Beca Mark's Blog
May 23, 2013
Mental Illness DOES Define Who I Am
As I market my book and network my Facebook page, I keep seeing a statement that others with mental illness proudly display, "Mental illness does not define me!"
At first, I had the following thoughts:
That is so true. I am so much more than my depression and anxiety.I wish those who perpetuate the stigma of mental illness could look past my mental illness to see that I am so much more.Even though I have written a book about my experience doesn't mean that my mental illness consumes all that I am.In my attempt to achieve mental health, I think about, talk about, and do so many additional things that have nothing to do with my mental illness.However, the more I think about this phrase, the more I come to the conclusion that my mental illness DOES define me.
I have come to a very positive acceptance that my mental illness is inseparably connected with who I am and influences all that I think, say, and do.
And, I am better for it.
Because of my experience with postpartum depression and anxiety:
I feel a greater love for those around me and am better able to accept people who think, say, and do things differently than I do.
I consider compassion when dealing with others.I’m more forgiving, understanding that most people are doing the very best they can.I am grateful for a second chance at life, still sharply remembering how debilitating a life with mental illness can be at times.I would not trade my after-mental-illness self for the world.
God is great!
Much love,
Beca Mark
At first, I had the following thoughts:
That is so true. I am so much more than my depression and anxiety.I wish those who perpetuate the stigma of mental illness could look past my mental illness to see that I am so much more.Even though I have written a book about my experience doesn't mean that my mental illness consumes all that I am.In my attempt to achieve mental health, I think about, talk about, and do so many additional things that have nothing to do with my mental illness.However, the more I think about this phrase, the more I come to the conclusion that my mental illness DOES define me.
I have come to a very positive acceptance that my mental illness is inseparably connected with who I am and influences all that I think, say, and do.
And, I am better for it.
Because of my experience with postpartum depression and anxiety:
I feel a greater love for those around me and am better able to accept people who think, say, and do things differently than I do.
I consider compassion when dealing with others.I’m more forgiving, understanding that most people are doing the very best they can.I am grateful for a second chance at life, still sharply remembering how debilitating a life with mental illness can be at times.I would not trade my after-mental-illness self for the world.God is great!
Much love,
Beca Mark
May 21, 2013
March 23, 2013
Prozac Pride
You don’t have to take Prozac to be part of our community of healing. We welcome you if you would like to join with us in eliminating the stigma of mental illness and psychotropic medication.
Psychotropic medication, including Prozac (fluoxetine), helps millions of people in their journey to overcome mental illness. We celebrate this!
Put the PRO in PROZAC and commit to being open to doing anything positive to achieve your best self.
Join our community of healing on Facebook and Twitter.
Psychotropic medication, including Prozac (fluoxetine), helps millions of people in their journey to overcome mental illness. We celebrate this!
Put the PRO in PROZAC and commit to being open to doing anything positive to achieve your best self.
Join our community of healing on Facebook and Twitter.
March 22, 2013
Talk Therapy
A criticism that can easily be made about
Pros of Prozac
is that I do not place enough emphasis on psychotherapy, or talk therapy, as a tool for dealing with and overcoming depression or anxiety.
Although I do touch on many resources that can help in the journey to healing from depression and anxiety in the book, including talk therapy, my aim in Pros of Prozac is to address the specific stigma taking psychotropic medication carries. Because I have intentionally written a succinct book, I have left it to countless other authors to write books about the benefits of talk therapy.
I would like to add my thoughts on talk therapy here.
Scientific research clearly shows that combined treatment of medication and psychotherapy results in faster remission of chronic depression.Source: Manber, R., Kraemer, H. C., Arnow, B. A., Trivedi, M. H., Rush, A. J., Thase, M. E., . . . Keller, M. E. (2008). Faster remission of chronic depression with combined psychotherapy and medication than with each therapy alone. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(3), 459-467.
I definitely agree. Working with someone outside of yourself, such as a counselor, therapist, life coach, or even a twelve-steps sponsor, is often necessary in the process of change.
Involving another person in the journey to overcome a mental illness often establishes accountability and provides an invaluable outside, more objective view.
For those unfamiliar with psychotherapy, the two most common types are:
1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where therapists guide patients in restructuring negative thought patterns and contributing behaviors.
2. Interpersonal therapy (IPT), where therapists work with patients to resolve contributing troubled relationships.
I can see how it would always be helpful for an individual to restructure negative thought patterns and contributing behaviors and to resolve troubled relationships.
That being said, I suggest that taking the right medication can often open more doors to healing through talk therapy than would be possible without it. Beth's Story My friend, Beth (name has been changed), began visiting a therapist and also went on Prozac (fluoxetine) during high school to counter issues she began to have at the time with depression and anxiety.
Years later, she no longer visited the therapist, but still took Prozac. She married and when she decided to have a baby, she decided she didn't want to be on Prozac during her pregnancy.
She worked with her doctor to slowly and calculatedly come off Prozac before she even attempted to get pregnant. Although her doctor instructed her how to safely (i.e., slowly and calculatedly) do so, I still warned her about the risk because I did the same thing and this was a horrific choice for me.
Although there is no scientifically-proven risk to a fetus when taking Prozac, there is risk with every medication. I lovingly explained to Beth how the risk of a medication must always be weighed against the risks of depression left untreated during pregnancy, which can lead to “poor birth outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, lower Apgar Scores, poor prenatal care, failure to recognize or report signs of labor; and an increased risk of fetal abuse, neonaticide, or maternal suicide.”
Source: O’Keane, V., & Marsh, S. M. (2007). Depression during pregnancy. BMJ, 334, 1003-1005.
Beth still decided to go off Prozac. Like I did, she learned the hard way how beneficial Prozac was to her life. Within a few weeks, she was not doing well. Being on Prozac their whole marriage, her husband had never seen the depressed and anxious Beth that emerged. He was extremely supportive, but didn't know what to do. Beth wisely spoke with her doctor and started taking Prozac again.
When on the medication, Beth is functional. Without it, Beth isn't. Talk therapy has nothing to do with it.
Luckily, Beth was on Prozac for a significant amount of time before she conceived and is now doing well once again and successfully managing her first pregnancy.
God is great!
The information contained on this blog is intended to be educational and not for diagnosis, prescription, or treatment of any mental illness. The information should not replace consultation with a competent healthcare provider or mental health professional. The content of this blog is intended to be used in adjunct to a rational and responsible healthcare or psychotherapy program. Beca Mark or CTL Press, Inc. is in no way liable for any misuse of the material contained on this website.
Although I do touch on many resources that can help in the journey to healing from depression and anxiety in the book, including talk therapy, my aim in Pros of Prozac is to address the specific stigma taking psychotropic medication carries. Because I have intentionally written a succinct book, I have left it to countless other authors to write books about the benefits of talk therapy.
I would like to add my thoughts on talk therapy here.
Scientific research clearly shows that combined treatment of medication and psychotherapy results in faster remission of chronic depression.Source: Manber, R., Kraemer, H. C., Arnow, B. A., Trivedi, M. H., Rush, A. J., Thase, M. E., . . . Keller, M. E. (2008). Faster remission of chronic depression with combined psychotherapy and medication than with each therapy alone. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(3), 459-467.
I definitely agree. Working with someone outside of yourself, such as a counselor, therapist, life coach, or even a twelve-steps sponsor, is often necessary in the process of change.
Involving another person in the journey to overcome a mental illness often establishes accountability and provides an invaluable outside, more objective view.
For those unfamiliar with psychotherapy, the two most common types are:
1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where therapists guide patients in restructuring negative thought patterns and contributing behaviors.
2. Interpersonal therapy (IPT), where therapists work with patients to resolve contributing troubled relationships.
I can see how it would always be helpful for an individual to restructure negative thought patterns and contributing behaviors and to resolve troubled relationships.
That being said, I suggest that taking the right medication can often open more doors to healing through talk therapy than would be possible without it. Beth's Story My friend, Beth (name has been changed), began visiting a therapist and also went on Prozac (fluoxetine) during high school to counter issues she began to have at the time with depression and anxiety.
Years later, she no longer visited the therapist, but still took Prozac. She married and when she decided to have a baby, she decided she didn't want to be on Prozac during her pregnancy.
She worked with her doctor to slowly and calculatedly come off Prozac before she even attempted to get pregnant. Although her doctor instructed her how to safely (i.e., slowly and calculatedly) do so, I still warned her about the risk because I did the same thing and this was a horrific choice for me.
Although there is no scientifically-proven risk to a fetus when taking Prozac, there is risk with every medication. I lovingly explained to Beth how the risk of a medication must always be weighed against the risks of depression left untreated during pregnancy, which can lead to “poor birth outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, lower Apgar Scores, poor prenatal care, failure to recognize or report signs of labor; and an increased risk of fetal abuse, neonaticide, or maternal suicide.”
Source: O’Keane, V., & Marsh, S. M. (2007). Depression during pregnancy. BMJ, 334, 1003-1005.
Beth still decided to go off Prozac. Like I did, she learned the hard way how beneficial Prozac was to her life. Within a few weeks, she was not doing well. Being on Prozac their whole marriage, her husband had never seen the depressed and anxious Beth that emerged. He was extremely supportive, but didn't know what to do. Beth wisely spoke with her doctor and started taking Prozac again.
When on the medication, Beth is functional. Without it, Beth isn't. Talk therapy has nothing to do with it.
Luckily, Beth was on Prozac for a significant amount of time before she conceived and is now doing well once again and successfully managing her first pregnancy.
God is great!
The information contained on this blog is intended to be educational and not for diagnosis, prescription, or treatment of any mental illness. The information should not replace consultation with a competent healthcare provider or mental health professional. The content of this blog is intended to be used in adjunct to a rational and responsible healthcare or psychotherapy program. Beca Mark or CTL Press, Inc. is in no way liable for any misuse of the material contained on this website.
Pros of Prozac Quiz on Goodreads
I just created a quiz on Goodreads for my book,
Pros of Prozac
. This is all so fun for me so I hope you enjoy it. Good luck!
Goodreads Quiz Pros of Prozac Quiz taken 1 time 15 questions take quiz
Goodreads Quiz Pros of Prozac Quiz taken 1 time 15 questions take quiz
March 21, 2013
"I put the PRO in PROZAC" Wristbands
I designed and ordered a few "I put the PRO in PROZAC" wristbands to sell on my website. I will also be giving them away to anyone who buys a paperback book (to be released Tuesday, March 26).
Yesterday, I gave them to a few family members so they could sport their support for my book and our community of healing. I jokingly asked one of my brothers, who is in his 20's, if he would wear the wristband around the university campus he attends.
I only thought he wouldn't want to wear it because it is pink and he is a guy, but the first thing he said was, "No, way. I don't want anyone thinking I take Prozac."
And there it was, the influence of the stigma. I said, "That is exactly the point." In that moment, he realized my mission. Today, he is wearing the wristband and doesn't care who sees.
God is great!
The information contained on this blog is intended to be educational and not for diagnosis, prescription, or treatment of any mental illness. The information should not replace consultation with a competent healthcare provider or mental health professional. The content of this blog is intended to be used in adjunct to a rational and responsible healthcare or psychotherapy program. Beca Mark or CTL Press, Inc. is in no way liable for any misuse of the material contained on this website.
Yesterday, I gave them to a few family members so they could sport their support for my book and our community of healing. I jokingly asked one of my brothers, who is in his 20's, if he would wear the wristband around the university campus he attends.
I only thought he wouldn't want to wear it because it is pink and he is a guy, but the first thing he said was, "No, way. I don't want anyone thinking I take Prozac."
And there it was, the influence of the stigma. I said, "That is exactly the point." In that moment, he realized my mission. Today, he is wearing the wristband and doesn't care who sees.
God is great!
The information contained on this blog is intended to be educational and not for diagnosis, prescription, or treatment of any mental illness. The information should not replace consultation with a competent healthcare provider or mental health professional. The content of this blog is intended to be used in adjunct to a rational and responsible healthcare or psychotherapy program. Beca Mark or CTL Press, Inc. is in no way liable for any misuse of the material contained on this website.
Pros of Prozac Giveaway on Goodreads!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Pros of Prozac by Beca Mark Giveaway ends April 21, 2013. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
