Myths About the Links Between Mental Illness and Violence

[harrietbrown]

In my opinion, everybody needs to read this (crossposted to my journal):

http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/facts.aspx

Comments

[harrietbrown]

As the article pointed out, there are other factors that contribute to the propensity for violence among the people with a psychiatric diagnosis, including substance abuse, a history of physical or sexual abuse, unemployment and other stressors.

I have friends who have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and as long as they handle the stress in their lives, and have a strong support system, they do fine. They mostly use a combination of talk therapy, medication, family support, peer support, and other positive stress relievers, like exercise or creative outlets. Also, knowing when to take a break is important, too.

I feel safe around my friends, too, and I know they wouldn't hurt me.

Are you troubled by worrying about what others think, or the possibility that he might one day not have such good control over himself?

[harrietbrown]

A stable and loving home environment goes a long way in helping the healing process, especially for someone who has been traumatized.

I don't know if you're familiar with it, but NAMI has a Family-to-Family education class geared toward loved ones of people living with a diagnosis, which teaches skills to cope with crises and difficult periods. There are also modules that teach about the different mental illnesses. I know people who have derived a great of benefit from it.

[harrietbrown]

NAMI has a website:

http://www.nami.org/

The actual class is not online, but takes place at a location in the community. I don't know if you live in Brooklyn, NY or not, but I just got an e-mail that there's a class starting up in Brooklyn. If you're in Staten Island, NY, there's a class starting up in September.

If you go to the NAMI website, there's a tab, "Find your local NAMI" and you can use that to find a NAMI affiliate in your area. You can also find support groups for family members and for people living with a diagnosis, so your husband can get support for himself, and you can have support, as well.

Let me know how it works out!

[harrietbrown]

There are NAMI affiliates in NYS.

Then you are familiar with Staten Island? Or maybe not, since we are the forgotten borough.

[harrietbrown]

No, Long Island isn't considered part of NYC.

Norwich, CT? That's a long way from Vegas! Oh, wait, you said you were in NYS?

I'm confused ... not familiar with a Norwich in NYS. I hate to admit it, but Upstate NY is one big gray area to me. I've been to Albany and Renesslaer and that area, and the Westchester/White Plains area, but other than that ... it's a vast unknown territory for me. Largely because I don't drive.

In any case, welcome back!

[harrietbrown]

6 hours is a long way away! My niece went to school in Binghamton.

NYC has changed a lot in 20 years! The recession hit certain areas very hard, other areas have flourished. When you come you'll see how much has changed.

[harrietbrown]

I don't hang out in the city anymore, I stick close to home. I honestly don't like going there because I find the people to be rude. It's like the Internet; the anonymity of the big city lowers people's inhibitions about treating other people badly. That's my take on it anyway. I'm getting too old to put up with other people's BS.

I've concluded the city is definitely for the younger set.

[harrietbrown]

I think I would have serious problems living in Vegas - too much excitement, too many reasons to stay out late and have a good time! I would be trolling the bars, looking for Gil Grissom, LOL! That show's not even on the air anymore is it