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Kind of concerned for my Life
youthfortruth:
Alex,
Thank you for keeping everyone here updated on the situation. I, and presumably most on the forum have been praying that everything works out and the potential severity of the situation doesn't escalate into something life threating.
As one who's been mentally unstable before, I would just like to make an observation, and then a point without the intention of sparking debates amongst ourselves.
I don't think it's fair or even logical to make an assumption that this person is: "mentally ill" "paranoid" "needs medication asap" etc etc on the basis of what we deem is "abnormal". Nor do I feel that we need always take the medication route if you will, in solving a problem like this. When I was a patient for 4 months at Harvard Medical School's OCD institute, their primary purpose was to help you manage OCD better. I would be in groups discussing thinking strategies to outwit your compulsive urges all day. As effective as the treatment was, I later noticed that not one group was devoted to the undersanding of how medication meant to treat OCD works. Not one.
Again, I'm not trying to start a debate of any sort. For I admire and respect everyone here, and in the end, God will make everything right. Being I've known 4 psychiatrists in my 21 year life, taken every antidepressant you can think of, and metaphorically landed my damaged plane without crashing and burning in tackling this problem, my input might be of some help in this matter.
I will continue to keep you in my prayers Alex, and I hope the conference goes well for all going!
-Andrew
joyful1:
Alex--
My advice and why:
1-- I think you should file a complaint with your local PD now, because IF something else happens, then you have the complaint on file to back up your reason for asking the PD to charge him, should it come to that. If nothing is on file, then he might only receive a warning next time, leaving you in a potentially difficult situation. Avoid that scenario and make a report now.
2--a percentage of 'bored teenagers' left alone online for extended periods of time certainly enjoy 'messin' with your mind' and this could all be just in fun--but you don't KNOW that--file the report.
3--drug abuse can be a factor here, but you don't KNOW that he is just high and thinking crazy for now--file the report.
4--the Holy Spirit can and will guide you should you ever feel compelled to respond to this young man--he needs love, we all know that, he needs some boundaries as well--file the report.
My best to you, my friend--
btw, how is your girlfriend doing these days?
Joyce :)
WhoAmI:
Some truth about mental illness:
Mental Illness: Myths and Facts
Mental illnesses are very common. They are also widely misunderstood. People with mental illnesses are frequently stigmatized by others who think it's an uncommon condition. The truth is, mental illness can happen to anybody.
Arm yourself with the facts, then use your knowledge to educate others and reach out to those around you with mental illness. Understanding and support are powerful, and they can make a real difference in the life of a person who needs them.
Myth: There's no hope for people with mental illnesses.
Fact: There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and more are in the works. People with mental illnesses lead active, productive lives.
Myth: I can't do anything for a person with mental illness.
Fact: You can do a lot, starting with how you act and speak. You can create an environment that builds on people's strengths and promotes understanding. For example:
*
Don't label people with words like "crazy," "wacko," or "loony" or define them by their diagnosis. Instead of saying someone is "a schizophrenic," say he or she "has schizophrenia." Don't say "a schizophrenic person," say "a person with schizophrenia." This is called "people-first" language, and it's important to make a distinction between the person and the illness.
*
Learn the facts about mental health and share them with others, especially if you hear something that isn't true.
*
Treat people with mental illnesses with respect and dignity, just as you would anybody else.
*
Respect the rights of people with mental illnesses and don't discriminate against them when it comes to housing, employment, or education. Like other people with disabilities, people with mental health problems are protected under federal and state laws.
Myth: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: Actually, the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent than anyone else. People with mental illnesses are much more likely to be the victims of crime. You probably know someone with a mental illness and don't even realize it.
Myth: Mental illnesses don't affect me.
Fact: Mental illnesses are surprisingly common; they affect almost every family in America. Mental illnesses do not discriminate—they can affect anyone.
Myth: Mental illness is the same as mental retardation.
Fact: These are different conditions. Mental retardation is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain daily living skills. In contrast, people with mental illnesses—health conditions that cause changes in a person's thinking, mood, and behavior—have varied intellectual functioning, just like the general population.
Myth: Mental illnesses are brought on by a weakness of character.
Fact: Mental illnesses are a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Social influences, like the loss of a loved one or a job, can also contribute to the development of various mental health problems.
Myth: People with mental illnesses cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Fact: All jobs are stressful to some extent. Anybody is more productive when there's a good match between the employee's needs and the working conditions, whether or not the worker has a mental health problem.
Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who have recovered, tend to be second-rate workers.
Fact: Employers who have hired people with mental illnesses report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) show that there are no differences in productivity when people with mental illnesses are compared to other employees. (Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999)
Myth: Once people develop mental illnesses, they will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that most people with mental illnesses get better, and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that hope plays an integral role in an individual's recovery.
Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
Fact: Treatment varies depending on the individual. A lot of people work with therapists, counselors, friends, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers during the recovery process. They also use self-help strategies and community supports. Often they combine these with some of the most advanced medications available.
Myth: Children don't experience mental illnesses. Their actions are just products of bad parenting.
Fact: A report from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health showed that in any given year five to nine percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances. Just like adult mental illnesses, these are clinically diagnosable health conditions that are a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Myth: Children misbehave or fail in school just to get attention.
Fact: Behavior problems can be symptoms of emotional, behavioral, or mental problems, rather than merely attention-seeking devices. These children can succeed in school with appropriate understanding, attention, and mental health services.
Deborah-Leigh:
Hi Who am I
Please quote the source of the excerpt you have posted.
It was very interesting and I enjoyed quote " Don't say "a schizophrenic person," say "a person with schizophrenia." This is called "people-first" language,
That could have been taken right out of the Bible.Rom 8 : 20 For the creature was made SUBJECT TO vanity (mental illness, addictions, SIN) not willingly, but by reason of Him who has subjected the same in hope.
Arc
Kent:
--- Quote from: lilitalienboi16 on September 18, 2008, 09:12:27 PM ---...
To give you a background on what the situation is. This kid in highschool i used to know, was made fun of alot by my friends, and yes on occasion, by me. Was nothing major, just some sarcastic remarks.
...
--- End quote ---
I think you need to talk to a professional. Anyone else would be playing games with your life, and his.
Not intentionally playing games, but people guess when they should know. If they dont know, then they can do you harm if you listen to them, and frankly, they should keep their mouths shut.
What I would do could get you killed, because I dont know.
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