#993: We’re taking on mental health and specifically the unprecedented increase in mental illness diagnoses. Here is my take; we are all theoretically on the spectrum of…everything. It’s human nature for instance to feel sadness. To have the feeling here and there of depression or anxiety. Brene Brown’s bestselling book right now is Atlas of the Heart and she outlines 87 different emotions that are normal and healthy. But when do we go over the line from normal to abnormal? From feeling depressed to being clinically depressed? “Having depression or an anxiety disorder?” Do we need or want an official diagnosis so we can get needed help? Or do we want to deny and boycott any such limiting label? Are we all accepting clinical diagnosis and it’s causing us to limit ourselves? This is a big issue and a big question that is affecting all of us. I’ve brought on an expert to discuss it. Sarah Fay is a writer and activist on the issue and has recently come out with her book, Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses. Sarah from a young age displayed some unhealthy behaviors and was diagnosed, labeled, and treated. Over the next 30 years she went on to have clinical diagnoses and labels for Anorexia, Major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Bipolar disorder, and has also dealt with alcoholism, being a compulsive exerciser, and many bouts being suicidal. You name the drug, she’s been prescribed it and taken it. Today…she is well, though still accepting of a couple diagnoses and medications, but has much to educate and warn us about regarding our current culture which has nearly half of all Americans being given an official, clinical diagnosis during their lifetime. The book is a memoir style writing of her personal experiences and her research into the medical system and how it handles and mishandles us and what the consequences are. Sarah Fay (PhD, Iowa MFA) writes for many publications, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, and The Paris Review. She’s an incredibly accomplished writer, teacher and is currently on the faculty at Northwestern University. She’s the founder of Pathological: The Movement, and you can Find Sarah at sarahfay.org. Self-Help(ful) is presented by Ziglar, the most trusted brand in personal and business development impacting over 250 million people worldwide. Visit Ziglar.com to see how they can inspire your true performance.

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NPR and PBS – A Case for Privatization