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Category: Bipolar

Disability Discrimination

Disability Discrimination.

Unmasking the Veil of Disability Discrimination: A Call for Inclusivity

Discrimination is a persistent and deeply ingrained issue in societies across the world. Among the various forms of discrimination, disability discrimination remains a grave concern. Despite significant advancements in understanding and acknowledging the rights of individuals with disabilities, prejudice and bias continue to marginalize this community.

Understanding Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination occurs when individuals are treated unfairly due to their disability, whether it be physical, intellectual, sensory, or psychiatric. Such discrimination can manifest in various ways:

  1. Stereotyping: People with disabilities are often stereotyped as dependent, incapable, or a burden on society, perpetuating negative perceptions and limiting their opportunities.
  2. Accessibility Barriers: Inaccessible environments, both physical and digital, create obstacles that hinder the full participation of individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life, from education to employment and social activities.
  3. Employment Discrimination: Despite legal protections, disabled individuals often face discrimination in the workplace, including biased hiring practices, lack of reasonable accommodations, and wage disparities.
  4. Social Exclusion: Individuals with disabilities frequently experience social isolation, exclusion, or bullying, which can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
  5. Lack of Healthcare Access: Some individuals with disabilities may encounter discrimination in healthcare settings, receive subpar treatment, or face biased medical decisions.

Consequences of Disability Discrimination

The consequences of disability discrimination are far-reaching and detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole:

  1. Economic Disparities: Discrimination limits employment opportunities for disabled individuals, resulting in higher unemployment rates and increased reliance on social welfare programs.
  2. Mental Health Impacts: Constant exposure to discrimination can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among individuals with disabilities.
  3. Education Gaps: Discrimination in educational settings can hinder the academic and social development of disabled students, perpetuating disparities in access to knowledge and skills.
  4. Social Fragmentation: Discrimination reinforces social divisions and creates a sense of exclusion among disabled individuals, hindering the development of a cohesive and inclusive society.
  5. Lost Potential: Society loses out on the vast talents, creativity, and contributions of disabled individuals who are prevented from fully participating in various spheres of life.

The Legal Framework Against Disability Discrimination

Several countries have recognized the importance of combating disability discrimination and have enacted laws to protect the rights of disabled individuals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, the Equality Act in the United Kingdom, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are notable examples. These legal frameworks aim to ensure equal opportunities, access, and protection from discrimination.

The Call for Inclusivity

To combat disability discrimination effectively, we must foster a culture of inclusivity and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Here are some key steps that society can take:

  1. Promote Education: Educate the public about disability rights, inclusion, and the harmful effects of discrimination. Schools and universities should incorporate disability awareness into their curricula.
  2. Ensure Accessibility: Create accessible environments, both physical and digital, to enable disabled individuals to participate fully in all aspects of life.
  3. Employment Equality: Encourage businesses and organizations to adopt inclusive hiring practices and provide reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.
  4. Challenge Stereotypes: Promote positive portrayals of disabled individuals in media and popular culture to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.
  5. Empower Disabled Voices: Give disabled individuals a platform to share their experiences, advocate for their rights, and be active participants in decision-making processes.

List Of Types Of Discriminations

Discrimination can manifest in various forms, targeting individuals or groups based on various characteristics or attributes. Here is a list of some common types of discrimination:

  1. Age Discrimination: Treating individuals unfairly based on their age, whether it be youth or older age.
  2. Race or Ethnicity Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s race, ethnicity, or nationality.
  3. Religious Discrimination: Treating individuals differently because of their religious beliefs or practices.
  4. Disability Discrimination: Unfair treatment or exclusion of individuals with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, or psychiatric disabilities.
  5. Gender Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s gender, including discrimination against women (sexism) or men.
  6. Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Unfair treatment of individuals due to their sexual orientation, including discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
  7. Gender Identity Discrimination: Discrimination against individuals based on their gender identity or expression, including transgender individuals.
  8. National Origin Discrimination: Unfair treatment of individuals based on their country of origin or nationality.
  9. Socioeconomic Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s socioeconomic status or economic background.
  10. Marital Status Discrimination: Treating individuals unfairly based on their marital status, whether they are married, single, divorced, or widowed.
  11. Political Affiliation Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s political beliefs or affiliations.
  12. Weight or Body Size Discrimination: Discrimination against individuals because of their weight or body size, often referred to as “sizeism.”
  13. Language Discrimination: Treating individuals differently based on their language proficiency or accent.
  14. Pregnancy Discrimination: Unfair treatment of pregnant individuals or those planning to become parents.
  15. Genetic Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s genetic information or predisposition to certain medical conditions.
  16. Color Discrimination: Discrimination based on the color of a person’s skin, which can overlap with race discrimination.
  17. Religious Dress Discrimination: Unfair treatment of individuals who wear religious attire, such as turbans, hijabs, or yarmulkes.
  18. Educational Discrimination: Discrimination in educational settings, including bias in admissions, grading, or resource allocation.
  19. Caste Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s caste, which is prevalent in some societies and cultures.
  20. Ageism: Prejudice or discrimination against people of a particular age group, often directed toward older individuals.
  21. HIV/AIDS Discrimination: Discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
  22. Veteran Status Discrimination: Unfair treatment of military veterans based on their veteran status.
  23. Intersectional Discrimination: Discrimination that results from the intersection of multiple characteristics, such as race, gender, and disability.
  24. Parental Status Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on whether an individual has children or not.
  25. Religious Conversion Discrimination: Discrimination against individuals who have converted to a different religion.
  26. Housing Discrimination: Discrimination in housing is based on various factors, including race, disability, or familial status.
  27. Age of Consent Discrimination: Discrimination against individuals in relationships with age differences.
  28. Citizenship or Immigration Status Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s citizenship or immigration status.

It’s important to recognize and combat all forms of discrimination to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Laws and policies in many countries are in place to address and prevent discrimination based on these characteristics.

Controversy Over Personal Independence Payments (PIP): Discrimination Against People with Disabilities and Mental Health Disorders

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is a UK government welfare program administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is designed to provide financial support to people with disabilities, including those with mental health disorders, to help cover the extra costs they may incur due to their conditions. However, since its introduction, PIP has been a subject of controversy, with allegations of discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mental health disorders. This article explores the issues surrounding PIP and its impact on this vulnerable population.

The PIP Assessment Process

To determine eligibility for PIP, claimants are required to undergo a stringent assessment process. This process involves a face-to-face interview and the completion of a detailed questionnaire, where claimants must provide evidence of their disability or mental health condition and how it affects their daily lives. Points are awarded based on the severity of the condition and its impact on mobility and daily living activities.

Controversy and Discrimination Allegations

  1. Inconsistent Assessments: One of the major criticisms of the PIP system is the inconsistency in assessments. Reports of assessors providing contradictory decisions and claimants being denied support for conditions deemed severe by healthcare professionals have raised concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the process.
  2. Insufficient Understanding of Mental Health: Mental health disorders can be invisible and fluctuate in severity. Critics argue that PIP assessors, who are often not mental health specialists, may not adequately understand the complexities of these conditions, leading to underestimations of their impact on daily life.
  3. High Rate of Appeals: A significant number of PIP decisions are appealed, and many of these appeals are successful. This suggests that initial assessments may not be capturing the true extent of claimants’ disabilities or mental health challenges.
  4. Stress and Anxiety: The assessment process itself can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to anxiety and stress for claimants. The perceived adversarial nature of the process has been criticized for causing harm to those who are already vulnerable.
  5. Inadequate Support: Some argue that PIP does not provide enough financial support to cover the extra costs associated with disabilities, particularly for individuals with mental health disorders who may require ongoing therapy, medication, or other forms of support.

Impact on Vulnerable PopulationsThe controversy surrounding PIP has real-world consequences for people with disabilities and mental health disorders:

  1. Financial Hardship: Denying or reducing PIP support can lead to financial hardship, making it even more challenging for individuals to access necessary services or participate in daily life activities.
  2. Worsening Health: Stress and anxiety resulting from the PIP assessment process can exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to a decline in overall well-being.
  3. Increased Dependence: Reduced PIP support may force individuals to rely on family members or other forms of support, rather than maintaining their independence.
  4. Stigma and Discrimination: The controversy surrounding PIP contributes to the stigmatization of people with disabilities and mental health disorders, perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Calls for Reform

To address the controversy surrounding PIP and allegations of discrimination, various advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and policymakers have called for reforms to make the system fairer and more supportive:

  1. Improved Assessor Training: Ensuring that PIP assessors receive comprehensive training, particularly in understanding mental health conditions, can lead to more accurate assessments.
  2. Greater Transparency: Advocates argue for increased transparency in the assessment process, including clearer guidelines for assessors and better communication with claimants.
  3. More Compassionate Assessment: Creating a less adversarial atmosphere during assessments can help reduce stress and anxiety for claimants.
  4. Frequent Reviews: Regularly reviewing and updating the PIP assessment criteria to reflect the evolving understanding of disabilities, including mental health conditions, is essential.

The controversy over Personal Independence Payments highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and mental health disorders in accessing necessary financial support. Addressing these issues requires a careful reevaluation of the PIP assessment process and a commitment to ensuring that it is fair, consistent, and supportive of those who need it most. Discrimination against this vulnerable population must be actively addressed to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has faced criticism and allegations of discrimination.

Individuals with disabilities include those with conditions such as:

  1. Mental Health Disorders: People with conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and other mental health conditions may experience difficulties in PIP assessments, particularly due to the often invisible nature of these conditions.
  2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a progressive neurological condition that can lead to various disabilities, including mobility issues, fatigue, and cognitive impairments. Some individuals with MS have reported challenges in securing PIP support.
  3. Chronic Pain Conditions: Conditions like Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can cause severe pain and disability. However, these conditions may not always receive the recognition they deserve in PIP assessments.
  4. Neurological Disorders: Other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, and Huntington’s Disease, can lead to significant disabilities, but individuals with these conditions may also face difficulties in securing PIP support.
  5. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Autism, including conditions like Asperger’s syndrome, can impact an individual’s ability to engage in daily living activities and may require additional support. However, navigating the PIP assessment process can be challenging for individuals with ASD.
  6. Physical Disabilities: Individuals with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, and musculoskeletal disorders, may also face discrimination or inconsistent assessments in the PIP system.
  7. Visual and Hearing Impairments: People with visual impairments, hearing impairments, or deafness may experience difficulties in accessing PIP support, especially if their needs are not adequately understood during assessments.
  8. Learning Disabilities: Individuals with learning disabilities, such as Down syndrome or intellectual disabilities, may struggle to access PIP support due to the complexity of the assessment process.

It’s important to note that the issues surrounding PIP assessments are not limited to specific disabilities but often revolve around the assessment process itself, which may not effectively capture the nuances and impact of various disabilities, including those mentioned above. Advocacy groups and policymakers continue to call for reforms and improvements to ensure a fair and equitable system that supports individuals with diverse disabilities.

Conclusion

Disability discrimination is a pervasive and deeply ingrained issue that hampers the progress of individuals with disabilities and society as a whole. To address this problem, we must work collectively to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can build a more equitable and compassionate world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the betterment of society.

Invisible Disabilities

Invisible disabilities are conditions or impairments that significantly impact an individual’s life but are not immediately apparent to others. These disabilities can encompass a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, cognitive impairments, and sensory sensitivities.

While not visible to the naked eye, invisible disabilities can have profound effects on a person’s daily functioning, requiring understanding, support, and accommodation from society to ensure that individuals with these conditions can fully participate in all aspects of life.

Recognizing and respecting the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities is essential for fostering inclusivity and promoting a more compassionate and equitable world.

Laws

When someone is discriminated against, several laws may be violated depending on the nature of the discrimination. In most democratic societies, discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation is illegal. These laws aim to protect individuals from unfair treatment and promote equality. Discriminatory actions can lead to violations of civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, which can result in legal consequences for the perpetrators. Additionally, there are often specific laws and regulations at local levels that address various forms of discrimination, ensuring that individuals have legal recourse when their rights are infringed upon.

Further Reading:


#disabilitydiscrimination #ocddiscrimination #mentalhealdiscrimination #mentalhealth #discrimination #pipdiscrimination #invisibledisabilities


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How To Deal With Intrusive Thoughts

How To Deal With Intrusive Thoughts

WHAT’S IN THIS ARTICLE:

  • What are Intrusive Thoughts
  • Types Of Intrusive Thoughts
  • What You Can Do
  • Related Mental Health Disorders
  • When to Get Help

Overview:

The majority of us from time to time experience worry, anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and fear. If you are reading this and do not agree that you have never experienced any of the above, you are not being true to yourself.

Sometimes we experience unwanted thoughts like did we shut the door behind us or did we turn off the stove. This annoying thought may get stuck in our heads until we put our minds at ease. Usually, you can ignore it and move on. But sometimes, it just keeps returning.

What are Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts or negative thoughts are thoughts that either lingers on your mind or pop in out of nowhere. They are part of our coping mechanisms. However unwanted lingering thoughts stem from stress, fear, and anxiety. People who have suffered trauma can affect their beliefs about the future via loss of hope, limited expectations about life, fear that life will end abruptly or early, or anticipation that normal life events won’t occur (e.g., access to education, ability to have a significant and committed relationship, good opportunities for work). All these events can manifest intrusive thoughts.

Understanding the Impact of Trauma – Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

Nearly everyone experiences Intrusive Thoughts from time to time”.

So why do these thoughts happen and what causes them?

An intrusive thought is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:

Intrusive thoughts either linger on one’s mind or simply come in out of nowhere.

These thoughts are unpleasant and unwanted and manifest in our minds, sometimes without warning or other times if we dwell on something for long periods that is worrying us.

These thoughts can sometimes be violent, sexual, or simply harmless worries.

Intrusive thoughts usually heighten when you feel, stressed or distressed, typically having an intrusive once in a while is just part of life.

It only becomes concerning if your thoughts because dangerous and uncontrollable.

In most cases, intrusive thoughts do not have any particular meaning. As long as you recognize that these are only thoughts and are controllable and harmless and that you have no desire to act on them, intrusive thoughts are usually not harmful.

However, if they’re happening often, causing significant concern, or interfering with your daily activities, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor.

I must admit that I do suffer from intrusive thoughts occasionally, especially when I am stressed or depressed but would never act on them other than if they were related to OCD Germ Contamination. Through my learning journey, I am trying to heal. In fact, I have completed my Diploma in Hypnotherapy, and am studying Neuroplasticity.

Intrusive thoughts can range from random images to disturbing and violent ideas like punching someone in the face or hurting yourself.

(Yes I have had thoughts of punching someone in the face, but I would not go through with such a ludicrous idea because (a) my OCD germ contamination thought would kick in of actually physically touching someone, and secondly (b) it is simply a stupid thought).

Other intrusive thoughts are: did I cross-contaminate (did I touch something by accident) and does my thought warrant me to act on my compulsion such as changing my clothes because my daughter’s cat brushed past me? Usually, I try and fight the urge (CBT). Depending on how stressed I am will depend on how successfully I can resist the thought. Most of the time my germ contamination thoughts overpower me, like I said it all depends on my anxiety and stress levels.

I am aware that with OCD sometimes it is hard to fight your thoughts and you succumb to the urge. Hypnotherapy and meditation help with the process of healing.

Survivor of Domestic Violence

Whilst I was enduring emotional and physical abuse, the thought of harming myself crossed my mind, but again I knew I had to prove to the abuser that I would not be broken, no matter how many times he tried and kept saying to myself what does not kill you make you stronger. I decided no matter how low he made me feel I would not give him the satisfaction and would not give up. I decided to focus on building this site and working really hard. He eventually left with his tail between his legs because he knew he was defeated and no matter what he did or said to me was no longer working. I felt rejoiceful that he had lost his battle to destroy me and I concentrated on moving forward by suppressing all my thoughts and all the bad memories by putting the past behind me.

(I am a survivor of domestic violence, the abuser has left the country).

For anyone else experiencing intrusive thoughts, they are usually harmless as long as they can be under control. But if you obsess about them to the extent that it interrupts your day-to-day life, this can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem.

Intrusive thoughts can be a symptom of grief, stress, anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Types of Intrusive Thoughts

OCD thoughts.

OCD thoughts depending what type of OCD you have. There are Nineteen Characteristics of OCD. With OCD the sufferer that has intrusive thoughts usually actions the compulsions to ease the discomfort of the thought lingering in their head, this could be from checking the door handles and switches to counting or avoiding certain numbers, objects, or people. This is a defense mechanism to protect the sufferer from their fear that if they do not carry out the compulsion something bad might happen.

Sexual thoughts.

Sexual thoughts are usually natural regardless of gender. An Intrusive sexual thought however when it becomes uncomfortable with or shocked by the thoughts and images to the point you are fixated on something, you should talk it over with a professional.

Experts say it’s best to remind yourself that these are just passing, automatic thoughts. They don’t define you in any way.

Violent thoughts.

Violent thoughts of punching someone in the face are harmless as long as you do not act on them.

Sometimes violent thoughts may have dark meanings like harming yourself or someone else. Usually, these thoughts are harmless, even repetitive as long as you have no intention to act on them. These thoughts are very unpleasant and if you feel you cannot cope you should speak with a professional or phone the Samaritans. You can also contact us and keep yourself anonymous if you prefer. These thoughts usually pass in time. But if you find yourself planning to follow your thoughts through, you need to speak with a professional to help to manage your emotions. Talk to a doctor or a therapist.

Negative thoughts.

Negative thoughts can be multiple ideas. An example you have imposter syndrome, you feel like a failure or if you think about something negative will happen because you essentially are manifesting it in your life. The more you think negatively the chances of whatever you are thinking will come true. It is best to rewire my mind. These thoughts should fade as your situation changes. But if they become overwhelming, you could have depression or anxiety. Talk to a mental health professional about how to control your symptoms.

However, science teaches us that In 1949, psychologist Donald Hebb laid out his compelling “assembly theory” of how the brain achieves this feat. It is best summarized by the mantra “neurons that fire together wire together.” Meaning what we reap is what we sow in other words if we continually think negatively eventually what we are thinking will happen. The idea is that neurons responding to the same stimulus connect preferentially to form “neuronal ensembles.”

What You Can Do


The best way to heal is to learn about the brain and our thoughts, learning about our conscious mind and our subconscious mind helps us understand the supercomputers we have (brain), yet, we only use a total of 5% of our entire human mind Keeping ourselves busy and distracting ourselves is a strategy to heal.

At the end of the day, most intrusive thoughts are just thoughts.

The only time they become a red flag or a signal that you actually want to do the disturbing things you’re thinking about is when you feel you are no longer in control.

If they bother you, you can take steps to cut down on their frequency and intensity.

You Can:

  • Evaluate your life and what is troubling you.
  • Recognize your thoughts and label them for what they are.
  • Distract yourself from your thoughts, watch a movie, read a book or do some scripting and write your thoughts down on paper in a journal or online.
  • Release the tension and share your thoughts with others. (There are groups and forums you can join or if your thoughts are overwhelming contact a professional like your doctor or phone the Samaritans.
  • Accept that they will pass eventually.
  • Listen to empowering motivational speakers like Jake Ducey or Dr. Caroline Leaf. Check them out on YouTube.
  • Give yourself time for the intrusive thoughts to fade away.
  • Be prepared for your unwanted thoughts to come back.
  • Learn about your mind and neuroplasticity and how your thoughts can be controlled.

Do Not:

  • Do not act or engage in dangerous thoughts, for example hurting yourself or someone else.
  • Do not be too hard on yourself. Try to question yourself and why you’re having them in the first place.
  • Do not just do nothing in the hope your thoughts will go away. Often distracting yourself from a situation will get your mind occupied with other things and your thoughts become suppressed.

Related Mental Health Disorders.

Sometimes, thoughts go beyond being intrusive.

Related mental health disorders associated with repetitive unwanted intrusive thoughts, could be a sign of OCD. This type of anxiety disorder causes the sufferer to have recurring, unwanted thoughts that they may not be able to control. This may be the compulsion to repeat certain behaviors or actions over and over again.

In contrast, delusional paranoid thoughts, such as thinking someone is always watching you or wants to hurt you, can be a sign of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

If you have these thoughts, talk to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options.

When to Get Help

If your intrusive thoughts become unmanageable and start to take over your life, you need to seek professional help or as I am doing am learning online, keeping myself busy all the time, and doing extensive research. I will not claim to be the next Paul Mckenna of this world and one day I would like to meet him, but I do believe hypnotherapy and meditation play an important part in the healing process. The issue with hypnotherapy and meditation is you have to keep at it, you cannot just do it once and expect miracles it does not work like that.

Although I have completed my Hypnotherapy Diploma and have hypnotized myself I have not done it enough times to actually see much of a difference hence I re-iterate that you need to be consistent with it.

The way I deal with intrusive thoughts is by scripting and using my online journal. I feel much better after I have released my energy and often anger either on paper or mostly online.

If you are finding life too difficult to bear and you are getting contact with intrusive dangerous thoughts, contact your Doctor or Emergency Services.

A doctor may refer you to a behavioral therapist, psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Personally, for me, this is my own process of healing, learning, and passing my knowledge to others.

“An Investment In Knowledge Pays The Best Interest” – by Benjamin Fraklin

Remember we have a useful links page and depending on where you are in the world you have your Doctor you can contact or emergency services (112) this is the international number. In the UK we have (999) and for nonurgent (111).

Further Reading

My Daily Mental and Physical Self-Care Routine & How I Manage My Menta – Dr. Leaf (drleaf.com)

Debunking the Serotonin-Depression Theory (with Psychiatrist & Profess – Dr. Leaf (drleaf.com)

The Difference Between the Nonconscious, Subconscious & Conscious Mind – Dr. Leaf (drleaf.com)

The Great Psychiatry Fraud – Dr. Leaf (drleaf.com)

#intrusivethoughts #ocd #negativethoughts #neuroplasticity #neuroscience #hypnosis #meditation #learning

Rich & Depressed

Rich, Disabled & Depressed.

Did you know that rich people get depressed just like the disabled, working-class, and poor? In fact, in our current climate, everyone gets depressed at some point in their lives regardless, of gender, ethnicity, job title, social status, wealth, or physical and mental disabilities?

There is no such thing as a perfect world or perfect lifestyle that most of us try to strive for. The higher we climb the harder we fall and with more wealth, there will be more problems.

There is not one person on this planet that cannot say they have never been depressed. Even babies can be born depressed.

Rich people are prone to depression because a lot of money of their net worth exists in untouchable assets such as home equity and retirement accounts, not only pressures of work can take their toll on a person’s mental state. For rich people some of the time their wealth only exists on paper and they cannot spend it and run the risk of disappearing due to market conditions.

Rich people spend less time with their families and more time at work, this then puts strain on relationships.

Where the working class person can allocate time to spend with their families in the evenings and weekends and middle to high-class entrepreneurs will prioritize their business in order to run a tight ship. with no time wasted and every day is one day closer to striking gold and more gold. Not everyone is born privileged.

However, saying this person is born privileged or is famous and in the public arena may find it difficult to live normal lives. They cannot just pop down to a local cafe or supermarket their every move is documented so they live in a secluded place away from prying eyes.

The upper class and born privileged person may not understand about other classes and with money flowing may take their wealth for granted but again a wealthy person may also experience depression as they cannot walk on Gods earth freely without being followed by paparazzi and may have to have an entourage of security guarding them. They cannot walk into a store or go anywhere public. They are imprisoned in their own surroundings. They may not have the freedom to do things randomly unlike the rest of the world.

Most CEOs, founders, the innovators are prone to depression more so than the average person, possessing subtle psychopathic traits and be more prone to addiction.

Their addiction and obsession with work only fuel the fire to not fail. Rich people may also turn to alcohol and recreational drugs to self-medicate. These tendencies may even help the individual rise to such heights through their insecurities.

Research suggests that CEOs may be depressed at more than double the rate of the general public (which is already about 20%).

It is also suggested that even privileged rich kids are, counter-intuitively, more depressed and anxious than their middle- or low-income peers. This could be because a social group trap is so tight-knit that it would be virtually impossible to make friends out of their social circle, giving rich kids less freedom. Rich kids do not mix with poor kids or vice versa.

People on low incomes have lower expectations and working-class families learn to cope with the bare minimums and are truly grateful for what they have, which high class have more expectations and are not grateful of what they have because they always want more and better things than the Jones’s. Low-class families are more humble and can show more empathy and understand that a less privileged person will be eternally grateful for any help that is given to them.

Hence a lower class family will be eternally grateful compared to a wealthy family. Whilst a wealthy family will expect the best of the best and if they do not get what they desire they may experience anxiety and depression. There is currently not enough research about the prevalence of depression in the upper vs. the lower socioeconomic classes within a country.

Psychologists who have treated the very high-functioning C-suite types over the years have collected data consensus that tells them that people of high social status and enormous wealth are prone to major depression for a variety of reasons than people of other socioeconomic strata.

Todd Essig, a Forbes writer, and psychologist in New York City said “Uber-success can be depressogenic”. “Many C-suite executives are prone to depression, despite their success, maybe even because of it.”

Depression can affect the lives of everyone, in any stratum.

Regardless if you are rich, poor, or with a disability, no one is immune to anxiety and depression.

However, people who have extreme success are more prone to depression because a person who is successful has chased their own dream and is more protective of it causing isolation and the pressures to keep it a success and not to fail can cause a person to isolate.

People of extreme successes are more prone to criticism there will always be competitors and haters and people just watching and waiting for them to fail.

A person in the public eye may not always have people who will believe in their success.

In this not-so-perfect world where most of us want a perfect life, this is virtually impossible as money cannot buy you happiness. It is a constant battle to please people to have people on the same page as you and there will always be people that are jealous and will say things out of context just to hurt you. It is a constant battle to stay on top which triggers depression in those you’d least expect it. People who are successful, wealthy, and with a disability may find even more pressure to not fail and have to work even harder to get around obstacles. In fact, some of the most successful people in history have suffered from relentless, incapacitating depression – some have won their battles, or, at least, continued to battle, yet some, sadly, succumb to them.

Comparing yourself to the Joneses

People who are extremely successful and very wealthy will always want the best of the best and will always compete with one another to have something grander. This could be the best-hosted party in which mingling with other wealthy people only puts more pressure to make their event even more spectacular. Their competitors, neighbor, or friends dripping with jewels then their jewels would have to be bigger and more expensive, this could also be designer clothes, accessories, cars, properties, etc. They constantly compare themselves to the Joneses. Countries that are low-income, on the other hand, have low depression rates. However even countries with low wealth still like to compete, you should see the graves in Poland the bigger and grander reflects the wealth of the family.

Some people habitually measure their self-worth by materialistic items that they own. Even people of low wealth try to portray they are rich by wearing designer clothes and accessories but in reality, they do not have two pennies to rub together. Not everything that glistens is gold.

Quality Time

People of working or low class have time to delegate their free time whilst a person who is an entrepreneur will be more driven in making their business succeed and may neglect family in order to concentrate on making their business a success. Once at the top of the ladder they will constantly be overprotective to make their business stay in the number one spot. This adds further stress and anxiety and eventually depression.

People of the lower class do not have the same expectations and those of the working or middle or higher class. They may be complacent to what they have and will not be driven to improve their lives they will not have the same pressure as working or middle-class people. Entrepreneurs are on the spectrum of the lower, working, middle and upper class but they have a key goal to succeed. They will battle to climb the ladder. To achieve extreme success, a person needs to dedicate an extraordinary amount of time and effort to get there, which can make for a life that feels precipitous and lonely.

People climbing the ladder may find everyday things that people take for granted like spending time with family mundane and not proactive. Going for leisurely walks or taking time out to exercise may be an ordeal and you will be surprised that many successful people have their own Gyms or exercise bikes in their offices. Also engaging in meaningless conversations and socializing with people that do not have the same vision adds even more pressure to socially disconnect.

Privilege People

People who have been born wealthy and do not have to ever worry about putting food on the table may find it hard to cope if they find themselves in uncharted territory. People born into wealth do not understand and may find it harder to cope with life problems as they have always been shielded from it. Arnold Washton, a psychologist at Compass Health Group said that depression may also be more common in people who have only known wealth, since they may not be familiar with bootstrapping themselves through difficult times. However, people who self-made millionaires or billionaires may be more resilient as they have experienced the struggles of getting to the top and they know what to expect. A self-made millionaire, a billionaire has more authority to teach people about wealth than someone who was born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

The higher you rise the harder you fall.

To be always vigilant and be prepared for disasters and knowing from all the mistakes and failures you have had will give you a building block to start again. Having a stepping stone if things go belly up and being able to reinvent yourself is one key factor to making sure you succeed. If something is not working quite right create another building block. When business is bad, it goes without saying that depression would be more likely. In good economic times, even if every milestone is hit at exactly the right point, some may find that they feel they have failed. Rather than let everything come tumbling down have strategies in place for every economic disaster.

Just because someone is super-wealthy does not mean you have to be less empathetic towards them. By helping them get through their depression will encourage them to help you. The super-rich also have bills to pay and have obligations just like you and I. Obviously our bills are nothing compared to the magnitude of theirs but it’s bills all the same. Unless a person is a ruler of the land or oil tycoon even then the laws of the land may forbid their relatives to live normal lives. Even princesses have attempted to escape certain countries because they want to live normal lives. Knowing a person is depressed regardless of their stature one can only offer a helping hand this could be just an anonymous talk or perhaps advice and links to organizations.

Rich Person Insecurities.

  1. Keeping up with the Jones
  2. Health Issues, Mental Health, Physical and Mental Disabilities
  3. Sealing the Next Deal
  4. Finding Funds for the Next Investment
  5. Shopaholic, Wife, Girlfriend, Partner, Mistress (Over Spending)
  6. Infidelity (Not being satisfied)
  7. Balancing Work and Family Life
  8. Pressures to Succeed and maintain No1 spot
  9. Market Conditions
  10. Untouchable Assets

Wealth/Money cannot buy you health or happiness. Wealth? Money is a tool and a monetary exchange for something you desire. Wealth can satisfy your needs and fill in an empty void, it can help secure your future and your family’s future but it cannot buy you health or happiness. Having material things and assets may make you feel more superior but it will never make you happy.

The key to happiness is knowing that what you do helps others. However to be happy you need to be healthy and you have to treat your body like a temple. If you look after your body it will look after you the spiritual being in the physical body.

If someone is suffering from depression and recognizes they have a problem this does not make them weak. By reaching out to someone is the first step to healing.

Sharing your pain, your worries, and anxieties are the first step to alleviating the problem. A person who is suffering should not suffer alone and needs to reach out to someone or seek professional help.

Regardless of the person’s title or wealth status, we are all human at the end of the day.

Regardless of who you are you can drop us a line you do not have to give your real name and you can set up a Gmail email if you simply feel life is unbearable we are here to lend an ear and we can offer suggestions.

Whatever you are going through you do not have to go through it alone. You are not the first or the last person to suffer and you should not suffer in silence.

#stress #depression #clinicaldepression #ocd #mental health #obsessivecompultivedisorder #bipolar #anxiety #worry #worries #loneliness #therapy #hypnosis #talking #chatting #reachingout #suicideprevention #prescriptiondrugs #antidepressants #famouspeoplewithdepression #richanddepressed

Intimidation & Mental Health Issues.

INTIMIDATION.

Intimidation is intentional behavior performed by someone in which it causes another person (the victim) fear either by physical or psychological injury or harm.

A perpetrator knows what they are doing and will want to gain control of a situation by making their victim feel insecure.

Intimidation can cause psychological damage which will make the victim question themselves, which may lead to depression or suicide.

Intimidation in the workplace can make your office environment to be a toxic place to work in.

When your boss or coworker is subjecting you to intimidation in the workplace your mental health will be affected and you may even find you have no choice but to quit your job if the constant bullying becomes unbearable.

What does Intimidation in the Workplace Look Like?

Workplace intimidation, which is also called workplace bullying, happens when someone superior to you or a coworker uses psychological threats, blackmail or verbal abuse to manipulate an employee to do things in order to feel superior over that person (the victim).

Intimidation may become apparant from the start by the superior showing they are above you. It does not have to be gradual as you may be told by your co-workers that the boss is on the prowl and that you have to jump through hoops to please him or her.

In some cases it may be made apparant over time, where the perpetrator accesses the victims weakness and plays on their insecurities. This does not have to be in the workplace it could be a friend, neighbour, partner or landlord. Basically anyone that has control over you in some way and feels they are superior to you can potentially intimidate you if you let them.

Intimidation can be:

  • Physical violence or threats
  • Raising Voices
  • Ignoring you and your requests
  • Being Hostile physical posturing
  • Humiliating, ridiculing or insulting you in front of coworkers or customers
  • Intentionally dicing you work outside your expertise
  • Purposely finding faults with your work or assigning errors to you that are not your responsibility
  • Copying your ideas and taking credit for your work
  • Sabotaging your work or setting you up to fail
  • Raising the bar for success or setting up different standards for the targeted employee
  • Interfering with your ability to work
  • Highlighting the fact that your are dispensable, that you could loose your job if your work is not up to scratch
  • Showing superiority so that you feel insecure and putting the victim in their place, reminding the victim why they are where they are and how things could eaily change, playing on the victims insecurities.
  • Intimidation that can cause your mental health to change, such as spreading lies.
  • Making the employee feel unwelcome or singled out in social events.

Illegal Workplace Discrimination.

When there is intimidation in workplace it can easily cross the line into illegal workplace discrimination.

This applies to conduct based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Sex or gender
  • Pregnancy
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Age

If an employer makes employment decisions that hinders your job role and assignments or allows its employees to create a hostile work environment, you may be able to make a discrimiantion claim against the employer. If your employer doesn’t live up to its promises or comply with its anti-harassment policies, you may be able to sue based on a breach of contract claim.

Regarless if intimidation is made in the workplace or in another environment such as a landlord intimidating a tenant for example you do have rights and you can find the relevant help in order that you are no longer intimidated and can live a life without feeling insecure. Nobody should live in fear.

**If you have problems at home with your landlord you should contact your local council office.

Your council should have a tenancy relations officer or a housing team who can help.

The council could:

Form N16A: Application for injunction (General form)

Use this general injunction form to ask the court to order a person, company or organisation to do something or not to do something.

n16a-eng

Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects your mental state of mind and your moods. These mood swings can make the person feel very low or very high. Bipolar was originally referred to as a manic depression.

Symptoms of  bipolar disorder:

Depression – feeling very low and lethargic

Mania – feeling very high and overactive

Unlike temporary random mood swings, each extreme episode of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks (or even longer).

However bipolar disorder carries excess baggage called depression. So depending on if you are feeling very low will determine if you also have depression. Depression can be temporary and may last a few hours or a few days but when it rolls into weeks it can be defined as bipolar.

It can also have the polar opposite hence that is why it called bipolar you can be feeling very low or very high.

Feeling very high can include:

1). Exceptional energy

2). Restlessness

3). Trouble concentrating

4). Feelings of euphoria (extreme happiness)

5). Risky Behaviours

6). Poor Sleep

Patients may first be diagnosed with clinical depression before they have a manic episode (sometimes years later), after which they may be then as having diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

When the feeling of depression is too much to bear you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, which can potentially lead to thoughts of suicide.

No one should suffer alone and if you think your life is pointless that is just your opinion and no one else’s, you can in fact pull yourself out of this state by talking to someone or seeking advice.

If you’re feeling very depressed, contact your GP do not carry the burden yourself talk to someone, a friend, neighbor, or family member. However, if you feel you have no one to talk to at all there are the Samaritans you can phone them on 116 123 for free who can listen and give you contact numbers to local mental health crisis teams without being judgmental or biased. They are just there to provide support so that you have someone you can talk to, you don’t even have to give your real name and you can hide your phone number. They are 100% on your side.

Catherine Zeta Jones Hollywood’s A-List Actress came out with being ‘Bipolar’.

There are four  types of bipolar disorder:

1). Bipolar 1 disorder

2). Bipolar 2 disorder

3). Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia)

4). Unspecified bipolar and related disorders

Catherine suffers from Bipolar 2 which is less debilitating .

Bipolar 1 and 2 disorders are the most common of all the other types of bipolar disorder.

Catherine mentions she never wanted to be a poster girl for the disorder and that it just happened to come out one day and now she labeled for having it.

There is nothing wrong with mental or physical disabilities and as she so rightly said “everyone suffers from one thing or another and you just get on with it” and adjust your life around your disability without it defining who you actually are.

People can manage both physical and mental disabilities and can adjust their lives in a way that is manageable to them.

Final Thoughts.

I have OCD and Cerebellar Atrophy and I do have depression but my therapy is to keep myself busy and not have time to think about all the things that have gone wrong in my life but all the things that will make me happy.

I will not let these illnesses define me.

I am proud to be an ambassador to motivate and inspire people that whatever you are going through and whatever disability you have regardless if it is physical or mental that it is not the end of the world.

Use your disability as a stepping stone or tool to prosper. People who have similar disorders will relate to you.

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