Part 1 of More Than Just Winter Blues was an introduction to guest poster Natalie Mohr and her own personal journey as a mother struggling with mental health issues. Natalie P. Mohr is the author of "The Tale of the Lantern Lady," an allegorical short story about those who suffer from mental illness and depression and those who bridge the gap between pain and positive change in their lives.
For the gritty and very real version of Natalie's journey, see her other guest posts via Hope Rising - Natalie Part 1 and Hope Rising - Natalie Part 2
Lessons from a Medicated Mama - part 2
*a guest post from author Natalie Mohr*
Since my initial diagnosis and years of treatment, I have
learned a variety of lessons that I would like to share.
GET HELP --
Don't be afraid to
ask for help. Your health is your first priority and you are your own
advocate. Do not allow fear of stigma or
what other people or family members will think of you to deter you from seeking
help. Mental Illness is not a sign of
weakness. Psychological disorders are physiological issues and are no different
from other physical health problems. Sometimes the causes can be identified by
hormonal fluctuations, hereditary conditions, health problems, chemical
imbalances or other conditions. If you are overwhelmed by taking care of
yourself or your children, ask for help from trusted friends and family and
seek help from a professional. Surround yourself with a positive support
system.
Always routinely take your medication and
communicate with your doctor. Don't assume that if one drug doesn't work
that there are no other effective options. Be patient. Sometimes it can take months or in
worst case scenario, years for some people to find the right medication and
effective combination or dosage. It can
be discouraging but don't give up!
If you are unhappy
with your provider, find a new one. Your mental health is essential to your
well being and you should NEVER compromise your quality of care. For some
people, it means the difference between life or death. Make sure you find one that
is responsive and who will listen to you. Search online or ask around for good
references. Practitioners often have
different philosophies when it comes to medication and treatment options. Some
take traditional approaches while others are willing to go outside of the box.
Mental illness comes in many forms and can affect every
person differently. It is important to recognize the "signs." Do not
ignore the symptoms and seek help from a medical professional. They include but
are not limited to any of the following:
·
Feeling depressed or sad for long periods of
time
·
Decreased energy
·
Feelings of inadequacy and guilt
·
Difficulty with concentration
·
Paranoia
·
Mood fluctuations
·
Patterns of recklessness or impulsivity
·
Lack of interest in things you usually enjoy
·
Social withdrawal
·
Difficulty handling stress and daily activities
·
Irrational thoughts
·
Change in eating habits
·
Self medicating with alcohol or drugs
·
Change in sex drive
·
Excessive anger
·
Suicidal thoughts
Those who experience these
symptoms may be unable to recognize these signs. If you are having suicidal
thoughts, seek help immediately by calling 911 or going to your local emergency
room. Suicide is not always a long and thought out process and can happen very
quickly. If you or a loved one suffer from any of these symptoms, it is
important to understand that they will not get better on their own and may
worsen over time.
- - -
In post 3, Natalie will share her additional tips for personal coping with mental illness. Her story is real, and we both hope that sharing it will give someone else a glimmer of hope and the strength to fight through it.
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"The Tale of the Lantern Lady"
Amazon.com
ISBN 978-1494233853
Paperback $4.93
Kindle $3.00
Apple iBook Store for iPad $6.99
Blurb Bookstore - fully illustrated version 7"x7"
www.blurb.com/bookstore
Softcover $16.99
Hardcover, dust jacket $29.19
