In the Dark about Mental Illness? Great Resource
We have, at last, the official publication date for Ben Behind His Voices: September 15, 2011. It's on Amazon right now for a peek, and my thanks to those of you who've told me you're eagerly awaiting the chance to read more. My hope is that the book will help others by sharing our story, both the trials we experienced as and the hope we eventually found. Meanwhile, I hope this blog can continue the work of sharing useful information and resources while providing updates. So - in that spirit:
Just learned of a great entry on Psychology Degree.com -25 Q&A Sites on Mental Illness
It's chock full of amazing links. Thanks to Patricia Duggan for sharing it with me.
Also, healthyplace.com (where I also blog about Mental Illness in the Family) is a terrific resource for many health issues, with a fine section on mental health.
There's plenty of guessing where mental illness is concerned, I know. All I have to do is look at Ben's current relapse to know that even some providers, unfortunately, do their share of guessing. In some cases, it's because research results are so contradictory, or budget cuts and legal issues create confusion. In other case, as you know from this blog, much info is available just by taking the time to listen to the family and/or prior caseworkers.
Joyce Burland Ph D
When Dr. Joyce Burland created NAMI's Family-to-Family course, she knew that families craved good information, and that by becoming educated they could be better partners in their loved ones' recovery, and more able to take care of themselves as well.
One of the elements of recovery for people like my son Ben is a family educated in the facts of mental illness. Believe me, it can make all the difference. Not a cure (sorry, I wish I had the magic), but by staying informed we can all partner better for the best possible income. So I'm happy to share the above resources with you. I hope it helps, even a little.
Thanks to all of you for your comments, insights and support re Ben's current relapse. Now that we''ve absorbed the change a bit, and done everything constructive we can possible to with our anger at the mistakes that could have been avoided, we are taking this new chapter one step at a time. Ben is safe for now, his hospital team is far superior to the case management team who screwed up (sorry but it's true), and we are back to channeling hope and faith as much as possible while staying alert to anything, any action, that might help bring Ben back to the life he's worked so hard to recreate. Right now it's all about the meds, and his "right" to refuse the only one that really works. Grrr. Will keep you posted. Thanks again.
