Spending Time with Family

August 31, 2013

The summer has been a busy one.  I have been spending time with family.  Due to distance and work obligations, my time with my family is limited.  As a result, I try to take what ever opportunity I can to be with them.  Of course, this makes it more challenging to write and post my blogs during the summer so I apologize for the delay.

It was great to be able to attend a family reunion this summer.  It had been six years since I made it to our annual family reunion.  Not by choice but rather because of distance, schedules and other obligations.  Being the youngest of eight children, it is often difficult to get us all together in one place.  This year was no different.

Unfortunately, only six out of eight of us could be there.  One of my brothers was unable to be there nor my sister, Joy, who passed away a year ago today.  The reunion was lovely but there was a void not having her there.  Her passing has reminded me that life is precious and we should cherish our time with loved ones.

If relationships are estranged, reach out to the other.  You can not control how others respond or act but you can do your part.  There is an old saying “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”  So regardless of the situation, I would reach out having no expectations of the other person.  If your attempt to mend the relationship is not received by the other, you can still find peace and healing.  Letting go of bitterness and anger may be hard but it frees you to move on with your life.

Although my family has had its ups and downs, my sister’s illness and eventual passing brought our family closer together.  We miss her tremendously.  We were not all together for our reunion this year but, thankfully, all of my siblings and I were together in April 2012 for my niece’s wedding.  It was a beautiful event.  I will cherish the memories as it is the last time all eight of us were together.

My faith carries me through the difficult times.  My belief is that our life on earth is not the end and our spirit can live eternally.  So today, as I remember the one year anniversary of my sister’s death, I encourage you all to cherish your time with family, loved ones and friends.  Life is precious.

Thank you for subscribing to my blog at www.jennifermoyer.com.  You can also follow me on twitter @moyerjennifer and like my Facebook page, Mental Health Advocate Jennifer Moyer.

My Response to the Stigmatizing Remarks of Brian Williams of NBC

August 4, 2013

I recently learned of the remarks made by Brian Williams of NBC News.  He announced that Ariel Castro, the Cleveland kidnapper/rapist who held three women captive for a decade, was “arguably the face of mental illness.”  Even if Castro is a “monster”, Brian Williams statements clearly violate the AP Stylebook’s entry on mental illness and add to the stigma often associated with diagnosed mental illness.

In my opinion, it appears that Mr. Williams specifically violated the following Associated Press Stylebook statements related to mental health reporting:

“Do not describe an individual as mentally ill unless it is clearly pertinent to a story and the diagnosis is properly sourced.” 

“Do not use derogatory terms, such as insane, crazy/crazed, nuts or deranged, unless they are part of a quotation that is essential to the story.” 

“Do not assume that mental illness is a factor in a violent crime, and verify statements to that effect. A past history of mental illness is not necessarily a reliable indicator. Studies have shown that the vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent, and experts say most people who are violent do not suffer from mental illness.”

It is difficult to make progress in overcoming the stigma of mental illness when prominent individuals (including Dr. Phil) and news media are inaccurately reporting on mental illness or are using terminology that stereotypes individuals.   Many others have spoken out about the situation as well, including NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), an organization striving to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Although the AP Stylebook entry on mental illness was not added until March of this year, it is progress.  I am grateful that the Associated Press addressed the topic of mental illness in the media as the media is highly influential and can either contribute to the stigma of mental illness or can help in educating and eliminating the stigma of mental illness.

As a Mental Health Advocate and Writer, I am going to continue my efforts in increasing the awareness and education of mental health issues.  Despite the challenges, strides have been made and will continue in overcoming the stigma and ignorance associated with mental illness.

If you are not already familiar with Brian Williams’ remarks as well as Dr. Phil’s, here is a link to the blog that I came across. http://www.peteearley.com/2013/08/02/first-dr-phil-now-nbcs-brian-williams-stigmatizing-mental-illness/

Resources and Links:

First Dr. Phil, Now NBC’s Brian Williams: Stigmatizing Mental Illness

The Media Versus the Mentally Ill

Entry on mental illness is added to AP Stylebook

Pets and Mental Health

July 16, 2013

I recently had an emergency with my dog.  It was sudden and unexpected.  Sometimes you do not realize how much owning a pet benefits you until you are faced with the loss of a pet.  Pets truly become a part of the family.  I am thankful that my dog is doing better now but the crisis made me contemplate the benefits of having a pet in my life.

How can a pet in your life be beneficial?  A pet can make you healthier and happier.  Research has revealed the benefits of owning a pet.  According to Lea B. Jennings, author of the Potential Benefits of Pet Ownership in Health Promotion published in The Journal of Holistic Nursing, pet ownership provides an opportunity to improve health.

A pet can keep us more physically active, provide affection and comfort.  Pets can decrease loneliness and depression as well.  In fact, dogs are being trained to assist individuals with a range of disabilities, including seizure disorders, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and psychiatric disorders” (Sachs-Ericsson et al, 2002).  Service dogs are now being used to assist individuals living with mental disorders, including bipolar disorder.

Regardless if pets are trained for service or are just a companion, one thing is for sure, that they can make life happier and healthier.  I believe it is a privilege to have them in our lives.  I am blessed to be a pet owner.  How about you?  What are your thoughts on pets and mental health?

Sources and Links:

Potential Benefits of Pet Ownership in Health Promotion 

5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health  

Service Dogs for Bipolar Disorder

Mental Health Service Dogs

Service Dog Central

The Spiritual Side of Postpartum Psychosis

April 14, 2013

In most cases of postpartum psychosis, there are symptoms of a spiritual nature.  Why do symptoms that are not tangible or material present themselves when experiencing postpartum psychosis or psychosis, in general?

I wish I had a concrete, definite answer to this question.  Instead, I will share my personal experience and opinion relating to the spiritual side of postpartum psychosis.

I believe that each of us are created and designed with a mind, body and spirit.  I also believe that we are all on a spiritual journey.  Each of us is at a different point in that journey based on our own personal experiences and beliefs.  When I was suddenly struck with postpartum psychosis, I had a strong faith and belief in God.  I believe, in my case, that my strong faith and belief as well as the faith of my family and friends, was a big factor in enabling me and my baby to survive the illness.

When my son was eight weeks old and the sudden fear entered my life, I did not even know postpartum psychosis existed.  I was sure it was an evil being or force trying to kill me and take my baby.  I had never experienced such intense fear previously so I did not understand why I had such fear or where the fear was coming from. As a result I turned to my inner spiritual strength to fight the evil force that I was certain was going to kill me and take my baby.

In my opinion when someone experiences such intense fear, the “fight or flight” response occurs.  For me, I felt I could protect my son and I by shouting a bible verse over and over again.  I felt I had no other resources to draw on as I was terrified and exhausted from lack of sleep. I began to distrust everyone, even those closest to me.  Why?  I did not know so I felt I could not ask for help.

It was not until a second hospitalization and a second opinion from another doctor (the first doctor I saw when hospitalized at eight weeks told me I had postpartum depression) that I learned of postpartum psychosis.  Once I learned the symptoms of the illness, I could better understand the illness and what had happened to me.

Thankfully, receiving the diagnosis of postpartum psychosis, enabled me to come to the realization that what I experienced was an illness.  However, at that time, I never had the opportunity to discuss or come to an understanding of the spiritual symptoms of my illness.  It would take several more hospitalizations before I had the opportunity to address the spiritual side of my illness.  It was almost three years after I was struck with postpartum psychosis before I had a professional discuss with me some of the aspects of how my personal spiritual journey impacted my illness.  It is unfortunate that it took so long for it to be addressed.

It has been a long process and journey but I am finally in a place of peace and comfort with the illness and all I have been through.  It has been critical for me to get spiritual support from others, who share my beliefs, in order to understand my journey.  One of the resources that helped me better understand the spiritual journey of my illness was the book Further Along the Road Less Traveled by the well-known psychiatrist Scott Peck.  I highly recommend the book to anyone that wants to gain insight into the role of spirituality in mental health.

In my opinion, anyone experiencing mental health issues or health issues, in general, should receive treatment not only physically and mentally but also spiritually.  Once I began receiving treatment in all three areas, I was able to move further along in my journey of recovery and wellness.

Spirituality is personal and uniquely affects each of us.  I welcome the thoughts and opinion of others.  Better understanding comes through discussion and communication.

Here are a few links to resources related to this topic.

Living Beyond Postpartum Depression

The Book Further Along the Road Less Traveled

Spirituality and Mental Health

Mental Health and Malpractice

April 7, 2013

Mental health and malpractice is a tough topic to address.  My personal experience in pursuing a malpractice and negligence case was stifled in its tracks when the attorneys I consulted told me that malpractice in mental health is very difficult to prove.

As a result of the often insufficient treatment I received and the unjustified forcible hospitalization that occurred in 2003, I felt I had a strong case.  I even attempted to pursue charges against the sheriff officer that forcibly handcuffed me, refused to loosen the handcuffs, which as a result injured and cut my wrist leaving a permanent scar.  I was even sexually assaulted by an unidentified individual while in the facility that I was forcibly hospitalized.

But to no avail, the investigation was dropped because the person, who I believed was a mental health worker at the facility, could not be identified.  As for the sheriff officer, who injured my wrist, although I reported the incident, strangely enough, once I was able to pursue obtaining the records for the incident, there were no records reflecting the situation and what little information was available to me was insufficient.

I know I am not alone when it comes to negligence in the mental health process and system.  But those being treated for mental illness, especially those that are hospitalized, have rights.  In my experience, many of those individuals do not have either the capacity or the knowledge to know what their rights are.  It seems every state may vary on what those rights may be but there are definitely patient rights that apply in psychiatric hospitalizations.

When I was hospitalized and not over medicated, I was often able to share with other patients that they have rights and point out to them exactly what they are.  This was often easy because, the rights were usually posted on a wall or location in the patient area.  On one occasion (the unjustified forcible hospitalization), the facility did not have the rights posted and I demanded that they post them, which they ultimately did.

It often seems that patients, who are dealing with mental health issues, are not treated as a partner in their care.  I understand this may not always be possible but that is why it is especially important to have a patient advocate, in those cases.  Not only are the patients often not treated as a partner, they are usually not adequately educated about their treatment plan and or the illness that they are facing.  In may own case, I was often treated as a prisoner and incapable of understanding my situation.

It is not surprising to me that when I was doing the research for this blog, the information available was very limited.  But I am listing below, links to some of what I found.  I am interested in hearing what others’ experiences have been in the area of mental health and malpractice.  I would be especially interesting to know of anyone that has had success in pursuing a mental health malpractice case.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.  Here are the links of resources and additional information:

LIABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Liability of mental health services for injuries incurred during community treatment

Medical Malpractice: Psychiatric Malpractice

Patient’s Bill of Rights: As a person receiving mental health services

Mental Illness and The Law

When Time (or lack of time) Gets in the Way

March 14, 2013

I know it has been a few weeks since I last posted but my life has been hectic.  It is a good hectic but sometimes when I get so busy, I can not even think about writing.  Do any of you fellow bloggers/writers have the same experience?  When life gets so busy and your “to do list” grows, it is hard to get everything done.  It is during the busy times, that I find setting priorities becomes ever so important.  Writing is one of those priorities for me but it moves down on the list when the opportunity to spend time with family and friends surfaces, especially when the ability to spend time with them is limited.

Once I get back in my normal routine, my regular writing will resume and move up on the “to do list.” In the meantime, I thank you for your patience.  My goal is to post a blog once a week.  I normally am consistent but the past few weeks, I have not been.  I apologize to my followers and readers.  My health is good but my time schedule has not been good.  By the end of March, I hope to be back on track with my writing and blogs.

After all, when you live in a beautiful place, like I do (see photo above), it is hard not to stay positive.  I am certain that as the spring season approaches, time will soon allow for my creative side to resurface.

Opening Up About Postpartum Psychosis

February 2, 2013

Healthyplace.com, America’s Mental Health Channel, is currently running the Stand Up for Mental Health Campaign.  Here is more on the campaign:

What is the Stand Up for Mental Health Campaign About and Why Is It Time to Stand Up for Mental Health?

Like other groups throughout history, people with a mental illness have been marginalized, discriminated against and made to feel like second class citizens. Others refused to tolerate it, why should you?

By Standing Up for Mental Health, you’ll let others know: There is nothing “wrong” with having a mental illness.

• People with a mental illness are not alone in what they are dealing with.
• People with a mental illness shouldn’t feel ashamed or forced to hide their mental illness symptoms and desire for effective treatment.
• Mental health stigma will no longer be tolerated.

I am honored to be participating in the campaign.  Healthyplace.com shared my story on disclosing my mental illness on the campaign’s website so I am now sharing it with you.  My hope is that it can help others not feel ashamed.

Here is the link: Opening Up About Postpartum Psychosis

This is a great opportunity to help eliminate the stigma often associated with mental illness.  Will you Stand Up with me?

Will America's Mental Health System Change?

January 18, 2013

With all the recent talk about gun control and mental health, I decided to take a look at how far America’s mental health system has changed (or not changed) over the past few years.

First, I must state that when I wrote a blog about Mental Illness and the Law, the research shows that those with mental illness are no more violent than the general population when substance abuse is not involved.  In fact, according to an overview published in the June 2003 issue of World Psychiatry, one of the findings was:

“Substance abuse appears to be a major determinant of violence and this is true whether it occurs in the context of a concurrent mental illness or not. Those with substance disorders are major contributors to community violence, perhaps accounting for as much as a third of self-reported violent acts, and seven out of every 10 crimes of violence among mentally disordered offenders.”

In my opinion, if substance abuse is not addressed in the effort to decrease gun violence and improve the mental health system, there may be minimal changes.  So that being said, I will now ponder the question, “Will America’s mental health system change?”

I do believe the proposed changes to the mental health system addressed in the recent executive orders on guns, can help bring about positive changes to America’s mental health system.  But, why does it always take tragedy for changes to occur?

The mental health system in America has been broken for years.  In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), reported back in 2009 that America’s overall grade for the mental health system was a “D”, this is one grade away from failure.  The report graded every state.  Zero states received an “A”, six states received a “B”, eighteen states received a “C”, twenty-one states received a “D” and six states received a failing grade of “F.”

The report compared the 2009 report scores to the 2006 scores and there was no overall improvement.  In fact, the majority of states had no improvement and some even scored a lower grade.  The 2006 overall grade was a “D.”  The same overall grade received in 2009.  So basically, after three years, there was no improvement in America’s mental health system.

So I ask again, why does it always take tragedy for necessary changes to be addressed?  I wish I could answer this question.  It makes no sense to me.  As far as my original question, “Will America’s mental health system change?”  I tend to be an optimist so my answer is “yes.”  As to when, where and how, I do not know.  I can only hope changes will occur sooner rather than later.  I hope that all of the states will improve and that changes will occur proactively rather than re-actively.

I would appreciate hearing what others believe is the answer to the question, “Will America’s mental health system change?.  Change often starts one person at a time so when more individuals come together, the greater the chance that change will happen.

SOURCES and ADDITIONAL READING:

Grading the States 2009

Grading the States 2006

Executive orders on guns address mental health changes

Violence and Mental Illness: an overview

Miss You, Mom!

December 29, 2012

In Memory of My Mom

I am writing this post on the day that my mom would have celebrated her 89th birthday.  Oh, how I wish she was still alive.  In May 2013, it will be ten years since my mom was tragically taken from this world.  She died unexpectedly as a result of a car accident.

She was a spry, healthy and happy woman so it was totally a shock when she died so suddenly.  My mom was my greatest encourager.  She was my spiritual mentor and my hero.  She overcame so much in her 79 years.  She was a huge blessing to her eight children and to all of those that came in contact with her.

I started my volunteer advocacy work in the year 2000, three years before my mother died.  She encouraged and supported me in my efforts.  She was one of my strongest supporters when I experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of my son.

I felt truly blessed to be able to provide emotional and informational support to mothers and families that were experiencing mental health issues related to childbearing.  But it was not until my own mother died such a sudden death that I felt more compelled to support and encourage mothers and families experiencing mental health issues related to childbearing.

Losing my own mother was difficult but it caused me to never give up on advocating for others.  You see, I was blessed to have my mother in my life for more than thirty years.  But sadly, there are children, who lose their mother when they are only an infant.  Tragically, in severe cases of postpartum mood disorders, there is a risk of suicide.  But there should be no such deaths because I believe suicide can be prevented.

Often those who die by suicide do not get the help they need.  In the case of suicide by mothers, who are experiencing a severe postpartum mood disorder, the stigma and shame as well as lack of support and proper treatment can take their toll on a mother.  I know this first hand.

The only statistic I can find related to suicide as a result of a severe postpartum mood disorder is a 5% rate, which is grouped with infanticide.  Why have the numbers not been gathered separately?  I guess it is because research and attention to mental health related to childbearing has not always been a priority.  Thankfully, we have come a long way but there is still much that needs to be done in this area.

I believe that if the statistics were available, the suicide rate would be much higher than the infanticide rate.  The media only seems to give attention to the rare cases of infanticide and the cases of suicide of mothers go unreported.  Both infanticide and suicide as a result of severe postpartum mood disorders should be and can be prevented.

I know I am only one person but I will continue to do my best to help prevent such tragedies.  I will continue to do what I can to help mothers and families experiencing mental health issues related to childbearing as well as those experiencing mental health issues, in general.  On this day as I reminisce about my mom, I know, that if my mom where still alive today, she would not only be my biggest encourager but she would be right by my side in advocating for others.

I hope the year 2013 is a blessing to all of us and that it will be a year of great strides in increasing the awareness, proper treatment and prevention of mental health issues related to childbearing as well as mental health issues, in general.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
FACT SHEET

Professional Perspectives Part III: Advocacy, Postpartum Doulas and Childbirth Educators by Walker Karra

December 15, 2012

I was recently interviewed by Walker Karraa, a regular contributor for Science & Sensibility, a research blog about Healthy Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond from Lamaze International.

Walker Karraa has written an excellent three part series on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) and what the childbirth educator or birth professional can do to help women get the help they may need when dealing with mental illness during the prenatal and postpartum period.  Walker interviews experts in the field who all offer concrete steps, activities and resources so that educators and others can do to be more prepared to discuss this important subject with students and clients.

In the post, Professional Perspectives Part III: Advocacy, Postpartum Doulas and Childbirth Education, Part III of the series, Walker interviews me.  Here is the direct link:

http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=5874

I hope you find the post informative.  Please share your comments and feedback.

Here are the links to Part I and Part II of the series.

Part I: Mother’s Mental Health: Professional Perspectives and Childbirth Education

Part II:  Perinatal Mental Health and Childbirth Education: Professional Perspectives

Link for my interview:

Professional Perspectives Part III: Advocacy, Postpartum Doulas and Childbirth Education

The Blessing of Postpartum Psychosis

November 24, 2012

It was all worth it

The title of this post may seem strange but postpartum psychosis has been a blessing to me.  How can a serious, life-threatening condition be a blessing?  How could numerous hospitalizations, numerous attempts at treatment, numerous sleepless nights and an illness that nearly cost me my life be a blessing?

Nearly seventeen years ago I was struck with postpartum psychosis.  It came on suddenly without warning.  I did not even know that postpartum psychosis existed.  During my pregnancy, I read everything I could to educate myself about pregnancy, the postpartum period and beyond.  Not once did I read about postpartum psychosis. I learned nothing about the symptoms or risk factors of postpartum psychosis let alone what to do if it should occur.

Although my doctor was wonderful, not once did she discuss mental health issues related to childbearing with me.  The only thing I was prepared for was the baby blues.  My childbirth instructor briefly mentioned the emotions associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period but nothing specific.  Of course, no possible symptoms were presented or risk factors identified that would have given me the slightest indication that a problem could occur.

All was going beautifully during the first several weeks after my son was born.  I loved being a mother.  The confidence and assurance I felt taking care of my son was tremendous.  So I was totally unprepared when postpartum psychosis struck.  I did not realize that my inability to sleep or my unnecessary fears were not normal or that they were something to be concerned about.  I had to learn the hard way what postpartum psychosis was.

So how could postpartum psychosis be a blessing?  The illness itself was not a blessing but there was a blessing that would change me forever.  The biggest blessing is having my son in my life.  As we celebrate my son’s birthday today, I reminisce about the wonderful six weeks we had together after he was born.  Despite the fact that life as I knew it changed forever after I was struck with postpartum psychosis, I would go through it all again just to have my son in my life.

Although I have found blessing in my own experience, my family and I never should have had to endure the devastation and havoc that postpartum psychosis causes.  If we would have known the symptoms of postpartum psychosis or that postpartum psychosis even existed, maybe the severe onset could have been prevented.  Maybe the long and difficult recovery would have been shortened.  We will never know what the outcome could have been.  We only know what the outcome was.

It may not seem possible that an illness that can cause devastation and tragedy could ever be a blessing.  Tragedies are not blessings. Illnesses are not blessings.  But a blessing, according to thefreedictionary.com, is something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity.  Although it may never happen for some, in my case, I am stronger, happier and healthier as a result of my experience with postpartum psychosis.

Although your experience may never seem like a blessing, I hope you can find the strength to be a blessing by sharing your story so others know they are not alone, they should not feel guilty and that there is hope in the midst of postpartum psychosis.

For those women and families that are experiencing postpartum psychosis or have experienced postpartum psychosis, my hope is that, in time, you can overcome and prevail not matter what your situation may be.  My hope is that by sharing my story, I am able to help and encourage others.

What is Postpartum Psychosis?

Why was Postpartum Psychosis Not Considered a Medical Condition?

November 18, 2012

Back in 1996, when I was struck with postpartum psychosis, there was still a separation of mental health insurance coverage and medical insurance coverage.  This separation was devastating to my husband and I’s financial situation.  It also exasperated my condition.

After two hospitalizations, my life-time mental health insurance benefit reached its maximum.  The life-time maximum for mental health coverage was considerably less than the maximum benefit for medical coverage.  The question of why the diagnosis of postpartum psychosis was not considered a medical condition puzzled and stressed me.  Here I was having to take prescription medication to stabilize me and help me get better yet my insurance was telling me I did not have a medical condition.

How could this be happening?  I anguished over my dilemma.  I needed medical care yet I could not afford my medicine and visits to the medical professionals.  I had insurance coverage but had never had to use it for anything other then my pregnancies.  When I was in a crisis and needed the medical insurance, I discovered how limited the insurance coverage was for mental health.

My husband and I had to use our lifetime savings to pay for the medical expenses.  We began the process of appealing the insurance company’s decision of not recognizing postpartum psychosis as a medical condition.  My doctor recognized it as a medical condition supporting us in our appeal process.  But the process would involve the hiring of an attorney, additional costs as well as additional stress and anxiety for me.  I struggled with what to do as I did not feel recovered enough to take on the huge task of fighting an insurance company.

Our saving grace was when the contractor changed at my husband’s job.  This enabled us to have new insurance coverage hence a new life-time maximum for mental health conditions.  I was so thankful but it should not have taken an employer change to get the insurance coverage needed.  I would learn that such discrimination between medical and mental health coverage occurred for years.

Thankfully, later in 1996, the Mental Health Parity Act was passed.  The Act required equal coverage with respect to aggregate lifetime and annual dollar limits for mental health benefits.  Although this Act did not help me during my initial onset of postpartum psychosis, it would help me later in my recovery.

The question, why is it that the insurance company did not recognize that postpartum psychosis was a medical condition?, remains unanswered for me.  I can ponder why but it was many years ago.  I am just thankful that my husband and I had a savings to pay for the medical care I needed and that I was able to recover from postpartum psychosis.  My hope is that we can eliminate the stigma often associated with mental health and continue to conduct more research supporting the fact that you can not separate mental health from physical health.

I am sure many of you reading this have had similar situations or even worse situations.  I would appreciate any feedback and comments.

Additional Reading:

Mental Health Parity

A Review of Postpartum Psychosis

Suicide and Mental Health in the Military

November 11, 2012

As we celebrate Veterans Day, I thank the men and women who are serving or have served in the armed forces.  My own father was a World War II pilot and I am proud that my father served his country.  I believe it is important that service men and women are recognized and honored for serving their country. I also believe that addressing mental health issues in a proactive, positive way can save lives.

When the pentagon announced in June 2012 that the suicide rate among the nation’s active-duty military personnel has spiked this year, eclipsing the number of troops dying in battle and on pace to set a record annual high since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan more than a decade ago, I was startled.

Although suicide is a sensitive and difficult issue for many people, as a mental health advocate, I wish to help educate others on mental health issues as well as lessen the stigma that can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.  As a friend to military families, I wish to help others understand some of the sacrifices made and the difficulties faced when serving in the military.  Yes, everyone has difficulties but our service men and women and their families face challenges that are unique to them.

To help me better understand mental health issues in the military and why the suicide rate among military personnel has spiked, I recently asked two active-duty friends to share their perspectives with me. Here is what I learned.

Viewpoint from an active-duty Green Beret with over 17 years of experience:  Although he has heard of suicides and suicide attempts on a regular basis, he has personally known of only two service members who took their own lives.  Although the special forces are not immune to suicide, there seems to be a lower incidence than in the overall military.  He believes the training and psychological evaluations the special forces receive seem to help the special forces cope better and recognize when they may need help.  He also says that reaching out for help is encouraged in the special forces.  He believes the majority of suicides and suicide attempts are primarily related to issues the service member is facing outside of their work environment.  Frequent and some times long deployments seem to cause much more stress on the service member.  Having no-control over their work demands is expected but when things go wrong back home or with loved ones the inability to address things back home when you are gone causes much stress. 

He said, “Your mind often plays out things that are happening back home or things that might be happening at home.”  It is a challenge when ever you have to be away from home but when you are deployed 9 months or more at a time, it is usually more challenging.  It seems that adjusting to being home can be more difficult than doing your job far away.  In his own situation, he finds being home is often harder for him than doing the special forces job he is trained to do.

He does think that some service members may feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness but stresses that help is available.  Chaplains are a great resource for those struggling.  Every unit is assigned a chaplain and they can coordinate resources for individuals that need professional help.  It is much easier to seek direct help with the increase in suicide awareness and prevention.  Help can be sought without having to go through the higher ranks, when embarrassment or fear may be obstacles that prevent one from seeking help.

He personally has been able to prevent a suicide by paying attention to the change in the individual’s behaviors.  Because the Green Beret reached out to the individual, who was contemplating suicide, and took the situation seriously, the individual was able to get the help he needed.

Viewpoint of a Senior Military Leader with over 30 years of service including 15 combat deployments:   He believes the increase in suicides in the general military population are as a result of being at war for over 10 years and the stress of seeing teammates die and the fear associated with the threat of dying or being wounded as well as the traditional issues, such as financial, relationships or job issues. 

Although, he has not known anyone that has taken their life over the 30 years he has been in the military. He has seen two attempts.  In his words, “Both were cries for help.  For the most part up until 2002, the military had a suicide rate similar to the general public.  The immediate threats in combat and the stress it puts on the family and military member has caused an increase amount of stress, which in turn increases the risk and threat of suicide.”

The military leader also talked about the importance of training, particularly in the Special Operations Community.  He said, “If a person is pushed to their limits in training and development, they will see training as more difficult than combat.  If they apply a set of common risk management tools, it can reduce risk and in turn reduce the stress.  “It is all about perspective.  If I know I am going to get punched in the gut…I can tighten my core and brace for the strike.”  Having no idea when or where the dread and despair will strike is what eats you up.”

The military leader believes each of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are treasures.  People are the military’s business and the military has taken great steps to de-stigmatize the concept of reaching out for help and seeking mental health preventative care.  The military medical system can not limit or deny access to mental health care and support, in fact, they have counselors and psychologists on station and assigned to the highest stressed units.  He has personally had a psychologist as a counselor for the past 12 years.  He reached out to the chaplain and the mental health office, after losing 4 members of his team. 

In his opinion, an obstacle to the service men and women seeking help, is that many hide the condition or avoid the issue until it becomes so crushing it become desperate.  He believes, the best tool to preventing this obstacle, is an active leader and an interpersonal relationship between leadership and the members of the team.  “We need to ask for help and be willing to talk”, he says.

He too has prevented a suicide.  He helped do so by recognizing and reducing the stress that he had control of, by being present and open to the person and just being there to talk and when ready, transitioning from personal interaction to professional help.  It took a leader to make a difference.

In the words of the military leader, “our military are the finest in the world and we are not all under so much stress that we will all become Johnny Rambos…we have a sense of brotherhood and need to be near and with those who have had similar experiences.  This is why the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and American Legion are so important to our folks.  There is a zero threshold for suicide, every one of my brothers and sisters are precious both personally and to the mission and service of the military.”  He sees it as such a tragedy when a member of the armed forces decides to give up and uses a permanent solution to deal with a temporary problem.

“It is important that we stress that this is about preparation and perspective.  When you raise your hand and swear an oath, you place your Life, liberty and prosperity on the line.  There is a point where you have to accept this job is dangerous and that you may die, if you live with the acceptance that when the Good Lord reaches out to you…You take his hand without question or wondering of what if…those who are not prepared or have not dealt with that contemplation often have the toughest time dealing with this.”          

There are so many aspects when discussing suicide and mental health in the military.  I hope this information provides a perspective that can help us better understand and prevent suicide, whether by a service member or an individual in the general population.  If you have concern for a loved one, do not ignore your concerns.  Instead you may want to ask the following questions:

• Are you currently having any thoughts of hurting yourself?
• Do you currently have any desire to kill yourself?
• Do you currently have any specific plan to kill yourself?

Positive answers to any of these questions should not be ignored.  Suicide is preventable.

RESOURCES AND ADDITIONAL READING:

Suicides Outpacing War Deaths for Troops

Suicide in the Military

Suicide Prevention in the Military

Courage to Care: Suicide Facts (For Families)

U.S. officials launch new strategy to prevent suicide

Military Mental Health: An Outsider Takes a Peek Inside

Natural Disasters and Mental Health

November 3, 2012

With the recent devastation from Hurricane Sandy, one of the worst storms in U.S. History, I thought of the impact the storm has taken on the mental health of those that were in the path of the storm.  How does one cope when everything is lost or destroyed by a natural disaster?  How can a person survive the trauma of witnessing the destruction in their community, or Worse Yet, if the Life of a Loved One is Lost?  How do you survive when your basic needs of shelter, food and water, are not being met?

The questions I ask are difficult to answer.  The answers may be different for each individual.  It is important that people who have been victims of a natural disaster get the help they need.  I have pondered these questions and will attempt to answer them from my perspective and from what I have learned while considering the answers.

How Does One Cope When Everything is Lost or Destroyed by a Natural Disaster?

The answer to this question is probably different for everyone.  Different because each individual is unique.  The coping skills one person has may be not be the same as another person.  Despite the differences, there are some suggestions that may be helpful for everyone. First, be tolerant of what others are experiencing, try not to dwell on the event or disaster, recognize and accept your feelings and the emotions your are experiencing.  Anger, sadness, fear and helplessness are all normal reactions.  It is important to talk about your feelings in order to begin the healing process.  Losing everything is devastating and coping with it may seem impossible but do not give up.  In time, with help and support, things get better.

How Does One Survive the Trauma of Witnessing the Destruction in their Community, or Worse Yet, if the Life of a Loved One is Lost?

The post-traumatic stress that occurs after a natural disaster is tremendous.  It may take years to overcome.  It is for this reason that you should be patient and recognize that surviving is going to be a long and difficult process.  Being proactive will help you.  Yes, it will take others helping others to survive.  Destruction in a community will hopefully pull the community together.  It takes many individuals to build or rebuild a community.  Connecting with others can ease the feelings of helplessness.  Trauma is something that can not be overcome alone.  When loved ones are lost, it seems unbearable.  Recognize that grieving is a process and recognize that it will take time to heal and be able to reach a place of hopefulness.

How Do You Survive When Your Basic Needs of Shelter, Food and Water are Not Being Met?

This is a difficult situation because we can not survive without having our basic needs met.  In times of disaster, it is critical that outside sources are able to provide for the needs of the individuals, who are affected by the natural disaster.  Depending on the situation, it may take time to reach the community, who has experienced the disaster.  When preparation is possible, there is often a supply on hand of food and water so food and water are usually provided as soon as possible.  But if your shelter is gone, I can imagine the hopelessness.  Rebuilding a community takes time but so often the people in the community rise up to the occasion and reach out to others that are in greater need than they are.

Although I, personally, have not experienced the devastation that many have experienced due to a natural disaster, I have directly experienced the aftermath of hurricanes.  It may take years to overcome such devastation both materially and mentally.  However, there is hope and hope is what has to keep you going.

There is so much to cover on the topic of natural disasters and mental health.  I barely scratch the surface in this post.  I encourage you to share your comments and experiences as that helps bring better understanding and can help others as well.

ADDITIONAL READING AND RESOURCES:

Coping with Traumatic Stress: EMOTIONAL RECOVERY AFTER A DISASTER

Coping With a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Meeting Mental Health Needs Following a Natural Disaster: Lessons From Hurricane Katrina

The Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health

David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pages: Disaster Mental Health

Depression During Pregnancy

October 28, 2012

Kelly remembers experiencing depression during her first pregnancy.  Although she did not identify what she was experiencing at the time, looking back she realizes that she was depressed during her pregnancy.  She had so many life changes going on that it is no wonder she was overwhelmed.  Kelly got pregnant in August, started a job in September, got married in October and moved in December.  If that was not enough, when she was 7 months pregnant her best friend died unexpectedly.  Kelly new she was experiencing difficulties but she didn’t know she needed help.

Kelly is not alone.  According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), between 14 to 23% of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy.  Because one to four women will experience depression at some time during their lives, it is not surprising that pregnancy can be one of those times.

The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy, and community awareness.  The Association states that depression during pregnancy is not properly diagnosed because people think it is just another type of hormonal imbalance.

In the case of Anglena, she had experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her first child but was stable when she got pregnant with her second child.  Anglena had a history of Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder prior to her pregnancies but both seemed to be under control when she was pregnant with her second child.  However, when she was 5 1/2 months pregnant, she began to have difficulty sleeping.  This led to irritability, agitation and guilt.  All of which can be symptoms of depression.  She did not identify them as such and dismissed them as hormonal and pregnancy related.

Thankfully, in Kelly’s and Anglena’s cases, they eventually got help but not until things escalated and got worse after the their babies were born.  It seems that often the symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy are often dismissed as “normal” or related to changes in hormones.  But, in reality, if a pregnant woman is experiencing any of the following symptoms, she should seek professional help, preferably professionals with experiencing treating women experiencing mental health issues related to childbearing.

• Trouble sleeping
• Sleeping too much
• Lack of interest
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Restlessness, agitation or slowed movement
• Thoughts or ideas about suicide

So if you are pregnant and experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please know that there is help available.  You should not feel ashamed or guilty because you are not to blame and you are not alone.

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. Please consult with your healthcare provider for individual advice regarding your own situation.

RESOURCES AND ADDITIONAL READING:

American Pregnancy Association: Depression During Pregnancy

March of Dimes: Pregnancy Complications

Depression during and after pregnancy fact sheet

Coping With Depression During Pregnancy

Depression During Pregnancy & Postpartum

Postpartum Support International

Mental Illness and the Law

October 21, 2012

Mental illness and the Law is a sensitive topic but a topic that I believe needs to be addressed.  With recent tragedies of mass shootings, it would appear that people with mental illness are more violent and more likely to commit a crime.  Is that really true?

According to an Overview of Violence and Mental Illness published in June 2003 in World Psychiatry, the official journal of the World Psychiatric Association, “mental illnesses are neither necessary, nor sufficient causes of violence.”  In fact, “the major determinants of violence continue to be socio-demographic and socio-economic factors such as being young, male, and of lower socio-economic status.”

Additional conclusions are

• “Members of the public undoubtedly exaggerate both the strength of the relationship between major mental disorders and violence, as well as their own personal risk from the severely mentally ill.”  The fact is that it is far more likely that people with a serious mental illness will be the victim of violence rather than the perpetrator of violence.

• “Substance abuse appears to be a major determinant of violence and this is true whether it occurs in the context of a concurrent mental illness or not. Those with substance disorders are major contributors to community violence, perhaps accounting for as much as a third of self-reported violent acts, and seven out of every 10 crimes of violence among mentally disordered offenders.”

• “It appears that too much past research has focused on the person with the mental illness, rather than the nature of the social interchange that led up to the violence. “

Now that it is established that mental illness alone is not associated with more violence and crime, in my opinion, the more prevalent question is how the Law interacts with individuals with mental illness?

I have found that the best outcome depends on the training among law enforcement officers, the understanding of mental illness in a community and the access to mental health services.

Although I have never been violent or committed a crime, I have had experience with the law as a result of my illness.  When I was struck with postpartum psychosis, the law enforcement officers that responded, automatically assumed that I had taken illegal drugs.  It was primarily due to the response of my family and physician that I was treated for a medical condition.

During the process of my recovery, my experience has included being forcibly handcuffed (still have a scar on my wrist as a result), having my rights and voluntary request for treatment ignored as well as not being provided with emergency care when I had comprehensive health insurance.  The experiences I had not only caused pain and suffering, it also caused post-traumatic stress for years to follow.

The most positive experiences I had with the Law was when there was a trained crisis intervention officer as well as female officer present.  It is of utmost importance that the responders are properly trained in the area of mental health.  My experiences revealed there was prejudice and ignorance in the handling of an individual with a mental illness, who was in crisis.  I have heard of others having similar experiences.  So how can this be prevented?

In my opinion, the most important preventative measure is education.  Increasing awareness and education of mental illness not only for law enforcement officers but the community in general helps lead to more positive outcomes.  Having access to mental health services in every community can help those with a mental illness get through their crisis.  Sadly, often budget cuts and lack of priority for mental health services makes access to care difficult in many communities.

I know this is a tough topic to discuss but please share your insight and opinions on mental illness and the law.  Positive or negative, I want to hear from you and, if comfortable, share your own experiences.

Resources and additional reading:

Violence and delusions: data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study

NAMI: Legal Support

Violence and mental illness: an overview

Law Enforcement Responses to People with Mental Illnesses

Mental Illness and the Law – Minds on the Edge

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Remember to also follow me on twitter @moyerjennifer and “like” my facebook page at www.facebook.com/jenniferhmoyer

Interview with Cheryl Jazzar, MHR, Founder of Wellpostpartum Consulting

October 13, 2012

Cheryl Jazzar, MHR is the founder of WellPostpartum Consulting.  She has supported thousands of new mothers since 1998. Her background is in psychology, counseling and women’s studies with a Master’s degree in Human Relations.  I recently interviewed her for my blog.  I hope you find the interview as informative as I did.

1.   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?   My husband and I are homeschooling parents of four wonderful kids.  I run WellPostpartum Consulting full time while traveling and shuttling my kids to their various activities.  I am a survivor of both a terrible psychosis for which I was hospitalized for 6 weeks, and a severe postpartum depression.  I have since had another child and experienced a great postpartum period with very little symptoms.  I’m grateful that I haven’t used any psychiatric medications in over 18 years.

I’ve studied alternative health for 20 years, ever since I realized my first baby had chronic ear infections.  I was extraordinarily skeptical of what I felt was “hippie medicine”.  Boy did I learn otherwise when my daughter’s ear infections stopped abruptly.  She had been suffering for over a year.

 2.   How did you first learn about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis?    When my first daughter was nearly 2 years old I was hospitalized with a brief-reactive psychosis.  It was horrible- I lost everything including custody of my baby.  Interestingly, that episode was linked to mercury exposure from dental materials and a now-banned body building supplement containing Ephedra and Mau Huang.  I felt I was “damaged goods” for some time.  When I met my new husband we quickly became pregnant and I suffered with a severe, lethargic postpartum depression.

 3.  Why did you decide to focus your attention on helping women who are dealing with mental health issues related to childbearing?   When I first looked for help for my own PPD I quickly found local support through Postpartum Support International.  The woman who helped me knew about supplements and natural progesterone, so I asked her to explain how and why they worked.  That day my husband brought me what she had suggested and I felt a great deal better.  For some time I thought that reaction must have been a placebo effect- nothing could work that quickly.  I learned about a handful of alternative practitioners who use similar methods during PSI conferences.  One therapist, a former PSI president, told me she sees that reaction regularly among her clients who choose to use nutrients to address their symptoms.

 4.    What helped you overcome your own experience with postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis?   Of course, the fact that using nutritional supplements and natural progesterone helped me so quickly was wonderful.  It led me to become curious about how many people knew how effective these methods were; and why they worked so well.  I began to research all known data on the subject and blogged about my findings at WellPostpartum.org.

5.   What services do you offer through WellPostpartum Consulting?  I serve women who do not wish to use psychiatric medications at the international level.  I offer The Ultimate Pregnancy Program to address past birth trauma, lower risks of common pregnancy complications, provide natural fertility support and also help women find care providers who will respect their wishes.

The Mother’s Renewal Program provides information on specific nutritional supplements and hormones typically lacking in postpartum women, a lifestyle review to address causes of nutrient deficiency and hormone imbalance, and referrals to supportive resources.  The majority of my clients turn around within 3 or 4 days of starting the program.

The Well Mother’s Circle is a private support group for women who are incorporating lasting changes into their wellness routine.  Most of these women are profoundly aware of the pain and stigma associated with perinatal mood and anxiety issues, but they experience freedom in knowing about the biological roots of these illnesses, and overcoming them.

 6.   What message would you like to share with mothers and families facing mental health issues related to childbearing?  There are options.  Research shows us that up to ½ of all moms with PPD are opposed to the use of psychiatric medications for one reason or another.  Some will not seek help at all if they feel medications are their only option.  Many will suffer in silence- or get worse.

These issues are truly not a woman’s fault.  Americans regularly suffer from subclinical nutrient deficiencies.  And, as humans we are constantly assaulted by environmental toxins that impede wellness.  This can become painfully apparent during pregnancy when biological challenges come to a head.

7.   How has your professional experience/expertise helped you in your own life?  One main help has been finding roots to my own illness through years of research into the etiology of mental illness.  This, in turn, has helped me become a better provider to many women by realizing various underlying issues that may be contributing to their illness.  I knew I was called to do this work within a few months of my recovery.  Nearly 15 years of supporting women has been a gift for me, personally, as the joy I get in return when women recover quickly can never be quantified. 

8.    What are your top 3 tips for moms facing mental health issues related to childbearing? 

1.  Buy top quality prenatal, or postnatal vitamins that separate the minerals from the iron.  If any of us goes to the cabinet right now and looks at the amount of calcium and magnesium in their prenatal; they will be very surprised.  When I realized all the problems with prenatal vitamins, I actually cried because I knew how important nutrition is to mental wellbeing. My choice is: After Baby Boost by Sound Formulas.   http://www.soundformulas.com/cgi-soundformulas/sb/ref.cgi?storeid=*2808b2a9ae7c77512fba9eb644a27d061850c0f790be&name=wellpostpartum

2.  Address general toxicity of the body before becoming pregnant, starting with the mouth.  Toxic heavy metals like mercury, present in most “silver fillings” block the absorption of minerals, making growing a baby that much harder.  On average, fetal cord blood has nearly 300 toxins in it according to a study by The Environmental Working Group.  Clearing the body has a direct impact on our health, and that of our babies.

3. Hire a doula.  The world of childbearing can be compared to a minefield.  I can say that as a person who has heard countless horrifying, traumatic birth stories for many years.  A doula can help a woman get both the birth that she wants, and the postpartum care she deserves.  The information doulas provide can be invaluable.

 9.   Is there any other information you would like to share?  Bringing a baby into the world is a profound experience that is firmly of the physical realm- and also a 100% spiritual endeavor.  It will change you in ways you never imagined possible.  God Himself has blessed you with a baby by creating a family for you.  Don’t try to do it without His help and guidance. The Message version of Psalms 127:3-5 says don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?  The fruit of the womb is His generous legacy.  Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.  Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!  Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

10.  If anyone is interested in more information, how can they follow-up with you?   At WellPostpartum.com women can take The Emotional Wellness Quiz for prompt care from a compassionate consultant.  My direct email is cjazzar@wellpostpartum.com and our toll-free number is 888-886-1962.

Cheryl, I thank you for taking the time for this interview.  You are offering much needed services and alternatives to helping women facing mental health issues related to childbearing.

Thank you, Jennifer.   You are certainly doing the same by your work on this blog.  Keep it up.   You will never know how many lives you will bless.

The interview questions are prepared by Jennifer Moyer for her website/blog and answers are published on her website, www.jennifermoyer.com, with permission from Cheryl Jazzar, MHR.

The Importance of Having a Good Relationship with Your Health Care Provider

September 30, 2012

How many of you are comfortable talking to your healthcare provider?  Do you feel the provider respects you, listens to you and addresses your questions and concerns?  If you answered “no” to either of these questions, I hope the following information is helpful to you in turning the answers from “no” to “yes.”

I believe it is essential that you have a good relationship with your healthcare provider.  In the area of mental health, I have found that the relationship between a patient and a healthcare provider directly impacts the success of treatment and recovery.

I have discovered, in my own situation, that the times I struggled the most with my treatment and recovery, where the times that I did not have a healthcare provider that I was compatible or that I believed accurately understood my condition.  As a result, I have discovered the following things in establishing a good relationship with a healthcare provider.

• Education is Essential.

The times I had the best relationship with my healthcare provider were the times that I was educated on my condition.  Over the years, there were times that my healthcare provider never told me what he or she believed my diagnosis was.  In fact, several of the providers, particularly the inpatient hospital providers did not even explain why I needed medication or how the medication would help me.  I often was left on my own to try to understand what was happening to me.  It was when I received education about my condition from qualified healthcare providers that I began to better understand what I was facing.

• Asking Questions is a Necessity.

When it comes to understanding your condition and subsequent treatment, you must ask questions.  I know it is often difficult to concentrate or remember what questions you need to ask so the best thing I have found is to write them down before seeing the provider.  Keep a notebook and write the answers and information down so you can refer to it.  If that is not possible, having an advocate or trusted person that can ask questions for you, is helpful, particularly when in crisis.

• Working Together as a Team is Critical.

It may not seem possible to work as a team with healthcare providers but it is critical to successful treatment and recovery.  Often, especially when vulnerable, we feel intimidated or inferior to healthcare providers but they are there to work with you.  A good relationship takes cooperation.  This means both sides need to work together to achieve the best outcome.  I think most would agree that the primary goal is to receive proper care and treatment striving for the best possible outcome.  So the provider should strive to achieve the best course of action for you.  He or she should encourage your input in developing a plan.  Keeping in mind that this involves both sides working together, cooperating and listening to each other.  Recognize that there is trial and error involved in coming up with a plan that works best.

• Recognizing There are Limitations Helps Achieve Success.

No one is capable of meeting all of another person’s needs.  Healthcare may be a science but everyone is unique and different so what works for one person may not work for another person.  There is no perfect healthcare provider or perfect person.  We all have limitations.  Even though each one of us has abilities and talents, it helps to find others that can support us in areas that we are less capable of handling.  But in doing so, we must realize everyone has strengths and weaknesses.  When it comes to healthcare, especially mental health, recognize that providers have limitations and do not have knowledge in every area.  Looking for a provider that has all of the answers or expecting the provider to do all the work will only frustrate you.

• Receiving Proper Care and Treatment is Your Right.

In my own experience, I have not always received the proper care and treatment.  There were times, early on in my treatment, that I was incapable of seeking out proper care and treatment.  I was ignorant to what my rights were, especially when I had never been hospitalized in a mental health facility before I was struck with postpartum psychosis.  In a crisis situation or when little resources are available, we often do not receive the most appropriate care and treatment.  But hopefully, we have an advocate, whether a family member, trusted friend or other person that can navigate us through the often murky waters of mental health care.  In my own situation, I did, which enabled me to find the healthcare provider that ultimately recognized and diagnosed my condition.   It took time but I gradually learned that I had rights even if I was diagnosed with a mental health condition.

I learned through many trials and tribulations to not give up on myself.  Even during the times it seemed impossible, I held on to the hope that I would ultimately find the proper care and treatment and what would work best for me in my own situation.

I recognize that some of the readers of this blog do not have access to healthcare at all, let alone have access to a healthcare provider that you can have a trusting relationship.  If that is the case for you, I encourage you to take care of yourself in the best way that you can.  Seek out resources that can help you. If you can not do it on your own, find someone that can help you.  There are many organizations and programs that provide assistance in the area of mental health.  Remember that whether or not it seems like it at the time, you are your own best advocate so do not give up on yourself.

I welcome comments and feedback as we can learn through the experiences of others.

Sources and Additional Reading:

Communicate With Your Health Care Team

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider

How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Why Developing Trust with Your Doctor is Important

List of Resources

Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy

September 23, 2012

I was recently interviewed for an upcoming production that will address bipolar disorder and pregnancy.  As a result, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share my thoughts on bipolar disorder and pregnancy.  The pressing question is can a woman with bipolar disorder have a successful pregnancy and postpartum period?

I believe the answer to this question is yes but there seems to be debate over whether or not a woman with bipolar disorder should even become pregnant let alone have a successful pregnancy.

In my opinion, the decision to become pregnant and have children is a decision that is up to the woman with bipolar disorder.  Of course, I believe she should consult with her physician, who hopefully has experience in mental illness related to childbearing, specifically in treating women with bipolar disorder.  She should also take in the consideration the level of social, emotional and practical support available to her.

I do not believe she should be told “do not get pregnant” but rather she should be told “if you choose to get pregnant, be sure to have a comprehensive plan in place to address prevention, treatment and recovery.”  It seems the better prepared a woman is, the better the outcome will be.

But even when the woman has everything in place, a relapse can still occur.  For this reason, I believe having a plan in place to address a relapse, can help her become stabilized more quickly.  The treatment plan usually involves medication, therapy, and support.

Often women are reluctant to take medication during pregnancy or when they are breastfeeding.  I can certainly understand why but there is always a risk/benefit analysis when it comes to taking medication.  It is for this reason that a pregnant bipolar woman work closely with her physician before, during and after the pregnancy.  I also suggest consulting with her pharmacist, who has tremendous knowledge about medications, to determine what is the best option during her pregnancy and after the baby is born.  In my opinion, the USA can definitely learn from the United Kingdom in addressing the support needs of postpartum women.

Of course, there is always risk in pregnancy, whether or not there is a history of mental illness.  For me, personally, I did not have a prior history of mental illness yet I was still stricken with postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious mental illness related to childbearing.  Although postpartum psychosis can strike any woman after the birth of a baby, there is a much greater risk for women, who have a history of bipolar disorder.

In my case, I would eventually be given the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, postpartum onset.  Thankfully, after many trials, tribulations and attempts at treatment, I have been in remission for six years.  Unfortunately, I have not been able to have a successful subsequent pregnancy.  Yes, as difficult as the illnesses have been, I have no regrets and would do it all again.  The blessings of motherhood and having my son in my life have been worth it all.

I welcome feedback and comments on my blog.  I would love to hear about the experiences of other women and those that provide treatment to women with bipolar disorder.  Please be sure to write your comment below.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Also, please consider “liking” my Facebook page.  You will find it under Mental Health Advocate Jennifer Moyer.

Resources and additional reading:

Do Pregnancy and Bipolar Disorder Mix?

Pregnancy with Bipolar Disorder-Stay on Medications or Not?

Managing Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy

Management of Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

Postpartum psychosis: Affected parents speak out

5 Ways I Reduce Stress and Boost My Mental Health

September 15, 2012

The past few weeks have been stressful for me.  It is when I am under the most stress that I find it hard to reduce my stress and boost my mental health.  However, when I do not do the following things, I am quickly reminded to get back to incorporating them in my life.

1.  Exercise

I have found that regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce my stress and boost my mental health.  It is not always easy to find the time or to get motivated to exercise BUT I have found it can bring me out of a down and difficult time.  Sometimes all I can do is jump 10 to 15 minutes on my Rebounder (mini-trampoline).  When I do my blood gets pumping and my mood improves.  Whenever I have the time, I incorporate strength training as well.

2.  Prayer and Meditation

I always start my day with prayer.  I find that it puts my day in perspective and balances my mind and spirit.   If I did not have my faith, I would not see my higher purpose.  If it was not for prayer and the prayers of those around me, I literally would not be able to write this blog or help others.

3.  Spending Time with My Family and Friends

When things are not going well and I find myself feeling down, I reach out to my family and friends for encouragement and support.  I do not live close to my family but they are always a phone call away.  If family is not available, I reach out to my friends.  I am blessed to be able to get together regularly with a group of my female friends.  They are always willing to listen and encourage me when I need it the most.  For me, when I feel isolated, it can be hard to pick-up the phone and call a friend but I do it anyway.  I feel better when I reach out to others.

4.  Keeping a Schedule or Routine

This can be a tough one but when I get out of my schedule and routine, I find I am more susceptible to feeling overwhelmed, stressed or depressed.  Sometimes life gets hectic and things do not always get done when they need to get done.  But if I stick to a routine, I can prioritize my day.  If my day does not go as expected, I try not to be critical of myself.  I have learned that some things can wait and sometimes the unexpected turns out to be a blessing.  I find schedules to be a guideline and that they need to be flexible.

5.  Keeping a Healthy Diet

I have found that when I eat foods that are fatty and high in sugar, it may be a comfort at first, but then it makes me sluggish and tired.  Eating healthy during times of stress can be a challenge.  It is so much easier when time is limited to grab fast food or unhealthy snacks.  Sadly, such food is so readily available that it can be hard to make the healthiest food choices.  Thankfully, there are now healthier options even when you have to eat on the run.  There are times, when I am stressed, that I have to force myself to make the best food choices.  If I get off track, I do not beat myself up but rather make healthier choices the next day.  I have found that taking regular vitamins and nutritional supplements help me, especially during the times when I am stressed and not able to make the healthiest food choices.

No matter what the situation, I have found that eventually things improve before the next trial comes my way.  The 5 things I have listed above are what works for me.  I would love to hear from others on what works for them.  Please comment on my blog below.  I look forward to hearing from you.