Open Magazine - Index

Open Magazine - magazine - Index

by Autumn Stringam R ecognizing
to Mental Health
32 Open Magazine Summer 2008
Lights of Caution
Cover Story
the signs of mental illness in yourself or in
someone you love could mean the difference between
long-time suffering and/or living a productive,
satisfying life. When you know what to watch for and
how to heed the earliest warning signs, you may
prevent the early onset of serious illness, or later,
the progression of illness beyond the point of
hopelessness.
In 1992, I was diagnosed with a serious form of
Bipolar Affective Disorder. My moods cycled rapidly
between terrifying delusional elation and soggy
suicidal depression. Twelve years later, I am healthy
and use only nutritional products to sustain me. I see
now that there were warning signs that, if heeded,
might have spared me serious illness and perhaps
saved the lives of my family members.
Warning: Immediate
Intervention Required
The Canadian Mental Health Association
(CMHA) guide, Mental Illness Affects Us All, lists
common symptoms that identify a person who needs
intervention. (See page 33 for Common Symptoms
of Mental Illness.)
Within the list are:
• concentration problems;
• rage;
• rapid mood changes;
• confusion and delusions— obvious episodes lasting
more than two weeks at a time.
If you or a loved one fit these criteria, you need to
consider your options, see a doctor and find a treatment that
works for you.
What should you do
when you see signs of
mental illness in someone
you love?
To assist your loved one, communication is the
first step. When I was at my worst, I was embarrassed
and wanted to keep my suicidal thoughts secret.
My husband, Dana, was incredibly proactive.
Recently, in a radio interview, he said, “Staying
quiet about mental illness will never save a life.
There is no secret here worth keeping.”
Dana advises the following:
• Ask direct questions;
• Tell them that you know they are suffering
and that it’s not their fault;
• Help them to get help;
• Give them plenty of reasons to believe they
can get beyond the illness.
Dana’s questions, and my often reluctant
answers, kept me safe in vulnerable times. Now,
he helps me to assess my health and to see the warning
signs that tell me to improve my diet, increase my dietary
supplements or decrease my stress. When I heed the