To the editor:
Re: Column in the July 4 Capital News by Paul Latimer: Violence and the Mentally Ill.
The column by Paul Latimer states: “Many people…believe violence is a probable symptom associated with these (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) serious mental illness. Unfortunately, this assumption is the result of misinformation and excessive media coverage of violent crimes.”
BrainWavebc.com has worked directly with youth and adults for over six years who are facing these types of debilitating issues. This also includes depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Our experience tells us that the mental illness ‘story’ is misunderstood.
In fact, the misunderstandings and stigmas attached to mental illness could foster those exact behaviours the media has represented. The projected attitudes make sufferers feel like outsiders—neglected and rejected by society. This in turn stops people from seeking the help they need.
People often do not discuss these issues because there is no ‘solution’ for them—only a way to cope with their issues. “Self-medicating” is a term often used to describe someone trying to cope with the symptoms of their mental health issues, abusing substances like prescription or street drugs. Giving people help with their issues can help reduce the undesirable outcomes of mental health issues.
BrainWave Kelowna offers state-of-the-art technology to help people overcome such issues, avoiding the debilitating problem of self-medicating, and its attendant woes, such as violence and suicide.
We should make sure that mental health and services step out of the shadows. With effective, compassionate, and timely care to help restore daily functioning, the world will be much brighter for those impacted by mental illness.
Brain training is based upon the revolutionary discovery by Canadian psychiatrist Norman Doidge. He proved that even the adult brain is capable of rewiring itself—a process known as neuroplasticity, described as “one of the most extraordinary discoveries of the 20th century.”
Brain training supports individuals in overcoming many issues including stress, depression, loss of memory and poor attention.
Daniel Richard,
BrainWave Optimum Brain Training,
Kelowna
