ROMANCE AND MENTAL ILLNESS (Part III of III)

Here are some tips if YOU have a brain disorder:

1) Seek and obtain mental healthcare;

2) Get involved with a support group such as NAMI;

3) Educate yourself about the brain disorder;

4) Take your medications as prescribed;

5) Don’t take advantage of people;

6) Keep communication open and honest;

7) Don’t skip medical appointments;

8) Allow your mate to have a life of his/her own;

9) Educate a few close family members or friends about your brain disorder;

10) Respect the dignity and privacy of other members of the family;

11) Do not physically attack anybody;

12) Do not verbally attack people;

13) Have a personal exercise routine and/or hobby for “Me” time;

14) Keep the romantic fire burning, too, but watch the alcohol consumption;)-.

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift for a person with a brain disorder? LOVE (and diamonds, flowers, and chocolate candy helps…smile).

See, 1 John 4:7, Ru. 2:4 (NIV), Luke 21:34 NIV, Isa. 42:16 NIV
Visit NAMI-Maryland at www.mdnami.org
Visit the American Association of Pastoral Counselors at www.aapc.org
Visit Ariafya LLC Women's Mental Health at www.ariafyallc.ning.com
Visit Black Psychiatrists at www.abpsi.org
Visit Carl Bell at www.giftfromwithin.org/html/challeng.html for the article, "Challenges and Obstacles in Treating Mentally Ill Black Patients."
Purchase your copy of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" by Agnes B. Levine at www.Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble at www.bn.com

Purchase "Black Pain" by Terrie M. Williams at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

See the movie: "8 Pieces of Brocade: Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation" (with Carl Bell)