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Equity Responds: WID Answers Your Questions
I have a participant in our financial education class that has a mental illness and when he is on his medication, he is fine; yet, without the drugs, he is constantly disrupting class. How should I handle this?
First, realize that many psychiatric drugs have side effects that are often very difficult for people to handle and it is their right to choose not to take those medications. The mental health system is largely dominated by a "one size fits all" approach. There are few resources available for those who wish to quit psychiatric drugs and try alternatives. It is very important to respect the individual and their decisions about their mental health care.
There are a variety of ways to be supportive. Remember: you do not have to become a mental health expert to help participants in your program. Also know that just by being enrolled or wanting to join your program, the individual has demonstrated that they want to live in the community as independently as possible and that you can help that process.
So, knowing where to access information and support can be invaluable- to the person in their life and their success in your program, which ultimately benefits your organization and everyone else in the class. The most important thing is to recognize that different options work for different people and helping individuals tap into the support system that works best for them can only be achieved through honest, open dialog with that person, their families, and loved ones.
There are several national organizations that offer information and support- in a variety of ways. Here are just a few:
MindFreedom International is an organization that supports alternatives to the traditional mental health care system. They provide information, events, support groups, and a variety of ways to get involved in promoting options for psychiatric survivors and their allies.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Dedicated NAMI members, leaders, and friends work tireless across all levels to meet a shared NAMI mission of support, education, advocacy, and research for people living with mental illness through various activities.
Mental Health America is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With more than 320 affiliates nationwide, they represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law protects and advances the rights of adults and children who have mental disabilities. The Center envisions an America where people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities exercise their own life choices and have access to the resources that enable them to participate fully in their communities.
First, realize that many psychiatric drugs have side effects that are often very difficult for people to handle and it is their right to choose not to take those medications. The mental health system is largely dominated by a "one size fits all" approach. There are few resources available for those who wish to quit psychiatric drugs and try alternatives. It is very important to respect the individual and their decisions about their mental health care.
There are a variety of ways to be supportive. Remember: you do not have to become a mental health expert to help participants in your program. Also know that just by being enrolled or wanting to join your program, the individual has demonstrated that they want to live in the community as independently as possible and that you can help that process.
So, knowing where to access information and support can be invaluable- to the person in their life and their success in your program, which ultimately benefits your organization and everyone else in the class. The most important thing is to recognize that different options work for different people and helping individuals tap into the support system that works best for them can only be achieved through honest, open dialog with that person, their families, and loved ones.
There are several national organizations that offer information and support- in a variety of ways. Here are just a few:
MindFreedom International is an organization that supports alternatives to the traditional mental health care system. They provide information, events, support groups, and a variety of ways to get involved in promoting options for psychiatric survivors and their allies.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Dedicated NAMI members, leaders, and friends work tireless across all levels to meet a shared NAMI mission of support, education, advocacy, and research for people living with mental illness through various activities.
Mental Health America is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With more than 320 affiliates nationwide, they represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation - everyday and in times of crisis.
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law protects and advances the rights of adults and children who have mental disabilities. The Center envisions an America where people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities exercise their own life choices and have access to the resources that enable them to participate fully in their communities.