Wildflower Writes

He asked to talk to me on the phone. I’m not sure why. He’s a former nursing home resident, known for his sexual innuendos, talking to himself, and refusing treatment for his schizophrenia for fear of impotence. He left against medical advice almost a year ago, and is back at the psychiatric hospital, needing a long term situation. As an employee at a nursing home, we often have to consider the issue of “competence.” At what point does a person lose his or her right to make decisions because they are no longer mentally capable of making them? Who makes the determination? How can nursing home residents lose their rights to choose treatment due to incompetence when they are lots of “incompetent” people living in our community who do not make decisions that serve their own best interests. Ray Sandford of St. Paul, Minnesota, is fighting for his right to forego his monthly electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments. A lot of people don’t know that some mental health professionals still use...

Did you know where the term "mad as a hatter" came from? Apparently, back in the olden days, hatters would use a mercury compound to make felt hats. Too much mercury exposure led to poisoning. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include delirium, hallucinations, and suicidal tendencies. So, the Mad Hatter in Alice and Wonderland had good reasons for acting a little well, crazy. My question is, what is poisoning you in your work? I work in an industry where communication is vital. It's not beneficial to hold a grudge and stop talking to someone. Disagreements must be addressed and resolved quickly. In health care, poor communication can mean everything from irritated family members to death. Forgiveness is the only way to detoxify your system. When you are angry or frustrated with someone, you allow them to control your feelings, sometimes even your life. If you don't let go of your hurt and allow God to heal, your body turns on you. You might get headaches, acid ...