Sometimes Silence is Golden--This is Not One of Those Times

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -Martin Luther King, Jr

     When you think about mental illness, do you picture the homeless man proselytizing on a street corner or the middle-aged CEO who's company looks to him for important decisions? It could be either one, or both. That's the thing about this brain disorder; it lurks in corners waiting for the next vulnerable person. It doesn't differentiate between age, gender, ethnicity or culture.

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      Richard Weingarten, a member of the Board of Directors for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in Connecticut says, "mental illness touches the deepest part of who we are; our identity, self worth, the inability to communicate, confusion and loss of control. It can happen for no apparent reason and at any time. Every person has a chance of becoming mentally ill."
     His personal story was published in NAMI Advocate Magazine and can be found at http://www.nami.org/ADVTemplate.cfm?tion=Advocate_Magazine&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=136279
     Recently, I had the good fortune to listen to first-hand accounts from two gentlemen who represent NAMI's program "In Our Own Voice", which was designed to put a face on mental illness in an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding it. They described the course of MI from onset to present day.
   At onset and during relapse, which they called the Dark Days, a person is often besieged by  deep depression, feelings of worthlessness, potential suicide attempts and social isolation. It is often accompanied by denial or fear of seeking help. At this stage, the client is often not willing to accept help or participate in any attempts at treatment. Because the Occupational Therapy Profession is client centered and requires willing participation to be successful, there may not be a lot an OTA can do at this stage except be ready to intervene when the client allows.
     The next phase, Acceptance, is when the client admits they need assistance and willingly reaches out for help. This is a critical phase for OTA participation. Working with the client and his family support system to educate them about mental illness and help them know they are not alone by providing information on community resources and support groups is extremely important.
     During the third phase, Treatment, it is essential for the client to be honest with the clinicians he is working with for successful treatment. At a time when he doesn't believe in himself, trusting an OTA's guidance in regaining a meaningful life through self-esteem building, social interaction, and establishing new routines, roles and habits is important. It helps lead to successful Coping Skills. Having a plan to journal or do a walking meditation in times of stress, guilt and self-pity provides a healthy outlet that may help prevent relapses.
     And finally, Successes, Hopes and Dreams is the stage of recovery that allows a client to enjoy setting goals, renewing relationships and achieving a sense of life-purpose.
      By sharing these steps to recovery on a personal level, the gentlemen helped me see the important role  I will have as an OTA. I will do my best now and in the future to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. I will stand up for individuals who feel they have no voice by teaching them measures to renew their confidence as I teach others about the negative impact of their hurtful or dismissive words. I will do my best to help others understand that anyone can be affected by mental illness, yet, with proper support and treatment it can be a fact of life not a life sentence.
     To see others who are living with mental illness and hear pieces of their stories, visit: http://www.michaelnye.org/fineline/photoaudio.html#