Greetings,

Physical health education has come a long way in understanding some of the sound guidelines that are part of what constitute a state of well-being. These include guidelines in nutrition, exercise and sleep. Dr. McDougall, author of The Starch Solution, and founder of McDougall wellness clinic, has said that Type II Diabetes is one-hundred percent preventable.” Now that this is becoming common knowledge, it goes to show just how far physical health education has come.

I submit that the next part of health education needs to emphasize mental health, and just why, and how it applies to everyone. Just as the food you eat, the quality of sleep you receive, to brushing your teeth and washing your hands, a basic understanding of mental health is something that everyone should know and/or and start to learn. I hope to see the day when employers are offered major incentives for providing regular mental health courses, with strong emphasis on wellness. That is, the wholeness of health and well-being, (spirit, mind and body.) Participants could take home study guides, video/audio and can practice what they learn, as well as practice some while in class. This would help reduce work place stress, resulting in fewer sick days. It would boost morale, improve productivity and attitude. Can you imagine if the day was seen that most companies were involved in these programs with incentives? Mental health would be taught just like washing your hands and sanitation is now. An effective, well-designed mental health and wellness course would even help to reduce crime, addiction and similar issues in the areas where these courses were given regularly.

I would also like to see the day when basic mental health education with specifically addressed relevant topics is taught as part of the curriculum of public schools.

I would also love to see the day when “take a mental health day” is common language, even encouraged in the work place in all industries. (This is catching on, and there are a few employers that I have heard of that use this term.) It is a good thing to see! Progress is being made.

Mental Health is just barely beginning to be understood and realized just how far and wide it reaches. The fact that it is as much of an essential part of health for individuals to societies as diet, exercise, sanitation, should make it a priority for everyone. There is work to do, but we are doing it!

It would also be great to see the day that there is coverage for everyone in mental health. Mental health should not cost the earth. Should soap? Should toothpaste?

There are a few places to start the learning of mental health. May I suggest something that just might surprise you… It is Buddhism. Yes, Buddhism. The beauty of Buddhism is that it is a lesson through mental health without even once uttering the term. It is learning to purify the mind, shed the ego, cultivating goodness, while doing no evil. Sound like a huge task? Not really. Buddhism is profoundly simple and most of all, you can stay put where you are religiously/spiritually, and still study and apply precepts of Buddhism into your life. Yes, whether spiritual, religious, neither, and/or atheist, you can benefit from some concepts of Buddhism. May I encourage you to look at Buddhism yourself.

Join a study course, chant with the monks. Feel the peaceful vibration as you do.

The other recommendation is to actively start to study mental health-positive outlooks, finding the bright side, choosing it, and also knowing some basic vocabulary is going to work wonders for you in your family, job, relationships and life. It doesn’t take hours of in depth study to get down some basics. We are all still practicing, so exercise patience and compassion as we all do.

Psychology offers clues. What if common terms found in mental health and psychology, the positives and the negatives were taught and applied in society? I submit that it would work wonders. This would alleviate many communication problems, misunderstandings, conflicts that are so prevalent today. The more that mental health is taught, applied, and shown just how it so drastically affects others as well as ourselves can be understood, the more our world, and health care crisis will heal.

Here are two things to consider:

Emotional validation: Life is hard. It can be very stressful. Sometimes a person just needs to be validated. That is, not disagreed or argued with, not given a mouthful of teeth worth of advice, not even merely listened to, but a simple, sincere: “Wow. I can only imagine what you are going through right now.” Or, “yeah, that is definitely frustrating.” Emotional validation. That person to feel understood, supported, and they feel listened to. We all need this at times, and so it is a give and take-cooperation. When that person gets it off their chest, and feels validated and supported, usually the complaining, venting or frustration naturally subsides.

Passive-aggressive communication and/or behavior: There are many forms of passive-aggressive communication in daily life that are common. Not only is it negative, but it does not effectively communicate. Sarcasm is one form of passive-aggressive communication.

Mental health is huge. Its affects are far reaching and never forget that it applies to everyone, whether diagnosed with an illness or not.

Thank you for reading.

O

Greetings,

When going through diagnosis, meds and recovery from mental illness, jobs can be a dreaded word. There is hope though. It is possible for people with brain disorders, (mental illness) to still be successful, hold jobs, have relationships, and be happy. Remember that a person is not their illness. Instead, they are a person who happens to suffer from Bipolar disorder, depression, Schizophrenia, PTSD, etc. However, as far as employment, understanding is key for both employees and employers. It is a thin line, but with honest communication fitted to the setting, cooperation and success can be achieved.

As mentioned in my memoir The Wellness Diaries, during a highly stressful time in 2006, I took some leave from my job at that time. I was taking prescribed anti-psychotic medication at the time for Paranoid Schizophrenia, had the first job which I had managed to retain for a record breaking two years at the time and I couldn’t afford to lose it.

What was the answer? Upfront, direct, honest communication. I went to see my HR, asking what types of crisis leave was available through that company. This was new to me. Ha! All of it was surely new to me, but especially getting the guts to ask an employer such a question. I will never forget the HR’s response.

In plain speech, the exact words of the HR were: “What happened man!?” I explained briefly. To this day, I am touched by his further response: “Yes, we can give you leave. {hardware store} wants to see you through this, and we’ll pay you too.” No questions asked. I was granted leave with most of my full time pay.

It was amazing. I was able to receive a little more than half of my salary as I took three weeks of leave to just process and heal from the whiplash situation as explained in the book.

The main thing to understand is just how taken care of I felt by my employer at that time. I felt valued. Since I did, it went both ways. I felt like I wanted to make it count, since they were willing to do so much for me. I wanted to work hard and give it my best when I returned. I took the time to heal, process and get back on my feet. It was much needed time and I am forever grateful to the HR and the company for being generous in that way. I stayed at that company for seven years total, and I am glad I did. I had many positive experiences and examples of how employers and employees can meet half way about mental illness issues. I feel that I gave years of dedicated service, being the first job that I had proven to myself that I could hold for that long, it was just the confidence boost that I needed.

It has been my experience that if employers can see that one is really working on their disorder, trying to be fair and not take advantage, they are open, they care, and they help out.

Currently, my two employers exercise a great deal of patience and flexibility with me, as I balance things out, having recovered, but having experienced a very stressful three years as I get back into a rhythm. I am very grateful. There are many positive things throughout all parts of society taking place like this, people wanting to help those affected by disorders as much as possible. It’s a beautiful thing to see.

Some of the disorders that most directly influence employment, such as PTSD, Major Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder may present an extra difficult situation as far as employment is concerned. For some, it just may be that it is best to work in jobs where there is minimal traffic with the public. Some of us are true introverts. Each individual will have to decide their options in this way. Let’s face it, some of us with disorders can be moody folk. (Please know that I say this with love and respect, and one who has been through all of these things.) Moods can fluctuate often and this is often compounded with a personality that is largely introverted to begin with. People with disorders, are often the artistic, creative types. This is because we filter information and experiences through emotion and passion, feeling our way through first and foremost. Whereas, those largely scientific types filter information differently, and not with emotion. They are less susceptible to brain disorders, (just heart disease;) These are often the hard driving, type A personality, who would also benefit greatly from a starch-based diet. These types’ learning style is different also. These are simply different personality types, but the differences must be understood and respected. It is my opinion that these differences have more to do with personality itself type, whether illness is present or not.

There is a story that I heard recently, which always softens, of a post war soldier who suffered from PTSD experienced triggers while in his apartment. The triggers were severe enough that the man put holes in the walls of his apartment. When the symptoms subsided, the apartment was basically down to the 2 x 4’s… Expecting the worst from the landlords, he was surprised when they told him that it is on them, provided that he get some help with PTSD.

Throughout all aspects of living-relationships, housing, jobs, etc., there are answers. There are options. There are ways to cooperate and meet half way. It takes education, understanding, breaking down the stereotypes and stigmas about mental illness. There is work to be done. However, it is always nice to see so much progress taking place. Thank you to everyone that is on board here. I have a lot to say about these and many things. They are all coming up in the future projects.

Communicate. Come real. Come as you are. Allow yourself some trial and error as part of your learning. Respect the natural flow.

Thank you for reading and educating yourself. This is part of the journey.

O

Greetings,

Have you ever considered that each generation might have a set of “issues” common to that generation? Well, I think you will agree. One of the most obvious examples is those who grew up during the 1930’s during the great depression. Well, how many other people do you know of who will reuse a string of dental floss at least three times before finally throwing it away?? It is what it is. Be nice everyone. 🙂 Where would we be without our parents and grandparents? Still though, yes, it is what it is. It is some people of this same generation who may have a closet full of burlap fabric, “just in case” or literally, a closet full of string or yarn in case it is needed someday. These sweet folks, ( parents and grandparents) are 80+ years old, but are always saving for “just in case that someday finally happens.”

Now, in fairness, most people can only imagine just what it was like growing up during the great depression. Those were some hard times. Conserve and keep it bear minimum lean was just what you did then, cause there wasn’t anything extra! Sure, this is understandable. Still though, the yarn, dental floss, and closet full of chewing gum, (because it wasn’t available during the war) this is more than just quirky grandparents and “just how they are.” These are generational issues talking-hands down. Each generation has their share, just as each individual does. Again, it is nothing to be ashamed of. The thing is, how many of these people from this generation accept this for one, two, are even aware of it, and three are seeking help? Very few. Fortunately, this generation seems to roll with most things fairly well. Back in those days the answer was to mask it, work harder and it will go away… It is time to evolve now.

This generation is often heard saying things like: “I’m not about to pay four dollars a pound for Asaparagus! When I was young…” Fair enough, 4.00 a pound may be outrageous for Asparagus. However, there is a point of balance, and a point where both parties can meet half way. On one side, for the one from this era, occasionally splurge! The keyword is occasionally. Show your kids and grand kids that they’re worth it to you, that you love them, and occasionally allow yourself to buy that Asparagus or expensive salsa for them that you’re not about to pay four dollars a pound for it. Ironically, they will appreciate it more, and even realize just how ridiculous the price really is. Two opposites meet half way. Both learn something.

Mental health is part of overall health. This needs to be understood to the fullest. Mental health exercises, language and ways should simply be learned and taught as daily, weekly monthly maintenance and hygiene, hand washing, flossing and taking the dumpster out to the street weekly. Remember that mental health applies to everyone whether diagnosed with a mental illness or not. Unchecked mental health can become a mental illness. It applies to everyone and affects every part of society. There is a lot of work to do. This is why I have written that I would like to see employers offered incentives for holding regular trainings and practice sessions on mental health. There needs to be a common ground in this say in every part of society, a common understanding, setup and agreement. Health care practitioners, lawmakers, officers, and surely common folk have a part to play.

Thank you for reading, and practicing your hygiene. Watch the dental floss!

O

Greetings,

About my first book, The Wellness Diaries, I have heard a few people say that it’s very sad.

Well, true…It spans about a ten year period from 2001-2011. I told it just how it happened in that time frame. It describes my days of diagnosis and battle with Paranoid Schizophrenia, which is no joke by itself. I first started typing the rough draft in May of 2010. The months before that though, when considering starting a book, I was toying with the title “Diaries of The Schizophrenic Vegan, “similar to the title from the days of the SGV blog, for those who were with me then.) Maybe that one is even more catchy…However, I decided that I didn’t like this title. I didn’t like what it affirmed to me and my outcome for the illness. Maybe I would not have been able to fully recover, had I kept that title. For the longest time, until very recently, I absolutely refused to use the term Schizophrenia. It was virtually a taboo swear word of the worst kind to me. I did not like what it affirmed. Now, it is far enough behind me that I am confident enough to use the word as needed.

Early on in the journey, while unsure of all the details, I had decided that while I had a lot of growing to fit, and things to learn, I discovered an invaluable recipe that I knew was working wonders for me, which had great potential for others also. The Wellness Diaries is a fitting title of my overall outlook for the well-being of myself, others, the direction that mental health is going, and even a positive outlook for the healing of the earth. Is there work to be done? …Holy smokes…. You have no idea…

However, we are doing it! It is happening, and there is progress being made.

Yes, the book introduces a new standard using guidelines such as a starch-based diet, sound sleep in duration and quality, sufficient outside time, a slightly different approach for exercise and activity, and time spent in nature, etc. While I feel that these are sound guidelines for everyone, it is very likely that these guidelines will be especially effective for people who suffer from biological brain disorders (mental illness).

The book is of course a memoir, and it ends on a positive note about my own life, and hints toward the reason I feel optimistic about mental health for the future. But yes, any journey through Paranoid Schizophrenia, over a ten year period, told just how it is, is no cake walk. Indeed, the first part of the book is sad.

I just felt that I should zoom in on some details there.

Thank you for reading. Keep up the good work everyone!

Click the image to get the book:

O

Greetings,

This string of posts will probably be called “the real chapter,” keepin’ it real. Everyone has been through hard times, experienced emotional pain, and have seen some things. This has caused issues. Everyone has issues to some extent. Since it’s part of the human experience, there is nothing to hide. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Are you with me? Choose that until you believe it…

It has been part of previous generations habits to attempt to deny emotional issues. This just makes it worse. It’s time to take a look at things. Regarding mental health, I say it’s time for a change in the view of it. It seems that common language regarding mental health implies that mental illness is something that is to be eradicated, as one would eradicate Staff infection, Strep bacteria, or Measles. Mental illness is different in this way. Mental illness is simply (for whichever reason,) chemical imbalances in the brain, or dysfunctional thinking caused from painful experiences, and/or negative thinking. This may seem complex, and in some ways it is. However, there is a simpler way of looking at it.

We don’t all have Strep throat, or measles. We do all have the same brain chemicals. Unlike the Strep bacteria that is found on many surfaces in our daily lives, but it may not always mean full out Strep throat to everyone, we have the same brain chemicals. With brain chemistry and mental illness, there is no bacteria to spray with Lysol, (toxic) or counter tops to scrub with a disinfectant…We all have Serotonin, Dopamine and stress chemicals. We have all had different, unique experiences/combinations of joy, and pleasure, fear and pain. But the chemical response that takes place in the brain due to these emotions is the same. That is, person A’s brain will respond the same way to emotional pain as person B. As far as brain chemistry, these two people will also respond the same way to joy and pleasure. Dopamine and serotonin are two major components here. I recommend the book: Emotional First-Aid by Guy Winch, PhD, for insight into this.

These experiences and our perceptions of them exist on a broad spectrum, but each of these emotions have “left their mark” in our thinking and our overall experience. Mental health takes practice, and much trial and error and always kindness and patience to oneself as one progresses and learns.

Chemistry works the same, but the outcome can vary greatly from person to person, (all apologies for the confusion there.) We have all had painful experiences, stress, things that make us angry or upset, things that we fear. Different people will show this in different ways. It’s how we manage these that makes a difference. As you can imagine, the possibilities and combinations here cover a wide range. Mental illness can be tricky because it is so thoroughly influenced by a variety of factors throughout spirit, mind and body of a variety of personalities. At the same time though, mental health influences overall health. Mental health goes both ways.

Thank you for reading.

-Owen

Hi Everyone!

Wanted to share this site that I found. Two bags of this corn was given to me and I love it! I have ordered more. Not only are these NON-GMO corn products, but an environmentally sound cause, and they taste good too! I’m SO all about this. I love it. I love the concept. I love anything that is Native American. I have used the white and blue corn meal. I use it for porridge, and some of the mixes I pack with me for the day. They can be used to make corn tortillas, corn bread, and can be used with any number of Mexican dishes. Be sure to check it out!

Also, be sure to check my Eco-garden page! I have added some updates.

-Owen

Non-GMO corn products

Greetings,

These words from the Dalai Lama summarize the modern day so well. This plaque is hanging on the bathroom door of a small coffee shop in Salt Lake City. It has an interesting story behind it; my nephew, (age-eighteen) is a Barista. After becoming a coffee and tea enthusiast and experimenting a lot on his own, he found a job that he loves and a skill in which he has developed on his own; he makes it a part of his employment, and it is something he thoroughly enjoys. He has taught me all kinds of things about coffee and tea that I would not have known otherwise. People, including me, are impressed with his knowledge and skill that he has picked up during his time as a barista. It always amazes me just how much detail is associated with coffee and tea!

My nephew has managed to become a highly skilled barista, humorously, yet truthfully referring to himself as a tea snob, (one that is kind, I might add.) Despite some setbacks with having Dyslexia, he is a proud barista who is highly skilled and with knowledge to boot, and is seeking to continue to further his expertise. He also owns a lawn care business in the summer, where several other guys work for him! Yes, during the summer he has extra money to experiment with all of his fancy teas. 🙂

As schedules permit, he and I meet up to talk, laugh, reminisce and philosophize. We laugh about many things, including the group of people who, during each visit will walk into the coffee shop, meet, hug, shake hands, greet for a few seconds and then all whip out their gadgets. This brewed our ironic joke: “Let’s all meet at the coffee shop, so that we can all text our friends.”

We also laugh together about how in this day and age, with things so upside down and backwards from where they should be, everyone has a vice. The difference is, some are aware of their vice, as some vices are more obvious than others, (taking place in the physical sense.) Others, are not aware of theirs, (in the mental sense,) such as beating themselves up over being addicted to Diet Coke, for example, (much of my family. 😉 Love ya’ll! peace, hominy, hummus and humus.)

In the end, it’s something that my family and I, and especially my nephew and I can chuckle about. Remember that everyone has an inner-genius and also an inner-freak. The two are often closely related and are itching to jump out to see the sunshine!

On that note, with much to think about, particularly the wise words of the Dalai Lama, I think it’s time to unplug. After tying up a few loose ends via email, I will be taking spring unplugged time, a rest from the computer,web posts, and general gadgetry. Time length? Not sure yet; guess I’ll know when I get there. If you can, join us. There’s always life…

Thank you for reading.

Owen and the Barista.

Crying is a release, a type of cleansing. When a person has weeks or months when they cry often, there is a cleansing taking place. It is releasing deeply buried, suppressed emotions and bringing them to the surface. This should not be frowned upon. After the cycle has run its course and the emotions are released and dealt with, the crying will stop.

Greetings,

The other day, I was in The Lake City on an errand for work. One rarely goes to Salt Lake City, (probably any big city) without noticing people on the corner with signs. The signs used range from the desperate to humorous, and everything in between. One read: “Being honest, need beer.” Another: “Food for me and my dog” Some people stop and hand over some money, and some don’t. Sometimes I give them some money and sometimes, I don’t.

Please don’t burn the calories to write to me saying that these people need to just get a job. If you find yourself thinking this, chances are, you probably know very little about mental illness; and further, how it is closely related to addiction and how the two make diagnosis and treatment a challenge indeed for the individual and a true problem for communities.

This particular day though, the words of one sign were simple: “need a little help please.” These words struck me for where I was in my thoughts that day, because we’ve all been there. We have all felt just that and could we have had a sign to show, I suppose we would have done so.

Everything about mental illness is such a cycle. Like everyone, people with brain disorders need support. They need shelter, rest and they need sleep. For people with brain disorders, sleep and rest are especially important to their mental health. When homeless, or in a similarly stressful situation, with little to no consistency or regularity in schedule, symptoms are easily caused, or worsened. It is next to impossible to be free of severe symptoms without sound sleep. This makes it next to impossible to obtain, or hold down a job. It is nearly impossible to experience a good night’s sleep when there is no home to do this in.

The cycle is easily seen.

Sleep, security, and support are needs that everyone has. People with brain disorders (mental illness) are even more severely impacted when any one of these, or all three are missing or lacking from their lives. It literally makes everything for them many times harder. Noise, housing, lack of support, misunderstanding/miscommunication from family members are all factors that can have a major influence on a person’s severity of symptoms and recovery. These are big issues. They are issues that are affected by every part of society, and also affect every part of society.

Mental health and mental illness is big. Everyone is affected; so everyone needs to be on board with their own part to play. This is no longer solely a family and loved ones issue. Governments, employers, officers, lawmakers, families, communities, healthcare practitioners, individuals, loved ones-all have a part to play. Almost everyone has or will experience stressful symptoms that can come and go, or linger. All can benefit from learning and applying tips on mental health, whether diagnosed with a mental illness or not.

Mental illness is about compassion, education, understanding and support. For more information about mental illness please visit NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness. http://www.nami.org/
See also: http://www.samhsa.gov/

Also, please consider the things I have proposed in my two books about well-being, the ripple influence it has throughout all aspects of life and the lives of others. I am proposing new approaches throughout my books and this website about mental illness, mental health and wellness.

Thank you for considering. Thank you for reading. Thank you for becoming educated.

Owen

“Notice that plants don’t search for darkness. They search for light. Neither does a plant have to turn away from the darkness. It simply grows/turns toward the light.”

-OS