Comments on: Don't Avert Your Eyes: Know How To React

By: Alicia Sparks

Alicia Sparks — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:22:50 +0000

@ julia – You’re very welcome

Sometimes just the knowledge that you care is worth more than anything else.

That’s so true. I’m sorry your siblings haven’t come to terms with their illnesses (I’m sure that can make for some pretty stressful situations at times), but I’m glad they have such a supportive sister in their corner. Thank you for chiming in!

By: julia

julia — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:13:10 +0000

Alicia..I have dealt with mental illness in my family for years..Thank you for the practical advice that you have posted,especially the advice to “stay in contact” with your loved one. Sometimes just the knowledge that you care is worth more than anything else. A hug, smile, or “I love you” goes a long way. My siblings suffer from schizophrenia an bi-polar disorder. They have struggled for years with and refused to admit they debilitating illness.

By: Alicia Sparks

Alicia Sparks — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:55:17 +0000

@ abc – You’re very welcome, and thank you for sharing!

By: abc

abc — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:00:21 +0000

Dear Alicia, wonderful series.
I am a senior Psychiatrist, fixing others all the time or expected to fix others all the time, professionally and personally ie. friends, family—–

My dad was a Bipolar a high official–
I am quite popular like many Hypo manics and high energy folks are. Now I am in my 60s and have started having low phases. I find it amazing that none and I mean no one except my therapist dares to talk to me even when I tell them or share my torment. Even other professions and closest of my family half believe me and then change the subject.
Mostly they withdraw and I think it is because they themselves are embarrassed or feel awkward.

The colleague (me)with whom they enjoyed sharing jokes, fun, seems to have disappeared and they keep silent or formally smile and move ahead.

I know what is happening to me and them but it pains me so, even more than my ‘depression’ itself.
Thanks

By: Alicia Sparks

Alicia Sparks — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:28:00 +0000

@ Mike – Thanks! I enjoyed writing it. I like your carnival mirror example – very spot on. And it’s so important for the loved ones of folks with mental health problems to be able to talk with others, find support and information, so that they can better deal with what’s going on and help their loved ones and themselves.

By: freefrombroke

freefrombroke — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:43:31 +0000

RT @MMarquit Do you know how to react to mental illness? http://snipurl.com/eloxv

By: Benny Greenberg

Benny Greenberg — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:22:05 +0000

RT @MMarquit Do you know how to react to mental illness? http://snipurl.com/eloxv

By: Benny Greenberg

Benny Greenberg — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:21:35 +0000

“Now that you know what to expect, how are you supposed to handle it?” http://hub.tm/?OUPDN

By: MMarquit

MMarquit — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:30:45 +0000

Do you know how to react to mental illness? http://snipurl.com/eloxv

By: PsychCentral

PsychCentral — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:28:29 +0000

Celebrity Psychings: Don’t Avert Your Eyes: Know How To React @http://zz.gd/1a0874