Thursday, February 13, 2025
54 F
Roseville

Mental Illness: Woman Facing Many Fears

Not long ago, I received an email from a woman from Indiana wanting to share her story.

She was diagnosed with a severe mental illness more than three decades ago, she said. A psychiatrist later diagnosed her with schizoaffective disorder, which, roughly, could be described as a combination of schizophrenia and a manic or depressive mood disorder. In our telephone conversation, she strongly denied having schizoaffective disorder.

Said 57-year-old “Jean” (a pseudonym) over the telephone, “I don’t have any (mental health) symptoms right now, but they did have me on experimental drugs (about five years ago). They were trying to kill me. I don’t want anything to do with the government. There are so many falsehoods and lies in government. People are following things they shouldn’t follow and they’re just abusing each other.”

Jean said she was incredibly thankful for receiving disability payments because without them, she said, she might have ended up on the streets, doing drugs, and being a prostitute. Currently, she lives in a relative’s old home and attributes her stability now to her Christian faith.

A three-sport athlete in high school, Jean said all her mental illness troubles began not long after being raped at age 16. At different points in her life she was in and out of mental institutions. Her father died in 1998, her mother two months ago, and she doesn’t get along well with her only sibling.

She said, “Now I just want to stay away from everyone because people just want to ruin your life. People act like your friend and then betray you. It’s nothing but evil what people are doing to each other nowadays.”

She had especially harsh words for doctors prescribing medications patients didn’t need and how she believed those medications were “poisoning” so many people. She eats her meals at a local church-run soup kitchen where she gets “excellent” food.

“Since I’m on my own now, it’s just hard to find someone you can trust,” she said. “Some people just want to give you their opinion about what they think you should do, but they aren’t really helping you. For people going through what I’ve gone through, I would have to comfort them and tell them it’s not easy and also tell them to get someone to cry out to. Sometimes you just need someone to cry out all your burdens to.”



Brighter Side

Trending

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

PCWA Hell Hole Reservoir project approved to increase storage

Auburn, Calif. - At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a $5.8 million contract for the Hell Hole seasonal storage increase project, adding to the capacity of the Hell Hole Reservoir so it can

🍀Clover Valley’s long history predating Rocklin

According to Sierra College Geology Professor Dick Hilton, the valley started to form five million years ago as the Sierra range lifted and tilted westward. Runoff streams wore down millions of years of rock and gravel deposits

❤️ 7 wonderfully fun spring break destinations in California

Roseville, Calif. - We ♥ California! Exploring the breadth and length of the magnificent Golden State is life's never ending journey. With exciting travel opportunities and variety in all directions, Roseville enjoys a premium and convenient location to fuel those adventures.

❤️ Roseville among best places to live in America

Roseville, Calif. - Traveling and living in different states and cities has its own way of informing one's view and perception. It's a fun way to gather ideas when searching for the best place to live. Like so many others, that search would eventually lead us to Roseville.

Topics

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

PCWA Hell Hole Reservoir project approved to increase storage

Auburn, Calif. - At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a $5.8 million contract for the Hell Hole seasonal storage increase project, adding to the capacity of the Hell Hole Reservoir so it can

🍀Clover Valley’s long history predating Rocklin

According to Sierra College Geology Professor Dick Hilton, the valley started to form five million years ago as the Sierra range lifted and tilted westward. Runoff streams wore down millions of years of rock and gravel deposits

❤️ 7 wonderfully fun spring break destinations in California

Roseville, Calif. - We ♥ California! Exploring the breadth and length of the magnificent Golden State is life's never ending journey. With exciting travel opportunities and variety in all directions, Roseville enjoys a premium and convenient location to fuel those adventures.

❤️ Roseville among best places to live in America

Roseville, Calif. - Traveling and living in different states and cities has its own way of informing one's view and perception. It's a fun way to gather ideas when searching for the best place to live. Like so many others, that search would eventually lead us to Roseville.

❤️50 Days of the Grateful Dead: They Love Each Other

Not a Valentine's Day classic, but a smooth version of They Love Each Other from the famed Barton Hall performance.

❤️7 reasons we love the Oregon Coast

Portland, OR - Many moons ago, while trekking up the West Coast to British Columbia, like so many others, we fell in love with natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. Each summer for more years than we can recall,

❤️Top 6 reasons we love Auburn

Auburn, Calif. - You might be surprised at just how many local residents in South Placer County have never taken the time to explore Auburn. A world apart and just a mere 15-mile or so drive up I-80.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center emphasizes the use of prevention and natural therapeutics

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center is a professional primary care natural medicine committed to helping all people reach their full potential – mind, body and spirit.

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.