Naomi Judd and the lies of Mental Illness!

 

     The pain and anguish in the voice of actress Ashley Judd will trigger the painful memories of many others who have faced the same tragic circumstance she and her family recently experienced. In a recent Good Morning America (GMA) interview, she described for the first time the shocking suicide of her mother, Country Music singer Naomi Judd. The unbearable pain radiated from her heart as she explained to the Host, Diane Sawyer, how her mother succumbed after a lifetime battle with mental illness. As a result, she, and her sister Country Music singer Wynonna Judd, have joined with countless others left behind to mourn as suicide survivors.     

     In the aftermath of suicide, the ones closest to the victim begin to contemplate why it occurred. With Naomi's success, her loved ones and fans are bewildered why someone who appeared to have a perfect life would have a reason even to feel depressed. The answer is complex; she had what her daughter Ashley described as a "savage disease, " leading to her tragic ending. As an advocate for all those who suffer in silence, Naomi chronicled her struggle with mental illness in her 2016 memoir, "River of time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope, " which opened the eyes of many with awareness to this invisible, misunderstood, and inevitably deadly disease.

     It is essential not to overlook Naomi Judd's courage in accepting her illness and fighting a battle against a persistent condition. However, once diagnosed, it is a disease with a life sentence of treatment and living with the constant fear of relapse and still having the resiliency to move forward after the symptoms return. Her election to the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with her daughter Wynonna, is a testament to how hard she fought to overcome her affliction. Sadly, her death took place just one day before her official induction.

     While describing her mother's plight, Ashley Judd spoke about the "Lies of the disease" and how depression talks to its intended target, overwhelming them with a barrage of negative sentiments that they are worthless and unloved. These negative beliefs lead to the classic good vs. evil conflict, to live with pain or the final solution of death to escape the suffering. This 'self-stigma' contributes to the emotional burden as harmful and destructive thoughts begin to control the victim's mind. When deeply depressed, one fear creates a dilemma: we wake up to face another day of hopeless pain and fight the relentless urge to end the suffering permanently.

     During a 2018 interview with Megyn Kelly, Naomi Judd disclosed some of the root causes of her depression. First, as a child, she was sexually molested; then, as a 22-year-old, she was raped. Though she achieved great professional success, these traumatic events alone put her brain health on a destructive path. Study after study has confirmed that those victims of sexual assault are at significant risk for long-term mental health challenges. According to one authorized by the 'National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center of the Medical University of South Carolina,' victims of sexual assault are three times as likely to suffer major depression.

     During this same interview, Naomi disclosed that she had 'treatment-resistant depression,' which led her to countless attempts to search psychopharmacology to find the correct remedy. She even resorted to Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT), commonly known as shock therapy, to find relief. Unfortunately, though all did bring some reprieve, none became the long-term solutions she pursued to stop her inner pain.     

     Whenever discussing the subject of mental illness, the stigma associated with it enters the spotlight. It is considered the four-letter word for these brain disorders; it is often the most significant obstacle one faces with a diagnosis and can be an overwhelming challenge to face. Unfortunately, many still view a diagnosis as a character flaw or simply a sign of weakness. Inadvertently, society tends to marginalize those afflicted by discussing from a macro point of view. Discussions often center around statistics such as one in five Americans suffering from one of these disorders or over fifty thousand Americans committing suicide every year. Still, others reduce the victims as a product of faulty neuroscience as they characterize the causes simply as neurotransmitters misfiring. Still, others claim the individuals are struggling with some inner demons, which is ample evidence that many do not grasp the biological nature of these afflictions. Tragically, the death of someone with high stature like Naomi Judd is a cold reminder that those suffering are people and often have struggled for a long time before they finally surrender to the symptoms.

     It was surprising that Ashley Judd revealed that her mother often lived in some isolation despite performing in front of tens of thousands of fans. One common trait among those with a brain condition is they tend to hide their affliction, often out of embarrassment. The best description comes from the late actor Robin Williams who ended his life at his own hands. His words can quickly become a metaphor for all of us, me included, who developed this invisible killer; "people do not fake mental illness; they fake feeling well!" For Naomi's adoring fans, she displayed great talent and a happy persona for the world to witness. But, like many similarly afflicted, her soul was dying a slow, agonizing death.

     As millions of us who struggle with mental illness can attest, depression puts the individual in a dark cellar of despair and hopelessness. It destroys self-worth and leaves the person at the mercy of its relentless symptoms.

     If her fans wish to honor her memory, I can't think of a better way than to take the time to understand mental illness, grasp that it is an actual illness, and remember all the love in the world cannot cure a biologically based disorder. However, all the understanding and emotional support can help one find a treatment that works, they can live a good life, and most importantly, they can overcome all the hazards in life. So always know that when a loved one is in crisis and suffering, three words can be the difference between death and recovery. "JUST BE THERE!"

     Rest in peace, Naomi Judd; your courage should be part of your legacy, and the world is better because of you!

The Pandemic and Mental Illness, a first-person account!

     As the noted biologist and writer E.O Wilson once wrote; “We are drowning in information while starving for wisdom!” These words could be considered a metaphor for the challenging zeitgeist we currently face in our everyday life. As most of the world begins to emotionally crumble from the effects of social isolation brought on from the coronavirus, the damage inflicted from the hysteria may become worse than the virus itself. More specifically, for those struggling in silence and solitude with mental illness, they now face an added set of challenges. I know, I am one of them!

     Living with mental illness, especially depression, the current stay at home orders, with the added stress of being furloughed from a job, can be a lethal combination. Lost are structure, self-worth, and a paycheck, all key ingredients in recovery. When added to it the anxiety of a future clouded in a sea of uncertainty, the weight of this environment can become the anchor to drown a person into relapse. As often is the case, speaking out in defense of those afflicted are consistently met with ignorance and ridicule, and a worldwide pandemic offers little reprieve from the scorn.

     Early on in this stay at home order, noted television Psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw, faced brutal backlash for weighing in on the long-term mental health dangers along with the possible financial devastation brought on by this current rule. Though social isolation has many facets, depression becomes the hallmark and that is where Phil McGraw focused on what should have been a productive analysis, as he illustrated the importance of reopening the country as soon as possible. He pointed out that people suffering from clinical depression find themselves with these additional challenges.

·         29% more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease

·         32% more likely to suffer from a stroke

·         40% more likely to suffer from some level of dementia

     This endless list of life-limiting boundaries will likely grow with significantly increased isolation, deeper depressions, and with that, more catastrophic results. Suicide, which is most often the result of a battle with depression, takes the life of approximately fifty thousand Americans every year. Add to it the stress and anxiety brought on by social regulations, that number will assuredly increase at an alarming rate

     What Dr. Phil expressed is simply, mental illness will be the silent killer of this pandemic and could be deadlier than the virus itself! Rather than create openness and dialogue, many people attacked his message with the intensity of a rabid dog. His credentials, his education and even his morality came into play with mockery and disdain as many just did not want to heed his warnings. Though his focus was the emotional toll the current lockdown will likely cause, many internet experts on psychology refused to be open to his advocacy, and his critical views were drowned out under the noise of mobocracy.

     As one who lived many years within the painful confines of suicidal depression and who has also lived a good life for the past 19 years, his words set off alarms. For the first time in nearly two decades. I am concerned not only for myself but for many others of the emotional toll this will have on our struggle to stay healthy. Today, relapse is not only a constant fear, but it is a likely outcome for many, and with it, potentially tragic results!

     Though we are only seven weeks into these orders, some warning signs are appearing, and no, it is not people protesting for the country to reopen. It is the symptomology of mental illness becoming increasingly prevalent and along with it, many peripheral issues.  

     For those furloughed from our jobs, such as me, with deepening uncertainty and anxiety, there has been a 77% increase in the number of people reporting a sleep disorder. This is a huge red flag of impending problems with depression and inevitably leads to additional challenges. Besides the loss of structure, one now must live with the fear that a job or a business may no longer exist. Additionally, Express Scripts, the mail order Pharmacy, recently reported a 34% increase in the number of people seeking psychotropic drugs for both depression and anxiety.   

     For those struggling with these added stressors, sleep deprivation is a hazard that feeds into depression and magnifies challenges the person faces.  It clouds judgment, increases paranoia, and soon the madness of mental illness controls the mind and can leave that victim helpless to focus on any positive task. Also, those currently on furlough from a job, the loss of the social side of employment creates even more solitude and loneliness.

      The reasons are clear as by our very nature, we as humans are social beings, we tend to meet in packs and enjoy life. When most of us meet at restaurants and bars it is not to drink, but to socialize and simply relish the company of others, which is currently limited or prohibited. Additionally, facilities to exercise, a key component in living a healthy lifestyle, are now shuttered and that further erodes structure and wears on the mental health of a significant part of the population.

      As pandemic exhaustion begins to take its toll, other issues have begun to rise to the surface. Three major cities, Houston, Texas, Charlotte North Carolina, and Phoenix Arizona are already experiencing significant increases of up to 17% in Domestic Violence police calls. The Domestic Violence Child Advocacy Center in Cleveland recently announced a 40 increase in calls for assistance. It is a safe bet as the stress of this shutdown grows, those numbers will continue at a disturbing trend upward.

     Though hard data on the number of suicides are not yet available, some emerging evidence is beginning to paint some ominous warnings.

     According to Beth Zietlow-Dejesus Director of External Affairs of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services of Cuyahoga County (ADAMH-S) there has been an increase in requests for services. She explained that though the suicide prevention hotline has stabilized in April after a spike in Mid-March other cautionary signals are emerging She added, “There has been a 40% increase in calls to the Peer to Peer support line since the Mid-March.”  She elaborated that most of the inquiries were made to find treatment mainly for the anxiety related to the pandemic. 

     One of the strongest contributing factor in suicide is that many of those who end their lives do so in a prison of long-term emotional torture. As one who survived attempts to end my life, the loneliness of the struggle created a level of pain that became unbearable. The current environment is a recipe for pushing people more into a deep suicidal depression. The present dangers are fear, loneliness, lack of structure., and most importantly, evidence of a bleak future.          

     People can mock individuals such as Dr. Phil and his dire prediction, but as these social limiting orders continue with only some modifications, other dangerous situations will rise to the surface. Besides the effects of depression, chemical dependency, often associated with mental illness, will most assuredly increase. For many seeking treatment for situational distress, will discover this to be a trigger into a clinical depression and with it, a lifetime sentence of treatment. With summer programs being canceled for young and old alike, the stress and anxiety will continue to mount. Even when it does end, the financial hardships these orders created and the vicarious trauma from living through it, will have a lasting emotional affect.            

     Finally, many of those who understand the potential dangers and agree with people like Dr. Phil, are being ignored and dismissed, but eventually, we may be the ones whose warnings become a prophecy.  Never forget, ignore mental illness at your peril because the price will be high!

Thank you Kevin Love, but its time to advocate for understanding!

     Kevin Love, the Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star forward made national news for something other than being a well-known athlete. It was when he disclosed that he recently suffered a huge panic attack and ended up with severe anxiety which was hampering his day to day life. Soon thereafter, he sought help and came to understand that he had unresolved issues involving a family tragedy, which triggered his mental health plight.

     His revealment brought praise not only from the sports world but also high-profile celebrities and many community leaders. As a longtime mental health advocate, I join others in the field in giving him not only credit for facing this challenge, but also for being open about his personal struggle. He confronted the genesis of recovery which is two-fold; acceptance and treatment, and in that, he should be proud.

      As positive as his efforts have been to be open to his condition, it can easily become a double-edged sword. His celebrity status risks overshadowing the plight of those suffering in silence with symptoms far beyond those of anxiety and panic attacks.

     With his acknowledgment as a back-drop, it is hoped that Kevin Love, and those close to him, begin to understand that the life of those afflicted with severe mental illness is not as smooth as he has faced. In fact, for many, it is not only life-limiting but deadly and very destructive, as these conditions bring with them, a high human cost. Additionally, the stigma opens them up to ridicule, abuse, and often leaves the patient alone as social outcasts. Only those who have suffered the indignities of a being afflicted realize that the stigma of mental illness is significantly more painful than the disease itself. Countless individuals wake up to the knowledge that they will have a ‘Scarlett letter’ of being categorized after bouts of insanity. I have experienced all those indignities first hand.

     Fortunately for Kevin Love, he will not face numerous roadblocks that add to the challenge of recovery that many others do encounter. His public disclosure was met with overwhelming support from teammates, other players, and the national media. Many have spoken about his courage in facing his challenge. His powerful support system along with the resources he has available for treatment are an added benefit to help him maintain emotional stability. Again, this is not the case with a significant percentage of those who suffer in unbearable pain.

     To elaborate further, he has the good fortune to never confront suicidal ideation in the manner many individuals, myself included, struggled on a day to day basis. He will not understand the constant challenge to avoid placing a gun to one’s head and pulling the trigger. He is unlikely to be found dying along the road of a suicide attempt motivated by an unimaginable pain associated with the symptoms of an untreated bipolar disorder. He cannot possibly understand that many of these poor souls have suffered the same debilitating insanity of paranoia, mania, and depression, which brings about feelings of hopelessness. These are some far more forceful manifestations than battling anxiety.

     His family will not suffer the enormous loss that two residents of Vermillion Ohio experienced when their 16-year-old daughter, Jessica Fernandez, lost her battle with mental illness by standing in front of a moving train.  Jessica’s two wonderful parents, Dave and Nancy Fernandez, did everything humanly possible within their means to save their daughter from her tragic outcome. They had her in the emergency rooms or hospitalized over a dozen time in the year and a half leading up to this tragedy, all to no avail.

     Even fewer people can understand the daily devastation that Jeannette Halton-Tiggs constantly relives. Years ago, lacking the resources of a professional athlete, she was desperate to secure treatment for her severely mentally ill son, Timothy Halton. She worked two jobs to provide for his treatment and still ended bankrupt. Finally, after being charged with a serious crime, Timothy was placed on a mandatory three-year treatment protocol by the Cuyahoga County Court of common pleas. which became the miracle Jeannette had been seeking. He soon began to prosper as he began a job and made efforts to enter a local college. She was finally relieved that he was getting the assistance he needed, but that was to inexplicably and prematurely end.

     One year into his mandatory treatment probation, Timothy was removed from this stipulation by this same Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. This was rendered despite Jeannette pleadings he eventually kills someone once his violent symptoms reappear. Her desperate imploring was completely ignored.  About a year later, in a violent and psychotic rage, he murdered Cleveland Heights police officer Jason West.

     These stories are a more a true narration of what the families of those afflicted suffer daily than what some luminary faces while presentencing minor symptom. They never receive the accolades that Kevin Love has had bestowed on him. They writhe with burning questions such as ‘what if, or if only’. They often face constant reminders of the deadly consequences such that Jeannette Halton-Tiggs faces as she makes her daily drive to work on Jason West Memorial Parkway, in memory of the Police Officer that her son murdered.

     As much as Kevin Love deserves many of the accolades he has received, the public will mistake words and motion for progress. His future efforts can help alleviate the stigma of mental illness as a monstrous roadblock to recovery. We forget that primitive beliefs perpetrated by a lack of understanding exacerbates the stigma and leads many of its victims to hide in plain sight.

     This is not a condemnation of Kevin Love’s struggle or his disclosure, it is asking that something tangible becomes the result. What is truly needed is a serious dialogue on mental illness, to encourage the public to grasp the biological basis for the maladaptive behavior which is the only diagnostic tool available to begin recovery. Also, it is imperative that treatment on the level that wealthy individuals such as Kevin Love can afford, be made available to everyone.

     If the public commits itself to creating a mental health system that is open to all, we would witness some miraculous changes. We would see less disability associated with many afflicted, we would see a decrease in chemical dependency and even avoid another mass murderous rampage by someone who is left untreated such as the individual who murdered 17 High school students in Florida.

     My challenge to Kevin Love is simple, and it is to use his celebrity status to advocate for real change in understanding mental illness. I would hope for him to call for a dialogue of understanding and demand for better treatment from those Government leaders empowered to enact the needed enhancements. That would make him a hero to many who suffer in silence, and that would create a legacy that would be a source of pride. Time will tell if he accepts that challenge.