Would you agree?

Alaikoam Salam

Certainly people can be dry alcholics and have the mannerisms of an alcholic even though they never drink.

Self identification that we have a problem is important.  It is also important to reach out to community for education, counseling and consultation on these problems or issues for solutions and training.

No one need feel alone as there are many people with similar challenges.

Growing up with parents that are unprepared for the role of parent is frustrating and in some cases devestating.

However there is always hope and if for some reason we cannot find that hope in our families we need community infra strucutres and supports like parenting classes, relationship education, communication skills training, angermanagement training, training in how to cope with stress and frustrations as well as career training.

Sorry to hear Hayfa you had difficulties.

Anne Marie

Everything is a good idea in general.  The whole issue of humanity is for them to identify the problems in oneself.  Take my mother for example. She lived the life of what is called a "dry alcoholic." Her methods of escapism were  the same as an alcoholic though it was not through alcohol. It was through reading, watching TV, tuning it all out. By then the damage was done. She is a woman of faith so to speak.

I am certainly in favor of parenting classes.

I am so happy to hear that you are receiving the proper medication and care you need to be mentally stable.  You would probably be surprised to know how many people right here have gone through the same thing....but there is still such an unjustified stigma attached to any mental illness (cruel jokes, abandoning the mentally ill, etc.) that much education remains necessary.  It is absolutely essential that the various mental health agencies educate and inform people of the importance of treatment and care for the suffering patients.  There IS NO SHAME in this illness, and that is what people must somehow learn.

I am very proud of you for having the courage and intelligence to seek the help you needed.  So many people refuse to seek this care, and live their lives in misery.....and also cause great misery for their families and friends in the process. 

It is a topic very dear to my heart.  I have lost three friends and one young, 16 year old cousin to suicide because they did not get treatment for their depression.  They mostly tried to hide their illness. It is very sad that persons with depression are so unhappy and miserable they see only death as a way out.  They have "tunnel vision", and it is very important that they are shown that they do have other options, and that they can be well again.

Bless you, Anne!

Dear Anne,

You are right...there are many types of counselling which benefit those who have no need of medications.  They need to have an unbiased individual who has outstanding insight into their problems, so they are able to "talk it all out".  And in return, they can benefit from some excellent advice.  Many people do just need someone they can discuss their troubles with.

I majored in Psychology and worked with autistic and retarded children.  For 18 years I worked with schizophrenics in a VA medical center.  Also, for many years I volunteered in a 24/7 Crisis Center, so I do realize how very important it is for people who are really "down on their luck" or sad and depressed over a failed relationship, etc., need someone with a sense of compassion and a sympathetic ear to talk with.

It is for the more seriously mentally ill that I was indicating the need for medication....usually for the remainder of their life.  But I truly dislike the stigma which is still attached in many instances to mental illness.  The brain is just another part of the body, and at times it doesn't function properly and becomes "ill"; hence, the term mental illness.  I wish people would learn more about these illnesses.  Certainly no one wishes, or chooses to have this devastating illness.

Well, you have had an interesting life!  You must have been a WONDERFUL cook, if you left because of gaining weight.  I would have loved to tasted some of your cooking!

I am happy to learn your life is full and you are helping so many people turn their lives around for the better.  You have said so elequently everything I also believe.

God's peace to you....