After 23 years of cycling in and out of hospitals, Kimberly Comer has learned to manage her "special brain." Now she's instilling hope in others that they can too.
I am impressed by the courage that allowed Kimberly to share her story. Mental health problems are hard to understand. Her story may help someone else to recognize the illness in their own life or someone they care about.
I'm not sure why that's important for us to know, but I believe she does take some medications, as well as continues to learn how best to manage her symptoms. Most people who share their stories of recovery here know the importance of remaining under a doctor's care and adjusting their treatment and medications as needed. NAMI is not a medical organization and does not assess people for treatment or prescribe any medicaitons.. That would have to be done by a psychiatrist and/or a behavioral health facility. NAMI provides support and education for people with mental health challenges and their families/caregivers.
I've wondered about the importance of using/balancing meds in treating mental health issues and psychiatric help available to those needing meds. My relative was completely unreachable without lithium and amazingly normal when she took it. In her case, it was meds effectiveness=100%; all other help/therapy= 0%. (Unfortunately, she often refused her meds).
I saw the importance of chemical balancing in her mental health --I was simply curious about that balancing in your subject's life now. There seems a reluctance in some to discuss medications, even though chemistry "is us".
Of course, medication is an important factor for many people in achieving balance and recovery. That said, personally I have found there is generally an emphasis on medication over all other supports, which I consider just as important -- therapy, peer support, exercise, nutrition, sleep. social engagement, purpose (job/volunteer etc.). I have never interviewed anyone who said medication was 100 percent effective and all other therapy completely ineffective. I believe that a holistic approach -- which is hard to come by in this country since our systems are so silo'd -- is the most effective and enduring.
What a story.
WOW.
I'm so moved by her story...thank you for sharing.
I am impressed by the courage that allowed Kimberly to share her story. Mental health problems are hard to understand. Her story may help someone else to recognize the illness in their own life or someone they care about.
Her story touched my heart - thanks to Kimberly for sharing it and to Carrie for telling it.
Such courage, strength. Best wishes to her and fam. I always have hope! The children will come around. Hope!
What an amazing story....and how sad she had to go through all that for so long without help.
I wonder if Ms. Comer is taking meds to help with her mental "balance" and if meds are part of the NAMI assessment/treatment program.
I'm not sure why that's important for us to know, but I believe she does take some medications, as well as continues to learn how best to manage her symptoms. Most people who share their stories of recovery here know the importance of remaining under a doctor's care and adjusting their treatment and medications as needed. NAMI is not a medical organization and does not assess people for treatment or prescribe any medicaitons.. That would have to be done by a psychiatrist and/or a behavioral health facility. NAMI provides support and education for people with mental health challenges and their families/caregivers.
ROBERT COOPER
Wed 4/21/2021 7:41 AM
Thanks Carrie.
I've wondered about the importance of using/balancing meds in treating mental health issues and psychiatric help available to those needing meds. My relative was completely unreachable without lithium and amazingly normal when she took it. In her case, it was meds effectiveness=100%; all other help/therapy= 0%. (Unfortunately, she often refused her meds).
I saw the importance of chemical balancing in her mental health --I was simply curious about that balancing in your subject's life now. There seems a reluctance in some to discuss medications, even though chemistry "is us".
Bob Cooper
Of course, medication is an important factor for many people in achieving balance and recovery. That said, personally I have found there is generally an emphasis on medication over all other supports, which I consider just as important -- therapy, peer support, exercise, nutrition, sleep. social engagement, purpose (job/volunteer etc.). I have never interviewed anyone who said medication was 100 percent effective and all other therapy completely ineffective. I believe that a holistic approach -- which is hard to come by in this country since our systems are so silo'd -- is the most effective and enduring.