Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Knowledge is Power


When it comes to mental health, knowledge is power. As host of the Healthy Minds public television series, my goal is to provide people with information about psychiatric conditions and treatment. I interview experts who provide cutting edge information and more importantly, I speak with people who have sought treatment for a mental health issue.

One of the most moving interviews was with Jennifer Crane, a veteran who served in Afghanistan. She spoke about her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how treatment is helping her recover. She has received treatment through the Give an Hour program, which is sponsored by the American Psychiatric Foundation.

The combination of medical and scientific information with the real life experiences of individuals and their families provides our audience with new knowledge and insights about mental health. I hope the show will open up conversations in families and inspire people to seek help. In addition to PTSD, topics include autism, chemical dependency, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and suicide prevention.

As we plan for future episodes of Healthy Minds, I would very much appreciate your comments, ideas and questions. And, remember, when it comes to mental health, knowledge is power.



2 comments:

  1. I am in the process of trying to identify my mental illness in their entirety. I have been in individual therepy thruought the years and, at 36, my mental illnesses are reeking havoc in my daily life. I started taking Zoloft a week ago, being diagnosed with anxiety and depression and I recently began attending CoDA meetings. I was raised in an abusive and alcoholic household. My question is if PTSD could apply to someone exposed to long term abuse or if PTSD is primarily a result of a sudden horrific event?

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  2. We hope you find the information on this blog and the HealthyMinds.org Web site useful. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about a specific medical condition.

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Comments are reviewed before posting, and comments that include profanity or other inappropriate material will not be posted. The comment section is not intended as, and is not, a substitute for professional medical advice. All decisions about clinical care should be made in consultation with your treating physician. If you need help with a mental health issue, please visit our resource page.