tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14910575.post4448416640547092762..comments2023-10-04T11:35:50.986-04:00Comments on Out of the Jungle: Self RevealingJames Milleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07368391001719650329noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14910575.post-4593422851788579802010-10-21T20:54:55.306-04:002010-10-21T20:54:55.306-04:00Wow, that's fascinating. I came to your site s...Wow, that's fascinating. I came to your site searching for something completely different, that is, an image of justice scales. <br /><br />I have suffered from a debilitating major depression which made it very difficult to function before I started taking meds ten years ago. My parents were a big influence on me in that they were very open and accepting of the fact that people have mental issues---not just some, but all. It's part of the way we are made. And some of us need treatment. Their attitude made it so that I never thought twice about seeking help when I needed it. That, and a great support system like the professor mentions, is really essential to keeping one's self in enough balance to be effective. The medication made a huge difference. Nothing else was as effective, not exercise, diet, or any of the many things I tried, like going out when I felt like staying in. <br />I think people generally don't believe that a person with mental illness is capable of exhibiting good or careful judgement. The fact is that it can be managed, like any illness; and one can make good decisions. Pausing and considering for a few days before deciding larger things, and reflecting on them with one's support group, eliminates this problem. You learn to feel when your decision isn't coming from the best place, and hold off on it until you can consult your circle of elders. Ultimately, putting a face on it is really important, and so it's great to hear that someone this courageous has been rewarded for her skill in managing her disability. Inspiring. Thanks for such an interesting article.Lee Kramer https://www.blogger.com/profile/12725366402959404334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14910575.post-46454254540164819782009-12-07T16:04:07.837-05:002009-12-07T16:04:07.837-05:00OOTJ readers may be interested in knowing that Pro...OOTJ readers may be interested in knowing that Prof. Elyn Saks received a MacArthur Genius grant for her work demonstrating that even serious mental illness need not be a life-destroying event.Betsy McKenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824582240163409553noreply@blogger.com