Sunday Musings – October 21, 2018
Good morning brain of mine. It has been another busy and blessed week despite the existential angst which us humans continue to visit on each other.
What is freshest in my mind is yesterday NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) walk and gathering to raise awareness of the needs and struggles of those who live with mental illness. I am humbled and delighted with the fact that local leaders including the former Olympic star Amy Gamble, Lauren Brown and others continue to be committed to the education of and treatment for mental which affect such a significant portion of the population.
While some were gathering at this event, others were gathering at the Fall Festival sponsored by Ohio Valley Grow who are committed to making healthy, locally grown food available to all the citizens of the community. We know, of course, that healthy food has a tremendous impact on how our brain functions.
Later in the day, in my role of counselor and citizen, I spent time with some who are living with mental illness.
Personally, I do not know anyone who has not been directly affected by mental illness whether that be depression, addiction, dementia, or some other symptoms of a brain which is off balance. I doubt that many of our readers know any family who has not been directly affected by mental illness.
When all the factors – internal and external – which affect how the brain function - are in synch or enough in synch to approximate a well-functioning brain, it is easy to either take it for granted or to self-righteously judge those whose brains are not functioning well.
Genetics, the availability of healthy food, other illnesses such as tumors, a malfunctioning thyroid, dementia, unitary tract infections, a host of other physical issues, trauma, environmental issues, war, domestic violence and many other factors directly and indirectly affect how our brain functions.
Calling illness which affect how our brain functions mental illness has somehow helped to create the illusions that those with mental illness are responsible for their illness and, thus, do not deserve the respect, empathy and treatment which might be accorded those with other illnesses although, to be clear, including in the United States, quality of care for any illness is often directly and indirectly affected by money which is determined by privilege.
No one shops at the local hardware store or grocery store for a mental illness. Even Amazon’s Alexa is not the supplier of mental illness. The truth is that if we have a day in which our brain is able to approximate logical thought processes we deserve no credit. It is true that when our brain is functioning well it is sometime easier to make decisions regarding exercise, food intake, healthy friendships, and medication (as needed). It is also true that:
Just for today I will remind myself that if my brain is able to approximate logical, empathic thinking I am blessed and need to do my part to support NAMI staff and volunteers, teachers, health care professionals, and all those who assist with housing, healthy food, and other life support services for those we label as mentally ill. Just for today I will practice humility and gratitude.
Written October 21, 2018
Good morning brain of mine. It has been another busy and blessed week despite the existential angst which us humans continue to visit on each other.
What is freshest in my mind is yesterday NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) walk and gathering to raise awareness of the needs and struggles of those who live with mental illness. I am humbled and delighted with the fact that local leaders including the former Olympic star Amy Gamble, Lauren Brown and others continue to be committed to the education of and treatment for mental which affect such a significant portion of the population.
While some were gathering at this event, others were gathering at the Fall Festival sponsored by Ohio Valley Grow who are committed to making healthy, locally grown food available to all the citizens of the community. We know, of course, that healthy food has a tremendous impact on how our brain functions.
Later in the day, in my role of counselor and citizen, I spent time with some who are living with mental illness.
Personally, I do not know anyone who has not been directly affected by mental illness whether that be depression, addiction, dementia, or some other symptoms of a brain which is off balance. I doubt that many of our readers know any family who has not been directly affected by mental illness.
When all the factors – internal and external – which affect how the brain function - are in synch or enough in synch to approximate a well-functioning brain, it is easy to either take it for granted or to self-righteously judge those whose brains are not functioning well.
Genetics, the availability of healthy food, other illnesses such as tumors, a malfunctioning thyroid, dementia, unitary tract infections, a host of other physical issues, trauma, environmental issues, war, domestic violence and many other factors directly and indirectly affect how our brain functions.
Calling illness which affect how our brain functions mental illness has somehow helped to create the illusions that those with mental illness are responsible for their illness and, thus, do not deserve the respect, empathy and treatment which might be accorded those with other illnesses although, to be clear, including in the United States, quality of care for any illness is often directly and indirectly affected by money which is determined by privilege.
No one shops at the local hardware store or grocery store for a mental illness. Even Amazon’s Alexa is not the supplier of mental illness. The truth is that if we have a day in which our brain is able to approximate logical thought processes we deserve no credit. It is true that when our brain is functioning well it is sometime easier to make decisions regarding exercise, food intake, healthy friendships, and medication (as needed). It is also true that:
- One does not have control over many of the factors which affect our brain function.
- When one’s brain is not functioning well, one is often expected to make healthy decisions to seek treatment if available or to “just do it” whatever the “it” is. Addiction, depression and many other “mental” illness often make it impossible to think clearly enough to seek treatment or to change habits of thinking and behavior.
Just for today I will remind myself that if my brain is able to approximate logical, empathic thinking I am blessed and need to do my part to support NAMI staff and volunteers, teachers, health care professionals, and all those who assist with housing, healthy food, and other life support services for those we label as mentally ill. Just for today I will practice humility and gratitude.
Written October 21, 2018
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