Dr. Phil Segment upcoming

Meerkat · Mar 1, 2006

I think it's very brave, and the more brave people, the less the stigma.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 1, 2006

Wow.

I am in a similar health situation, minus the Dr. Phil invitation. I think if you go on the show you will have the gossipers, and you will have the people that come forward and thank you for being so brave, and you have people that won't make a big deal out of it either way. You will be surprised how many people have issues with mental illness and don't say a word- but they may come to you after you do the show.

My only advice would be to go to your boss and give him/her a heads up if you decide to do the show. If you are able to do this before you give an answer to the show you may find his/her reaction will answer the question about whether you go forward with this. You can also ask them not to reveal your location or workplace, that may help.

PM me if you like.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Mar 1, 2006

A few years ago in one of my more outspoken moments, I wrote to Dr. Phil expressing a need for him to do a show on mental illness and the more productive side of the many people that are living with control over their illnesses. I have not had a bout with my MI for five years. It is controlled on medication and healthy lifestyle habits. I am about to graduate from Nursing School in May and I have a job waiting for me. If I go on this show and reveal to the world my problem, then I am subjected to the rest of society's oppression of the mentally ill.(or I could break thru it) I have in the past thought that if I did divulge, then I could help change some of the discriminatory habits of others but now that I am faced with the opportunity It may be a talk show that actually exploits situations just for its own ratings. I have spent alot of time educating myself on mental illness and attended many seminars and workshops. I know I would have to be quite brave to show myself on TV and I would be risking my job possibly. I remember when people with AIDS were afraid to come out and talk and now it is much more socially acceptable illness. I know more people have to come out and talk about MI for this to change in society and perhaps I am the one to do it. I am a little conflicted about this since this is such a major risk. Thoughts?
Maybe I should ask my lawyer?
I have to call the show back tommorow.

I think it's a very important choice for you to make. But only you can really make that decision.

Bearing in mind that I'm just a staff nurse, I would not let a MI dx stop me from hiring you and that dx would not affect my feelings about working with you.

Best wishes to you whatever you decide.

gr8rnpjt, RN · Mar 1, 2006

I think that the EEOC would have something to say about an employer who rescinds on a job based on the fact that the employee came forward and corageously spoke out against the stigma of mental illness.

There are laws in place to help people with disabilities obtain and retain jobs when the disability is not a deterrant from performing a good job.

I would say go for it and don't be surprised if nothing happens.

postmortRNhere · Mar 1, 2006

I agree that you are very brave to "come out ". I too struggle with major depression and can tell you it is very scary to divulge this to your friends and co-workers due to the stigma that still exsist in the medical profession, with the exception of those who specialize in mental illness. As far as legal issues go I agree with the other post that it could have some consequences to do the show. But only you can decide to accept the outcome no matter what. It will affect your life.

LanaBanana · Mar 1, 2006

I've thought of this issue several times over the years - wanting to promote treatment for MI, but not wanting to be the posterchild for it and have the "pointers and starers." I think if your angle on the show is that you have gotten treatment and have moved on to a successful life, then I think you could be very influencial. As another person with chronic major depression, I would have loved to see people who have overcome this illness. I have since met successful people and have (hopefully) become one myself.

As has been said, only you can decide, but I would love to see this on Dr. Phil!

Goodluck with whatever you decide.

hbncns35 · Mar 2, 2006

Other thoughts -

I called my gf who is also in the same nursing school as I am. And she said that whenever she is having a hard time, she thinks of me and finds me an inspiration.. Awwwww. She said that if I did have a problem there are laws that protect me and I mentioned that there are also laws which supposedly protect people from murderers and rapists but somehow they get thru the law... My point is...What is to stop my employer from finding some oddball reason to get rid of me without saying it is because of my MI? I have been living with this discrimination privately for years and it is for that reason that I have built myself up in every area of my life - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually- I wanted to be better because I knew I had a deficit/flaw so that was my motivation. Perhaps I have been readying myself for such a challenge? Many people in my life see me as a strong individual having withstood so much that I could not possible write here. I have some reticence about becoming a bipolar celebrity of sorts. I know being on TV tends to do that - people become fascinated with you. I want to make sure that it is presented correctly and I am not part of sensationalism. I have often thought of trying to help the oppressed mentally ill for some time now and get schools more educated on the topic(medical and nursing schools-I wanted to help alot of people so maybe this is a way to take care of it all at once and get the seeds planted?) I am going to have to really feel this Dr. Phil thing out because it is a major step for me and for those who have suffered silently. I often wonder when MI is going to get the same respect as Cancer, Heart Disease and AIDS. I can remember when everyone was terrified about AIDS and collectively we made that a socially acceptable disease so why can't we do that for MI? People need to think with their hearts and not allow Fear to overcome them. It really has to be a global decision. Crazy and lunatic just doesn't cut it anymore.These are brain disorders/illnesses. That's like making fun of someone who has Cancer a disease which is no fault of their own. I have no terms for people who have heart dx or CA except that they deserve my attention and compassion. Maybe our world is in need of a major overhaul when it comes to MI. I thought in the car on the way home tonite that I know exactly how african americans must have felt for all those years. Perhaps its our time now.........................Heather

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2006

Whether you choose to do the show or not, I think you are very brave for even considering it. Hats off to you (and let us know when it airs, OK?)

:flowersfo

LydiaNN · Mar 2, 2006

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I think Dr. Phil exploits people's troubles in the name of ratings. Having said that, I think these shows do have some potential for enlightening a certain percentage of viewers (but only some of them. It seems to me that when it comes to MI, most people have deeply ingrained views that little will change.)