Whenever someone says ‘health’ most people will assume that the word refers to physical health. The idea of considering not only our mood, but also the condition of our brains, seems be left out of the expression. So, as a person with a severe mental disorder, the question is: Am I healthy? I am in good physical condition, eat well, work out regularly and stretch. Physically, I am in very good condition, but mentally, I sometimes struggle on account of my disorder, daily stress, etc. Some would consider me very healthy, others not. Is there a more holistic way to reconcile these aspects of physical health and mental health into a more comprehensive idea of wellbeing?  What I do know is that when my mind is not well, my body follows. I gain weight, lose endurance, desire, strength and ability. To completely reverse the situation when my body is doing well, I tend to maintain a better mood, can focus longer and wrestle with my psychosis less. In this way one can see a strange duality to human health. When one does well, it benefits the other. When one suffers it adds strain on the other. The two are directly connected and as such it is absurd to suggest the idea that traditional views of ‘health’ should not contain an aspect of mental wellbeing. If you imagine an athlete who is in peak physical condition: strong, quick, and tough. However, his or her performance has begun to decline. They aren’t as fast, they don’t seem to have the same level of tenacity and they find themselves suffering injuries more easily. The situation suggests a state of unrest in the athlete. This could come in the form of depression, stress, loss of sleep due to mania or any number of other possibilities.  In this case it is unlikely that a physical trainer will be able to help them. No amount of performance enhancing products will fill the gap caused by a mental issue. It is the same with a physical ailment. No matter how much counseling one receives, a broken leg is still a broken leg.

Unfortunately, in our society emphasis on physical health has over dominated any conversation about mental health. It is not that physical health is less important, but that mental health is just as important and therefore deserves equal representation. This nonrepresentation of mental health has resulted in mass misunderstanding regarding those who struggle with it. This misrepresentation has promoted stigmas and stereotypes surrounding a crucial aspect of human wellness. This has further fuelled a perceived divide between our minds and bodies, but nonetheless, the connection between the two remains constant.

-Erich Zann

Let’s say that someone finds out they are diagnosed with a failing vital organ. The doctor gives the bad news and the patient responds by saying that they do not want to pursue treatment. The doctor hears this, sighs and then tells the patient that if they do not comply that the patient will be held against their will so they can receive the proper treatment.

Upon hearing this many people would think this situation to be very unethical, demoralizing and controlling and I would be inclined to agree. However, to deal with “mental” health patients in this way is rather common. If someone in in such a state of mind that they are deemed a threat to themselves, they can be locked away. But not so for our friend with the failing organ who chooses self-destruction. Why the difference?

In the case of “mental” health there is a huge power differential. Those struggling with mental instability are seen as vulnerable, weak, dangerous, unpredictable and high risk and at second glance someone with physical instability may share many of these same characteristics. Nonetheless it is the “loony” that is shut up and locked away. We may view the physically ill patient as stubborn or maybe even stupid, but still empowered.

I will be the first to say that in both cases some form of treatment is necessary, but let us reexamine our double standard. The moment “mental” health come into play the cycles of oppression are set into gear (even subconsciously) and the individual is now being viewed as a negative on the whole. Often times mental disorders affect behavior, but too often times we take the behaviors as aspects of personality and judge people accordingly. The difference can be subtle, but making the distinction between behavior and personality has importance that cannot be overstated.  Even if the patient is receiving the perfect tailored treatment plan on paper, the whole process will be slowed or halted if these power differentials are not observed and addressed.

Consider how these power differentials may affect treatment. The patient not only my struggle to control their mind, but now outside forces are taking even more power and control away from them. This not only takes away options and power from an individual but also may result in vicious cycles and repeat institutionalization. It is very important that an individual is empowered to be the means of their own emancipation with their support network as a catalyst. Not the other way around.

We must reexamine under what conditions care providers choose to exact a psychiatric hold or other forms of restraint. Though safety and longevity are of a high concern we must also make sure that the healing process is not being encumbered. The ultimate concern is not whether or not physical restriction protects an individual from physical harm, because it does. However, it can be very damaging to the mind, which is ultimately the source of the harm. To apply a physical solution to a mental problem is very reflective of biased mentality and should be avoided at all costs.

It is very likely that as a society we have not moved as far beyond lobotomy as we may think we have. Though the practice of lobotomy has stopped can we say the same of the society that justified it in the first place? How have these past assumptions and worldviews lingered in our current practice of medicine? My opinion is that they are very much in play.

-Erich Zann*

*Erich is the pen name of our guest student blogger who can be contacted by e-mail at: thestrangemusicdeferred@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the views of Disability Access Services or those of Oregon State University.

Language is thought, the fact of the matter is that we live in a very biased society. Even though one may claim to have “moved past” some of the “nastier” phases of historical injustices, we still suffer the impacts though language.  For example, we still use the word “hysterical” which refers to a woman on her menstrual cycle and all the misinformation and mistreatment regarding women’s health.

In particular I would like to address the use of the word “crazy”, “insane” or “psychotic”. Aside from generally being insensitive phrases for those close to that issue, I think that there is another destructive implication. For example

 “Hey, [person], don’t do that [verb], that’s crazy.”

This is a very common phrase and to be honest, I don’t think many put much thought into it. But when you examine the implications and assumptions, the phrase is actually very detrimental to everyone.

What the phrase is really saying, with context observed is this:

 “Hey, [person], don’t step outside of this social norm, only people who are mentally unwell do that. You don’t want people to think that about you. Do you?”

The same goes for any other synonym for “crazy”. The phrase is most often used when someone is doing something that is outside of a social norm, or has risk associated with it. The implication being, that a “crazy person” would engage in that behavior, because why wouldn’t they? They’re “crazy”. In this way everyone is limited. People should be allowed to explore new frontiers and ideologies without being told that their mental stability is questionable. On the other hand, persons with mental disorders do not deserve to be labeled as always being unstable or “crazy” on top of always being labeled as outsiders and engaging in high risk behaviors. Granted the idea or behavior may be “illogical” “hot-headed” or just down right “no bueno”, call it what it is. There is no reason to group a large demographic comprised of many ideologies and backgrounds into one word for the purpose of a misinformed adjective.

-Erich Zann*

“But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.”
― George Orwell, 1984

*Erich is the pen name of our guest student blogger who can be contacted by e-mail at: thestrangemusicdeferred@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the views of Disability Access Services or those of Oregon State University.

Many times in the course of intense mania or psychosis context becomes very difficult to grasp. You can begin to loose social context, introspection, orientation or even awareness that you are held within such a state. This effect is amplified during “Onset” or the first time that an individual experiences symptoms. During my Onset it took me several months to realize that my brain had stopped working in the way in which I was accustomed. There were very few people around me who knew me well enough to notice a change since I had just arrived at college. Even once I began to realize what was happening there were few who could help, I turned to music, a decision that probably saved my life. Something about music helped my simplify my feelings and consolidate them. I soon found Grunge, a raw and organic genera of rock from the early 90’s. I found comfort in relating to music written by those just as angry and confused as myself. Day after day unto this day this music gives me a venue to mentally purge and perform self-exorcism.

Now, I understand that not everyone is able to so closely relate to music in this way. However, I think that music can be a great tool to supplement other treatment. Most importantly, music mixes will all forms of medication (regardless if you were prescribed the right kind), can be effective no matter the “diagnosis” (even if the doctor got it wrong) or even if no one believes you.

Since my Onset I have done a lot of headbanging and air guitaring. I find it a way to channel all of my confusion, hate, sadness and perhaps even my loneliness. I doubt that many will understand just how important this is to me. It has stopped to be just expression, but part of my survival.
I found that different songs, artists and styles were more or less effective based on my mania, depression, psychosis or even sanity. I highly encourage music therapy; some may prefer more calming styles of music…or perhaps something with more than 3 chords. The point here is to find something with tone and/or lyrics that you can relate to. On that note, sometimes trying to cheer yourself up isn’t the best thing for you. To be perfectly honest, you will always have those around you that will try to cheer you up, even if it isn’t what you want. You have the right to be angry, furious. Therefore, you also have the right to a healthy outlet. This can be one of those.

Below are a few songs that have been very important to me, I hope they can bring you a similar sense of meaning and resolve.

-Erich Zann (pen name)

Erich is the pen name of our guest student blogger who can be contacted by e-mail at: thestrangemusicdeferred@gmail.com

“She scratches a letter
Into a wall made of stone
Maybe someday
Another child
Won’t feel as alone as she does

It’s been two years
And counting
Since they put her in this place
She’s been diagnosed
By some stupid ****
And mommy agrees
Why go home?”

-Pearl Jam: “Why Go?” (Ten)

“To put my mind to bed.
This ringing in my head,
Is this a cure ,
Or is this a disease?

Nail in my hand,
From my creator.
You gave me life,
Now show me how to live.”
-Audioslave: “Show Me How to Live” (Audioslave)

“On an evening such as this,
It’s hard to tell if I exist.”
-Barenaked Ladies: “Pinch Me” (Maroon)

“Like autumn leaves
His sense fell from him
An empty glass of himself
Shattered somewhere within
His thoughts like a hundred moths
Trapped in a lampshade
Somewhere within
Their wings banging and burning
On through endless nights
Forever awake he lies shaking and starving
Praying for someone to turn off the light”
-Rage Against The Machine: “Born of a Broken Man” (Battle Of Los Angeles)

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the views of Disability Access Services or those of Oregon State University.

I want to talk about health, moreover I want to talk about health in a way that will not leave us further smothered by old arguments and clichés. Rather, I would like to break new ground in an attempt to integrate new subjects that have been stifled previously into the larger topic. I want to talk about mental health.

At this moment many may suggest that maybe I should direct my attention another direction, that topics that fall under the practice of psychology have their very own place carved out for them in society and should be retained thusly. I politely refuse such suggestions and would like to take such statements as an opportunity to further highlight my thesis.

Even within the English language ‘mental health’ is separated from the rest of ‘health’. Whenever someone says ‘health’ most will assume that the word refers to the physical. The idea of considering not only our mood, but also the more deep seated condition of our brains, seems not to have crossed our minds. I think that there are many reasons for this, but I will defer the subject for another time. For now I will focus on the idea of ‘health.’ As a mix of cultures and ideas we have many ways to define what constitutes a healthy individual and to what end. Though we have different ideas of what perfect health looks like, we can all agree that chronic conditions can be detrimental to reaching good health. Most of us have some sort of “diagnosable condition.” For example:

Some people have anxiety, while some have depression. Others even hallucinate. I have a schizoaffective disorder.
Some people have arthritis, while some have hypoglycemia. Others even have hypertension. I have no physical disorder.

So, the question is, “Am I healthy?” To be honest, it is difficult for me to answer sometimes. What I do know is that when my mind is not well, my body follows. I gain weight, lose endurance, desire, strength and ability. To completely reverse the situation, when my body is doing well I tend to maintain a better mood, can focus longer and wrestle with my psychosis less. In this way you can see a strange duality to human health. When one does well, it benefits the other. When one suffers it adds strain on the other. The two are directly connected and as such it is absurd to suggest the idea that traditional views of ‘health’ should not contain the aspect of mental well being.

Imagine an athlete who is in peak physical condition: strong, quick, and tough. However, his or her performance has begun to decline. They aren’t as fast, they don’t seem to have the same level of tenacity and they find themselves suffering injuries more easily. The situation suggests a state of unrest in the athlete. This could come in the form of depression, stress, loss of sleep due to mania or any number of other possibilities. In this case it is unlikely that a trainer will be able to help them. No amount of performance enhancing products will fill the gap caused by this issue. It is the same with a physical ailment. No matter how much counseling one receives, a broken leg is a broken leg. The counseling will not heal the broken leg, but the bettered mental health my influence the physical recovery in a positive way.

The human is strange in that way. The mind and the body directly affect one another yet have different requirements to be healthy. It’s as though you have buoys similar size joined together by a rope. What effects one will affect the other as they move together. If one becomes unhooked from its moorings it will pull on the other to drift in the currents. If one begins to sink the other will be burdened by the weight. Yet for some reason the buoys are each constructed from bolts of different sizes. The same wrench cannot be used to operate on the other, though the two are built analogously to each other.

Unfortunately, in our society emphasis on physical health has dominated any conversation about mental health. It is not that physical health is less important, but that mental health is just as important and therefore deserves equal representation. This non-representation of mental health has resulted in mass misrepresentation. This misrepresentation has promoted stigmas and stereotypes surrounding a crucial aspect of human wellness. This has further fueled a false divide between our minds and bodies, but nonetheless, the connection between the two remains constant. It is my dearest hope to see the rift continue to shrink in my lifetime and to play my part in that effort.

-Erich Zann (pen name)

Erich is the pen name of our guest student blogger who can be contacted by e-mail at: thestrangemusicdeferred@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the views of Disability Access Services or those of Oregon State University.