There are many reasons people may wear masks. They may be worn to present ourselves in ways that are socially acceptable or to shield ourselves from inspection. The reasons for wearing a mask are plentiful and the results can be both helpful and harmful. Mental illness can also be a mask; it can mask who we […]
mental health
Saved from suicide
Jasper teenager Alex L. shared her brave story of depression and recovery with us for the Lufkin Daily News’ article about mental illness. As she prepares for college in the fall, she’s thankful that someone made a fateful call that saved her life. Read Alex’s full story below and in the Lufkin Daily News. And please […]
Peer Specialists Provide Real World, Lived Experience
By SHELLY LADDEN — for The Lufkin News Editor’s Note: In observance of Mental Health Month, The Lufkin News is featuring local mental health stories and services throughout May. Lufkin woman Angie Tinajero is a certified peer specialist at Burke, a mental health services provider in East Texas. And when she tells her clients “I […]
Getting REAL About Mental Health
Most of us know mental illness is a REAL issue. But, unlike other illnesses, mental illness is not discussed openly. It is talked about in hushed tones that convey shame, pity or guilt. In observance of Mental Health month, the Lufkin Daily News has partnered with Burke to initiate a discussion about mental illness. Mental illness will affect […]
How Mental Illness Affects the Friendly Skies
In light of the recent Lufthansa/Germanwings crash, much attention has been given to the rigors afforded to monitoring pilots’ health. This new concern based, at least partially, on this isolated incident, replaces the old concern about the pilot’s sobriety. The problem is these are both generalizations and stereotypes. In this article featured on the Healthy Place […]
Evidence Shows Violence Is Extremely Rare Among the Mentally Ill
We would all like to have an answer when tragedy occurs. We look for signs that could have alerted us to the threat, sometimes they are there; other times they are not. In the case of the Germanwings pilot who recently crashed a plane with 150 people aboard, mental illness seems to have played a role. […]
