — in the mental health community. Some may be stigmatizing. Other terms may lack clear definition…

NAMI soon will launch its own language listserv to promote broader interactive discussion. Watch for more information in the months ahead.
—
Americorps Superheroes Stomp Stigma

StigmaBusters Mary Flanagan and Liz Reich, Americorps volunteers who work in a peer support center in Oregon, have produced a mini-documentary that portrays StigmaBusters as superheroes.

It’s now posted on YouTube and is serious, yet quirky and funny. The film also features clients of the center reaching out especially to “tweens and teens,” a key target audience for public education.

They have received local media coverage and honors.

NAMI suspects they’ll eventually make even greater contributions to our movement…” (NAMI StigmaBusters Archive)

Streetyoga.org

To conclude this rather long post, I wanted to share a link of a great organization I received yoga training from. Street Yoga offers “hands-on practice in teaching yoga & mindfulness to youth and families struggling with homelessness, poverty, abuse, addiction, trauma, and neurological & psychiatric issues.” They are doing awesome work, so please check them out.

I didn’t have time to include everything I’ve researched, so here is a list of several other articles you may find helpful or interesting on this topic:

http://sunpatriot.com/2014/09/05/nami-an-excellent-resource-for-information-on-mental-illness/

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Time-to-end-stigma-of-mental-illness-5686846.php

http://news.sky.com/story/1319070/sinead-oconnor-mentally-ill-treated-like-dirt

http://www.mind.org.uk

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2014/08/25/hays-battling-the-stigma-of-mental-health-issues/

http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/423-overcoming-stigma

http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/tvshowblog/diagnosis-and-stigma-of-living-with-dissociative-identity-disorder-did/

http://www.healthyplace.com/stigma/stand-up-for-mental-health/stigma-and-discrimination-the-effect-of-stigma/

http://peel.cmha.ca/mental_health/stigma-and-discrimination/#.VA3LTWK9KSN

http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/mental_health/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/are-you-guilty-of-stigmatizing-the-mentally-ill.aspx

http://www.nhsconfed.org/resources/2012/05/race-equality-in-mental-health

http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/rights-mental-illness

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/issues/stigma?terminitial=31

http://hospitalnews.com/the-stigma-of-mental-illness/

http://www.uniteforsight.org/mental-health/module7

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/fashionbeauty/asda-blasted-over-mental-costume-11363836486780

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29060238

http://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/understanding/

http://depts.washington.edu/mhreport/facts_suicide.php

http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_26389428/suicide-and-stigma-against-mental-illness

http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news-story/4762212-speaking-out-against-the-stigma-of-schizophrenia/

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Stigma Alerts Archive

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Stigma Alerts Archive.

If you have read my About Me page, you know that I am a strong advocate for fighting the stigma associated with mental illness. I am not sure I was completely aware of how strong it can be until I found the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Stigmabusters site.

Here are some excerpts from the Stigmabusters Archives (many are no longer listed, so I may post more as I have time):

Voting Rights Victory! Kansas voters have approved an amendment to their state constitution removing a provision that authorized the state legislature to deny the right to vote to anyone living with a mental illness. In fact, the amendment won 63 percent of the vote–a landslide victory. It may be the first time that such a constitutional restriction has been removed through a popular referendum. About 10 years ago, a similar referendum campaign in Maine failed, but that restriction later was found unconstitutional in a landmark federal court decision. The Kansas Mental Health Coalition, which includes NAMI Kansas, has declared that the outcome “sends a strong message that discrimination against people living with mental illness will not be tolerated.” The victory may encourage reform of laws in other states.				NPR Apology Accepted National Public Radio (NPR) president and CEO, Vivian Schiller, sent a formal letter of apology and talked by phone with NAMI Executive Director Mike Fitzpatrick following NAMI’s protest of a stigmatizing remark made during the recent controversy over the firing of long-time reporter Juan Williams. Schiller had said that Williams should have kept his feelings about Muslims between himself and his “psychiatrist or publicist–take your pick.” “I believe that consulting a mental health professional should be as unremarkable as seeing any other health care professional,” Schiller wrote in her letter. “I deeply regret my unintentionally hurtful remark. Please extend my heartfelt apology to those individuals and families who battle against the undeserved stigma of mental illness everyday.” In a NAMI Blog entry on Nov. 1, Fitzpatrick called the apology “sincere” and noted that it was one of “swiftest, most straightforward” responses NAMI has ever received to a stigma concern. “That’s consistent with the NPR that we have long known to be fair and compassionate in its reporting on mental illness,” Fitzpatrick wrote. On the stigma scale, NPR isn’t Burger King.

Glee: Not Funny Fox Television’s Emmy-winning musical comedy, Glee, stepped into stigma for its November 16 episode, entitled “The Substitute“, which mocked and trivialized bipolar disorder–and included imaginary violence as humor. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, as substitute teacher Holly Holliday, played Mary Todd Lincoln- wife of Abraham Lincoln- as part of a history lesson. In the video link (above), the short scene begins at the 39:10 minute mark. The transcript and dialogue reads: Holly Holliday is standing at the front of class room dressed in 19th century clothing, lecturing to a high school class. Holly Holliday: Mary Todd Lincoln in the house! My husband was probably gay and I’m bipolar, which makes me yell things like [pointing to a teapot], ‘That teapot is spreading lies about me! Or, that can’t be my baby because I don’t love it! [throws imaginary baby over shoulder] Mr. Schuester knocks on the door and asks Holly Holliday to speak with him for a moment. Holly Holliday: Guys, practice your bipolar rants. See, history can be fun! Please contact Fox TV and the director of the episode to express disappointment with the scene. Mental illness is not a joke. Would the show have included a scene that played AIDS or cancer for laughs? Glee has enormous power to influence young people who constitute much of the show’s audience-and for whom suicide is the third-leading cause of death. Ask the show to make amends by producing episodes that deal with mental illness accurately and compassionately

Happy Holidays Best wishes to all our StigmaBusters for the upcoming holidays. Unfortunately, the Glee character “Holly Holliday” is no cause for comfort and joy.

 

Burger King: We Want It Our Way

Burger King has been running a new television commercial that shows “The King” on a rampage, chased by men in white coats, restrained and taken away, while being called “crazy” and “insane.” Many StigmaBusters have been horrified—calling it one of the worst they’ve ever seen.

It’s the kind of stereotype and language that perpetuates stigma, reinforcing perceptions that associate violence with mental illness. “Comic” stereotypes also trivialize medical illness. Please contact the company and tell them:

• Stop running the “Crazy King” commercial.
• Support the U.S. Surgeon General-stop stigma. Help educate people about mental illness and recovery. Don’t be a public health hazard.
• We want it our way at Burger King—stigma free.

************************************************************************

Sometimes stigma can be very overt as in the examples they list. Other times, it can be very subtle, coming in the form of jokes, concern, or curiosity. Either way, it can be very hurtful and harmful. There are many people doing positive things as far as mental health goes, though, such as Camp Wellness where I did an internship. Talking about both the negative and positive is helpful if we are to make progress in eliminating stigma (though individuals should be allowed to retain their medical privacy if they do not wish to speak upon the subject).

If you are interested in mental health issues, I’ve recently made a few additions to my blogroll, including The Carter Center. The Carter Center was founded by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and has done much to bring changes in mental health awareness.

I also recently stumbled upon an interesting article from the BBC giving credibility to the fact that mental illnesses are indeed like other medical conditions: Eighty New Genes Linked to Schizophrenia.

As I said, I will post more on this subject as I get time, probably including some articles I’ve seen on racial disparity within mental health treatment, as well as some of the more positive thoughts and perspectives.