Having suffered mental illness for the last fifteen years I feel I am qualified to say some words about my illness. Firstly I'd like to thank Sunil for introducing this topic.
I have a psychotic illness called Schizophrenia, have suffered depression and have an anxiety disorder. It has been years since I have felt comfortable entering a dojo environment and have only recently worked up the courage to return to martial arts.
Psychotic illness? you might ask. The mere word psychosis can stir up feelings of fear. The word psychotic or Psychosis unfortunately are very closely spelled like the words "Psycho" or "Psychopath" however connecting the two is often born from ignorance and fear based on the misunderstanding of mental illness in our community. It might suprise you that people who suffer from a Psychosis whether it be Schizophrenia or Bipolar disorder are generally not violent killers (in fact the same percentage of people in the general community are violent) A person who suffers a psychosis does not have the strength of ten men and will respond to pain. Moreover the psychosis sufferer is probably confined in such a prison of fear that they pose more of a threat to themselves. (The word psychosis denotes a loss of touch with reality)
A diagnosis of a mental illness in this day and age does not mean ongoing incarceration in a mental institution with other "insane" people. Mental illness can now be very effectively treated with modern medication. Of course drugs are not effective in all cases and these people require more care.

Hi Luke

Thanks for honest contribution. I'v eknow you for a long time and I know that you've using Your martial Arts training to develop confidence .

It's a big deal that you're now going to train in a dojo as I know how hard it has been for you to get out and about.

Clearly, you have been developing your confidence , resilience and routine in the Martial Arts and connecting and networking and slowly pulling into mainstream life.

It's good to be associated with a small part of your development !

Now, tell usmore how you've been using the Martial Arts to deal with the aggrahpobia ...bipolarity and schizophrenia.

thanks

Sunil

Thankyou Sunil
In reply to question of how I use martial arts to deal with my illness there are four basic elements. In particular the martial art I have studied (Silat) provides some unique theraputic properties.
Number 1 on the list is spirituality. I believe there is a higher power or being though in no way am I a bible thumper! Performing Silat I feel is almost like a moving prayer or sacrifice and thanks should be given for its grace and beauty. For many of us having a faith grounds us and gives us a reference point for how we live our daily lives which can be very important for someone with a mental illness.
Secondly I feel that martial arts can be a form of self expression. Putting our emotion and feeling into our movements and forms give them power in the same way that a dancer might.
This closely linked to creativity which is the third element I will discuss. Many mentally ill people enjoy and can be extremely talented at producing works of art. Art therapy is also used in psychiatric facilities and is very popular. The "canvas" that we use as martial artists is different but exploration of creativity or even "playing" with technique is similar particularly if you study a "live" art like silat or even kali arnis escrima where an instructor is not constantly needed for advancement.
Finally martial arts gives me a sense of control over my sometimes "messy" headspace and provides confidence. Martial arts has also provided some meaningful goals and objectives which a lot of people with a mental illness lack. I would like to be an accomplished instructor one day- I just have a few more obstacles to negotiate.
I hope by reading this you might have gained some personal insights or points for further discussion and exploration and if you think I'm "mad" its probably because I am!

Hey Luke thanks for your honest thoughts into Martial Arts and how they help you in your fight for health :

1) Sense of spirituality - self introspection ?...
2) Space to be self expressive - to remove the bonds that ensnare ?
3) An arena to be creative and play with an idea(s)
4) Self conrol - mechanisms of self control.

Discipline - self conrol - mediattion - commitment -....are all integral facets of the Martial Expreience...practicing daily not only builds self confidence/self esteem in your efoorts to move away from the cocoon of the illness.

Further - practice daily - helps in all other acpects of 'normal ( what's normal anyway ? ) life - once again developing confidence, self esteem , security , peace of mind ,....

In Martial Arts , you have a skilled teacher guiding you succinctly, piece by piece through the journey - encouraging -facilitating and a team of willing supporters behind you equally and competitively so.

Hey Luke ,

I just wanted to say that I 've been talking with a few people in the store about what you discussed and I was deeply moved that what you have said touches people .

I hear a concurrence with what you write - and I just wante dto say Good work.

I was deeply touched to get some positive feedback totally unsolicited on the topic - which gives me a modicum of hope that this is a good thread to pursue.

People may not resond or wirte for their own reasons - but read and appreciate/ educcate about the content.

This is a hard topic to discuss and it takes a lot of courage to put your heart on the line

So thanks Luke - for stepping up!!

Sunil P

Hi All,

Depression, anxiety is a minor mental disorder that can be developed to critical mental illness.Anxiety directly effects our physical health also. There are lot of modern practices to treat anxiety and depression. Here are few suggestions to avoid depression.
-Having a simple life style
-Engaging in sports.(Eg; Martial arts)
-Listen to classic music.
-Regular sex
-Getting enough sleep
-Meditation.

Anxiety can be easily cured from meditation. It helps you to concentrate on single object. When mind is concentrated on single object, anxiety cannot be exists.

"Mindfulness of breath" is the best meditation technique for anxiety.