Climbing out of the Darkness

Climbing Out of the Darkness

By: Jason Huddle

Sarah (Whose name has been changed to protect her identity) led a normal life by most accounts. She lived. She worked. She went about her days as most of us do, never dreaming she would begin to undergo changes in her mind that would alter her forever.

After several nights where she was unable to sleep, Sarah began to hallucinate. It wasn’t long before she began to have feelings of paranoia. “My mind turned on me and I started to believe that there were people out to get me and I was going to die,” She told CM. It was then she was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital and her life changed forever. Sarah was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder.

Sarah, who lives and works in Cabarrus County, is like many across the nation. According to Mental Health America (MHA), over 44 million people, nationwide, are currently battling some form of mental disorder.

That’s just a little over 18% percent of the population and the number of minors with some mental disorder continues to rise. Mental disorders are classified as, “changes in thinking, mood and/or behavior, that may occur more often or less often.” Granted, that is a very broad description, and it could probably be said that each one of us have dealt with dramatic mood or behavioral changes at some point in our lives. But, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMT) expands on the description to say these disorders are “long lasting and go beyond emotional reactions.” In essence, these conditions do not go away. They are something people, like Sarah, must constantly battle in order to simply function within society on a productive level. The mind is an area of medicine doctors have struggled to treat since time began. While great strides have been made in treatment options, there is still much we do not know when it comes to disorders, their cause and ways to effectively improve the life of those dealing with them. In Sarah’s case, the involuntary commitment was just the beginning of her nightmare. “After I was diagnosed, they switched my meds up and I ended up in the hospital, because, when you’re not on the right medicine with this condition, it can be dangerous,” she explained. “I can get angry when I don’t take my medicine and it scares my husband to death. I’m just extremely agitated. The feelings of paranoia also return. One time, I called the cops and told them people were out to get me. They came to my house, but they were aware of my condition and figured out that I was not taking my correct meds.”

This is something that happens all too often to those dealing with mental disorders, explains Michael Wenning, MD, child/adolescent psychiatrist with Atrium Health (practicing at Atrium NorthEast). “…experiencing symptoms over a long period of time or multiple symptoms together may indicate the need for professional (treatment),” He warned.

But what about when the patient refuses that treatment? What are their loved ones to do? “If a loved one refuses treatment, there are a few options,” explained Jonathan McKinsey, MD, medical director of NorthEast Psychiatric Services with Atrium Health. “If they are not acutely dangerous, that is threatening themselves or others, you may try to continue to convince them to see an outpatient provider. It may be helpful to recommend they speak with their trusted primary care physician or educate themselves utilizing online mental health resources or hotlines. If there is any element of (danger), first notify 911 to ensure everyone’s safety. A law enforcement officer (who is CIT trained) may assist with transporting the person to a mental health facility for further assessment. You may also submit a request for an involuntary treatment order through the county magistrate’s office.”

CIT stands for Crisis Intervention Team, a police mental health collaborative program. The term “CIT” is often used to describe both a program and a training in law enforcement to help guide interactions between law enforcement and those living with a mental illness.

After the incident involving the police, Sarah realized she needed help. The next step was to find the correct medication. This was a difficult process for her. “I was in the hospital for a whole month,” she remembered. “I was like a guinea pig as they were trying to figure out getting the medicine right. Some meds kept from even standing up straight. The brain is the most complicated part of your body when it comes to diagnosis and everyone’s different, so it’s hard.”

Eventually, the correct medication and dosage were discovered for Sarah and she began the process of reintegrating into normal life. She currently has a job and says, while some of her colleagues are aware of her situation and know not to add to her daily stress, others are unaware, and she is fine with that as well.

Sarah’s story is considered a successful one by medical standards, thus far. The disorder was diagnosed, is being treated and the patient is currently enjoying a productive life within society. Too often, however, her story is the exception, not the rule.

For every Sarah, there are people like Dwayne. Dwayne was a graphic designer for a local advertising agency in 1996. He had a wife, an 18-month old daughter and a son on the way. He also battled with paranoid schizophrenia. Dwayne had sought help for his condition, but in October of that year, he was undergoing a change to his medicine. This can sometimes create suicidal thoughts within the patient. At lunch time, one day, Dwayne excused himself from work, as was his custom. By 2pm, when he had not returned, his colleagues began to get worried. Just about then, the phone rang. It was Dwayne’s wife, informing his employer that he had taken his own life at home. It is a scenario that plays out all too often across the country every day.

MHA states on its website, thirty to seventy percent of suicide victims suffered from either severe depression or bi-polar disorder. Fortunately, of those, 80 percent will give some form or warning before they choose to go through with ending their own life, as Dwayne did. Unfortunately, no one he spoke to about his thoughts took him seriously enough to seek professional help at the time.

Some of those signs may include; verbal suicide threats such as, “You’d be better off without me.” or “Maybe I won’t be around”, expressions of hopelessness and helplessness, previous suicide attempts, daring or risk-taking behavior, personality changes, depression, giving away prized possessions or lack of interest in future plans, to name a few.

If you know someone who is showing these indicators, MHA advises to trust your instincts. Talk with and listen to this person, but do not try to counsel them yourself. Ask direct questions without being judgmental. Don’t leave them alone and, above all, get professional help.

There is help locally. “Atrium Health’s Behavioral Health Help Line is available 24/7 at 704-444- 2400,” advised Dr. Wenning.

“Also, Atrium Health’s psychiatric emergency department is the only one in the region (located at 501 Billingsley Road in Charlotte) for any mental health or substance use crises. Finally, feel free to contact your primary care/mental health provider, call 911 or go to an emergency department if you are in crisis or a lifethreatening situation.”

Dr. Wenning also said it’s important, most of all, to talk about mental health concerns. “There is frequently a stigma associated with mental health difficulties. Mental illnesses are still often seen as a “weakness” or character flaw,” He explained. “Fortunately, medical knowledge and public awareness regarding behavioral health issues continues to expand and improve. Mental and physical health are inseparable. More people are willing to seek assistance and also share their experiences to help others.”

Sarah was a lucky one. She received help before her disorder overtook her. She also knows now, missing her medications is not an option. “I can’t deal with society at all if I don’t take my meds. I can’t leave the house. It’s dangerous for me not to be on my medicine,” Sarah said with a tremble in her voice. She knows this is something she will most likely have to deal with the rest of her life, but she’s alright with that and doesn’t mind the fact she must take her medications without fail. “I see it like a diabetic that takes insulin. They have to take that to survive and if this is what it takes for me to be normal, that’s what I have to do.”

If you, or someone you know is considering suicide, Additional resources include contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Daymark Mobile Crisis is available locally (1-866-275-9552) 24 hours/day. ■