tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post2340890256194321559..comments2023-10-08T03:29:16.941-05:00Comments on Aaron Polson: Crushing Stigmas, Smashing Stereotypes, Remembering with CourageAaron Polsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173267932358617304noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-84737839110524289302012-05-23T21:12:47.677-05:002012-05-23T21:12:47.677-05:00Aaron,
I was one of Aimee's clients in her pri...Aaron,<br />I was one of Aimee's clients in her private practice. She was such an insightful and deeply sensitive mental health professional. <br />I lost my 25 year old daughter this last November -- she suffered from bi-polar disorder and left town in a manic state. Her death was and still is a shock to all of us. My heart goes out to you and your boys. <br />You may or may not believe in the psychic dimension -- I certainly have reservations. But I spoke with a psychic medium last month, someone recommended to me by a member of my grief support group. This woman knew things about my family members that could not be attributed to coincidence. (Like knowing that my daughter used to buy me boxes of Hot Tamales for Mothers' Day.) I not only "spoke" to my daughter, but also to my late father, mother, and dear Aimee. Please e-mail me if you'd like to hear what she said, or with your permission, I will post it here. ritajbeyer@gmail.comRitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07611466458726819891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-33387319245676825892012-05-18T10:16:21.008-05:002012-05-18T10:16:21.008-05:00I was directed here from one of the other blogs I ...I was directed here from one of the other blogs I read. Peace to you and your family in your time of loss. Your ability to write and share your story can help others find the hope and help they need to keep fighting. Thank you for sharing- it's a story that needs to be told.blissflower1969https://www.blogger.com/profile/17359445274070740683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-7300712346570930442012-05-16T22:34:16.487-05:002012-05-16T22:34:16.487-05:00healing blessings.healing blessings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-51732816855062940072012-05-16T08:57:32.672-05:002012-05-16T08:57:32.672-05:00Sending thoughts and prayers for healing of deep w...Sending thoughts and prayers for healing of deep wounds. XoGracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16599969078023862908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-18915600374736339232012-05-15T13:43:13.382-05:002012-05-15T13:43:13.382-05:00I remember you talking about this in a vague way b...I remember you talking about this in a vague way before--talking about writing as helping you to process things. I thought that was awesome of you, to share that. This is amazing.<br /><br />There's not much I can say that hasn't been said, but I really want to thank you for writing this post. It's startlingly articulate on a subject that is beyond heartbreaking; that alone speaks to how important it is to you that this message be heard. It's important to all of us, now, too.Kateyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05727622678452936037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-19786327113814840362012-05-14T21:37:00.586-05:002012-05-14T21:37:00.586-05:00You are an incredibly eloquent writer.
Very powe...You are an incredibly eloquent writer. <br /> Very powerful. <br /> One of my closest friends suffered as your wife did. It was one of the hardest life events I have ever gone through as a friend. Happily, she recovered and is almost the same. <br />When I see her I will always say a blessing for you and your family. <br />Thank you for sharing.DeirdraVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07520661305286687306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-57256638786677736982012-05-14T12:09:04.575-05:002012-05-14T12:09:04.575-05:00Lane - I'll be there on Thursday the 17th. Tha...Lane - I'll be there on Thursday the 17th. Thanks for the head's up.Aaron Polsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15173267932358617304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-75156453276435665052012-05-13T18:41:05.567-05:002012-05-13T18:41:05.567-05:00Thanks for sharing, Aaron. My heart goes out to yo...Thanks for sharing, Aaron. My heart goes out to you guys. Words never seem enough but the love and happy memories are always there to help you get through.Danielle Birchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11796467053451208102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-88700745917770732262012-05-13T17:05:49.237-05:002012-05-13T17:05:49.237-05:00Excepts from LJW:
Inadequate access to mental hea...Excepts from LJW:<br /><br />Inadequate access to mental health services emerges as top concern at first public forum<br />By Karrey Britt<br />on May 9, 2012<br /><br />Residents gave their two cents about Douglas County’s top health issues, and they said limited access to mental health services was the No. 1 concern.<br /><br />“So critical to thousands,” “We need a mental health ward in our hospital,” and “When you need mental health help, you need it now” were some of their messages.<br />About 60 people attended a 90-minute public forum Wednesday afternoon at the Community Health Facility that was hosted by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. During the first hour, they heard about the results of a 38-page Community Health Assessment that was released last week by the health department.<br /><br />The assessment identified 13 areas that were of concern to residents. Now, the department is holding public forums to narrow down the list.<br /><br />Shirley Martin-Smith, health department board member, monitored the mental health board and listened to concerns. Some people said there was a lack of knowledge about available services while others said they had to leave town for higher levels of care. Others mentioned programs and services that had been cut. She said the comments were valuable and would help drive change.<br /><br />JOIN THE CONVERSATION<br /><br />The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has scheduled several public forums to discuss the findings of its Community Health Assessment. The remaining ones will be:<br /><br />• May 15 — 7 p.m., Eudora Community Center, 1630 Elm St.<br />• May 16 — 7 p.m., Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St.<br />• May 17 — 7 p.m., Lawrence’s Community Health Facility, 200 Maine.<br /><br />To view the full report, visit the health department’s website at ldchealth.org.<br /><br />If you would like to weigh in on the issues, vote in our poll at WellCommons/polls, leave comments on this story, and/or visit Continue-the-Conversation.org. The health department is collecting information from all of the sources.Lanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-53759020930057670262012-05-12T13:32:09.193-05:002012-05-12T13:32:09.193-05:00My wife has PPD. I love my wife and my kids are g...My wife has PPD. I love my wife and my kids are great. There were no signs with my first child, but PPD show up with my second child and then with the third child it was psychosis. I could see it coming like a train weak. I went to garage and cry. My wife wouldn't believe me and only listen to the bad advice of her girlfriend that had her own life issues. Finally after yelling at her to get help she went, but it all blew up. She left without see the doctor and next thing you know police were calling wondering where my wife was and was the kids ok or not. The cops, doctors, family members didn't know where she was for 2 hours and I just broke down. I just wanted my kids and wife home. I was reading all those about PPD psychosis and it's real!!! My wife got help and is on meds now. She's getting more sleep now but i'm watching out everyday for the psychosis to come back. Aimee's my wife age. AIMEE LOVE YOU AND THE KIDS!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-59168699658455621442012-05-12T10:40:52.647-05:002012-05-12T10:40:52.647-05:00Peace be with you and your family and most of all ...Peace be with you and your family and most of all your beautiful wife.<br /><br />XPaula RChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05550276147711384895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-15952952221686063232012-05-12T08:55:12.591-05:002012-05-12T08:55:12.591-05:00I'm applauding your bravery in sharing this st...I'm applauding your bravery in sharing this story. I'm a PPD survivor and I know how important it is for people to know about illnesses like this, both for awareness and stigma busting. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I hope sharing this helps in your healing.Robin | Farewell, Strangerhttp://farewellstranger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-19106124866841378622012-05-12T07:03:55.914-05:002012-05-12T07:03:55.914-05:00Aaron it is a tragedy that when you sought help yo...Aaron it is a tragedy that when you sought help you were turned away. When I was suffering from post-partum psychosis my insurance had a mandatory 3 day stay as an in-patient. When people say they can't reconcile that someone they know would do something like this what they don't understand is that PPP takes over your mind. I compare it to being drugged. When you have PPP you are living in a surreal nightmare that is so out of touch with reality that you are no longer the same person. I remember what I was thinking at the time and it all seems so illogical now, but at the time it made perfect sense to me. My experience has given me new insight into mental illness. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. Nice people get PPP and do things they would never normally do. It's not even really themselves doing it, it is like being possessed. The real you has taken a temporary leave of absence. I am so sorry you lost your wife to this illness. It is truly a monster. Since your wife had previously had PPP the doctors should have been treating prophylacticly with anti-psychotic medication during and after the pregnancy. I have had two different doctors tell me not to have any more kids. I still want one more, and if I ever did get pregnant I would have to be treated during the pregnancy and likely have my medication upped post-partum. Your story gives me great pause. It is a tragedy that your wife did not receive the proper treatment. Any OB/GYN should be well aware of the risks involved in someone who had a previous case of PPP. I am so sorry for your loss. We need to do more to raise awareness of PPP.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-3217028798912834282012-05-12T06:50:58.074-05:002012-05-12T06:50:58.074-05:00Thank you for sharing Aimee's story. I can'...Thank you for sharing Aimee's story. I can't tell you how important it is for more people to hear and know. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.Alex@LateEnoughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14863414847952789404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-22362874004930809362012-05-12T02:44:39.210-05:002012-05-12T02:44:39.210-05:00Aaron, thanks for sharing, no matter how difficult...Aaron, thanks for sharing, no matter how difficult it may be. Mental health is an often overlooked facet of general well being. I have struggled with depression for years and have only recently seeked help, mostly because of the stigma attached to depression and my own selfish pride. I'm sorry for your loss and I can't imagine the depth of your pain. But speaking of my own depression and knowing the pain you have endured, if I can help only one person by sharing my story, it is worth it.Matt Kesingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18337059415907289489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-20779228950330540552012-05-12T02:35:08.522-05:002012-05-12T02:35:08.522-05:00Aaron, thanks for sharing, no matter how difficult...Aaron, thanks for sharing, no matter how difficult it may be. Mental health is an often overlooked facet of general well being. I have struggled with depression for years and have only recently seeked help, mostly because of the stigma attached to depression and my own selfish pride. I'm sorry for your loss and I can't imagine the depth of your pain. But speaking of my own depression and knowing the pain you have endured, if I can help only one person by sharing my story, it is worth it.Matt Kesingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18337059415907289489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-86171387042788153032012-05-11T17:50:10.689-05:002012-05-11T17:50:10.689-05:00Aaron--we've never met, but I'm a fellow L...Aaron--we've never met, but I'm a fellow Lawrencian who ended up at your blog after a friend re-tweeted the link today. After reading your story, I realized I had been praying for you last month when someone at our church put your family on the prayer request list. I just want to let you know that I'm still praying--now more than ever. I can't imagine what you and your sons are going through, but I'm praying that God would bring you peace.kjlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10139584434556099455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-88417943118537505822012-05-11T16:09:30.537-05:002012-05-11T16:09:30.537-05:00What a beautiful woman your wife was and what a go...What a beautiful woman your wife was and what a good man you are. I wish you much support in raising your sons and carrying your grief and theirs.<br /><br />Susan Kushner Resnick<br />Sleepless Days: One Woman's Journey Through Postpartum Depressionsuekushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03747515373248141030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-23727629999565590732012-05-11T15:26:28.743-05:002012-05-11T15:26:28.743-05:00Lane - could you contact me (either via email, aar...Lane - could you contact me (either via email, aaron_polson@hotmail.com or home phone 832-9546)?Aaron Polsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15173267932358617304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-62807175753825453012012-05-11T15:19:11.214-05:002012-05-11T15:19:11.214-05:00You don't know me but I too have suffered from...You don't know me but I too have suffered from PPD and want you to know how sorry I am that the medical community failed you. Failed your family. Thank you for speaking no yelling the truth! You are an inspiration ! Vanessa BakerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-44761000853931351732012-05-11T14:58:02.959-05:002012-05-11T14:58:02.959-05:00Aaron. I know I will struggle with the right words...Aaron. I know I will struggle with the right words to say here. I am so sorry... for you, for your boys, for Aimee, for everyone who knew and loved her. On October 1, 2010, I lost one of my very best friends to postpartum depression. She was 5 months postpartum - a first child that she'd struggled for 3 years to conceive and desperately wanted. I - we, all of us who knew her - will never, ever be the same. I'll spend Mother's day with her toddler, her husband & her parents. Mother's day will never be the same - knowing of the families who have lost Mamas to such a terrible disease. I was so excited to share the journey of motherhood with her. Anyway, I know there's really nothing I can say but I wrote a post about my friend if you want to read it: http://www.zrecommends.com/detail/missing-a-friend-today/Jennifer McNicholshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01894919245900911534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-87096279663280567572012-05-11T14:41:38.124-05:002012-05-11T14:41:38.124-05:00Hi Aaron, Thank you for sharing this part of your ...Hi Aaron, Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I don't know you or Aimee personally, but know of people who do (through Raintree & others in the community). I just did a webinar for early childhood professionals this morning focusing on perinatal mood disorders & talked about postpartum psychosis in hopes to raise awareness of the different illnesses women can experience after childbirth (someone mentioned your blog post). It saddens me so much to hear that you reached out for help & didn't receive what you & Amy needed. I'm with Lane-my anger wells up too. We have got to do better. As Sara Vancil said--If there will be any efforts to do something bigger to honor Aimee's memory and to help make it so others don't have to go through the same things, please count me in. Know that I am thinking of you & your family. Wishing you peace and hope.Heather Rasmussen, PhD & Kristin Koetting O'Byrne, PhDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06359358548064198464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-77192037688892267292012-05-11T13:20:02.324-05:002012-05-11T13:20:02.324-05:00Oh my gosh Mr. Polson. You are so brave to lay thi...Oh my gosh Mr. Polson. You are so brave to lay this out on the table like this. That's one thing that I think all of us students (past and present) admire so much about you. You're not afraid to speak your mind. I read all of your posts on here and my heart weeps for you and your family. I know you've heard this a million and one times but I am so sorry. And I know I speak for Jeri and myself when I say that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Haley Holwickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06138212188647063579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-9116311912278003502012-05-11T12:04:05.730-05:002012-05-11T12:04:05.730-05:00I found your post via Facebook. Please accept my h...I found your post via Facebook. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your lovely wife. I had a psychotic break and suicide attempt last year, so I understand a little of what she endured. Mental illness is a horror show. But by talking about stories like Aimee's, you bring more light to the shadowy corners of it. You bring it out to be talked about, understood, cared about.<br /><br />I wish for more peaceful times for you and your children in the days and years to come. In the meantime, once again, I am so sorry.Coco Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04641260892350180347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5604033530537822263.post-3410882224328651902012-05-11T11:21:52.840-05:002012-05-11T11:21:52.840-05:00Thank you so much, Aaron, for sharing your story a...Thank you so much, Aaron, for sharing your story and Aimee's story. I was not aware of this psychosis and am thankful you are educating us. I'm praying for you, your families and everyone that Aimee touched. I appreciate you sharing your grief.Shoppin' Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251099328084728102noreply@blogger.com