It’s an Illness

“Mental illness is an equal-opportunity illness.  Every one of us is impacted by mental illness.  One in five adults are dealing with this illness, and many are not seeking help because the stigma prevents that.”  ~Margaret Larson

Robin Williams’ suicide has brought more attention to mental illness in the last couple of days than any other time in my life.  Social media has played a huge part in this.

I know a little bit about mental illness.  As a Pharmacist I used to spend a lot of time studying psychoactive medications and their uses in the patients we served.  As a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, I’ve learned how to live with mental illness.  A person doesn’t see fit to ingest 20 to 30 pills a day unless he or she has somewhat of a disconnect going on in the neural synapses in his or her brain.

I feel so fortunate because when I went for treatment for my problem, insurance still paid for inpatient treatment and had no limits on visits to my counselor after being discharged from the treatment center.  Today, mental health and addiction is sorely under funded whether it be by insurance or through state and federal government programs.

The fact that Robin Williams most likely had access to all the funds he would need to treat his illness but still lost his battle, is indicative of how hard it is to loosen the grip of addiction and mental illness.  I’m not claiming to be an expert in the field of mental illness but I can tell you the brain can get messed up pretty quick if it is not being fed the right stuff on a continual basis.

Anyone who commits suicide does not commit suicide, it is mental illness that commits suicide and its going to continue to happen at an even higher rate if we don’t start paying as much attention to it and addiction as we do cancer and heart disease.

But for the grace of God, there go I…

Nanu, Nanu.  RIP-Mork.

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

 

 

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