© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
An unfortunate side-affect of an Internet industry, in which, a click on, advertising scheme, of only scams and frauds, was first used, is an unwillingness by all us users of Internet sites and services, to actually even, ever attempt to click on any adds at all, after first discovering, back at the beginning, all...yes all, adds for clicking on...used on any Internet sites, or services, were not only fraudulent, none were not scams.
We were all warned, of this, yet most of us still had to actually discover this fact for ourselves. As a result, all of us who become serious Internet users, develope, an aversion to clicking on Internet advertisements. This is a problem, causing most Internet industry people, attempting to make money off of Internet advertsing, to pull out their ever-beloved hair's. As, now, try as they might, there seems to be few approaches to getting all of us Internet users, to even, ever try clicking on ads again, since that first wonderful burning sensation, of our first moonlanding. As that is where we found ourselves, on some planet's moon, being required, to submit credit card information, in order, to get ourselves, back to: Earthbase Microsoft.
Really, I fell for it, the first time, "Shoot the duck,,,win a free DVD player!" I shot the ever-loven' duck, bagged him, first attempt, and then went to get my, "free" DVD player, only to find out I was supposed to give out a credit card number, for shipping costs, in order to receive my free DVD player. I of course did not attempt to give an obvious scammer my credit information. Actually, to be honest, I did not have a credit card when I first began using Internet services.
My point here, is, except for Google, of whom, has amassed a considerable fortune, with Internet advertising based on ads from actual Internet sites, and of which, began first, as ads, in Google search pages, by advertisers, selling items like those people are searching for, in the frist place, when searching for merchandise. Elsewhere, there is still yet, a wide-spread aversion to testing the waters', by jumping in and clicking on an Internet ad. This approach, where it is obvious this ad is from a merchandiser selling the goods, I searched for, and which, is obviously capable of delivering, my heart's desire's, is why I only use, Google AdSense, for, placement of advertising, on my blogs.
All of which, I point out, to ask, if anyone ever finds an ad posted on my blogs, that is either misleading or fraudulent, please email through the email button on my profile page, and report this advertiser. Google makes it possible to block unwanted advertisers, and I am a firm believer' in having only reputable ads, on my blogs. And, as my blogs often discuss, topics such as mental illness, there is a real importance of ensuring, no one is misled, defrauded, or taken advantage of, by any advertisers.
-Mark Robert Gates
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
Having It Out With Melancholy
Jane Kenyon
If many remedies are prescribed for an illness,
you may be certain that the illness has no cure.
A. P. CHEKHOV The Cherry Orchard
1 FROM THE NURSERY
When I was born, you waited
behind a pile of linen in the nursery,
and when we were alone, you lay down
on top of me, pressing
the bile of desolation into every pore.
And from that day on
everything under the sun and moon
made me sad -- even the yellow
wooden beads that slid and spun
along a spindle on my crib.
You taught me to exist without gratitude.
You ruined my manners toward God:
"We're here simply to wait for death;
the pleasures of earth are overrated."
I only appeared to belong to my mother,
to live among blocks and cotton undershirts
with snaps; among red tin lunch boxes
and report cards in ugly brown slipcases.
I was already yours -- the anti-urge,
the mutilator of souls.
2 BOTTLESE
lavil, Ludiomil, Doxepin,
Norpramin, Prozac, Lithium, Xanax,
Wellbutrin, Parnate, Nardil, Zoloft.
The coated ones smell sweet or have
no smell; the powdery ones smell
like the chemistry lab at school
that made me hold my breath.
3 SUGGESTION FROM A FRIEND
You wouldn't be so depressed
if you really believed in God.
4 OFTEN
Often I go to bed as soon after dinner
as seems adult
(I mean I try to wait for dark)
in order to push away
from the massive pain in sleep's
frail wicker coracle.
5 ONCE THERE WAS LIGHT
Once, in my early thirties, I saw
that I was a speck of light in the great
river of light that undulates through time.
I was floating with the whole
human family. We were all colors -- those
who are living now, those who have died,
those who are not yet born. For a few
moments I floated, completely calm,
and I no longer hated having to exist.
Like a crow who smells hot blood
you came flying to pull me out
of the glowing stream.
"I'll hold you up. I never let my dear
ones drown!" After that, I wept for days.
6 IN AND OUT
The dog searches until he finds me
upstairs, lies down with a clatter
of elbows, puts his head on my foot.
Sometimes the sound of his breathing
saves my life -- in and out, in
and out; a pause, a long sigh. . . .
7 PARDON
A piece of burned meat
wears my clothes, speaks
in my voice, dispatches obligations
haltingly, or not at all.
It is tired of trying
to be stout hearted, tired
beyond measure.
We move on to the monoamine
oxidase inhibitors. Day and night
I feel as if I had drunk six cups
of coffee, but the pain stops
abruptly. With the wonder
and bitterness of someone pardoned
for a crime she did not commit
I come back to marriage and friends,
to pink fringed hollyhocks; come back
to my desk, books, and chair.
8 CREDO
Pharmaceutical wonders are at work
but I believe only in this moment
of well-being. Unholy ghost,
you are certain to come again.
Coarse, mean, you'll put your feet
on the coffee table, lean back,
and turn me into someone who can't
take the trouble to speak; someone
who can't sleep, or who does nothing
but sleep; can't read, or call
for an appointment for help.
There is nothing I can do
against your coming.
When I awake, I am still with thee.
9 WOOD THRUSH
High on Nardil and June light
I wake at four,
waiting greedily for the first
note of the wood thrush. Easeful air
presses through the screen
with the wild, complex song
of the bird, and I am overcome
by ordinary contentment.
What hurt me so terribly
all my life until this moment?
How I love the small, swiftly
beating heart of the bird
singing in the great maples;
its bright, unequivocal eye.
From Constance by Jane Kenyon,
published by Graywolf Press. © 1993 by Jane Kenyon.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15920
If many remedies are prescribed for an illness,
you may be certain that the illness has no cure.
A. P. CHEKHOV The Cherry Orchard
1 FROM THE NURSERY
When I was born, you waited
behind a pile of linen in the nursery,
and when we were alone, you lay down
on top of me, pressing
the bile of desolation into every pore.
And from that day on
everything under the sun and moon
made me sad -- even the yellow
wooden beads that slid and spun
along a spindle on my crib.
You taught me to exist without gratitude.
You ruined my manners toward God:
"We're here simply to wait for death;
the pleasures of earth are overrated."
I only appeared to belong to my mother,
to live among blocks and cotton undershirts
with snaps; among red tin lunch boxes
and report cards in ugly brown slipcases.
I was already yours -- the anti-urge,
the mutilator of souls.
2 BOTTLESE
lavil, Ludiomil, Doxepin,
Norpramin, Prozac, Lithium, Xanax,
Wellbutrin, Parnate, Nardil, Zoloft.
The coated ones smell sweet or have
no smell; the powdery ones smell
like the chemistry lab at school
that made me hold my breath.
3 SUGGESTION FROM A FRIEND
You wouldn't be so depressed
if you really believed in God.
4 OFTEN
Often I go to bed as soon after dinner
as seems adult
(I mean I try to wait for dark)
in order to push away
from the massive pain in sleep's
frail wicker coracle.
5 ONCE THERE WAS LIGHT
Once, in my early thirties, I saw
that I was a speck of light in the great
river of light that undulates through time.
I was floating with the whole
human family. We were all colors -- those
who are living now, those who have died,
those who are not yet born. For a few
moments I floated, completely calm,
and I no longer hated having to exist.
Like a crow who smells hot blood
you came flying to pull me out
of the glowing stream.
"I'll hold you up. I never let my dear
ones drown!" After that, I wept for days.
6 IN AND OUT
The dog searches until he finds me
upstairs, lies down with a clatter
of elbows, puts his head on my foot.
Sometimes the sound of his breathing
saves my life -- in and out, in
and out; a pause, a long sigh. . . .
7 PARDON
A piece of burned meat
wears my clothes, speaks
in my voice, dispatches obligations
haltingly, or not at all.
It is tired of trying
to be stout hearted, tired
beyond measure.
We move on to the monoamine
oxidase inhibitors. Day and night
I feel as if I had drunk six cups
of coffee, but the pain stops
abruptly. With the wonder
and bitterness of someone pardoned
for a crime she did not commit
I come back to marriage and friends,
to pink fringed hollyhocks; come back
to my desk, books, and chair.
8 CREDO
Pharmaceutical wonders are at work
but I believe only in this moment
of well-being. Unholy ghost,
you are certain to come again.
Coarse, mean, you'll put your feet
on the coffee table, lean back,
and turn me into someone who can't
take the trouble to speak; someone
who can't sleep, or who does nothing
but sleep; can't read, or call
for an appointment for help.
There is nothing I can do
against your coming.
When I awake, I am still with thee.
9 WOOD THRUSH
High on Nardil and June light
I wake at four,
waiting greedily for the first
note of the wood thrush. Easeful air
presses through the screen
with the wild, complex song
of the bird, and I am overcome
by ordinary contentment.
What hurt me so terribly
all my life until this moment?
How I love the small, swiftly
beating heart of the bird
singing in the great maples;
its bright, unequivocal eye.
From Constance by Jane Kenyon,
published by Graywolf Press. © 1993 by Jane Kenyon.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15920
Sunday, November 12, 2006
PREPARE THE MOCHASCOPE
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
What do we do now, when we want a book on self-help? We go on down to Borders, and stand in the self-help section, and try to decide which one book is going to affect a miracle cure. Of hundreds of thousands of titles, we believe there is one book, of which, we will use to turn our tide and make us mighty. After starring at titles for a while, we give up, and head on over to the coffee shop, and order for ourself'; a triple mocha. As, we sit starring into our mochascope, we begin to wonder if we are beyond help.
Everyone says self-esteem is important, however, others say we need to be more positive to get ahead. As we sit tossing back and forth over which book to begin on, there seems to be no answer. Yet, if we really want to be as good as we can best be, there is a possibly, almost simple, answer. Read both books. One on self-esteem, and one on positive thinking. And, as long as we do not confuse one with the other, both may work together, to make a more powerful us. In fact, it just may be impossible, to change one without changing the other.
Though positive affirmations will help us think better of ourselves, and positive self-love can point us to positive success. Combining both positive thinking and higher self-worth, can be even more helpful for us, to paint in the numbers, and have our future become; one's now thornless rose. There are many ways to have both in proper proportion, to help give our ship a bow and a stern, and no matter what we think of ourselves, we will get nowhere, if we believe we have a bleak tomorrow.
I recommend, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D., http://www.susanjeffers.com/, for a pathway to more positive thinking. With her help, we can almost psycho-surgically, remove negative thoughts from our mind. Then, for self-esteem, I recommend, The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, by Nathaniel Branden, http://www.nathanielbranden.com/. His book will work to give us skills necessary, to love ourselve's, with an unconditional self-love. While together, both books, will be capable of cementing in us a more positive self-esteem, and point us into a positive future, we almost magically, will be more certain to enjoy.
For myself, positive thinking helped me to begin writing again, and led to being asked to take, Appreciative Inquiry Training, an organizational; positive thinking course. And, help plan a new future, for our local mental healthcare provider. Another course, also, developed to build on strengths already existing, and avoid focusing on our past problems. And, I am now invited to share my opinion, to help point ships, like a lighthouse, away from unseen beaches with jagged reefs.
Higher self-esteem, helped to create in myself an understanding of how much my opinions mattered. I began writing many articles and essays, moreover, many people began coming to me and telling of how much they had been affected by, many positive's, in my writing. Which led to even more people asking my opinion.
Most of us can be, in need of help; putting ourselves behind our ships wheel, and steering a course out of our past psychosocial fogs. I have benefited from both positive thought's, and a better view's of myself, in a way of which, neither could have done so by itself. I see clearly now, not only love for my past, in my present moment, also, pathways and open doors, into a future of happiness. There are fewer obstacles, since most of my hindrances were self-created, and what might lie ahead, a collection of phantasms I feared, more than this; I am happy to be me. -Mark Robert Gates, Copyright 2001
What do we do now, when we want a book on self-help? We go on down to Borders, and stand in the self-help section, and try to decide which one book is going to affect a miracle cure. Of hundreds of thousands of titles, we believe there is one book, of which, we will use to turn our tide and make us mighty. After starring at titles for a while, we give up, and head on over to the coffee shop, and order for ourself'; a triple mocha. As, we sit starring into our mochascope, we begin to wonder if we are beyond help.
Everyone says self-esteem is important, however, others say we need to be more positive to get ahead. As we sit tossing back and forth over which book to begin on, there seems to be no answer. Yet, if we really want to be as good as we can best be, there is a possibly, almost simple, answer. Read both books. One on self-esteem, and one on positive thinking. And, as long as we do not confuse one with the other, both may work together, to make a more powerful us. In fact, it just may be impossible, to change one without changing the other.
Though positive affirmations will help us think better of ourselves, and positive self-love can point us to positive success. Combining both positive thinking and higher self-worth, can be even more helpful for us, to paint in the numbers, and have our future become; one's now thornless rose. There are many ways to have both in proper proportion, to help give our ship a bow and a stern, and no matter what we think of ourselves, we will get nowhere, if we believe we have a bleak tomorrow.
I recommend, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D., http://www.susanjeffers.com/, for a pathway to more positive thinking. With her help, we can almost psycho-surgically, remove negative thoughts from our mind. Then, for self-esteem, I recommend, The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, by Nathaniel Branden, http://www.nathanielbranden.com/. His book will work to give us skills necessary, to love ourselve's, with an unconditional self-love. While together, both books, will be capable of cementing in us a more positive self-esteem, and point us into a positive future, we almost magically, will be more certain to enjoy.
For myself, positive thinking helped me to begin writing again, and led to being asked to take, Appreciative Inquiry Training, an organizational; positive thinking course. And, help plan a new future, for our local mental healthcare provider. Another course, also, developed to build on strengths already existing, and avoid focusing on our past problems. And, I am now invited to share my opinion, to help point ships, like a lighthouse, away from unseen beaches with jagged reefs.
Higher self-esteem, helped to create in myself an understanding of how much my opinions mattered. I began writing many articles and essays, moreover, many people began coming to me and telling of how much they had been affected by, many positive's, in my writing. Which led to even more people asking my opinion.
Most of us can be, in need of help; putting ourselves behind our ships wheel, and steering a course out of our past psychosocial fogs. I have benefited from both positive thought's, and a better view's of myself, in a way of which, neither could have done so by itself. I see clearly now, not only love for my past, in my present moment, also, pathways and open doors, into a future of happiness. There are fewer obstacles, since most of my hindrances were self-created, and what might lie ahead, a collection of phantasms I feared, more than this; I am happy to be me. -Mark Robert Gates, Copyright 2001
Friday, October 20, 2006
A New Century of Mental Health Awareness in America Begins in 2008. With, President, Hillary Rodham Clinton
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
I plan to make a part of our Democratic platform for 2008, be including of a blueprint for social progress in mental health awareness, and will require, Senator Clinton be elected president. My plan is to take all mental health funding from under, FSSA’s, umbrella, and combine it with all other federal mental health agencies, in its own agency, like our FDA. Our FDA, manages to operate pretty much free from politicks, and is not subject to every political whim and wind which blows by. Medicines would still be subject to approval by our present FDA, I would not try to duplicate our FDA. All other mental health practices can then be monitored for efficability, and combining these agencies should not cost more, since we are merely shifting personnel, and may even save costs in reducing redundancy.
Unfortunately, our current payment practices encourage maintaining people at a level where they constantly need day care, and continue returning to treatment, without achieving a state of wellness. Mental health care providers must, be paid only for, all achievable, positive results. Since, we know which practices work, there is a need for treating people, not just housing and maintaining people.
I often hear it said, “We now know what is wrong, if not how, and why. So, medications will keep getting better.” Most Americans, and our public officials, do not understand what this means. There is a real need for mental health awareness education. We need to begin as early as grade school, to teach people what proper treatment and therapy can accomplish. So we can significantly eliminate social stigma, in this decade. Then, people may be able to find a way to accept those with this, and any other disabilities, into our society.
“Christians” who claim to be pro-life, seem to place very little value on human life where mental illness, disability, or any physical imperfection exists, and treats these people like refuse. I shudder to think what degrading treatments, pro-life, until after birther’s, will provide, if Senator Clinton is not elected president. As, George W. Bush, commissioned a study on mental illness, a copy of which I still have, and Republicans have done very little since, except axe important programs.
We need to have a no person left behind clause, for disabilities, in America, to remain a society of caring individuals.
-Mark Robert Gates
I plan to make a part of our Democratic platform for 2008, be including of a blueprint for social progress in mental health awareness, and will require, Senator Clinton be elected president. My plan is to take all mental health funding from under, FSSA’s, umbrella, and combine it with all other federal mental health agencies, in its own agency, like our FDA. Our FDA, manages to operate pretty much free from politicks, and is not subject to every political whim and wind which blows by. Medicines would still be subject to approval by our present FDA, I would not try to duplicate our FDA. All other mental health practices can then be monitored for efficability, and combining these agencies should not cost more, since we are merely shifting personnel, and may even save costs in reducing redundancy.
Unfortunately, our current payment practices encourage maintaining people at a level where they constantly need day care, and continue returning to treatment, without achieving a state of wellness. Mental health care providers must, be paid only for, all achievable, positive results. Since, we know which practices work, there is a need for treating people, not just housing and maintaining people.
I often hear it said, “We now know what is wrong, if not how, and why. So, medications will keep getting better.” Most Americans, and our public officials, do not understand what this means. There is a real need for mental health awareness education. We need to begin as early as grade school, to teach people what proper treatment and therapy can accomplish. So we can significantly eliminate social stigma, in this decade. Then, people may be able to find a way to accept those with this, and any other disabilities, into our society.
“Christians” who claim to be pro-life, seem to place very little value on human life where mental illness, disability, or any physical imperfection exists, and treats these people like refuse. I shudder to think what degrading treatments, pro-life, until after birther’s, will provide, if Senator Clinton is not elected president. As, George W. Bush, commissioned a study on mental illness, a copy of which I still have, and Republicans have done very little since, except axe important programs.
We need to have a no person left behind clause, for disabilities, in America, to remain a society of caring individuals.
-Mark Robert Gates
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Those Without a License Should Be Not Practicing Medicine
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
Throughout history, paradigm shifting events in scientific and medical advances, have almost always, been met, with theological superstition. A round earth not at the center of a universe revolving around it was too much for most theologians to consider. As well, modern scientific medical knowledge made possible by research into human anatomy required stealing bodies from graveyards. Today, there are theologically minded people who claim modern medicine and surgery and all of its information learned, as a gift from, a god, and all of which, now should belong only to the very people who once opposed its research and discoveries. Why? So these people can, now stand in our way, and oppose our much needed stem cell research, of which, will lead to a new age of medical advances.
Myself, I like to live in the white spaces in the bible, there is much of which we know today unmentioned in any theological texts. Unfortunately, some would have us ban everything not mentioned as heresy, and have us go on only knowing knowledge as what is written in these ancient texts. Knowing what is written in these texts is only one source of true knowledge. One of these texts says, blind leading the blind, will fall into a ditch, and also says, the truth will set one free, however, if the truth has truly set one free, these blind folk will insist on, trying to lead one, back to their ditch.
A problem in today’s medical and scientific society, is one of people without advanced learning, believing they know enough, to school those who are learned through instruction and research. Our present, politically delineated, scientific and medical institutions, need to be set free to look after themselves. There are simply too many people practicing medicine without a license. Legislators, politicians, and an uneducated public, need to allow physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and counselors to decide what treatments work best, and how to best administer these treatments. - Mark Robert Gates
Throughout history, paradigm shifting events in scientific and medical advances, have almost always, been met, with theological superstition. A round earth not at the center of a universe revolving around it was too much for most theologians to consider. As well, modern scientific medical knowledge made possible by research into human anatomy required stealing bodies from graveyards. Today, there are theologically minded people who claim modern medicine and surgery and all of its information learned, as a gift from, a god, and all of which, now should belong only to the very people who once opposed its research and discoveries. Why? So these people can, now stand in our way, and oppose our much needed stem cell research, of which, will lead to a new age of medical advances.
Myself, I like to live in the white spaces in the bible, there is much of which we know today unmentioned in any theological texts. Unfortunately, some would have us ban everything not mentioned as heresy, and have us go on only knowing knowledge as what is written in these ancient texts. Knowing what is written in these texts is only one source of true knowledge. One of these texts says, blind leading the blind, will fall into a ditch, and also says, the truth will set one free, however, if the truth has truly set one free, these blind folk will insist on, trying to lead one, back to their ditch.
A problem in today’s medical and scientific society, is one of people without advanced learning, believing they know enough, to school those who are learned through instruction and research. Our present, politically delineated, scientific and medical institutions, need to be set free to look after themselves. There are simply too many people practicing medicine without a license. Legislators, politicians, and an uneducated public, need to allow physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and counselors to decide what treatments work best, and how to best administer these treatments. - Mark Robert Gates
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Any Carrots on Any End of Our Sticks Need to be More Appealing
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
One main problem, with today’s crisis driven disability treatment, is an appearance, to those being treated, of taking opportunity away from people, who suffer with mental disorders. For all our efforts to help a person to find a light at an end of this tunnel, there are few options, of which, where there is an apparent road, leading to a point outside of having life controlled by others. Everything a person wants, often looks to be, on a far away side of life, beyond their reach, moreover, care providers unknowingly are standing, in a path of which, creates confusion over what happens next in treatment. A fact of clubhouse culture, http://www.iccd.org/, and NAMI, http://www.nami.org/, involvement, is all too often I meet people who say, “I do not like my doctor, I do not like what is happening to me, and I do not understand what is going on.” And, it always saddens me as I know personally how valuable, trust and understanding, are in treatment, and a real freedom exists, to choose one's doctors, therapists and counselors. Life can make a person feel worthless, even if well, however, when struggling with an illness without societal support, it can seem as if, there is no point in succeeding in treatment. We can encourage in a person a paradigm of wellness, as being worth an effort being put forth, yet, constantly crashing into a wall of public disdain, leaves a person wondering why should I bother.
In order to successfully treat mental disorders, a process of removing all cages, is an important task, moreover, those blessed enough to know life in wellness have a duty to reach in and help pull others out of despair. There is no sin in love and in understanding, and no weakness in kindness and in compassion. With effort, we can straighten out our treatment tunnel, to allow all people hope of seeing, and reaching, all lights, of which, exist at its other end. We are going to see people in this struggle, as an albatross, until we care enough to offer only help, of which, there is a point at which wellness is always reached, and is always seen as worth everyone’s best efforts.
Some people, in our system of treatment, have been ill all of their life, and have no paradigm, of which, to know what is to be considered a state of wellness. No one takes enough time to help give people a road map, to a paradigm of wellness, in which there is a point, of a successful positive outcome. A presumption is made of all having an idea of leading, an enlightened and wholey well life, in their mind to focus on, whereas, most often wellness, does not appear to be ahead, on any presently traveled paths. Even if a person can look back on a paradigm from a point in life of wellness, there is a tendency to want to return there, and start again, by avoiding today’s disordered life. This trip, completely foreign as is now ahead, is consuming all time, in its endeavors to create wellness, and seemingly has no hope of ever bringing freedom.
One of my favorite things to do, is to go to our local zoo, and take a long walk through with a friend, and look at creation’s exotic animals, however, they all seem so unhappy caged. Life trapped in a body with a chemical imbalance is very much like living in a cage, from which, there is no escape. A severe depression, created by a chemistry, of which, determines today’s affect, can often create a desire to escape. A viable option can appear to be getting out of this misfortunate situation by leaving the body through suicide. If out of control chemistry is not enough, social stigma placed on needing treatment and taking medications, is enough to push someone toward a cliffs edge. Being entrapped in a body with a disorder is enough, and often on top of all, is our society of which frowns on any imperfection. More study needs to be done, on effects of this social stigma, not only in adults, however, more importantly, in children, to attempt to discover if social stigma about treatment and medication, contribute to suicide rates. And also, as life in a cage, is not now, or ever, going to be seen as pleasant. – Mark Robert Gates
One main problem, with today’s crisis driven disability treatment, is an appearance, to those being treated, of taking opportunity away from people, who suffer with mental disorders. For all our efforts to help a person to find a light at an end of this tunnel, there are few options, of which, where there is an apparent road, leading to a point outside of having life controlled by others. Everything a person wants, often looks to be, on a far away side of life, beyond their reach, moreover, care providers unknowingly are standing, in a path of which, creates confusion over what happens next in treatment. A fact of clubhouse culture, http://www.iccd.org/, and NAMI, http://www.nami.org/, involvement, is all too often I meet people who say, “I do not like my doctor, I do not like what is happening to me, and I do not understand what is going on.” And, it always saddens me as I know personally how valuable, trust and understanding, are in treatment, and a real freedom exists, to choose one's doctors, therapists and counselors. Life can make a person feel worthless, even if well, however, when struggling with an illness without societal support, it can seem as if, there is no point in succeeding in treatment. We can encourage in a person a paradigm of wellness, as being worth an effort being put forth, yet, constantly crashing into a wall of public disdain, leaves a person wondering why should I bother.
In order to successfully treat mental disorders, a process of removing all cages, is an important task, moreover, those blessed enough to know life in wellness have a duty to reach in and help pull others out of despair. There is no sin in love and in understanding, and no weakness in kindness and in compassion. With effort, we can straighten out our treatment tunnel, to allow all people hope of seeing, and reaching, all lights, of which, exist at its other end. We are going to see people in this struggle, as an albatross, until we care enough to offer only help, of which, there is a point at which wellness is always reached, and is always seen as worth everyone’s best efforts.
Some people, in our system of treatment, have been ill all of their life, and have no paradigm, of which, to know what is to be considered a state of wellness. No one takes enough time to help give people a road map, to a paradigm of wellness, in which there is a point, of a successful positive outcome. A presumption is made of all having an idea of leading, an enlightened and wholey well life, in their mind to focus on, whereas, most often wellness, does not appear to be ahead, on any presently traveled paths. Even if a person can look back on a paradigm from a point in life of wellness, there is a tendency to want to return there, and start again, by avoiding today’s disordered life. This trip, completely foreign as is now ahead, is consuming all time, in its endeavors to create wellness, and seemingly has no hope of ever bringing freedom.
One of my favorite things to do, is to go to our local zoo, and take a long walk through with a friend, and look at creation’s exotic animals, however, they all seem so unhappy caged. Life trapped in a body with a chemical imbalance is very much like living in a cage, from which, there is no escape. A severe depression, created by a chemistry, of which, determines today’s affect, can often create a desire to escape. A viable option can appear to be getting out of this misfortunate situation by leaving the body through suicide. If out of control chemistry is not enough, social stigma placed on needing treatment and taking medications, is enough to push someone toward a cliffs edge. Being entrapped in a body with a disorder is enough, and often on top of all, is our society of which frowns on any imperfection. More study needs to be done, on effects of this social stigma, not only in adults, however, more importantly, in children, to attempt to discover if social stigma about treatment and medication, contribute to suicide rates. And also, as life in a cage, is not now, or ever, going to be seen as pleasant. – Mark Robert Gates
Thursday, February 02, 2006
We Are All Creation: The True Word of God
BUT if objects for gratitude
and admiration are our desire,
do they not present themselves
every hour to our eyes?
Do we not see a fair creation
prepared to receive us
the instant we are born
-- a world
furnished to our hands,
that cost us nothing?
Is it we that light up the sun;
that pour down the rain;
and fill the earth with abundance?
Whether we sleep or wake,
the vast machinery
of the universe still goes on.
Are these things,
and the blessings
they indicate in future,
nothing to, us?
Can our gross feelings be excited
by no other subjects
than tragedy and suicide?
Or is the gloomy pride of man
become so intolerable,
that nothing can flatter it
but a sacrifice of the Creator?
– Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason
We Choose to See a Person of Great Value
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
There is a general reluctance, in community mental health centers, to allow peer-led and peer-support, self-help groups, however, as clubhouse culture, http://www.iccd.org/, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), http://www.nami.org/, demonstrate, there is great value in peer-involved, peer-led, self-help and peer-support. And yet, for all control, in these mental health centers, there is no return to a state of wellness or recovery, moreover, groups allowed, simply maintain most clients at a level of dependence on mental health care. As, an insistence exists of having to know exactly what an outcome will be, before peer-involved treatment begins, therefore, valuable peer insight into wellness and illness recovery is overlooked. Where as, in fact, each individual’s personality and psychology may present a perspective capable of, aiding in many, different successful outcomes.
Reliance on a day therapy approach, continues to make people see, suffering from mental illness, as making a lesser person. Denied, is any personal empowerment, of which, could succeed in freeing a valuable inner spirit from bondage. It can be shown, people allowed personal responsibility, for wellness recovery in treatment, may be able, to make better lifestyle choices, as well. As, in order to develop discipline, a person must do something disciplined.
Removing people from dependent, day therapy maintenance, and placing people into a clubhouse environment, where contribution is welcomed, can be shown, to lead to a path toward wellness. NAMI membership, also, can create a road to self-responsibility, bonding and a sense of personal belongingness, moreover, people have a value greater than monetary reimbursement. Wellness, recovery and rehabilitation, are only possible, if ownership of results, and outcomes, belong to each individual. Granting someone, this possibility, means giving up control, and allowing personal wellness, obtained through, self-growth, self-empowerment and self-improvement, of which, a person can sit back, and take a look, and claim, “Hey, I did that!” – Mark Robert Gates
There is a general reluctance, in community mental health centers, to allow peer-led and peer-support, self-help groups, however, as clubhouse culture, http://www.iccd.org/, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), http://www.nami.org/, demonstrate, there is great value in peer-involved, peer-led, self-help and peer-support. And yet, for all control, in these mental health centers, there is no return to a state of wellness or recovery, moreover, groups allowed, simply maintain most clients at a level of dependence on mental health care. As, an insistence exists of having to know exactly what an outcome will be, before peer-involved treatment begins, therefore, valuable peer insight into wellness and illness recovery is overlooked. Where as, in fact, each individual’s personality and psychology may present a perspective capable of, aiding in many, different successful outcomes.
Reliance on a day therapy approach, continues to make people see, suffering from mental illness, as making a lesser person. Denied, is any personal empowerment, of which, could succeed in freeing a valuable inner spirit from bondage. It can be shown, people allowed personal responsibility, for wellness recovery in treatment, may be able, to make better lifestyle choices, as well. As, in order to develop discipline, a person must do something disciplined.
Removing people from dependent, day therapy maintenance, and placing people into a clubhouse environment, where contribution is welcomed, can be shown, to lead to a path toward wellness. NAMI membership, also, can create a road to self-responsibility, bonding and a sense of personal belongingness, moreover, people have a value greater than monetary reimbursement. Wellness, recovery and rehabilitation, are only possible, if ownership of results, and outcomes, belong to each individual. Granting someone, this possibility, means giving up control, and allowing personal wellness, obtained through, self-growth, self-empowerment and self-improvement, of which, a person can sit back, and take a look, and claim, “Hey, I did that!” – Mark Robert Gates
Monday, January 23, 2006
Please Shift Your Paradigm Three Degrees, and Open Your Eyes
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
In order to ordain, successful treatment of persons suffering from mental disorders, we need to shift our paradigm, three degrees, and view only, possibilites. Three degrees port, full starboard rudder, would be a simplified film version, however, seeing people suffering with brain disorders, as other than refuse we do not understand, will mean valuing life. It seems odd, a group so staunchly pro-life as, "Christianity", is so ignorant of personal value where this, or any other, illness is concerned.
Part of this problem, is a paradigm, of every illness being a rebuke, from a God as punishment for disobedience. When, is there a time you heard of someone being healed of Diabetes? Alzheimer’s? Muscular dystrophy? Or Parkinson’s? The church is very happy to see these disorders as involving a person still of value, however, not so persons suffering from brain disorders, of which, there is no healing experience. These people, are either possessed by demons, or master villain, devil himself, and must become, a normal, again, or faith of people suffering with these disorders is ruled false.
One clear fact, remains to be accepted in this century, there is no more need of healing, than there is for any other disorder, for a person’s life to be of value. A person, suffering with a brain disorder, can be returned to a state of wellness and recovery, without needing to be healed of any disorder. Modern medication therapies, psychoanalytical treatments and psychosocial rehabilitation, are capable, of returning a person to a state, in which, there is valued contribution to our community. We must shift our paradigm, from the third degree, to allow ourselves, to see these people as worthy of successful treatment. Then we can call ourselves, a civilized nation, of loving, understanding, caring, kind and compassionate people. – Mark Robert Gates
In order to ordain, successful treatment of persons suffering from mental disorders, we need to shift our paradigm, three degrees, and view only, possibilites. Three degrees port, full starboard rudder, would be a simplified film version, however, seeing people suffering with brain disorders, as other than refuse we do not understand, will mean valuing life. It seems odd, a group so staunchly pro-life as, "Christianity", is so ignorant of personal value where this, or any other, illness is concerned.
Part of this problem, is a paradigm, of every illness being a rebuke, from a God as punishment for disobedience. When, is there a time you heard of someone being healed of Diabetes? Alzheimer’s? Muscular dystrophy? Or Parkinson’s? The church is very happy to see these disorders as involving a person still of value, however, not so persons suffering from brain disorders, of which, there is no healing experience. These people, are either possessed by demons, or master villain, devil himself, and must become, a normal, again, or faith of people suffering with these disorders is ruled false.
One clear fact, remains to be accepted in this century, there is no more need of healing, than there is for any other disorder, for a person’s life to be of value. A person, suffering with a brain disorder, can be returned to a state of wellness and recovery, without needing to be healed of any disorder. Modern medication therapies, psychoanalytical treatments and psychosocial rehabilitation, are capable, of returning a person to a state, in which, there is valued contribution to our community. We must shift our paradigm, from the third degree, to allow ourselves, to see these people as worthy of successful treatment. Then we can call ourselves, a civilized nation, of loving, understanding, caring, kind and compassionate people. – Mark Robert Gates
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Benefits of Membership in Carriage House Clubhouse
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
I have been a client of Indiana's, Fort Wayne community mental health center, Park Center, for many years. During that time, I have received services, as well as, serving as a volunteer in various capacities. After receiving Appreciative Inquiry training, my first voluntary position was participating on the, Steering Committee, that designed the new, Transitional Care Services (TCS) facility, and its programs, and then chairing the committee for aiding family involvement in TCS treatment. My involvement in these steering committees, led to a mutual decision, to make me an employee of Park Center, as a peer-support specialist. I felt, concerned this position, would impact my level of participation, at the Carriage House clubhouse, however, felt it was important for me to attempt working again.
The application process took months, setting up appointments, and interviewing with the brass. After exploring all the avenues, and attempting to find a place that would take advantage of my abilities, I was hired to teach computers, at, Park Center’s Drop-In Center (DIC). The premise was simple enough, and the intentions were all good enough, however, we were all years ahead of the current funding streams, for mental illness treatment. It seems you cannot pay for education with Medicare and Medicaid, and the administration, found it difficult to justify my position, without being reimbursed for my services.
All the other roles we tried to place me into, at the DIC, did not work out. I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, and not a clue, that I was not doing the job right. I have, only little education in psychology, and none in social work, so I had to leave the position. I also received an offer, from the local office of Vocational Rehabilitation to put me through, computer trouble shooting and repair classes, and try to get me certified. A much better open door than in the beginning.
As a condition of my employment with Park Center, I was unable to receive services while being employed, and since the clubhouse is a service under the umbrella of Park Center, and they removed me from the books when I got hired. When I attended the clubhouse on my days off, I was considered a volunteer, which meant Medicaid would no longer reimburse the Carriage House. I began seeing, instead of Park Center treatment staff, an outside doctor and an outside therapist. Also, in the jumble, my payee-ship for my social security check transferred from, Park Center, first, to the local trustees office, and then finally back to myself.
After the disappointment of loosing my job, I walked back into Carriage House. They all welcomed me with open arms, and told me how much they missed me, all without any regard as to whether or not the clubhouse got paid. I am now helping with my computer skills, within the day program, and helping out any other way I can, without any reimbursement coming to Carriage House since their billing is strictly through Park Center. Also, I am again volunteering for Park Center, writing essays about my successes and failures in self-help and rehabilitation, to be combined into a binder for groups. Which would finally start my career as a writer, something I have dreamed about since high school. My writing skill has long been recognized and championed at Park Center and Carriage House. Also, I am taking the initiative to try starting peer-led, self-help support groups. If we find there is funding, I may actually be rehired by Park Center as a peer-support specialist for aiding with, peer-involved and peer-led support, in their OutPatient Stabilization (OPS) program.
The clubhouse model has been around since 1948, but is relatively new to Indiana. Its approach to mental health rehabilitation is unique and very empowering. People are referred to as members, not clients or patients, and we all have a voice in what happens in the clubhouse. The club is governed by a set of standards provided by, our, International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) http://www.iccd.org/. All of which are there to see that we all are treated with respect and dignity. As an example: There are no closed-door staff or member only meetings in a clubhouse, and member’s records are accessible to each individual at any time. This is mandated by the Standards for Clubhouse Programs, and is a requirement of certification.
We do not come to the Carriage House to be maintained. We are here to participate in rehabilitation and encouraged to form lasting friendships, and work on educational and employment goals. Working back into our communities' mainstream and employment, is the chief objective, for those who choose to. The clubhouse builds our self-esteem, by giving us a sense of belonging, and prepares us to re-enter our community, and again work.
In every program I attended at Park Center, other than Carriage House, I was on my own as far as rehabilitation goes. Having to work with Vocational Rehabilitation separately if I wanted a job, and then only finding part-time work that was discouraging and paid little. Without specialized training and the Carriage Houses help I would still be on my own.
The first time I was in OPS therapy, I did not know my diagnosis, and I could not explain what was happening to me. The group therapy was necessary, and fruitful in turning me around toward, being aware of my condition. Over time, I grew to a plateau, and stopped, just maintaining my existence at a level requiring constantly being taken care of, and where I found no hope of ever rising above that level, in my life. Meanwhile fighting everyday, not to sink lower, and giving in to the criminal impulse to write bad checks, to gain what I could not otherwise have, and thereby have what otherwise was hopeless. Or, so I thought, for such was my mind-set then.
Much of my life has been lived, with people telling me I cannot be me. I was caught up in grandiose thinking, imagining that in order to succeed in life, I had to create a completely imagined and manufactured self. I became, completely isolated from the whole community, on the outside of Park Center’s, however, I am accepted at Carriage House, as myself, and not required to be working towards becoming, someone else. I am my own person with a cherished personality and with something worthwhile to contribute. Since being taught that I can do something of value for someone, I make my own opportunities. Moreover, I have marketable computer and communications skills. Now I am free indeed, and an empowered citizen advocate, with a future.
This powerful boost to my self-esteem, also, lifts my values, and gives me the will to live a better life, and the desire to succeed at being me, in a friendly, and social way. Respect for the law, and a prudent sense of direction, are lasting changes in my psychological profile. Recently, I had the opportunity to train with the police on nonviolent crisis intervention. I want to continue to sow on the right side of the law, and reap the benefits, of living the good life. All of which is inspired, by the Carriage House, taking time to care about my life, which in turn destroys the allure of criminal activity. I want what is best for me now, too.
The nature of our handicap, when we suffer from mental illness, is such, there need to be rehabilitation programs, like Carriage House. Programs like this, need a reliable funding source, as well as the ability for self-determination, something they do not have now. The clubhouse model programs and philosophy are dramatically different from mainstream medical models, such as mental health centers.
Mental health treatment needs to be more holistic. We must begin to treat the whole person; realizing that improving their education is as important as taking medications. Getting a job is as needed as seeing a therapist. Having a social life is paramount in sharing love. Funding that focuses, so heavily on just the medical aspects of the person, forces us to see only the disability. We need a place to go where we are people first, with potential, not problems and complex disorders.
Incredibly, putting the necessary dollars, into rehabilitation through programs like our clubhouse model, will increase our efficacy, both Carriage House’s, and mine, and enrich the lives of millions of those who suffer from mental illness. The clubhouse does look at the whole person: their educational needs, social needs, vocational and medical. This approach, puts us people, back into the mainstream, and ultimately reconnects us with real life. Please give us the resources necessary, to nurture our whole being. Please invest in, what succeeds where others fail, and fully fund the clubhouse model approach.
– Mark Robert Gates, copyright 2001
I have been a client of Indiana's, Fort Wayne community mental health center, Park Center, for many years. During that time, I have received services, as well as, serving as a volunteer in various capacities. After receiving Appreciative Inquiry training, my first voluntary position was participating on the, Steering Committee, that designed the new, Transitional Care Services (TCS) facility, and its programs, and then chairing the committee for aiding family involvement in TCS treatment. My involvement in these steering committees, led to a mutual decision, to make me an employee of Park Center, as a peer-support specialist. I felt, concerned this position, would impact my level of participation, at the Carriage House clubhouse, however, felt it was important for me to attempt working again.
The application process took months, setting up appointments, and interviewing with the brass. After exploring all the avenues, and attempting to find a place that would take advantage of my abilities, I was hired to teach computers, at, Park Center’s Drop-In Center (DIC). The premise was simple enough, and the intentions were all good enough, however, we were all years ahead of the current funding streams, for mental illness treatment. It seems you cannot pay for education with Medicare and Medicaid, and the administration, found it difficult to justify my position, without being reimbursed for my services.
All the other roles we tried to place me into, at the DIC, did not work out. I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, and not a clue, that I was not doing the job right. I have, only little education in psychology, and none in social work, so I had to leave the position. I also received an offer, from the local office of Vocational Rehabilitation to put me through, computer trouble shooting and repair classes, and try to get me certified. A much better open door than in the beginning.
As a condition of my employment with Park Center, I was unable to receive services while being employed, and since the clubhouse is a service under the umbrella of Park Center, and they removed me from the books when I got hired. When I attended the clubhouse on my days off, I was considered a volunteer, which meant Medicaid would no longer reimburse the Carriage House. I began seeing, instead of Park Center treatment staff, an outside doctor and an outside therapist. Also, in the jumble, my payee-ship for my social security check transferred from, Park Center, first, to the local trustees office, and then finally back to myself.
After the disappointment of loosing my job, I walked back into Carriage House. They all welcomed me with open arms, and told me how much they missed me, all without any regard as to whether or not the clubhouse got paid. I am now helping with my computer skills, within the day program, and helping out any other way I can, without any reimbursement coming to Carriage House since their billing is strictly through Park Center. Also, I am again volunteering for Park Center, writing essays about my successes and failures in self-help and rehabilitation, to be combined into a binder for groups. Which would finally start my career as a writer, something I have dreamed about since high school. My writing skill has long been recognized and championed at Park Center and Carriage House. Also, I am taking the initiative to try starting peer-led, self-help support groups. If we find there is funding, I may actually be rehired by Park Center as a peer-support specialist for aiding with, peer-involved and peer-led support, in their OutPatient Stabilization (OPS) program.
The clubhouse model has been around since 1948, but is relatively new to Indiana. Its approach to mental health rehabilitation is unique and very empowering. People are referred to as members, not clients or patients, and we all have a voice in what happens in the clubhouse. The club is governed by a set of standards provided by, our, International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) http://www.iccd.org/. All of which are there to see that we all are treated with respect and dignity. As an example: There are no closed-door staff or member only meetings in a clubhouse, and member’s records are accessible to each individual at any time. This is mandated by the Standards for Clubhouse Programs, and is a requirement of certification.
We do not come to the Carriage House to be maintained. We are here to participate in rehabilitation and encouraged to form lasting friendships, and work on educational and employment goals. Working back into our communities' mainstream and employment, is the chief objective, for those who choose to. The clubhouse builds our self-esteem, by giving us a sense of belonging, and prepares us to re-enter our community, and again work.
In every program I attended at Park Center, other than Carriage House, I was on my own as far as rehabilitation goes. Having to work with Vocational Rehabilitation separately if I wanted a job, and then only finding part-time work that was discouraging and paid little. Without specialized training and the Carriage Houses help I would still be on my own.
The first time I was in OPS therapy, I did not know my diagnosis, and I could not explain what was happening to me. The group therapy was necessary, and fruitful in turning me around toward, being aware of my condition. Over time, I grew to a plateau, and stopped, just maintaining my existence at a level requiring constantly being taken care of, and where I found no hope of ever rising above that level, in my life. Meanwhile fighting everyday, not to sink lower, and giving in to the criminal impulse to write bad checks, to gain what I could not otherwise have, and thereby have what otherwise was hopeless. Or, so I thought, for such was my mind-set then.
Much of my life has been lived, with people telling me I cannot be me. I was caught up in grandiose thinking, imagining that in order to succeed in life, I had to create a completely imagined and manufactured self. I became, completely isolated from the whole community, on the outside of Park Center’s, however, I am accepted at Carriage House, as myself, and not required to be working towards becoming, someone else. I am my own person with a cherished personality and with something worthwhile to contribute. Since being taught that I can do something of value for someone, I make my own opportunities. Moreover, I have marketable computer and communications skills. Now I am free indeed, and an empowered citizen advocate, with a future.
This powerful boost to my self-esteem, also, lifts my values, and gives me the will to live a better life, and the desire to succeed at being me, in a friendly, and social way. Respect for the law, and a prudent sense of direction, are lasting changes in my psychological profile. Recently, I had the opportunity to train with the police on nonviolent crisis intervention. I want to continue to sow on the right side of the law, and reap the benefits, of living the good life. All of which is inspired, by the Carriage House, taking time to care about my life, which in turn destroys the allure of criminal activity. I want what is best for me now, too.
The nature of our handicap, when we suffer from mental illness, is such, there need to be rehabilitation programs, like Carriage House. Programs like this, need a reliable funding source, as well as the ability for self-determination, something they do not have now. The clubhouse model programs and philosophy are dramatically different from mainstream medical models, such as mental health centers.
Mental health treatment needs to be more holistic. We must begin to treat the whole person; realizing that improving their education is as important as taking medications. Getting a job is as needed as seeing a therapist. Having a social life is paramount in sharing love. Funding that focuses, so heavily on just the medical aspects of the person, forces us to see only the disability. We need a place to go where we are people first, with potential, not problems and complex disorders.
Incredibly, putting the necessary dollars, into rehabilitation through programs like our clubhouse model, will increase our efficacy, both Carriage House’s, and mine, and enrich the lives of millions of those who suffer from mental illness. The clubhouse does look at the whole person: their educational needs, social needs, vocational and medical. This approach, puts us people, back into the mainstream, and ultimately reconnects us with real life. Please give us the resources necessary, to nurture our whole being. Please invest in, what succeeds where others fail, and fully fund the clubhouse model approach.
– Mark Robert Gates, copyright 2001
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
Respect for rights, of all persons suffering with a mental illness, is a new civil rights movement, for our 21st Century. There are many ways to go, many views to see, many experiences to share, many topics, many points and many are valid options, as diversity is the key to success. Everybody is different, and there are no one way treatments, of which, will allow for individuality, and prize each person’s personality.
There are many, new and modern treatments, available we know will work, however, finding a correct mix of medications sounds simple. In reality, it can take years to find an exact type of medication therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation and psychoanalytic therapy, capable of recovery, and returning a person, to a state, of wellness. And, coercion is not an answer, as all treatment, must be voluntary, to be effective.
We are all people, with valid feelings and emotions, and cannot be put into a box. Pegboards used to evaluate, however, give us a good analogy, each person can to be likened to a single peg, and a system of help, must create a peg hole, shaped like each individual, separate person. There are a lot of options, and where we go, will depend on first discovering, where we are, and finding where we are, can take years, and focusing on recovery and a paradigm of a state of wellness, can be difficult, if our society, remains prejudiced.
We are all entitled to, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, however, some prejudices see those suffering with a mental illness, as persons, unintelligent and lacking any cognitive ability, to transform their own lives. We must value each person’s recovery, and a paradigm of wellness, and pursuit of life, liberty, and a pursuit of genuine, happiness, as there are many ways to live, free and happy, and we can all live, free and happy, only, if we do not denounce living, free and in happiness, for others. We all need to stand up, for all person's lives, liberties, and rights, in order to preserve, our constitutional freedom and right, to each live our own lives. It can be difficult to achieve, life, liberty, happiness, and recovery to a state of wellness, if others believe there are persons, who are not entitled, to human dignity, respect and equality. – Mark Robert Gates
Respect for rights, of all persons suffering with a mental illness, is a new civil rights movement, for our 21st Century. There are many ways to go, many views to see, many experiences to share, many topics, many points and many are valid options, as diversity is the key to success. Everybody is different, and there are no one way treatments, of which, will allow for individuality, and prize each person’s personality.
There are many, new and modern treatments, available we know will work, however, finding a correct mix of medications sounds simple. In reality, it can take years to find an exact type of medication therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation and psychoanalytic therapy, capable of recovery, and returning a person, to a state, of wellness. And, coercion is not an answer, as all treatment, must be voluntary, to be effective.
We are all people, with valid feelings and emotions, and cannot be put into a box. Pegboards used to evaluate, however, give us a good analogy, each person can to be likened to a single peg, and a system of help, must create a peg hole, shaped like each individual, separate person. There are a lot of options, and where we go, will depend on first discovering, where we are, and finding where we are, can take years, and focusing on recovery and a paradigm of a state of wellness, can be difficult, if our society, remains prejudiced.
We are all entitled to, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, however, some prejudices see those suffering with a mental illness, as persons, unintelligent and lacking any cognitive ability, to transform their own lives. We must value each person’s recovery, and a paradigm of wellness, and pursuit of life, liberty, and a pursuit of genuine, happiness, as there are many ways to live, free and happy, and we can all live, free and happy, only, if we do not denounce living, free and in happiness, for others. We all need to stand up, for all person's lives, liberties, and rights, in order to preserve, our constitutional freedom and right, to each live our own lives. It can be difficult to achieve, life, liberty, happiness, and recovery to a state of wellness, if others believe there are persons, who are not entitled, to human dignity, respect and equality. – Mark Robert Gates
I Support Criminal Diversion
© 2006 Mark Robert Gates
I support criminal diversion, for any persons discovered suffering with a mental illness, in our justice system. Removing mentally ill persons, from, unjustly occupying our prison system, is a necessary step in social progress, however, all laws, involved must clearly state, only behavioral issues can be diverted, however, if intent to commit a crime is found to exist, then prosecute. For some, suffering with a mental illness, correctly handling a stressful situation can be difficult, and there can be times where a person, finds oneself, in a stressful situtation, and merely freaks out, emotionally, and without violence, then handles oneself, inappropriately. Also, persons suffering with a mental illness, who are found to be, in our criminal justice system, and jails or prisons, need to have options counseling, as a part of being sentenced or released. Reducing, mental illness social stigma, requires educating all persons, about the possibilities of getting help, and making all people, aware of all possible, positive outcomes.
The light at the end of the tunnel, in mental health treatment, frequently is beyond many bends and turns, and not visible without proper counsel. It will help to explain to all persons, diagnosed with mental illness, their life is not ending, and hope is yet, their’s, for achieving all dreams. Social, community, education and vocational rehabilitation are necessary to restore a person's dignity. Helping a person, to voluntarily move down a road toward recovery and wellness, means society will have to welcome those successfully treated, into our community. There needs to be a no person left behind clause, for disabilites, in America, for us to be a society of loving, caring, kind, understanding and compassionate individuals.
So, let us cut to the chase, our only real thorny issue is, how much is best practices mental health care going to cost. No one hospitilized for mental illness treatment is ever going to be able to afford to pay for their own treatment, also, it is extremely unlikley anyone being removed from our justice system, or otherwise entering mental healthcare treatment, will ever succeed in finding any full time employment, and be capable of paying for their own treatment and medications. We will see people suffering from mental illness, as an albatross, unless, we see throwing people to the dogs, as cruel and inhuman. So, legislating criminal diversion, and directing offenders, and all others suffering with mental illness, to psychiatric care, is a necessary social step forward, however, if not properly treated, brain disorders will not improve. Good psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, psychosocial rehabiltators, therapists and counselors are expensive. Currently Medicaid and Medicare do not reimburse at a rate a professional earns in private practice, causing many professionals to stay, however, if American and Indiana citizens, can trust our Congress' to decide their own rate of pay, then we can, also, trust mental health care professionals, to do the same. We know what treatments work, however, are we willing to pay, for the results we want to see. – Mark Robert Gates
I support criminal diversion, for any persons discovered suffering with a mental illness, in our justice system. Removing mentally ill persons, from, unjustly occupying our prison system, is a necessary step in social progress, however, all laws, involved must clearly state, only behavioral issues can be diverted, however, if intent to commit a crime is found to exist, then prosecute. For some, suffering with a mental illness, correctly handling a stressful situation can be difficult, and there can be times where a person, finds oneself, in a stressful situtation, and merely freaks out, emotionally, and without violence, then handles oneself, inappropriately. Also, persons suffering with a mental illness, who are found to be, in our criminal justice system, and jails or prisons, need to have options counseling, as a part of being sentenced or released. Reducing, mental illness social stigma, requires educating all persons, about the possibilities of getting help, and making all people, aware of all possible, positive outcomes.
The light at the end of the tunnel, in mental health treatment, frequently is beyond many bends and turns, and not visible without proper counsel. It will help to explain to all persons, diagnosed with mental illness, their life is not ending, and hope is yet, their’s, for achieving all dreams. Social, community, education and vocational rehabilitation are necessary to restore a person's dignity. Helping a person, to voluntarily move down a road toward recovery and wellness, means society will have to welcome those successfully treated, into our community. There needs to be a no person left behind clause, for disabilites, in America, for us to be a society of loving, caring, kind, understanding and compassionate individuals.
So, let us cut to the chase, our only real thorny issue is, how much is best practices mental health care going to cost. No one hospitilized for mental illness treatment is ever going to be able to afford to pay for their own treatment, also, it is extremely unlikley anyone being removed from our justice system, or otherwise entering mental healthcare treatment, will ever succeed in finding any full time employment, and be capable of paying for their own treatment and medications. We will see people suffering from mental illness, as an albatross, unless, we see throwing people to the dogs, as cruel and inhuman. So, legislating criminal diversion, and directing offenders, and all others suffering with mental illness, to psychiatric care, is a necessary social step forward, however, if not properly treated, brain disorders will not improve. Good psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, psychosocial rehabiltators, therapists and counselors are expensive. Currently Medicaid and Medicare do not reimburse at a rate a professional earns in private practice, causing many professionals to stay, however, if American and Indiana citizens, can trust our Congress' to decide their own rate of pay, then we can, also, trust mental health care professionals, to do the same. We know what treatments work, however, are we willing to pay, for the results we want to see. – Mark Robert Gates
Thursday, January 12, 2006
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