Can people with a mental illness successfully marry

A marriage that includes a diagnosed partner with a mental disorder or defect has a 100% chance of success. Vows of honesty, trust and passionate day-to-day support are the key elements of any successful functioning marriage or partnership.

"People who don't realize mental illnesses are as real as heart disease or cancer and require and respond well to treatment tend to keep their symptoms and feelings to themselves," says Oscar Morgan, chief operating officer of Mental Health America. "But understanding that mental illness isn't a weakness or defect in character helps people seek help and proper treatment so they can achieve wellness and balance."

"People who experience emotional disorders don't have to suffer without help," Morgan says. "It's entirely possible to mend the mind through therapies and support services. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's a sign of strength, not weakness."

"Every year, one in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder that interferes with their ability to function at work or school or in their daily lives, according to the National Institute
of Mental Health. Some people may have more than one mental disorder."

The key to successful living with any type of diagnosable disorder, mental or physical is getting good treatment. Treatment for diagnosed mental disorders require an active support group, prescribed medications, mental illness awareness and education combined with group
therapy, one on one therapy and consistent effort to use the resources available for this biological disease. 'Healthline'

I firmly believe that personal disorders of any kind communicated immediately bring the basic honesty to the relationship. Not only is honesty necessary for psychological compatibility but most diagnosed mental disorders are biological giving way to the possibility of carrying the disease to the children of a marriage union.

This honesty of mental disorders between two people considering marriage must be complete with both parties informed by professionals of all side effects of the disorder in question. Honesty combined with education of both families and friends involved directly or indirectly with this marriage is necessary.

National Association of Mental Illness or NAMI is the most widely used source of information in the nation for the treatment steps or to begin any process of suspected mental disorder of a loved one, friend, family member, colleague or oneself. NAMI chapters are growing quickly in your town and neighborhoods as mental illness becomes more and more recognized as a treatable biological disease. The chapter locations are listed in the Yellow Pages and usually in the daily city newspapers.

The initial goal prior to any legal commitment or marriage with the factor of diagnosed mental illness requires research and professional advice of both parties. The most important factor, as with any partnership, is complete honesty.

70% of a long and successful marriage or partnership that includes mental illness is love and understanding of each partner equally.

10% is good support system, good reliable therapeutic advice, and bi-monthly medication consultations

20% of consistent educational training and daily communication regarding each other's state of mind morning, noon and night. Mental Illness and Marriage Dr. Mak Ki Yan, MBBS (HK), MRC Psych (UK),DPM (Eng)

Clinical Facts

"Marriage itself is a major life event, and according to Holmes and Rahe6, it has a 'stress
score' of certain life change units. Quite often, marriage is associated with home moving or
changing jobs, each of which has a score for itself. The hypothesis states that if a person accumulates 200 or more such units within a year, he is prone to develop a physical or psychiatric illness. Stressors within marriage are the birth or death of a child, conflicts with in-laws, time discipline. If a person, however, is already vulnerable or has a pre-existing psychiatric problem, such stressors in life can induce or precipitate the occurrence or relapse of a mental illness.
Marriage can theoretically impose some harm on the mental health of a person. On the other hand, marriage can also offer a very good support system to withstand the stresses. The contentment of establishing a family, the support from an understanding spouse, the gratification of sexual experience and the joy of children at home, etc. can be psychologically beneficial.

Conclusion of Clinical

"Psychological problems in marriage are not limited only to those mentioned above. Psycho sexual problem is a major issue that merits a separate account and discussion. Just as important is the psychological problems occurring among their children, which is particularly severe in broken marriages. From the above discussion, it is obvious that a marriage can be a boom or a bane, a curse or a blessing, to the couples concerned. Prevention is always better than cure; and early treatment is better than late or no treatment. By understanding the factors at risk, and the various syndromes in marriage, it is hoped that such psycho pathologies can be detected early enough for prompt and proper intervention or treatment. "

One major form of Mental Illness of this century is Bipolar Disorder I or II. It is a mental disorder that at times is diagnosed late in adulthood making it a major daily struggle of both parties in an on-going marriage. This is where the hard work comes in to play. Partners of mentally ill spouses deserve extra credit, compassion, awards of merit and alone time. Dealing with the rapid emotional cycling of Bipolar I is extremely hard for the partner. Counseling and online researching are two very important duties of a life-partner.

Rapid cycling may occur within hours, minutes, seconds or move to weekly or monthly. Extreme medication consultation is necessary for this particular biological mental disorder. Patience, understanding, education, counseling and family support will keep a marriage of this dynamics successful and rewarding.

People with mental illness can successfully marry and stay married with extra love,communicational support of compassion and understanding with patience of both partners and family members.

Through Sickness and Health, Rich or Poor, till death do we Part...

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Bipolar Disorder is a Biological Severe Mental Illness

Bipolar Disorder is a biological severe mental illness.

This illness is hereditary and usually one or more disabled family
members go undiagnosed or diagnosed with other mental or physical
health issues.
It is vital that all family members notify their own personal physicians that Bipolar Disorder is contained within the family.

Bipolar Disorder became my life at the age of 43. I had lived an
abundant life without the slightest idea I had a mental health issue to
facilitate. I was gainfully employed my entire life working in
professional situations from the time I graduated high school until the
age of 40.

I graduated with a 3.9 GPA all college prep courses. I am a
certified Paralegal and graduated with honors in PC Repair &
Maintenance.

I am very knowledgeable about countless subjects of interest. I am
extremely talented. If I need extra help - the public library and the
World Wide Web give me the information I need to help perform tasks
that come naturally.

Once diagnosed I attended classes at the guidance center 4 days a
week, had one on one sessions with a counselor, group therapy and
numerous discussions with my psychiatrist each time my meds' were
changed.

A support group is usually a friend, family member, or colleague in
crisis times of mania or depression. Continuing mental health
educational classes and group therapy are vital to the well being of a
bipolar recipient.

If you or a loved one diagnosed with Bipolar disorder it is vital to
follow a plan of action. This severe mental illness must be managed by
the diagnosed individual through continuing mental health classes,
group therapy, a full understanding of the prescribed drugs or meds'
combined with faith and a strong supporting family and friends.

I am Bipolar I. This disorder has unusual symptoms. One of the major
confusing effects of bipolar I is called rapid cycling'. This round of
psychological mood swings usually runs in 6-week intervals. Mania is
the diagnosing symptom of bipolar I.

Mania described in my own words as consistently talking, starting
more than one project and not finishing any of them within a certain
period. Most bipolar I patients do not get depressed unless wrong meds
are prescribed or the individual has discontinued his daily regimen of
prescribed because he/she feels fine. Depression can set in and
disappear within minutes, hours, weeks but usually ends abruptly. Then
the mania cycles back. I enjoy my periods of mania.


Bipolar II is a less invasive disorder except for the depression.
The depression of Bipolar II can go on for months at a time while the
doctor continues to change meds until finding one that seems to work.
All the while, the cycle of depression is over and changing the meds
was unnecessary.
Staying on my medication is Vital to my lifestyle. It is also
vital to my readers. Taking my at the same time every day, allows me to
focus and harness my excitable mind.

Living with Bipolar is your new career. Keep working hard, get a
handle on your meds, continue to visit group therapy and keep all
appointments with your physician.

Always have your support group and a crisis phone number listed where anyone can find it.

Bipolar Disorder is a biologically severe mental illness that is
treatable. The patient has the main responsibility of properly
following the doctor's recommendations and continuing mental health
classes throughout his/her life.

I hope this article will bring peace to the mind of anyone diagnosed
with a mental health issue and his or her family and friends.

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Bipolar Disorder - genetically transmitted throughout family members

'If a retrovirus inserts itself into the genes in the ovary (egg) or
testicles (sperm), it is conceivable that this virus can then be passed
down from generation to generation. Thus, a person could have been
infected by a bipolar-causing retrovirus in the late 1800's and passed
it down to all of their children, grandchildren, etc. The pieces of the
bipolar and infectious agent puzzle are not yet complete and further
research is necessary to clarify this aspect of bipolar disease.'
Immunology and Bipolar Disorder Rashmi Nemade, Ph.D. & Mark
Dombeck, Ph.D Copyright 2008 Reuters.

"Because it tends to run in families, scientists have been trying to
pinpoint genes involved in bipolar disorder. This was the largest
genetic analysis of its kind on the disease, which affects an estimated
1 percent to 3 percent of adults worldwide. The key importance of this
is that it gives us a clear idea of the sorts of chemicals and
mechanisms in the brain that are involved in bipolar disorder," Nick
Craddock of Britain's Cardiff University, who helped lead the study,
said in a telephone interview. Craddock said identifying the two gene
variants probably will not be helpful in determining an individual's
risk for the disorder because many who do not have the disease will
have the genes.

The U.S. government's National Institutes of Health
helped fund the research. Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the NIH's
National Institute of Mental Health, said the findings may help solve
the puzzle that is bipolar disorder.

"It's not going to tell us the whole story - it doesn't give you
the whole puzzle - but it's something to build on," Insel said in a
telephone interview. Will Dunham Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 Copyright 2008
Reuters.

Bipolar Disorder is a biological mental disease. Genetically linked
between family members and may be occurring throughout many
generations. Usually only one member of an immediate family is
diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Other family members may be reluctant
to admit their own symptoms, or will pass the symptoms on as a bad day.
It is necessary to begin the realization that Bipolar Disorder affects
other members of the family tree.

When Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed within your family tree, ask each
member to seek as much information about the diagnosis as possible.
Join forums, research the Internet, read as often as possible, and
always question any ongoing symptoms you may be experiencing with your
family physician.

Do not ignore treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Undiagnosed and untreated Bipolar Disorder is
very harmful to everyone's psychological well being. Self-medication of
Bipolar Disorder issues that are not treated include drug abuse,
alcoholism, cutting, stealing, verbal abuse of loved ones, forms of
physical violence, arguing or fighting with family and friends.
Self-medication may even lead to criminal behavior or suicidal thoughts
and/or actions.

Family members that exhibit symptoms of Bipolar Disorder should
immediately contact a professional clinician. If you suspect any family
member showing signs of any mental health issue, speak with all other
members of the immediate family and create a setting to discuss the
issue once you are prepared with research and facts. Get them to
discuss the issues with their family physician.

In a case where harm to themselves or any other person becomes a
threat, it is then an emergency and the local police need to become
involved. The police or local fire departments are trained to handle
emergency mental health problems that may arise. This would be a
tough-love situation, yet it would begin the well-deserved treatment
for the patient, and put an end to the self-medicating and begin the
true treatment of medication and therapy.

Help for any Mental Health Issue is available online at any of the
following websites: WebMd, Mentalhelp.net, NAMI-National Association of
Mental Illness, NIH-National Institutes of Health, your neighborhood Guidance Centers, and any hospital Emergency Room.

Remember, Mental Illness is a disease. One should never be
embarrassed to seek help or to realize that mental illnesses need
treatment just as physical illnesses.

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Reactions to Bipolar on a Holiday

Thanksgiving Day and all the trimmings!

White and milk chocolate home made fudge, brownies, and pumpkin cake to die for! Spinach dip with french bread, cream cheese with salsa and chips, mix nuts with cashews, and vegetables with french onion dip.This was just the first layer of goodies that my wonderful friend, Jilly planned and with her convincing me that I, her Bipolar friend, would be a great help to create the BEST Thanksgiving Day of the decade.

A week into October and I got a call from Jilly wanting to organize a small dinner party on Thanksgiving at her new house. Jilly's family consists of her hubby, Dillan, 6yrs old and Nate, 2 yrs old. I was extremely hesitate at the first call. I have always had a hard time with a large group of people, even family, but this time, I was being asked to contribute to a Thanksgiving Feast and to help host at an unfamiliar new home, of two children and 5 male guests.

Bipolar disorder does not always allow me to be without worry regarding my appearance, my cooking, my cleaning etc.and to prepare myself for something as large as a Holiday meal, takes a lot of inner thought, reading and counseling.

When I am around children I tend to get overwhelmed as they seem to be talking, asking and telling something all at the same time. This caused the hesitation in my voice but Jilly would not succumb to my fears. Jilly is young enough to be my daughter but very understanding of my disorder.

As the phone calls continued throughout the month of November, the dinner was getting more and more organized. How would we cook the turkey, what type of potatoes and vegetable would be appropriate? How would we decorate the table? Would we have store bought or home made pies for dessert?

With Jilly being a stay at home mom, she was glued to the TV food channels and agreed with me that a twenty pound brine soaked turkey would be the main course. Green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup and canned french onions for the topping. Corn bread giblet stuffing that we prepared in a small slow cooker. Jilly prepared pistachio with marshmallow and pineapple jello while I prepared a family favorite of cranberry, chopped walnut and sour cream cherry jello dish.

A wonderful new home with a warm and cozy fire in the fireplace next to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and table for seven adults and two children made the best Thanksgiving Feast of the decade and great new perspective of the holidays for a mental health survivor.

Intuition is not just for Women

Intuition is the power or faculty of knowing things without conscious reasoning.

All living matter has the ability to communicate.The language and method of this communication varies with each species and genre.

Human beings have the ability to tap into the universal method of communication immediately upon birth. The method can be referred to as ESP or mental telepathy.

Extra sensory perception has been around for ages. This phenomenon is a true form of communication. Twins are known to experience this new sense. Mother to child is quite documented.

Intuition is not just for women.

Using or harnessing this form of communication is foreseeable in the near future.

The world needs to open their minds and use a true form of communication.


PSYCHIC SHELLY 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Metaphysically Challenged
Call me to set a time for a Tarot Card reading. Proven 85%correct