Mental health matters

A very interesting topic and one with many facets. I can, of course, only speak for myself, but I suspect i am not alone when I say that the MD has caused me some bouts of depression, sometimes quite serious ones. I suspect I am not alone and many others have also experienced the same. However, what can be done about the situation generally is more a postcode lottery in my belief. I have struggled from the start to get the right help and support from the GP practice as mostly they do not have a clue what to do, about MD . But there is no joined up approach to dealing with MD in the first place, and I believe that is what is needed to combat the mental health issues as well. It does not take too much vision to see that those of us who were able bodied, for example, and no longer are, may well be affected by mental health issues. Those who were born with MD problems will also no doubt have mental health issues from the extra problems they face throughout their life, in part brought on by the environment that all MD patients have to deal with. the stresses and strains of dealing not just with their condition but also with the antipathy (at least for me) that is seen at every turn when dealing with the various organisations involved in our lives.
Generally, I agree that there is far too little funding available generally, let alone for those of us with MD. But before funding is allocated the size of the problem needs to be known. Many will not want to come forward and say they are or have been depressed as a result of MD, they need to be encouraged to do so, if only anonymously. An online survey would be a beginning. Publicising real case histories is another step, but also, and perhaps the most difficult, is advertising the fact that MD does exist, and how it affects those who have it. This must be addressed to decision makers including GPs, social workers, consultants, nursing staff, and many other including the Secretary of State for health. But I wold also put in a mention for our carers, who come in many forms, and often take the brunt of our mental health problems along with all their other responsibilities. Perhaps someone might ask them how they are affected by it.
One final note about my treatment. I sought help from my GP who prescribed some medication. It was in capsule form, and thus, as a vegetarian, I could not use it. I was advised to open it up and swallow the contents. Needless to say it proved a disaster and I was left to deal with my problems myself, again!

Mike

I notice that even in today’s postings there are tales of folk with mental health issues, and that is without asking. Really does support the need to ask t find the scale of the problem. Personally I believe it will be quite extensive in the MD community.

Mike