By Express News Service

If you are unable to solve a problem and overcome a tense situation even after 48 hours, then you should not hesitate to seek help. In most cases, sharing feelings with close ones is better than formal therapy. Cases of suicide are more in urban areas compared to rural parts as the support system is stronger in the latter, and suicides are much higher where male chauvinism is high, says Dr Ajit V Bhide, well-known consultant psychiatrist and former president, Indian Psychiatric Society. In conversation with TNSE to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, Dr Bhide says therapy as a procedure is expensive and the government should invest significantly in making therapists accessible across the country to prevent suicides. Excerpts:

What is the reason for the increase in suicide cases?
When a society does not have a clear set of values and it keeps changing, it leads to moral corruption causing unrest in a person’s soul and mind. It creates a massive disequilibrium driving people to desperate acts. Idealism and devotion to work have largely eroded among people, especially in the last 50 years. We live in a society where dissonance is not allowed, causing unrest among people more than earlier.

Would you call suicide a desperate act?
In most cases yes. Enough research is available to suggest that people who have survived a suicide attempt are likely to have said, “I wish I did not do that” or “I wish I knew there was a way out”. People suffer from distress, followed by helplessness and hopelessness. A person’s ability to take drastic measures like attempting suicide becomes much higher.

Are some people more prone to committing suicide? How does one build resilience?
Depression is an illness of emotions. People more prone to suicide go through multiple emotions — sadness, anger or irritation. People having a clear history of depression, family loading of depression or are genetically determined are forerunners of suicide. Resilience comes from an early stage and can be strengthened over time.  

What is the psyche of celebrities dying by suicide?  
Celebrities live a glamorous life. Showbiz is all about attention. If they do not gain success on multiple occasions, they tend to get disappointed.

How does lack of parental support and communication trigger suicidal tendencies?
Parental and peer pressure pushes people into careers and even marriages. Often the pressure of pursuing a particular career by parents pains the children and drives people wanting to take their lives.

What are the early symptoms of depression among children that parents can look out for?
Tendency of complete withdrawal from social interactions, lack of interest in regular activities, feeling forced to stay at home, irregular sleep, loss of appetite, even excessive rebelliousness can be indicators in certain cases.

How prevalent is mobile addiction among children? Is that also the cause?
Suicides among children have increased. Internet-enabled devices are responsible for making children very rigid. It is a sign of emotional immaturity. Even the addiction to pornography is linked to internet addiction, which is very high now. Though it is not an accurate indicator for suicidal behaviour, it is a measure that compromises people in life.  

What role does ‘nature vs nurture ‘play?
With major depressive illness, genetic contribution is about 80% and environmental contribution is about 20%. However, with impulsive suicide, genetic contribution is only 5-10%. Most commonly we imitate the behaviour of our parents or people around us. Being surrounded by a toxic environment at home makes a person more prone to poor mental health. The Nature vs Nurture controversy will not be resolved in our lifetime, but both contribute to people’s suicidal tendencies.  

Isn’t suicide among small school-going children a cause of concern?
It is very uncommon to see small children committing suicide. The youngest case in my professional career at NIMHANS was an 8-year-old who attempted suicide because she was denied a visit to the circus at her convenience. It is a well- known phenomenon among youngsters hitting puberty as they are extremely vulnerable at the time.

What advice can you give to parents?
Give enough time to your child. Provide them with the right strokes and advice but don’t overdo it. Correct them in private rather than making an issue of the mistake.

How should schools address these issues?
Schools must look after the academic development of children and ensure fairness while dealing with them. Teachers should not be very harsh and abusive. Schools must have an infrastructure to provide counselling to students. Beyond schools, the support system at home is much more responsible for counselling students. Cold wars at home, domestic violence and constant bickering among parents harms the child much more. Familial factors contribute more to suicides among children than school factors.

Do joint families have a positive impact, compared to nuclear families?
The joint family is a ‘lost paradise’ now. They significantly contribute in providing an alternate social and emotional support when parents are not available. Nuclear families can also imbibe that and not transfer their personal pressures on to the child.

What is the importance of gatekeepers in preventing suicide?
Gatekeepers are the ones who are trained to pick up signs of suicide early and disallow the individual from taking the extreme step. The concept of gatekeepers was first written about in the 1980s, but it got attention much later and has now become an important facet.

What about suicide pacts and some influenced by cults?
One is romantic lovers (married and unmarried) committing suicide as they do not have the approval of their parents. Postpartum depression is three times more than the normal depression where she (the young mother) kills the child first and then commits suicide. This is preventable. The other is the case where the man of the house who is in an economic crisis, kills the children, his wife and then commits suicide. There are also cases where the whole family travels to a faraway place from their native and commits suicide. This is known but is not common. Many die in a mass murder-suicide by consuming poison-laced drinks at the order of a cult. This is horrible and the cults engaging in these kinds of acts are well-known. We cannot deny that cults can lead to many positive actions, but it is difficult to monitor all the cults. Charismatic cult leaders who do not have a strong personal structure are the ones who are likely to lead people astray.

Is suicide indicative of a lack of self-love?
While external validation has its place, it should not overwhelmingly define our success. Insufficient self-love and self-respect often indicate that a person has relied on external validation throughout their life. The constant need for validation can increase when we are used to receiving praise for the smallest achievements. When this validation is lacking, it can lead to a sense of desperation and potentially risky behaviour.

What about the lack of agencies or people to express one’s problems?  
Life was much simpler earlier. Our pleasures were simpler and reaching out to people for help was much easier earlier. It is a common phenomenon now that an individual might have nearly 2,000 friends on social media but not even one with whom he or she can share and confide and take the help from. We live in a terribly lonely world where many do not even know their neighbours.

Is the suicide rate higher in urban or rural areas?
Suicides are more of an urban phenomenon. In rural areas, there are many absorbing mechanisms available. Chronic mental illnesses, for instance, are accepted much better in rural India than in urban parts.

Suicides among men and women… How do they compare?
Both men and women tend to attempt suicide equally. However, ‘completed suicides’ are more common among men, and ‘attempts to suicide’ are more among women. It is not corroborated by research, but we can say that women tend to survive suicide attempts. Violent deaths like jumping off heights, gunshots and drowning are common in men; consuming phenol, insecticides or other poisonous substances present at home and overdosing on prescribed medication are common in women. Suicides are higher in states where male chauvinism is high and the women give up and commit suicide. Also, education is not a guaranteed method of preventing suicide.

What is your opinion on decriminalising suicides?
There is a separate law which makes suicide act a crime. There is a mental health act which went beyond its purview and said suicide should not be a crime, we gladly accepted that. However, suicide is a crime that has not been undone yet.

How should media report suicide cases?
Irresponsible reporting is rampant. Media, at times, constructs narratives around incidents like suicide which often discourage people from taking legal action due to constant media attention.

Should everyone undergo therapy?
Some form of introspection and sharing of things among our close ones can help better than regular, formal therapy. We require skilled counsellors and therapists. Therapy, as a procedure, is an expensive one hence the government has to invest significantly in making therapists accessible across the country. Additionally, therapists themselves may need support to manage the stress inherent in their profession.

Are enough psychiatrists available?
We do not need as many psychiatrists as we have. But we need more psychologists and counsellors. Sometimes, effective counselling and understanding the root cause of a problem becomes more necessary than solely relying on prescriptions.

Which city records the maximum number of suicides?
In areas with robust reporting systems, there tends to be a higher volume of data. Additionally, cities with larger in-transit populations, particularly major metropolitan areas, tend to experience higher cases. In some instances, individuals may choose to end their lives in a metro city to keep it from being discovered in their hometown. Kerala and Kolkata have notably high suicide rates.

Suicides are reported much more among the middle class. Do you think the lower class has some coping mechanism to deal with it?
Suicide rates are not lower in any particular social segment. Both the upper and lower strata of society often conceal such incidents more effectively. In certain cases, suicides are disguised as natural causes, such as heart attacks. In contrast, the middle class tends to be more vocal and is inclined to report such occurrences.

In recent times, people provide hints about their intentions to attempt suicide and even livestream suicides on social media…
Erring on the side of caution is preferable to downplaying such situations. While some instances may be attempts to gain attention, they should never be dismissed lightly.

What role does belief in afterlife play in suicides?
While it is a contributing factor, the overwhelming hardships in one’s present life often drive someone to give up on life.

What about the family they leave behind?
A complex mix of emotions is involved, but guilt often dominates when family members think they couldn’t provide the necessary help. This emotional mix may also include anger and sadness. It’s essential to highlight the availability of self-help groups where suicide survivors can seek support.

Do you feel mental health should be part of the curriculum in schools?
Yes, it should be introduced from high school. Before that, students are too young to be exposed to these topics. Teachers should also possess a sensitivity towards children and awareness of learning disorders.

What about ‘body-shaming’?
Body-shaming is often exaggerated. While certain comments on appearance can be distasteful, young individuals need to distinguish between genuine concern and hurtful remarks.

Many individuals, particularly those new to their professions, frequently express being overly stressed and feeling trapped with no way out. How can one effectively address this situation?
This often indicates a lack of resilience and patience. As economic demands grow, stress can escalate. Individuals should cultivate hobbies and find ways to disengage from stressors in these circumstances.

How do you cope with stress?
Theatre used to be my passion, and I also like writing and gardening. Nurturing creativity is truly essential to keep ourselves motivated and fulfilled.

If you are unable to solve a problem and overcome a tense situation even after 48 hours, then you should not hesitate to seek help. In most cases, sharing feelings with close ones is better than formal therapy. Cases of suicide are more in urban areas compared to rural parts as the support system is stronger in the latter, and suicides are much higher where male chauvinism is high, says Dr Ajit V Bhide, well-known consultant psychiatrist and former president, Indian Psychiatric Society. In conversation with TNSE to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, Dr Bhide says therapy as a procedure is expensive and the government should invest significantly in making therapists accessible across the country to prevent suicides. Excerpts:

What is the reason for the increase in suicide cases?
When a society does not have a clear set of values and it keeps changing, it leads to moral corruption causing unrest in a person’s soul and mind. It creates a massive disequilibrium driving people to desperate acts. Idealism and devotion to work have largely eroded among people, especially in the last 50 years. We live in a society where dissonance is not allowed, causing unrest among people more than earlier.

Would you call suicide a desperate act?
In most cases yes. Enough research is available to suggest that people who have survived a suicide attempt are likely to have said, “I wish I did not do that” or “I wish I knew there was a way out”. People suffer from distress, followed by helplessness and hopelessness. A person’s ability to take drastic measures like attempting suicide becomes much higher.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

Are some people more prone to committing suicide? How does one build resilience?
Depression is an illness of emotions. People more prone to suicide go through multiple emotions — sadness, anger or irritation. People having a clear history of depression, family loading of depression or are genetically determined are forerunners of suicide. Resilience comes from an early stage and can be strengthened over time.  

What is the psyche of celebrities dying by suicide?  
Celebrities live a glamorous life. Showbiz is all about attention. If they do not gain success on multiple occasions, they tend to get disappointed.

How does lack of parental support and communication trigger suicidal tendencies?
Parental and peer pressure pushes people into careers and even marriages. Often the pressure of pursuing a particular career by parents pains the children and drives people wanting to take their lives.

What are the early symptoms of depression among children that parents can look out for?
Tendency of complete withdrawal from social interactions, lack of interest in regular activities, feeling forced to stay at home, irregular sleep, loss of appetite, even excessive rebelliousness can be indicators in certain cases.

How prevalent is mobile addiction among children? Is that also the cause?
Suicides among children have increased. Internet-enabled devices are responsible for making children very rigid. It is a sign of emotional immaturity. Even the addiction to pornography is linked to internet addiction, which is very high now. Though it is not an accurate indicator for suicidal behaviour, it is a measure that compromises people in life.  

What role does ‘nature vs nurture ‘play?
With major depressive illness, genetic contribution is about 80% and environmental contribution is about 20%. However, with impulsive suicide, genetic contribution is only 5-10%. Most commonly we imitate the behaviour of our parents or people around us. Being surrounded by a toxic environment at home makes a person more prone to poor mental health. The Nature vs Nurture controversy will not be resolved in our lifetime, but both contribute to people’s suicidal tendencies.  

Isn’t suicide among small school-going children a cause of concern?
It is very uncommon to see small children committing suicide. The youngest case in my professional career at NIMHANS was an 8-year-old who attempted suicide because she was denied a visit to the circus at her convenience. It is a well- known phenomenon among youngsters hitting puberty as they are extremely vulnerable at the time.

What advice can you give to parents?
Give enough time to your child. Provide them with the right strokes and advice but don’t overdo it. Correct them in private rather than making an issue of the mistake.

How should schools address these issues?
Schools must look after the academic development of children and ensure fairness while dealing with them. Teachers should not be very harsh and abusive. Schools must have an infrastructure to provide counselling to students. Beyond schools, the support system at home is much more responsible for counselling students. Cold wars at home, domestic violence and constant bickering among parents harms the child much more. Familial factors contribute more to suicides among children than school factors.

Do joint families have a positive impact, compared to nuclear families?
The joint family is a ‘lost paradise’ now. They significantly contribute in providing an alternate social and emotional support when parents are not available. Nuclear families can also imbibe that and not transfer their personal pressures on to the child.

What is the importance of gatekeepers in preventing suicide?
Gatekeepers are the ones who are trained to pick up signs of suicide early and disallow the individual from taking the extreme step. The concept of gatekeepers was first written about in the 1980s, but it got attention much later and has now become an important facet.

What about suicide pacts and some influenced by cults?
One is romantic lovers (married and unmarried) committing suicide as they do not have the approval of their parents. Postpartum depression is three times more than the normal depression where she (the young mother) kills the child first and then commits suicide. This is preventable. The other is the case where the man of the house who is in an economic crisis, kills the children, his wife and then commits suicide. There are also cases where the whole family travels to a faraway place from their native and commits suicide. This is known but is not common. Many die in a mass murder-suicide by consuming poison-laced drinks at the order of a cult. This is horrible and the cults engaging in these kinds of acts are well-known. We cannot deny that cults can lead to many positive actions, but it is difficult to monitor all the cults. Charismatic cult leaders who do not have a strong personal structure are the ones who are likely to lead people astray.

Is suicide indicative of a lack of self-love?
While external validation has its place, it should not overwhelmingly define our success. Insufficient self-love and self-respect often indicate that a person has relied on external validation throughout their life. The constant need for validation can increase when we are used to receiving praise for the smallest achievements. When this validation is lacking, it can lead to a sense of desperation and potentially risky behaviour.

What about the lack of agencies or people to express one’s problems?  
Life was much simpler earlier. Our pleasures were simpler and reaching out to people for help was much easier earlier. It is a common phenomenon now that an individual might have nearly 2,000 friends on social media but not even one with whom he or she can share and confide and take the help from. We live in a terribly lonely world where many do not even know their neighbours.

Is the suicide rate higher in urban or rural areas?
Suicides are more of an urban phenomenon. In rural areas, there are many absorbing mechanisms available. Chronic mental illnesses, for instance, are accepted much better in rural India than in urban parts.

Suicides among men and women… How do they compare?
Both men and women tend to attempt suicide equally. However, ‘completed suicides’ are more common among men, and ‘attempts to suicide’ are more among women. It is not corroborated by research, but we can say that women tend to survive suicide attempts. Violent deaths like jumping off heights, gunshots and drowning are common in men; consuming phenol, insecticides or other poisonous substances present at home and overdosing on prescribed medication are common in women. Suicides are higher in states where male chauvinism is high and the women give up and commit suicide. Also, education is not a guaranteed method of preventing suicide.

What is your opinion on decriminalising suicides?
There is a separate law which makes suicide act a crime. There is a mental health act which went beyond its purview and said suicide should not be a crime, we gladly accepted that. However, suicide is a crime that has not been undone yet.

How should media report suicide cases?
Irresponsible reporting is rampant. Media, at times, constructs narratives around incidents like suicide which often discourage people from taking legal action due to constant media attention.

Should everyone undergo therapy?
Some form of introspection and sharing of things among our close ones can help better than regular, formal therapy. We require skilled counsellors and therapists. Therapy, as a procedure, is an expensive one hence the government has to invest significantly in making therapists accessible across the country. Additionally, therapists themselves may need support to manage the stress inherent in their profession.

Are enough psychiatrists available?
We do not need as many psychiatrists as we have. But we need more psychologists and counsellors. Sometimes, effective counselling and understanding the root cause of a problem becomes more necessary than solely relying on prescriptions.

Which city records the maximum number of suicides?
In areas with robust reporting systems, there tends to be a higher volume of data. Additionally, cities with larger in-transit populations, particularly major metropolitan areas, tend to experience higher cases. In some instances, individuals may choose to end their lives in a metro city to keep it from being discovered in their hometown. Kerala and Kolkata have notably high suicide rates.

Suicides are reported much more among the middle class. Do you think the lower class has some coping mechanism to deal with it?
Suicide rates are not lower in any particular social segment. Both the upper and lower strata of society often conceal such incidents more effectively. In certain cases, suicides are disguised as natural causes, such as heart attacks. In contrast, the middle class tends to be more vocal and is inclined to report such occurrences.

In recent times, people provide hints about their intentions to attempt suicide and even livestream suicides on social media…
Erring on the side of caution is preferable to downplaying such situations. While some instances may be attempts to gain attention, they should never be dismissed lightly.

What role does belief in afterlife play in suicides?
While it is a contributing factor, the overwhelming hardships in one’s present life often drive someone to give up on life.

What about the family they leave behind?
A complex mix of emotions is involved, but guilt often dominates when family members think they couldn’t provide the necessary help. This emotional mix may also include anger and sadness. It’s essential to highlight the availability of self-help groups where suicide survivors can seek support.

Do you feel mental health should be part of the curriculum in schools?
Yes, it should be introduced from high school. Before that, students are too young to be exposed to these topics. Teachers should also possess a sensitivity towards children and awareness of learning disorders.

What about ‘body-shaming’?
Body-shaming is often exaggerated. While certain comments on appearance can be distasteful, young individuals need to distinguish between genuine concern and hurtful remarks.

Many individuals, particularly those new to their professions, frequently express being overly stressed and feeling trapped with no way out. How can one effectively address this situation?
This often indicates a lack of resilience and patience. As economic demands grow, stress can escalate. Individuals should cultivate hobbies and find ways to disengage from stressors in these circumstances.

How do you cope with stress?
Theatre used to be my passion, and I also like writing and gardening. Nurturing creativity is truly essential to keep ourselves motivated and fulfilled.

Source link

The post ‘Sharing feelings with close ones till formal proper therapy is available, can help prevent suicide’- The New Indian Express appeared first on Minds Valley.

NCIS star Katrina Law has been inundated with messages of congratulations after her short film, Mayfly, which she co-wrote and co-produced with her husband Keith Andreen, won the award for Best Drama at the Montelupo Fiorentino Film Festival.

Taking to Instagram, the actress shared the exciting announcement whilst paying tribute to the team behind the film, writing: “Congratulations to the entire @MAYFLYSHORTFILM team for winning BEST DRAMA at the @montelupofilmfest.

“Thank you MIIFF for having us and for believing in us.”

WATCH: NCIS star Katrina Law shares very rare glimpse of daughter Kinley

Making reference to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, she added: “MAYFLY has no affiliations with any struck AMPTP companies and is approved by @sagaftra for continuation of work and promotion,” before going on to share the full list of cast and crew. 

In the comments section, Katrina’s fans were quick to congratulate the star on her big win. One person wrote: “Congratulations!!” while another added: “Couldn’t be MORE deserved! Congrats!!!”

A third person tweeted: “Congratulations!!! So well deserved!” while another commented: “Amazing news @katrinalaw! Congratulations.”

As well as writing and producing, Katrina stars alongside Yellowjackets actor Warren Kole in the film, which is directed by her husband. 

The story follows a mysterious woman who breaks into the house of a best-selling self-help author and forces him to face scars that he thought had long been healed. 

© Chelsea LaurenKatrina with her husband Keith

The full synopsis reads: “Best-selling self-help author Aaron Driscoll may look like a successful motivational speaker on the outside, but inside, he hides a dark secret, that he thought would remain buried deep in his past.

“After a long day of talk shows, book signings, and motivational speaking, he returns home to his mansion and passes out, only to be startled awake by what initially appears to be an obsessed fan holding him at gunpoint, demanding the truth about his shameful past, and forcing him into a painful reckoning that will either kill him or be his salvation.”

Katrina’s achievement comes as production on season 21 of NCIS remains on hold due to the ongoing strike. 

© CBS Photo ArchiveProduction on NCIS season 21 remains on hold

Both WGA and SAG-AFTRA are on strike over ongoing labor disputes with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major studios including Disney, Netflix and Amazon. 

When will season 21 of NCIS be released?

While new seasons of NCIS usually arrive on our screens in the fall, it’s likely that new episodes won’t premiere until 2024. 

Filming for the new episodes will commence once the strike has ended, which industry insiders have predicted will take place in the fall. 

© Katrina Law/InstagramBrian Dietzen and Katrina Law on the picket lines

MORE: Where the stars who left NCIS are now: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette and more

The cast of NCIS have been very vocal in their support of the strike over the past few weeks. Katrina even took to Instagram to share a series of snaps of her alongside her co-stars on the picket lines in Los Angeles. She wrote in the caption: “So proud of the #NCIS actors and writers coming out in support of each other and for providing a relief to the heat by sponsoring an Ice Cream Truck.”

Why are actors going on strike?

SAG-AFTRA member voted to strike on July 13 2023. They are calling for improved compensation and benefits, in particular focus is on the residuals they receive from streaming services, and better protection against artificial intelligence using their likeness.

In 2022 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average hourly pay for a California actor was $27.73 per hour. But many working actors do not work Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm jobs and 86% of the 160,000 strong guild do not make more than $25,950 in covered earnings (money that contributes towards social security) within a one year span and therefore do not qualify for healthcare insurance.

Actors then must pay commissions for agents, lawyers and publicists which can total around 35% a month of your salary. 

Actors also receive financial compensations when their TV shows are syndicated, rerun, have a DVD release or enjoy a move to streaming services. The calculation is complex and can change depending on initial contract, length of time an actor has had guild membership, and the type of production. As an example the Friends cast – Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry – receive 2% of the syndication revenue for their hit WB show, meaning their annually bring in around $20million each. 

But as streaming services such as Netflix continue to refuse to share ratings, it makes it unclear how often content is played and it lowers an actor’s residual calculation. 

The SAG and WGA members are also both fighting AMPTP over protections for their work against Artificial Intelligence. In a press conference on July 13 2023,  Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator claimed that the studios had offered a “groundbreaking” proposal that would see background performers get “scanned, get one day’s pay, and their companies should own that scan, their image, their likeness and should be able to use it for the rest of eternity on any project they want, with no consent and no compensation”.

AMPTP spokesperson Scott Rowe denied the claims in a statement.

Source link

The post NCIS star Katrina Law inundated with congratulations after sharing exciting news appeared first on Minds Valley.

Former Topeka city manager Stephen Wade realized his medications needed adjusting in April as he struggled with widening mood swings.

In early May, he was able to add a new doctor-prescribed medication. Instead of relieving his symptoms, the medication had the opposite effect, and Wade plunged deeper into depression.

On the night of June 2, Wade tried to kill himself.

A day later, he began making plans for another attempt.

That’s when Wade, 56, realized it was time to ask for help.

Former Topeka city manager Stephen Wade: ‘It’s OK to not be OK’

Reasons for the firing of former city manager Stephen Wade were never disclosed, but as he spoke Thursday to The Capital-Journal, he said balancing his mental health and stresses of the job played a role.

Wade was interviewed Thursday by The Topeka Capital-Journal, where he was publisher from 2018 to 2020.

He said his purpose for agreeing to the interview to share such intensely personal information was not to try to make himself look better or to explain himself.

Instead, he said he is in a unique position to share a powerful message — that “it’s OK to not be OK” — and encourage others who might be struggling with their mental health to seek help.

“Asking for help is hard,” Wade said. “You don’t know how your friends are going to react. You don’t know how your employer’s going to react. You don’t know how your neighbors are going to react.”

Wade said he also wanted to talk about why he thinks the mental health system is broken.

Wade said he felt anxious and fearful about talking to the newspaper.

He said while he thinks society is more accepting of mental illness than it was five years ago, “There’s still a massive stigma on it.”

“I have an illness,” Wade said. “I didn’t want the illness. I have aggressively sought treatment for this for years. It didn’t just happen. But now that I’ve admitted it, reaction in public is different. And I promise you, coming out of this interview, it’s going to be massively different.

“And so I don’t have anything to gain from this interview.”

Story continues

Wade said he anticipates “a bunch of people” will see him as being an outcast.

“I’m OK with that, because I think it’s important for us to acknowledge that mental health issues exist,” he said. “I think it’s important to acknowledge that you can’t just wish them away. I think it’s important to acknowledge that you don’t know what the person next to you is going through, and you don’t know what’s in his or her head.”

Stephen Wade talks about leave of absence and later firing

Stephen Wade opens up about his mental health. Wade, a former publisher of The Capital-Journal, says depression often hides in plain sight and hopes sharing his story can help others.

On June 5, Wade made a TV appearance to discuss the city’s efforts to bid for Hotel Topeka at auction.

On June 6, four days after his suicide attempt, Wade requested a leave of absence from his job as city manager to be hospitalized for his mental health, he said. After the mayor and Topeka City Council members voted to approve the request and named an interim city manager, Wade said he was told “an investigation was going to be conducted.”

Wade spent three days as an inpatient at Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Center, then began intensive outpatient therapy, which ended this past week, he said.

After a two-hour session behind closed doors with the investigator on July 11, the mayor and council voted 10-0 to fire Wade for cause for reasons that haven’t been made public. Wade was fired under provisions of his contract that allow for the city to “terminate the services of the Employee at any time, for any reason or for no reason, with or without cause.”

Federal and state laws, including personnel and privacy laws, prevent Topeka city officials from revealing details about why Wade was fired, Councilman Spencer Duncan said.

“I will tell you the deliberation was thorough, the decision unanimous, and the focus of all city council members is to ensure our staff can succeed in their jobs and that you continue to be served well by City Hall,” Duncan said.

Wade said he was surprised by the firing but declined to discuss the circumstances.

Ex-city manager pushes back against council’s homelessness complaints

Former city manager Stephen Wade, shown at a February work session, said he doesn’t understand why Topeka City Council members felt uninformed about the city’s strategies to deal with homelessness.

Council members expressed frustration at their July 18 meeting that they weren’t given a voice earlier this year as Wade mapped out strategies to deal with the city’s problems regarding homelessness.

Those concerns were valid, replied Richard Nienstedt, Topeka’s new interim city manager, adding, “You weren’t kept in the loop.”

Wade said Thursday he couldn’t understand why council members felt uninformed. He said agenda packet materials posted online from the April 11 meeting show that plans to explore the potential creation of a low-barrier shelter were shared with the mayor and council that day.

“Absolutely no decisions were made” on the type of shelter or who would operate it, he said.

Being city manager was a “pressure cooker” job, although being publisher of The Capital-Journal had been as well, Wade said.

“It’s difficult dealing with 10 bosses,” he said. “And that adds to the pressure, especially when all 10 have differing opinions. Which they should. That’s part of the democratic process, right? But it makes the job challenging.”

Former city leader shares ‘bad experience’ with mental health system

Stephen Wade said he first began to receive mental health treatment about 20 years ago.

Wade said he was 16 years old when someone first suggested to him that he was dealing with depression.

He said depression is apparently present in his ancestry, though he doesn’t know how much. He said he was adopted by his parents, who still live in this community. Wade has dinner with his parents every Sunday.

After graduating from Shawnee Heights High School and the University of Kansas, Wade embarked on a media management career with Augusta, Georgia-based Morris Communications.

About 20 years ago, he said, he began to receive mental health treatment through therapy and medication.

“You don’t get to control it,” he said of his illness. “At best, you try to manage it.”

But then Wade had a “really bad experience” that highlighted a significant flaw in the mental health system, he said.

“There was, at that time, a limited number of times that you could go see a psychiatrist, and I was on medication — and the insurance ran out and the psychiatrist I was seeing at the time refused to renew my meds,” Wade said.

“I didn’t have any insurance,” he said. “And so I didn’t make a smart decision. Instead of self-paying, I stopped.”

Wade went “cold turkey” off his medications, he said.

“And the meds that I was on at the time, you’re supposed to wean off over several weeks,” he said. “That was a horrible situation that I don’t ever want to relive. And so it took me a long time to get to where I would accept going back.”

Wade said he’s struggled for 10 years a chronic back issue, which has at times prevented him from doing such physical activity as cycling that can aid a person’s mental health.

Fortunately, he said, his back seems to be responding well to pool therapy he’s been undergoing in recent months.

Stephen Wade was urged to get help for depression in early 2020

About three and a half years ago, “a couple of people” strongly encouraged Wade to once again get help for his depression, he said.

“It took a month to convince me to go back,” he said.

Wade then had to wait six months before he could begin therapy, which he said illustrates another way in which the mental health system is broken.

Those six months weren’t good for him, Wade said.

“I have nothing to gain from this,” said Stephen Wade on Thursday as he opened up about his mental health during an interview with The Capital-Journal.

Over the past three years, Wade has again received treatment through therapy and medication, he said.

“And over the course of the three years, a lot of adjustments have been made to my meds, trying to find the right combination,” he said. “And the unfortunate part about mental health medication is it doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes weeks to get to where you see the effects.”

Topeka’s city government provides its workers an Employee Assistance Program that has a mental health component. Wade said he once tried to access it when he had run out of medications.

He said he was initially told, “We’ll see if we can get you referred to somebody,” then was told three or four days later, “We don’t have anybody.”

“It was a joke,” Wade said. “And I shared that with the city.”

Wade said the city does have an employee who works part-time regarding mental health, and, “That person’s booked up for weeks.”

Getting inpatient care proved difficult task, but local resources available

Brad Chapin, director of clinical services for behavioral health at Stormont Vail, said Friday he thinks people are more open about getting help for mental health problems today.

“From my experience, almost everyone is struggling with some significant loss or change in their life,” Chapin said.

Chapin said Stormont Vail offers 52 beds for inpatient psychiatric patients at 3707 S.W. 6th Ave., including 32 for adults and 20 for children and adolescents. Patients needing short-term emergent care usually use those beds.

“If you need the in-patient care, we can get you in today,” Chapin said.

Wade questioned that timeline.

“For me to get into hospitalization, the number of hoops that folks had to jump through for me, I can’t count,” he said. “I’m an educated individual, and it took every resource I have to get treatment. And so if you’re an individual who doesn’t have those resources, if you’re an individual who doesn’t even know who to talk to, getting access to what I went through is impossible.”

Chapin said Stormont Vail Behavioral Health also offers outpatient mental health care, with intensive outpatient care being available “basically immediately.”

Those with a less pressing need for outpatient care should still be able to get it within 48 hours, though it might take longer for some, he said.

Chapin encouraged those considering suicide or self-harm to call 988, the state’s suicide hotline.

Those interested in outpatient treatment at Stormont Vail should call 785-270-4646, while those seeking outpatient treatment may call 785-270-4600, he said.

Family Service and Guidance Center and Valeo Behavioral Health Care have 24/7 crisis support lines. FSGC can be reached at 785-232-5005. Valeo’s hotline is at 785-234-3300.

Former publisher inspired by Damon Parker and Christine Miserandino

Motivational speaker Damon Parker’s phrase “Find a way” has resonated with Topeka’s former city manager Stephen Wade, as he tries to manage depression.

Wade said he has drawn inspiration from Topeka motivational speaker Damon Parker, a championship wrestling coach at Washburn Rural High School who left his teaching job to focus on his battle with depression.

“Find a way,” a phrase used by Parker, resonates with Wade in particular, he said.

For months, Wade said, he kept a sticker reading, “Find a way,” on the back of his cell phone.

Wade drew a parallel between Parker’s message and the “Spoon Theory” put forth by lupus patient Christine Miserandino, who in 2003 handed her best friend 12 spoons, representing units of energy, while asking her to describe the activities of a typical day, such as showering or getting dressed.

Miserandino took away a spoon for each task while telling her friend that when the spoons were gone, that meant almost all her energy was gone, too. She said people with chronic disease get a limited number of spoons each day.

More: Damon Parker is a championship wrestling coach and a happily married father of two. He’s battling for his mental health.

People “burn through their spoons” faster when they’re suffering from illness, especially depression, Wade said.

All too often the spoons run out for individuals with mental health and other hidden diseases, he said. They are left at a loss and without resources to address their diseases.

But Parker’s “find a way” message resonates with Wade in relation to the “Spoon Theory,” he said.

“There’s a lot of power to that message because when you’re talking about spoons, it really is trying to find a way to get through the day,” Wade said. “It really is trying to find a way to keep yourself from spiraling. It’s trying to find a way to count your blessings, so you recognize that there is a reason for tomorrow.”

What’s next for Stephen Wade?

Wade said he doesn’t know what he will pursue down the road. For now, he’s focusing on his mental health.

“I had a counseling appointment this morning,” he said Thursday. “I suspect I’ll have counseling appointments and/or medication for the rest of my life.”

Wade, who isn’t married, said he hopes to stay in the Topeka area.

“What’s next for me is putting myself into healthier situations and getting myself in a better position, so that I can deal with the challenges of depression,” he said. “I think that’s got to be my focus for now.”

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Former Topeka leader Stephen Wade shares about mental health crisis

Source link

The post Stephen Wade’s mental health spiraled. Now he’s sharing about his struggle to get help appeared first on Minds Valley.

One way individuals can share their stories is through writing. Personal essays, blog posts, and social media can all provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and offer insights into how they overcame their challenges. Writing can also be therapeutic for the writer, as it allows them to process their emotions and reflect on their journey.

Another way to share stories is through public speaking. Speaking engagements at schools, community events, and conferences can offer a powerful platform for individuals to share their experiences and inspire others. Hearing personal stories from individuals who have experienced mental health challenges can help break down stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding.

Sharing stories can also be done through art and creative expression. Photography, music, painting, and other forms of art can all offer a unique perspective on mental health challenges and the journey of overcoming them. Art can also be a powerful way to communicate emotions and experiences that may be difficult to express in words.

Breaking the silence and sharing stories of overcoming mental health challenges can have a profound impact on individuals who may be struggling. It can provide a sense of community and connection, as well as offer hope and inspiration for those who may be in the midst of their own journey.

It is important to remember that sharing personal stories is a deeply personal choice, and not everyone may feel comfortable doing so. However, for those who do choose to share their experiences, it is important to do so in a safe and supportive environment. This may mean seeking out a therapist or support group, or simply choosing to share with trusted friends and family members.

In conclusion, breaking the silence and sharing stories of overcoming mental health challenges can be a powerful way to combat stigma and provide hope to those who may be struggling. Through writing, public speaking, art, and other forms of expression, individuals can share their experiences and offer insights into how they overcame their challenges. It is important to remember that sharing personal stories is a deeply personal choice, and individuals should always prioritize their own mental health and well-being.

The post Breaking the Silence: Sharing Stories of Overcoming Mental Health Challenges appeared first on Minds Valley.

Nursing is a profession that requires nurses to provide compassionate care and support to patients while managing the demands of their job. The daily stress and workload can take a significant toll on nurses’ mental health and well-being, making it essential for them to prioritize self-care.

In India, nursing is a critical profession, with nurses making up the backbone of the healthcare system. According to the Indian Nursing Council, there are approximately 27 lakh registered nurses in the country. However, despite their crucial role, nurses in India often face challenges related to workload, inadequate staffing, and limited resources.

A study conducted in 2018 by the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics found that nurses in India face high levels of stress, burnout, and depression. The study also revealed that nurses had low levels of job satisfaction, with many considering leaving the profession due to the challenges they faced.

Nurses must prioritize self-care by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Setting aside time to relax and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work is crucial. These activities can include reading, painting, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.

Nurses need to have a strong support system to maintain their mental health and well-being. They should reach out to friends, family, and colleagues for emotional support when needed. Additionally, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can help them address mental health concerns, manage stress, and build resilience.

Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can help nurses manage stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Mindfulness encourages focusing on the present moment and can help nurses let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past.

• Practice Compassion Fatigue Prevention

Compassion fatigue is a condition where nurses experience emotional exhaustion and reduced empathy toward their patients. To prevent compassion fatigue, nurses must set healthy boundaries, take breaks when needed, and practice self-compassion.

• Engage in Continuing Education

Engaging in continuing education and training can help nurses stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare practices and technologies. Ongoing education can help nurses feel more confident in their skills and abilities, leading to increased job satisfaction and a more positive outlook.

• Practice Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions and those of others. Nurses with high emotional intelligence can better manage their stress levels and respond empathetically to their patient’s needs. Emotional intelligence can help nurses build positive relationships with patients and colleagues.

Nurses can find meaning in their work by focusing on their positive impact on their patients’ lives. Engaging in patient support groups or volunteering outside of regular job duties can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

• Foster Positive Relationships

Building positive relationships with colleagues and patients can help nurses feel supported and valued. Nurses can cultivate positive relationships by practicing active listening, showing empathy, and displaying kindness.

Nurses should take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout. Nurses can take a few minutes to stretch or walk around the unit, take a short nap or eat a healthy snack. They should also take time off when needed to rest and recharge.

• Address Workplace Stressors

Workplace stressors can contribute to mental health issues. Nurses can address workplace stressors by advocating for better working conditions or seeking additional support from management. Open communication between nurses and management can lead to a more positive work environment.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of nursing in India. Nurses have been at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic, working long hours and risking their own health to care for patients. According to a report by the Indian Nurses Association, many nurses in India have been working in challenging conditions, with inadequate protective gear and insufficient resources.

Considering these challenges, it’s essential for nurses in India to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing. By practicing self-care, seeking support, practicing mindfulness, preventing compassion fatigue, engaging in continuing education, practicing emotional intelligence, finding meaning in their work, fostering positive relationships, taking breaks, and addressing workplace stressors, nurses can maintain their mental health and continue to provide high-quality care to their patients. Additionally, the Indian government and healthcare organizations must recognize the crucial role of nurses and work to provide them with the support and resources they need to do their job effectively while maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Email

Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author’s own.

END OF ARTICLE

• Secular Schizophrenia: Mamata and the meme fest on Modi and the Adheenam

• 

  By boycotting inauguration of new Parliament, Oppn has scored a self-goal

• 

  This fight’s on the House

• 

  Symbol Of Confident, 21st Century India: Two columnists debate the new Parliament building. The new House speaks to a country that’s shedding its old diffidence, says one. We could have upgraded the old Parliament, which stood for reflective, thoughtful politics, says the other

• 

  How strong is the hand that holds the sengol?

• 

  BIN: Build, inaugurate, neglect

• 

  Sceptre & Substance: Symbols acquire meaning when their promise is delivered

• 

  The two Delhi solution: There’s a way out of the tussle. Centre should carve out for itself a Union Territory of New Delhi. Rest should become a new full state with its own police, administrative machinery

• 

  Undo the un-liberalised remittance policy: GoI’s 20% tax on foreign spend, even with its latest tweak, is regressive given India’s growing aspirations & it will neither save forex nor increase revenue

• 

  Hit the right note: Recognise continuing confusion over ₹2k notes, drop Sep 30 deadline, reduce uncertainty

Source link

The post How nurses manage their mental health and wellbeing while sharing compassion with their patients – evolving role appeared first on Minds Valley.