Mental Health 

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social health. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. There are a lot of different types of mental health.  There is mental health like depression, that everyone knows about. There are other types of mental health that people don’t talk about. That is starting to change though. People are learning more about autism, but do they know that 30% of children that have autism also have epilepsy. There needs to be more information about epilepsy. There are 40 different types of seizures. Everyone that has epilepsy can fit into a type, but how they react while having one can be different.

My life changed quickly when I had a seizure while I was diving. Thank goodness that my youngest daughter was in a car seat, but my oldest was in the front seat. I don’t remember anything that happened. I was told that I swerved into the oncoming lane, hit multiple mailboxes and finally hit an embankment where a tree fell between me and my daughters. My daughter in the front seat tried taking control of the steering wheel, pulling the emergency brake, and even turning the car off. She told me that I fought her. She had her seat belt on, but her ankle was shattered from hitting the embankment. After having five surgeries, her ankle was finally fused.

I stopped driving after that happened, which means I also had to quit working. I stayed home with her since she was wearing a cast and in a wheelchair. A teacher came to the house to work with her so she wouldn’t get behind in classwork. 

While staying at home, I started blogging to get everything out in the open that can happen to people with epilepsy. I found out that the pharmacy changed the manufacturer of the epilepsy medication. We keep hearing that generic medication is the same as the brand name. I found out that the company that manufactures the generic medication for epilepsy has to change a difference in the dose or the blood concentration. The company that makes generic medication for epilepsy does not have the patent for the medication. There has to be a narrow therapeutic index of the drug. That means a difference in the dose. There can be a change in dosage of one pill compared to another pill in antiepileptic medications. When you begin taking a brand name medication and switch to a generic, your body may absorb it differently. This means with antiepileptic drugs you may not get the same dosage that you need. This can also happen if you change one generic manufacturer to another.

I found out this is what happened to me. The pharmacy switched generic manufacturers. When I asked the pharmacist why, he said that one was cheaper than the other. This is why I had my seizure while I was driving. The pharmacy switched manufacturers. The small difference in the dose or how my body absorbed the medication caused me to wreck. I had only taken the new generic medication for two days. People need to know to call their doctor if they feel any side effects after switching to a generic.

Why Mental Health Matters

• Quality of Life: Good mental health allows us to enjoy our lives, build strong relationships, and cope with life’s challenges.
• Physical Health: Mental health and physical health are closely connected. Poor mental health can lead to physical health problems, and vice versa.
• Productivity: Mental health affects our ability to focus, learn, and be productive at work or school.
• Relationships: Mental health impacts our ability to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships.

Common Mental Health Issues

• Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.
• Anxiety Disorders: A group of disorders characterized by excessive worry, fear, and anxiety.
• Bipolar Disorder: A mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression.
• Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking.
• Eating Disorders: A group of disorders characterized by unhealthy eating habits and a distorted body image.
• Substance Use Disorders: A group of disorders characterized by the misuse of alcohol or drugs.

Maintaining Good Mental Health

• Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep.
• Stress Management: Learn healthy ways to cope with stress, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness.
• Social Connection: Maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
• Self-Care: Make time for activities you enjoy and that help you relax.
• Seeking Help: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you are struggling with your mental health.

Breaking the Stigma

Stigma surrounding mental health can prevent people from seeking help. It’s important to remember that mental health issues are common and treatable. Talking openly about mental health can help break down stigma and encourage people to seek support.

Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): [NAMI website]
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): [SAMHSA website]
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/brand-vs-generic-drugs

Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out for help.