America Needs Intellect - Exclusion is not the Answer

It is my firm belief that many employers regard individuals with disabilities with little to no respect. Amazingly, even women who bear the workforce of the world are excluded from opportunities based on just simply choosing to have a child and family life. It is imperative that we do not continue down this path if we are to progress as a society. Physical disability or a mental disorder should not exclude individuals from viable opportunities when conditions can be treated. Physical or mental illnesses do not necessarily amount to intellectual difficiency. Trust me when I say that we need all the intellect we can get in our workforce and our current recession should be proof enough that many of our big corporations and agencies are lacking of that. I hope we can move beyond the stigmatization of individuals based on simple labels and focus more on their capabilities.

Crime and Criminality in America

Have you ever thought about the amount of individuals that are in distress from their continuous state of destitution? February 18th, 2010 brought a story out of Austin, Texas, about a gentleman who decided to fly his plane into a building that house IRS offices and employees. Typically, the media and criminologists flock to such cases and declare terrorism, mental incapacity, and or deviancy on the part of the individual committing the act. However, this case does not involve the typical profile that accompanies many case files that include criminal or violent acts. Rather, this man seems to ring true to the typical blue collar, lower to middle class individual in the United States.
Crime and criminality in America are not aspects of our society that one wants to be exposed to, especially if an individual is not involved in criminal acts. However, crimes seem to get our attention as much as act of altruism, and even more at times. Individuals have learned that if they commit acts of violence, they are able to secure attention that would have othwerwise been almost impossible to secure without some acts of breaking the law. The media is not the only agent that takes notice whenever criminals acts are committed. People in general take notice and if the act is severe enough, government typically pays attention by becoming involved in the matter.
It is definitely a shame that individuals have to resort to violence to get attention to matters that affect the majority of individuals within our society. Let us hope that it does not take another major act of violence to open up our eyes to the possibility that the next person committing the act could be you or your neighbor.

Is the Current State of the Economy Affecting Your Relationship

The last few years have not been easy for anyone. It has especially been hard for couples who have lost just about everything except their sanity due to the downturn economy. It is imperative that whether you are single or a couple, you maintain the love and honor that was a part of your relationship prior to your current hardships. Although things are difficult at the moment, nothing lasts forever. Eventually, the ecnomy will bounce back, but your relationship will not if you fail to see your current hardships as wavering challenges. Most couples typically fight about money and it is a definite certainty that those fights do not cease during job loss, economic hardships, or other relationship challenges. However, it is my belief that if couples can agree to disagree on their finacial situations, relationship crinks can be smoothed out with much more ease and success than not. Before you fight with your significant other over job loss and financial difficulties, remember that you can replace a job easier than a dependable partner.
There are many ways that couples can approach the current economic instability. First, you have to see your current situation as another challenge in your life, and one that can potentially strengthen your connection with your partner if you can work together. Second, find a church or other positive place of gathering that both of you can attend at least once per week. Engagement in such gatherings do not cost anything, and can result in a renewed sense of looking at your daily and weekly challenges. Many people do not currently have a budget for weekly or monthly entertainment because of the changes in their economic status. Do not focus on what use to be, rather, focus on what you can do together in the now. Ruminating on your past economic status will not ease the burden of the current economic situation. Grow together as a couple with your challenges becoming a positive way to build a loving and dependable partnership. It does not hurt to cut back on what could be considered luxuries, so that your expenses for bills, etc., can be securely maintained without causing added stress to your relationship.
Third, stay focus on what you are trying to accomplish while you redo your budget to accommodate your new lifestyle. Try to stay positive by reading devotionals, daily motivational self-help books, or any instrument that will give you that extra push to start your day on a positive note.
Remember, even though money can buy things, it does not buy love. Do not convince yourself otherwise. I am not saying that one cannot be rich and happy, but I know that even rich and happy takes work. So, continue or start to compliment your partner, treat each other with love and respect, and maintain your strong bond while awaiting this tide to turn.

Psychotropic Medications are not a Necessity in All Mental Health Cases

Psychotropic drugs can help or hurt individuals for many different reasons. It has been, and continues to be common practice to administer drugs to individuals who are affected by mental health issues regardless of mildness or severity. Western culture is so consumed with fixing every "supposed" anomaly that we sometimes forget to use rationality in decision-making. Mind you, anomalies are subjective according to an individual's beliefs because what may be abnormal for one person may in fact be normal to another person. However, the "know-it-all" textbook nature of many in authority prevents rational thinking from surfacing when treating individuals who may or may not have mental health issues. For example, it is extremely common for Disabled Veterans to be inundated with prescription drugs for mental health issues. The philosophy seems to be that "if one drug does not work, then another will". Providers typically fail to address the combined effects of the many drugs being administered to their clients / patients. Negative effects typically outweigh the positive effects, and individuals usually find themselves becoming more ill than when they first entered treatment. As an individual who has had the experience of being treated by multiple providers who failed to communicate with each other about their lack of treatment plans, medication administrations, and changing health status, I would personally advise individuals with mental health issues or physical illnesses to be an active part of their treatment. Do not completely depend on your providers to be the best mode of treatment and information outlet. Actively research and evaluate your health status and changes so that you can have some idea about what works for your particular situation. During my dependence on my providers, I took many medications based on their recommendations. The result was gaining more than 50lbs in about one year, and not being able to fit in any of my clothing. My complete dependence on my providers for helping with my health concerns turned out to be a rather depressing and expensive venture. Originally, I was wearing size 2 and 4 clothing and weight was not a concern. Afterwards, I was 50lbs heavier, which resulted in exacerbation of health issues, new health issues, and no money to purchase a new wardrobe. I am still struggling to lose all the weight gained, and also to reduce and eventually eliminate the health issues that surfaced during treatment. I hope that based on this article, readers will keep in mind that active participation and independent decision-making is the best way to approach their healthcare.