A Little Optimism Can Go A Long, Long Way!

by Tom Barresi:

In reading the various contributions of some fine folks in the "Fresh Air" category, of this site; I can't help but feel the anxiety, and discomfort they display, when talking about a son who is in Patton State Hospital, or a family member who is extremely unstable, and living in a "home" somewhere. I would be rather remiss, as a mental patient of over 30 years, and a 10 hour a day working advocate for the mentally ill; if I did not at least try to "paint a somewhat better picture" of "our lot", than is represented depressingly in print, just about everywhere! 

From age 18 until age 38,(I'm now 53), the only way I could function, was to drink between 12 and 18 beers a day...everyday. Grateful to get through college on this regimen, I found the alcohol controlled my anxiety (constant), and enabled me to sleep. Later on my "manic" energy, would tragically cause upheaval in my business life, my family life, and my emotional life; and I was somewhat relieved to get a diagnosis, (at age 29), following my first true episode: of Manic-Depression. 

The only problem however, was, I did NOTHING to help myself recover or control this "chemical" illness. I continued to drink, lost two wives through divorce, lost a son through stigma, as well as 3 top-careers. So wherein lies the optimism I mentioned a bit earlier? 

I believe it resides herein... I think you would agree that I could easily be classified as an" unstable person, with a severe mental illness"; for from 1986-92, I was very ill, forever hospitalized mess. It wasn't until the following happened, that my present 9 year "run" of recovery began: 

1. Total and complete visitation with a Psychiatrist regularly, and complete compliance in taking whatever meds he prescribed... daily. 
   
2. Practice more than avoidance of people who do not "accept" you, and your condition, but complete and total abstinence from such folks. 
   
3. Finding one person, with whom you can "connect", on an emotional and supportive level; possibly another mental patient.(Non-sexual relationship prefered). 
   
4. Gain control (in time), of your personal finances; and read all you can about other "ill people" like: Lincoln, Poe, Hemingway etc.,(for a self-esteem booster), and in realizing that the "helpful medications" are already here at your pharmacist's, press your Dr. for the ones that will help you...right now. 

As for me: against the contrast of my earlier days; the last 9 years have found me symptom free from my illness, and free from any episodes. And it is this optimism... in recovering from mental illness, that I would like to impart to you..... be you a Schizophrenic, Bipolar or Depressed, (all chemically imbalanced illnesses). 

The formula for success is relatively simple: You have a chemical-imbalance in your brain....let a Psychiatrist give you the proper chemicals to treat it! The rest will come easy. 

Regards, 

Opinions expressed in this web site do not necessarily reflect the views of NAMI Santa Cruz County, NAMI California or any affiliated organizations.  We attempt to present a balanced perspective on issues by presenting multiple viewpoints.

Copyright 2005 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Santa Cruz County, All Rights Reserved.

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