Tribe.net. Local Connections Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#cf60b5df-0b1e-4164-b5e6-34dcfc659f58 2009-06-04T15:38:06Z 2009-06-04T15:38:06Z

Ok, watched the second episode of Mental and I have to say I am going to give this 1 or 2 more times and then it's to the ashcan. I am not particularly impressed, though the psychiatric issues presented are interesting (if way out there).

Darla 2009-06-04T15:38:06Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#3a68f255-63cc-414c-b92d-4fe712ea3f32 2009-06-02T21:25:37Z 2009-06-02T21:25:37Z

I watched the second episode of Obsessed and found it kind of...boring. Which, upon reflection, has to be how it feels to the person WITH OCD. Living on high alert all the time has to be exhausting. The same things, over and over, and reinforcing them over and over. It's a huge insight into the illness, and really inspires compassion. Anyone else?

Darla 2009-06-02T21:25:37Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#dcf56c4e-21c3-4873-ace3-50846779576c 2009-06-01T02:22:49Z 2009-06-01T02:22:49Z

What can I say, Ray? Great minds, great minds...

Darla 2009-06-01T02:22:49Z Ray http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#53e0f3c1-74b0-4663-8b85-40c04859f88b 2009-06-01T02:20:44Z 2009-06-01T02:20:44Z

<<I watched Mental. Overall, I have to say I like it, but it's sort of like a psychiatric House. >> Geez, louise, Darla, just make it pointless for me to post already! tee hee! :)

Ray 2009-06-01T02:20:44Z Leah http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#0da1b1ff-1a00-4469-b07a-cef5413adbe6 2009-05-30T18:50:25Z 2009-05-30T18:50:25Z

Bless you, Mama D!! (((thanks)))

Leah 2009-05-30T18:50:25Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#f1c61e0d-0335-4dd4-98f0-9c1a5d7de653 2009-05-28T20:07:01Z 2009-05-28T20:07:01Z

Leah, if you are an oddity - well, you just explained in a nutshell what's wrong with our world. When people like you consider themselves oddities (or, as I would prefer, "rarities") it underscores why we live in a dry, pathetic, cold world. Here's to "oddities."

Darla 2009-05-28T20:07:01Z Leah http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#4f6b38c4-8214-4e72-a8e7-d0fe80f77972 2009-05-28T18:02:44Z 2009-05-28T18:02:44Z

Maybe I'm the oddity. No, let me rephrase that -- I know I'm an oddity. While I have watched "House" occasionally, I don't make a steady diet of it even though I've been fond of medical shows in the past. I have not seen any of the shows mentioned on this thread. Hollywood can't touch real life scenarios and my real life has enough drama in it at the moment.

Leah 2009-05-28T18:02:44Z Rachel http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#508db5bd-7de7-4674-89eb-f92d3f9968f1 2009-05-28T02:58:40Z 2009-05-28T02:58:40Z

muahaha! We have power now! :-p I watched Mental as well...it seemed good, for a premiere. Usually the episodes get better as they go along. I agree, the Doctor did get on my nerves being so flippant about everything. I sympathized with the red-haired woman a bit, the one who was so annoyed with him. Hopefully they will develop the character.

Rachel 2009-05-28T02:58:40Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#44e2310a-dbb5-4013-be53-c1420b01b5ed 2009-05-27T21:22:15Z 2009-05-27T21:22:15Z

If they did explain why they only used CBT, I missed it as well. Perhaps more in the second episode. Or maybe they are using meds and other modalities, but haven't mentioned them? Who knows? I watched Mental. Overall, I have to say I like it, but it's sort of like a psychiatric House. I'm going to watch it a couple of more times before I make my final judgment. It's kind of entertaining, and I do appreciate Dr. Gallagher's approach (non-traditional, patient-centered), but I think he goes TOO far in his approach. Like I said, I'm willing to hang in there and wait because it does seem to have potential, but I have a pretty high standard for most tv shows. Anyone else? And when did WE become en vogue?! At last, we ARE taking over the world (at least in our own minds, right?!)!!!!

Darla 2009-05-27T21:22:15Z Rachel http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#5ff7990f-270e-4978-bd3e-30eb89736962 2009-05-27T15:06:40Z 2009-05-27T15:06:40Z

I watched it also, I just happened to come across it on A&E (I think). I was shocked by the guy getting a dog...having one has made me less uptight about having things mess-free, but I can't imagine how hard it would be at the level he was with his OCD. I agree, I thought the therapist's technique was distasteful, especially on TV. Way to go for that guy to do that on TV!! I teared up when he talked about wanting to have his partner move in...what a thing to do for your relationship! I was glad for the woman, although it seemed a little harsh on herself to think she was a bad mom for not taking her kids to the beach (so what??). I missed the beginning...did they explain why they ONLY used behavioral therapy? I think meds could only have helped, don't you? Even if only during the really hard part. This show did trigger my anxiety. I think *MY* anxiety level was up to a 6 or so! But a lot of shows do this, and I watch them anyway...

Rachel 2009-05-27T15:06:40Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#4f127480-2565-4e7c-a928-9cb3395e5f6c 2009-05-27T14:24:48Z 2009-05-27T14:24:48Z

One of the things that I think this particular program did best is that it underscored how alone OCD sufferers feel - or rather how isolated by their behaviors they become. It also said that hey, it's not a humorous issue - it's NOT funny, which, of course we know here but the putlic doesn't get as a whole. It's like Tourette's in that the behaviors can be uncommon and thus people react uncomfortably - by laughing. It's unfortunate but a real response for us humans when confronted with situations we don't know how to handle - we reduce them to something we can, and often, by laughing to hide our discomfort. Oh, and Trish? I KNOW! I almost flipped when I saw THE DOG. It wasn't a little dog, either. I give that guy TONS of credit, but also it certainly should communicate to his partner how much he wants that relationship to work and how much he was willing to put himself on the line. I was SO impressed with that. (I thought the therapist was just plain WEIRD, though - didn't her "technique" at the house seem over the top? I was totally put off by that and thought it was a little humiliating for the guy.) Also, having done a little CBT (had to quit for $$ reasons), I found it really helpful and a very good approach for me. I hope it works out well for you, and good luck!

Darla 2009-05-27T14:24:48Z Ray http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#ab1757b4-ad41-4801-a84e-90ba44c2152f 2009-05-27T07:30:21Z 2009-05-27T07:30:21Z

Havn't seen it, so I won't write much, but OCD is hell, and it is NOT easy to overcome, even if you're super motivated. I've struggled with OCD most of my life, and even when it's not so bad, it's still majorly affecting my overall behavior. For me, cognitive techniques alone are not enough to make the demon smaller.

Ray 2009-05-27T07:30:21Z Patrick http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#caa985be-09e2-4cd7-9504-3e8a32b270a5 2009-05-27T06:11:34Z 2009-05-27T06:11:34Z

I think mental illness is growing more common, and so more people than ever are touch by it. With this awareness will help or not I can't say. Patrick

Patrick 2009-05-27T06:11:34Z Tish http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#59c16f63-4f25-4184-90e1-18c9676ad1eb 2009-05-27T03:41:29Z 2009-05-27T03:41:29Z

I just watched it. I agree it can make treatment look a little too easy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is hard work and possibly not for everybody. I'm starting talk therapy first for some panic issues and in a few months I might do CBT, only after I've worked on all the whys of my issues. It was really well done, though. I can't believe that guy got a dog! That truly shows he had recovered because dogs are so messy. LOL It's on Monday on A&E at 10 pm, I think. Intervention is on the same night. A powerful block of tv right there.

Tish 2009-05-27T03:41:29Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#baba52cf-5041-40bd-9ed7-edcdb17daf14 2009-05-26T23:25:58Z 2009-05-26T23:25:58Z

Huh, Starbuck, I never heard of it - will have to check it out. I wonder if it's online anywhere. I watched the OCD series, which I incorrectly thought was called OCD but is really called Obsessed, and they really handled it in a tasteful, respectful way. I'm very im[ressed with the job they have done. I also SERIOUSLY applaud the two people who were courageous enough to allow cameras into their lives and their process of getting better. It also speaks volumes to how badly they wanted treatment. I suggest it, but also warn that it might be triggering for some people. My one criticism of the show, were I to have one, is that it might make recovery look too easy. I'd be really interested in hearing from folks who have dealt with OCD and what they think about this. They were dealing strictly with pretty focused OCD manifestations, and used strictly cognitive behavioral therapy. They had about a 4-month treatment period and made great strides. They were really motivated, but it just seemed a little bit over optimistic. Just my two cents. Anyone else see it yet?

Darla 2009-05-26T23:25:58Z starbuck http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#f3dea812-9e9e-4a82-ac2a-800af9c9b6c6 2009-05-26T22:58:52Z 2009-05-26T22:58:52Z

ther was a show a wile back that had , what to me wer , some of the most destubinly acurite and grity portrails of eating disorders i had ever seen. it was called starved http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462140/ it was prety good but they only made like 6 episodes, and it was so realistic that it realy was unsetling to watch. it was a dark comedy thow, so of corse i loved it. :)

starbuck 2009-05-26T22:58:52Z Tish http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#efd877e5-7975-4773-94d3-8200cc4ab0a5 2009-05-26T10:13:39Z 2009-05-26T10:13:39Z

I actually really enjoy United State of Tara. The humor part is well handled, I think. I don't think it is mockery at all. Just trying to bring light to a dark situation. I think it is good to show how an average American family would deal with such a thing. it's a serious issue that the show is dealing with and you get that, but it also provides a lot of entertaining moments with other parts of the family and Tara's altars. I think if you can find it, it warrants watching a few episodes. Just watching one isn't going to give you the whole jist of the storyline and writing. It is written by DIablo Cody, who wrote Juno. So, if you've seen that, you can get an idea of what the humor is like.

Tish 2009-05-26T10:13:39Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#a068a78d-30c5-47fd-b787-45ec1c29bd86 2009-05-24T16:08:11Z 2009-05-24T16:08:11Z

I have not seen the show, but I think it's called The United States of Tara. I haven't seen more than a promo or two, and it didn't interest me, probably because I thought it was not treating the subject well. It is a VERY delicate balance between poking fun (i.e. Monk) and making an outright mockery of issues. I have been impressed with the number of shows that are FINALLY starting to get it. I had forgotten to mention In Treatment which, IMHO, is a phenomenal show. I might have mentioned that I personally really relate to April, the young woman with cancer, because of her family issues, though to other degrees, I relate to them all (clients and therapist). I appreciate the idea that a client really does impact the therapist's life and that the therapist can, in his/her own way, be just as fucked up as the client, yet STILL be able to help.

Darla 2009-05-24T16:08:11Z Rachel http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#82761a41-b5db-4702-a0b9-05f49de5683e 2009-05-24T16:03:25Z 2009-05-24T16:03:25Z

"The United States of Tara" is what the show is called...I will see if I can watch it online, maybe it's less exploitative than it seems...

Rachel 2009-05-24T16:03:25Z Rachel http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#858038c6-6df0-4e83-bd39-86f7e968c453 2009-05-24T15:58:20Z 2009-05-24T15:58:20Z

YES, I think they will do a lot of good...even if their purpose (of course) is exploitation. I am looking forward to Mental...I had not heard of OCD. I've never seen Intervention. I do think shows such as the West Wing (with the chief of staff addicted to Valium) and House (the Vicodin addiction/hallucinations) have helped a lot. I can tell people I take Xanax now and most don't blink an eye. I remember seeing a promo for a show about multiple personalities, starring the woman from Muriel's Wedding/The Hours. It upset me because it seemed to be making fun of DID in a crass way. I have heard nothing since, so I wonder if it go canceled. I hope so!

Rachel 2009-05-24T15:58:20Z Tish http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#b298e5e5-5c2c-4cc4-882d-a6576977caac 2009-05-23T12:37:12Z 2009-05-23T12:37:12Z

I enjoy True Life on MTV. They've had an OCD episode before and this weekend they have "I'm in Therapy" and "I Panic". They also had "I can't sleep" which was really good. Caution: they often show them in marathons, so be prepared to be sucked in and stuck on the couch a few hours. Those shows are addicting!

Tish 2009-05-23T12:37:12Z Ray http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#371107ca-86a0-4678-8e38-17198ee1074a 2009-05-23T07:36:06Z 2009-05-23T07:36:06Z

Monk is the first show to directly have someone who has issues be a regular on the show. Sometimes Monk makes reasonable humor out of a situation, sometimes they go too far. Overall, mental illness has been portrayed poorly in the wider media, and the newsmedia always negatively hypes issues where someone did something because of a mental issue. http://www.amazon.com/Media-Madness-Public-Images-Illness/dp/0813522137/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243063990&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Issues-Media-ebook/dp/B000OT839W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243062823&sr=8-2 Even given what I've said, "In Treatment" on HBO seems a pretty realistic, sane, reasonable and well-done show, even if they do over-dramatize things a little at times. On the upcoming shows... I can hope for the best, but won't hold my breath.

Ray 2009-05-23T07:36:06Z Ron http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#b10b7b3e-6c9a-44f1-9620-78c2704c8d21 2009-05-22T23:04:50Z 2009-05-22T23:04:50Z

If they educate even one person to the fact that depression etc. are illnesses and NOT character flaws or weaknesses then they'll do some good. I've explained to my brothers till I'm blue in the face. Maybe if they hear and see it on TV they'll get it.

Ron 2009-05-22T23:04:50Z Darla http://DepressionTribe.tribe.net/thread/a660225a-d6d2-439f-bec1-933834410bad#956af8fc-30df-4248-a2e7-93dfa6bef992 2009-05-22T16:22:38Z 2009-05-22T16:22:38Z

All, I've noticed that there are beginning to be some shows on TV about mental illness. Well, they're coming, anyway. One is called OCD and another Mental. Of course, I think this is the media hungry for new areas and people to exploit, but do you think they can do any good? Perhaps help soften the stigma of mental illness? Of course, we won't know until we actually see them, but I am interested in opening up the discussion. I am wondering if these new shows will do for mental illness what Intervention has done for addiction. What do you think?

Darla 2009-05-22T16:22:38Z