A Good Book to Read

[Olinick]

Recently I went to the library to look for some books on a topic I am dealing with with a student. In searching for a book I found this book called "Life Inside My Mind". It is edited by Jessica Burkhart and it is a collection of essays by authors who primarily write for teens and young adults. All of these authors suffer from mental health issues or have family/friends who do, although most of them are writing from their own issues. The book is geared primarily to teens and young adults, of which I am far from that age group but it has been really good to read it. Just like being on this website, it is nice to hear about other peoples situations and how they have handled their mental illness but it was also inspiring that these people have still succeeded in life despite their issues. Even though I would be considered to be high functioning with a mental illness it was nice to read the book. I have enjoyed it so much I am going to look for it next time I am at the book store.

[Madison10]

I think no matter how old you are that we always learn something. I know I never want to stop learning. I try to read a lot of posts and try to help someone if I can. I have been through a lot that these people are going through. I at one time thought I would be cured. I have gone to therapy and group therapy, but now I realize I have to live with my depression and PTSD. I struggled all my life. I struggled through college and worked all my life. I made it this far with Gods help and I can’t believe I am over sixty

[Olinick in reply to Madison10]

Thanks so much for saying that. I also have to learn to accept my depression, PTSD, anxiety and panic disorder in addition to ADD. I too have struggled for years and I am almost 55. It always helps to learn more from others. Lately things have been tough but what you wrote made me feel better. Thank you.

[gogogirl in reply to Madison10]

Me neither- well into sixties! So much for the golden years Ha!

[gogogirl]

Hey thanks- maybe I'll check it out.

[gogogirl]

This is interesting. Happened to attend a workshop a couple of years ago called mental first aid . It was actually geared towards younger people but the principles could be applied in general. The presenters ( who were counselors) said that the old way of thinking was that depression was life long. The new way is that it is not so. Interesting!

[Madison10 in reply to gogogirl]

I had to chuckle when I saw your post. I have had depression since my twenties, I am in my sixties. I like to talk to someone who says it’s not life long

[Olinick in reply to Madison10]

I agree. Maybe if it is picked up early it can be turned around but I don't think it will ever totally go away forever. People use to think that ADD/ADHD was just in childhood but they now know it doesn't go away once you become an adult.

[gogogirl in reply to Olinick]

I like what you said about picked up early. I also think it depends on what is going on in someone's life.

[gogogirl in reply to Madison10]

Perhaps you could google mental health first aid? Well try anyway.

[Cyc4birds]

I am in my sixties too and started with issues back in my college days. I would have a couple hard years and then things seem to pass, until the next time. These last couple of years have been tough so I am anxious to read any suggestions on how folks are dealing with the issues - you can never stop learning something new.

[Madison10 in reply to Cyc4birds]

Hi,

I have been dealing and struggling with depression for a long time. I have had three meltdowns in my life. After each one I said I would not let this happen again. I can’t get ahead of this one. Some of the things I am doing, I take a meditation course, do volunteer work for senior centers. I struggle through each day. I have gone to therapists and group therapy, they helped, I am on med. I don’t think depression ever goes away. The best think for me is to talk to people who have similar issues. I am glad talking about depression is more accepted now. I used to be embarrassed

[Cyc4birds in reply to Madison10]

Thanks for the reply

[artistofmysoul]

Changes That Heal" by Dr. Henry Cloud. This is a revised edition of the book titled: "When Your World Makes No Sense." You can check out the reviews on Amazon.com.

[Cyc4birds in reply to artistofmysoul]

Thanks. I will look it up.

[Olinick in reply to artistofmysoul]

Those sound good as well. I will look into those books. Thanks for the information.