Original work from our Writers, Guest Bloggers and Freelancers
Viewing entries in
guest blogger
It’s an unfortunate reality, but having a physical or mental disability puts you at a financial disadvantage for the future. While there are some programs that provide aid to those who are differently-abled, like Medicare plans for individuals under 65 who receive Social Security disability benefits, they don’t cover every expense, and you aren’t able to receive assistance immediately. Fortunately, there are ways to plan for tomorrow, but you have to be willing to start today.
Art therapy is a soothing and effective form of treatment because individuals are able to use creativity and imagination to express themselves. The central focus of Art Therapy is to expand forms of communication to better see experiences in a different light.
This type of therapy is especially helpful for people who have had traumatic psychological issues and after art therapy they can look back on a situation from a different perspective that provides empowerment and optimism.
A cohesive treatment plan would likely combine a variety of common elements beginning with detoxification, which gives patients a chance to isolate symptoms of the drug or alcohol addiction from the symptoms of mental illness. Inpatient rehabilitation, psychotherapy, medications, self-help, and support groups can also be vital parts of a recovery process that distinctly addresses both substance abuse and mental health.
The challenge for me, and many others with a dual diagnosis of addiction and mental illness, is that no program of recovery can treat mental illness. Recovery literature states that sometimes we need outside help—referring to medical experts. Difficulties arise when that literature is misinterpreted and those people see depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness as a feature of addiction that can be treated solely with a program of recovery. Contrary to that belief, medical illness cannot be treated with a spiritual solution. It is paramount that people who suffer with mental illness seek treatment from a trained medical professional.
My hope is placed in Jesus, not in the doctors. Therefore I am not disappointed when a doctor has no answer for me, because if my hope is in Jesus then I can’t be disappointed. Instead I trust that He knows exactly what’s happening so I have no need to worry.
Born with a chronic gastrointestinal (stomach) disease I was constantly fighting a daily battle to keep my spirits up and not succumb to the thoughts and emotions that always threatened to overwhelm me. Texting was like a lifeline for me. It made me realize I wasn’t alone and there were people out there who loved and cared for me.
As I've progressed through this disease I've come to learn many different things, things that no one told me to expect. Things that have shocked me and shaken me to my core, but through all these things I've grown stronger as a person and that is the reason I am who I am now. So I thought I'd take a minute and share some of things with you, in case you too are struggling with a chronic disease, so that you can use the information to better your life.
Although the switch of terms was a positive move toward the future, gender dysphoria still negatively affects many people worldwide. People that experience gender dysphoria have higher rates of mental illness that include: mood/anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse and suicide attempts.
After I received the G-J tube I spent about a month in the hospital. I was released, but returned a week later for dehydration. The next stay also lasted a month. I was out of the hospital for about four months and was then readmitted that January. When I was released the first week of February I thought my hospital stays were over, but sadly I was once again admitted about a week later. As I mentioned above I was heart broken and didn't want to see another hospital room, but I reluctantly agreed to the admission.
When I go to a cash register to check out I watch as the cashier’s eyes stayed glued to my chest instead of my face as I try to talk to them. I try to ignore the stares. I try to pretend that they aren’t staring openly at me. I try to act normal, but it’s hard. Sometimes I just want to blurt out, it’s called a port and it’s keeping me alive. If you have any questions please ask them, but please just stop staring at me and acting weird or embarrassed about it.
