#mental as

[a-schizoaffective-artist]

I actually want to cry

Mental As isn’t happening this year on the ABC

I waited all year for this program AND IT’S NOT HAPPENING

It’s a bit pathetic to cry over but it makes me sad.

[soundlesslyunhinged]

My feels of Depression..

Most people are not aware of how harrowing it is when you realise, that no matter how brilliant a day is, you still feel numb, cold and sad inside. 

[ampersand-prime]

When I was around 12 I was diagnosed with high functioning Aspergers Syndrome. By a psychologist my school sent me to because they thought "hmmm somethings up with that kid". I am okay with this because it helps me understand why I sometimes fail at socializing and also suck it Sherlock Fandom. I haven't been to that psych in years. Instead whenever I have problems related to my condition I just suck it up and deal by myself. This is a horrible idea and you should never ever do it.

[go-scream-do-shout]

On ABC (Australia) right now Saturday Night Crack-Up variety show for mental health week. Comedians and actors from all Australian broadcasting channels being funny, raising money, and bringing awareness to mental illness. All hosted by Eddie Perfect. 😍

[knowmorenews]

My mental health promise

“Take time away from the crowd and just have something for me. I love to read and as an introvert, I just need time away from people.”

[finding-hope]

Changing Minds on ABC Mental As

It’s been interesting watching Changing Minds on ABC, where we’re shown the stories of patients who are getting treating in an acute mental health unit. I’m really curious to know how people who have never been inside a mental health unit view it; whether it’s increasing or decreasing stigma and whether it confirmed or challenged their preconceptions of people with a mental illness. Because for me, I’m so used to it, having met all sorts of people in my time on psych wards. The way that the patients on the show are presenting is no more than what I’ve come across already, but I imagine for people who’ve never come across it before, their behaviour and symptoms might seem quite bizarre?

Watching these people and their stories, I so feel for them, for how much they’re going through and how hard it is to battle with mental illness. You can meet some of the most inspiring people, the strongest people, the most interesting people, the strangest people and some of the most irritating people on psych wards. 

What I have found frustrating about Changing Minds is how medical model it is, with the paternalistic doctors needing to intervene because they know what’s best for the patient. All the focus on being hospitalised and put under the Mental Health Act, getting a diagnosis and then finding the right medication. I’m watching it and thinking “Where’s the recovery and person centered principles??!!! Where’s the holistic treatment??!! Where is it that the patient is the one directing their treatment and care??!!!” Instead of portraying people with mental illness as people who are empowered and able to take charge of their recovery and life, they’re portraying people with mental illness as needing mental health professionals to come in and intervene and impose treatment on them for their own good. And it’s frustrating that that’s the only aspect of mental health treatment that is shown.