Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(Publication Archives)

Community Connections, Fall 2003

Tips for People Living with Mental Illness in Uncertain Times
From http://www.nmha.org/reassurance/MentalIllnessCopingTips.cfm

With ongoing military action in Iraq and continuing terrorist threats here at home, Americans are experiencing many powerful emotions. For most people, the intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, grief and anger are healthy and appropriate. But some people may have more profound and debilitating reactions to the war. This could be especially true for those who live with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, substance abuse problems, anxiety or post traumatic stress.

It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to trauma and each person has his or her own tolerance level for difficult feelings. When confronted with a crisis, a person with a mental illness may experience the symptoms of his or her disorder or see new ones emerge. Some consumers who have experienced this say that there are warning signs. Here are some common warning signs of an oncoming relapse:

• Stopping your usual routines, such as attending school or joining family activities
• Changing you sleeping pattern or eating habits, not caring about your appearance, difficulties with coordination, lapses in short-term memory
• Experiencing mood swings, feeling out of control or very agitated, thinking about suicide or violence
• Doing things that make others think you're out of touch with reality
• Hearing or seeing things others do not experience
• Being unable to let go of an idea, thought or phrase
• Having trouble thinking or speaking clearly
• Deciding not to take your medications or to follow through with your treatment plan (missing appointments, etc.)
• Feeling unable to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable
• Being unable to make even routine decisions

You must take an active role in managing your illness. Continue to follow the treatment plan you've developed with your doctor or treatment team.

• Take medications just as your doctor prescribed
• Keep your therapy appointments
• Avoid alcohol use
• Do not use illicit drugs
• Keep a journal or diary
• Have prescribed laboratory and psychological tests

To get through the current crisis, take advantage of the people and tools that are available to you:

• Involve family and friends. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Keep your doctor and treatment team informed about how the war is affecting you.
• Make contact with self-help and support organizations that help people with mental illness.
• Access peer support and other programs, ranging from drop-in centers to housing, employment and recreational opportunities that can help you better manage your illness.
• Learn all you can about your illness and what you have to do to move toward recovery.
• Use the computer to get information about your illness, and to contact and exchange views and experiences with others.
• Stay in touch with your spirituality, if you find that comforting. Be optimistic about the challenges that lie ahead.

Find what works for you. The process of moving towards recovery, especially in times or war or crisis, is not a simple one. Stay fully involved in the process by following your treatment plan and seeking the support you need, when you need it.

For more resources to help cope with the ongoing national crisis, see NMHA’s tip sheets: http://www.nmha.org/reassurance/anniversary/index.cfm or call: 800-969-NMHA (6642).

posted 9/18/03