I am wondering if a better name for this group would be

[DemExpat]

the Mental Health Support group instead of the label with the focus on illness.

I have battled and revolted all of my adult life against the label of mental illness, perhaps therefore I have a big aversion to it. I accept my condition, my lot in life, but not the label of nuts, mentally ill, as proclaimed by certain diagnoses, etc.



Certainly I agree it is a handicap and an imbalance "out of the norm", but disagree in labelling it an illness in the strict sense of the word..

I see mental "illness" as a combination of so many factors, some being:

*Genetic heredity
*Childhood experiences
*Environmental factors like nutritional makeup of our diet, good rest/sleep, relaxation, exercise, toxicity in environment, etc. etc.
*Sociological conditions like finding fulfilling work, supportive relationships, social networks, how our communities are set up, access to good health care, etc.
*Possible spiritual factors, finding meaning in life, etc.

I see these as influencing imbalances in our chemical makeup - especially hormonal influences - and mental illness not as a disease in a vacuum.....

Any ideas from others on how you see this?

:hi:

DemEx

[Gryffindor_Bookworm]

1. I would not be opposed to changing it.

It doesn't bother me either way, but I understand that it makes a difference to some folks. I call myself a rape SURVIVOR, not a rape VICTIM, for a similar reason, I think.

[DemExpat]

5. Yes, I feel it as this in a similar way....

"Illness" whereas I see it as being out of natural, healthy balance,(for whatever reasons).....I see my lot even as my life's challenge to be a Survivor, too!

(I also do not in any way feel "pitiful" or sorry for myself... for my psychological suffering has given me some incredible gifts as well, strangely enough.:shrug:)

:hi:

DemEx

[derbstyron]

2. I have no problem with it.

It doesn't bother me what you call it.

I tend to be pretty warped. I have a friend that I joke around with, calling myself "unbalanced" and other things about myself. Humor, even black, is the only thing that has gotten me through this darkness.

But I understand your concern. We should change it to whatever makes people feel comfortable. *That*, and nothing else, is the important thing.

:headbang:

[DemExpat]

6. Illness sounds so final....

whereas in many of our cases it is not something static.

It is hard enough to be diagnosed and never be able to erase the label....

Here is to mental health!

:toast:

DemEx

[Droopy]

3. Mental Health Support Group was what we

intended to call it in the first place. Somehow, we had a mix up on the name of the group. When I posted the idea in the lounge I originally called it the Mental Illness Support Group, but in the thread we decided to change it to Mental Health Support group and I submitted it that way to Skinner. I guess he saw the name of the thread in the lounge and went with that. It wouldn't bother me what we call it either way. I think both names accurately describe what this group is all about.

[DemExpat]

4. If you don't mind, I'll PM Skinner with this thread

requesting him to edit it.

It seems so much more inviting to me as a health support group....

:hi:

DemEx

[Droopy]

7. I don't mind

Go for it.

[DemExpat]

8. Done!

Now I asked Elad to edit the statement pinned at the top....:-)

DemEx

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[northamericancitizen]

10. I agree with the name change

Mental health is not only more positive but is also more inclusive.

[DemExpat]

11. Glad most seem to be happy with the adjustment to the name!

:hi:

DemEx

[charliebrown]

12. Thank you DemExpat.

I like to know if I am feeling a little off keel and want some ideas. Now I can have a place to ask for help or ideas. DU rules on so many levels.:bounce: :bounce: :toast: :)

DU ROCKS!!!:party: