Old People

Old People don't always think of themselves as old and out of sorts, although they may be. They are actually only people who have lived longer on earth than most. They appreciate that fact and, if mentally healthy, take that fact into consideration when others ignore them or act as if they know nothing. They understand that the youth must act their age and they have not yet lived in the world as long as they have.

Sure, live was different then, but the youth of today only read about that time in history books or see movies about 'the good old times'. Was it really that good? It was probably not, but our bodies are created a way of helping us forget the bad and remembering only the good. Or at least, if we work at learning who we are, we must make room for all the errors and wrong judgments we made. It's the finished product that's important!!! That sounds egotistical, but older people will tell you being near the finish line is not so bad. Nor is it the end of the world. They're just trading it all in for a better place, hopefully.

And please help old people when they need help and ask their advice and just treat them as regular people. They understand more about you than you think they do. They love the youth of their day and old women especially love to brag about their grandchildren. The see them as the redeemers of the future and, in fact, sort of gauge all youth by them. Well, some of them do. You must understand we are all different and some of us have children and some do not. It's all part of the big picture and they know they are only a minute speck of dust. Or that is what they will become when they pass on. Only, and this is the important part, the best part, the soul, will live on and on.

Even when old, life is good. And don't forget to thank your Creator daily for  that fact. It's only through him that those who are nearing the finishing place, have the patience and the past experiences to make this truly a 'golden age'. So be good, young people, and slow down and enjoy the journey. It will be over all too soon. Wherever you are, I am keeping you in my prayers. I want you to be around a long time. Life and time is simply too precious to waste. So, take a warning, don't get hooked on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or that other activity that all too often leads youth astray. Until the next time this old Lady want to talk, take care. (Ignore any grammatical mistakes: old people sometimes are a bit lazy.)

Mental Health and Drugs

A few thoughts about the importance of not relying solely on drugs to achieve mental health. All drugs need to be carefully evaluated and none, yes none, not even the supposedly simple ones such as those we are allowed to buy freely over the counter. They all have side effects, or some effect that changes the normal way the body is supposed to act. In other words, treat them all with respect and by all means don't go overboard with their use.

Why are drugs important? They stop pain, prevent illnesses, cure illnesses, but often there's a price to pay. Sure, those in severe pain need pain killers, no one argues with that, but ask yourself does every little ache need medication. Pain is a symptom, not a disease. It is the body's way of alerting that something is wrong. As an example, if your shoes are too tight, you are going to experience pain and discomfort, maybe a blister, or reddened toes. Common sense will tell us to change shoes, not take a pill to relieve the discomfort, maybe  foot soaking will help. Another example, perhaps you have discomfort from having slept with your head on a wrong pillow during the night, or in some cramped position. Rather than grab a pain pill, you massage your neck, put up the slight discomfort and be sure to correct the wrong sleeping arrangements. All this is just common sense; in fact a lot of facts about medicine is just common sense and is learned often by simply living.

But drug addiction is escalating and now everyone wants to know why, wants to do something about it and in fact many look around to see what or who is at fault. How come society has allowed this to happen? While drug addiction is not new, it has been around for centuries, but why now does it take over most of the front sections of newspapers? Why are the statistics so alarming? Surely something is not being done right. What can we do, what can I do, and on and on goes the questioning. There is no simple answers only precautions:

1. Understand all medication, even supplements are potentially dangerous. Even a simple aspirin can cause hemorrhaging in some situations and can lead to ulcers, but yes, it has even a greater use, that of preventing heart attacks. (Discuss this matter with your doctor). All medicine need to be thought through carefully before it is taken.

2. Everyone has pain, physical or physical, at some time and much of this discomfort will disappear with insight as to why it is happening. It is normal to be down and somewhat depressed sometimes, to be otherwise cheerful and having not a care in the world is not possible, not in today's world, possibly never. It is these feeling that tell us something is not exactly right and it is up to us to understand, or to try to understand their cause. However if the situation gets worse, help is available and hopefully much of it can be overcome without a lot of drugs.

3. Understand the role of the doctor who prescribes the pain medicine. Take as observed. But you as a patient will need to know that possibly, where pain medicine is concerned, you may not need as much as you have been given. In other words, say you have had surgery and you leave the hospital or clinic with a prescription for pain medicine. Depending on the surgery and the amount of pain, you may need less than prescribed. Only you will know this. No two people are alike and the medical person overseeing your need will not be privileged to your pain level thus they have standard levels to go by. But you know your level of pain and it will be to your credit to take only the amount needed. Perhaps, you may not need an addictive drug, your surgery was minor and a simple over-the-counter pain killer works well. You tried this first and to your credit, and your foresight, you did not ever get the prescription filled.  Of course good mental health also assumes you know not to take more of the drug than is necessary.  You've noticed the pain medicine lasts longer than the prescribed four hours, but the instruction say every four hours. Maybe you need stretch the time out, or maybe even take a lesser amount, if possible, split the tablet in half. It's all up to you. In other words it's up to you to prevent addiction.

4. Your doctor needs your help in your care. They will welcome your comments and your observations about your drug needs. They will be especially happy if you can do with less because, if they are honorable and most are, they are not out to cause addiction and in order to do this they need your help.

Whatever, everyone who is concerned with mental health as opposed to mental illness, or illness of any sort,  need to get in the habit of learning how to treat themselves better. Yes, a person is the largest share holder of his own health, and it behooves any of us to sabotage that by drug addiction.