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Show I REFLEX LEADER SEPTEMBER 16, 1982 JOURNAL BULLETIN Mental Healths Concern Abumt O thews Editors note: Staff members and friends of Davis County Mental Health Center provide this monthly column for the Clipper and the Re- flex with a view to keeping residents in touch with current and local mental health issues, services and attitudes. Reader inquiries and comments are encouraged and should be addressed to: P.O. Box 689, Farmington, Utah 84025.) I believe there are many of you who are truly concerned about the fates and futures of your fellow citizens. Since 1 have worked on a daily basis for the last four years with chronic schizophrenics, perhaps I can explain to you part of what this illness involves, and simultaneously dispel some myths surround- ing it. SCHIZOPHRENIA is characterized by thought disorder, possibly audio and visual hallucinations, delusions, often of persecution, loss of touch w ith realitf, and an inability to form and maintain loving relationships. About three percent of society is schizophrenic, and the disease crosses all racial, cul tural, religious and economic barriers. Ridiculous though it may sound, I feel compelled to state that people do not choose to become schizophrenics. The suffering and isolation felt by these people, the fear and frustration felt by their families, are not emotions anyone would choose were they sufficiently in control. SCHIZOPHRENIA is not a It is also split personality. not a moral disease that befalls the weak of will. Victims of this disease are not trying to Cheese, Butter Distribution Set Some of the good things in life really are free, such as least a limited quantity. cheese and butter--a- t need to be 60 years of age or older, in financial need and be able to provide proof of age and residence in Davis County. Surplus U.S. Department of Agriculture cheese and butat the countys three ter will be distributed Sept. senior citizen centers. North county residents living in Layton or north should go to the Heritage Center, 562 S. 1000 E. in Clearfield while those in Kaysville, Fruit Heights or Farmington should visit the Silver Age meal site at 34 E. 100 N. in Kaysville. Those in Centerville south should go to the Golden Years Center at 726 S. 100 E. in Bountiful. THERES ONE other hitch-y- punish their families, and are not to be confused with the mentally retarded. Many schizophrenics are bright, creative, gentle men and women, frightened and confused by the way their minds work, who would give anything in the world to be Some eventually normal. give up and live only in their w orld of hallucination, which is less stressful, more comfortable, but far more dangerous for them. LET THEIR families take care of them is a recurrent theme. Perhaps I can clarify for you the plight of the family of a schizophrenic. Until puberty or adolescence, schizophrenia is unlikely to surface. Slowly or suddenly behaviors bethe strange are Families likely to attrigin. bute these to just acting like a teenager, but this is an early expression of difficulty. The hope, of course, is that the child will outgrow the problem. ou 23-2- 4 THOSE CONFINED to their homes with serious medical conditions should call their area center by Sept. 22 for further instructions, tb STEVEN HALL FOUR OR five years from the onset of the illness, the family will typically send him to Aunt Sarah (or Uncle Joe) to straighten him out, make a man of him. Young women fare a bit better, as they may be perceived as shy, backward or fanciful. Its important to note here that families do not cause Studies have shown that the most families can do is understand by becoming educated, provide support, and not allow the family itself to be torn apart. THE time the schizophrenic is in his or her early BY twenties, the family is likely to seek professional help. How do the medical and psychiatric communities generally re- spond? Once the diagnosis of schizophrenia is made, many professionals find it difficult to tell the family outright. Unlike other illnesses such as diabetes or appendicitis, documentable facts are difficult to find, as is a cure, through no professional will encourage a family to give up hope. At this point comes the question of medication. USUALLY THE proper medication is prescribed, but there are bound to be changes and adjustments to arrive at the proper dosage for each individual, and the process involves trial and error, with the patient resistive because of the side effects. The families may experience burnout. If they have not become knowledgeable about the illness, they still dont know whats wrong, or whom to blame, nor do they understand why the patient resists the medication. Why isn't the person getting better? Alienation and isolation will set in if the family isnt getting competent professional help. The schizophrenic may be having complete or lengthy breaks with reality, and frequently will become involved with the courts, community mental health agencies, and the State Mental Hospital. (as well as the family) are housing and supervision. Recent budget cuts have left community health centers and state institutions overwhelmed by increasing demands for care, as large numbers of deinstitutionalized patients are placed on waiting lists. Some communities, howev er, have demanded and received facilities for their chronically mentally ill. There are board and care homes, as well as apartment complexes for the mentally ill, with supervito the various sion and s mental health systems. tie-in- A FIRST step is fostering understanding and acceptance on the part of the patients family, usually provided through education about the illness. Of equal importance is understanding on the part of the community that DAVIS COUNTT SENIOR CITIZENS SURPLUS USDA CHEESE AM) BUTTER DISTRIBUTION SEPT. 23rd ato 24th 9 A.JI. 3:30 P.JI. Due to luck of storage Cheese and Butter will be distributed on First come First sored basis until gone. TO BE ELIGIBLE must be 60 years of age or older must reside in Davis County must sign in person and certify- that you are in need oi food assistance Proof of residence and age required DISTRIBLTIOA7 POLVTS: HERITAGE C EVTEIt- - If you live in South Weber, Clearfield, Sunset, Syracuse, Clinton, Layton or West Point. GOLDEAT TEARS CEATJMfvou live in Bountiful, West Bountiful, Woods Cross, North Salt Lake, Val erda, or Centerville SILVER AGE MEAL SITE-I- f you live in Kaysville, Fruit Heights or Farmington. Those confined to their homes with serious medical conditions should call the center in their area by WTed., Sept. 22, 1982 before 5:00 P.M., for further instructions. 1. 2. 3. 4. You You You . - GOLDEN YEARS CENTER 726 South 100 East Bountiful, Utah HERITAGE CENTER 562 South 1000 East Clearfield, Utah Phone: Phone: 773-706- 5 AMONG THE most pressing needs for the schizophrenic 295-347- 9 SILVER AGE meal site 34 East 100 North Kaysville, Utah Phone: Aid tow a word from Gains Eagle mace 000 During a unique campfire court of honor in the Fruit Heights Third Ward, Varsity Scout Steven Robert Hall was awarded his Eagle badge on Aug. 31. STEVEN IS the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Hall of 20 North Mountain Road, Fruit Heights. Team coach, Scott Penman is leader of the varsity scouts who Steven served under. .STEVEN IS 14 years old, in Salt Lake City. He lived in Bountiful until he was three years old, then the family moved to Fruit Heights. He is a pinth grade student at Farmington Junior High School. He plays in the school band and is born a member of the school chorus. Steven has been active in scouting since he was eight years old. He worked during the Cub Scout years and earned his Arrow of Light award. HE H AS served as den chief, troop scribe and senior patrol leader. He has attended scout camp at Camp Bartlett twice and last year took a 50 mile hike from Blanding to Lake Powell. ... IS ANYONE OUT THERE LISTENING? This is your furnace speaking. HELLO That's right ... your furnace. HERE AM SITTING IN THE BASEMENT. I've been doing nothing all summer but gather a lot of dust. And . well ... think its about time you did something about it. ANY DAY NOW, COLD WEATHER IS GOING TO HIT. Then you're going to turn HE'LL CHECK MY BLOWER BELT, MY BURNERS, CLEAN MY FILTER ... the whole servicing bit. Then Ill be ready to go to work. ILL BE ABLE TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY. ..and Ill use less energy. Then all you have to do is check my filter I . . STEVEN IS active in the Fruit Heights 3rd LDS Ward and currently is a Teacher in his priesthood quorum, np up the thermostat and expect me to do my thing keep the house nice and warm on even the coldest days. . . . Camelot Kitchen Queens Conclude The Kitchen Queens of Camelot Subdivision in Layton have had a great summer with their first year of cooking. Their leader has been Beverly Sherman assisted by Amy Kimball as junior leader. July 6, the girls learned how to be smart shoppers in their trip to the grocery store. 4-- THE GIRLS entered their cookies in the county fair and received ribbons. Jennifer Casey was selected to take hers to the state fair. An open house for their parents was held on Sept. 9, at the home of Mrs. Sherman. Lots of goodies were tasted and posters were displayed of what the girls had learned. Officers in the club were Heather Randall, president; Kristi Morgan, vice president; Jonell Pabst, secretary; Brenda Schofield, treasurer; Alene Palfreyman, reporter; Janaye Udy, recreation chairman; Jennifer Casey, song leader; Tawnia Sherman, health chair- man; Mary Molzen, safety chairman. DONT MISUNDERSTAND ME. Ill be glad to do it. After all... thats what Im here for. All ask is that you give me a chance. Call a heating contractor, plumber, or furnace dealer today and have him give me a good physical. NOW I schi- ilzophrenia, like any other and be must accepted lness, accomodated. occasionally. H MOUNTAIN Bringing Energy Home FUEL 546-220- |