Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Amanda Wallin

Oct 16, 2006

Announcing another new wonderful new writer for Storytime Tapestry; Amanda Wallin becomes writer # 366.  Please read her important story and welcome her to the fold as only the Storytime Tapestry Family can.

Taking Your Life

Amanda Wallin

"No one ever lacks a good reason for suicide" - Ceasere Powere

I've been surrounded by death for fifteen years now, mainly from my friends killing or attempting to kill themselves. I'm not alone in this painful predicament.

-Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst teenagers, a close second to accidents.

- Its doubled over the past decade, possibly because in the eighties and nineties it was all the rage to have a psychiatrist.

-Now, mental illness and medication are stigmatized, and many 'alternative' medicines are being pushed in lew of psychotropics.

-This is a hotly debated topic as 87% of people who succeed at offing themselves are mentally ill and are in dire need of help

I feel psychotropics are necessary to enable a sick person to regain their strength and help them to take care of themselves. Medication is not “the be all end all” like rumor has it. In fact, sometimes it takes many years to find a proper cocktail and even then one needs to learn coping mechanisms and deal with the side effects. The last thing we need are more 'alternative' solutions to a serious issue made up by someone who's out to make a buck. Case in point; my dear friends who committed suicide were off their prescribed pills when they destroyed not only their lives, but those around them.

As a bipolar woman who's witnessed first hand the repercussions of alternative and prescription medication, I feel I'm qualified to write this article. I have an abundance of insight and material on this topic as someone who's been to psychiatric wards as well. This article is a way to destigmatize mental illness and encourage people to seek proper help.

Please feel free to debate this topic and ask me any relevant questions.....

Amanda Wallin

arwylie@adelphia.net