Mental Health?

I've come to understand that I am not mentally well. I don't really mean this in jest either.
When did it become OK or acceptable to expect others to look after our well being?

About a month ago I posted the facts (as I saw them) about mine and my children's adventure to the Emergency Room. We had gone there because I couldn't get my children into see a doctor sooner than a week's time. They were sick forever and I didn't know what else to do. I was upset about having to take them there but more upset because I thought that the doctors had let my kids down. I thought for some reason it must have been an isolated incident but it wasn't. Yes doctors are here to help us but aren't they supposed to be there for us when we (or our children) really need medical intervention?

Today a friend is faced with much the same thing. Her daughter is really sick and can't see a doctor at the clinic. She is faced with the Emergency Room too. it is difficult to know when to go and see the doctor or when the Emergency Room is needed these days.

There aren't enough doctors. We have so many "sick" people. I've just come to understand that I am a chronic disease person myself and one of the "sick" people. I'm only in my mid thirties and I have a chronic disease. I am overweight and I can and have problems being able to move. How did I get to be one of the SICK people?

I remember the anti-smoking campaigns where focus was placed on asking people to think of others before lighting up. That second hand smoke was harmful to others and especially kids. That was moving, to know that an action done by one person could harm a child indirectly.
More so I think now that the moving aspect of that campaign was that the smoker was being asked to be responsible, for themselves and those around them.

Even a month ago I was placing the responsibility of being healthy on the doctor. My husband and I chose to live in rural Saskatchewan and with that comes the responsibility to foster better health in ourselves and our kids because the "Health Care" system can no longer afford to be responsible for our health. That is what this whole lifestyle change has ultimately been about, to be healthier. If we were healthier to start with we wouldn't need the doctor as often, Right?

I can change my actions a lot easier than I can change those of others. The challenge for taking on this responsibility is just that, a challenge. Healthy food is difficult to spot, especially if we don't know ALL of the ingredients (those things that are left out because they are considered to be to insignificant) or are unable to find what things we are looking for. The responsibility becomes mine to grow, raise and learn in order to care for my children and keep them healthy and not in NEED of the "Health Care" system. I have a renewed interest in the 100 mile/Km diet concept. If we can know the farmer or the person that makes the thing that we are going to eat or use, that takes much of the guess work out of things.

To all others out there on the same or a similar path, Bon Chance (good luck), we'll need it. I began this post implying that I was not mentally well. I still don't think that I am. Our brain needs oxygen to function properly and without exercise the brain doesn't get the oxygen it needs. No wonder I can't remember things the way I used to or sleep the way I remember I used to be able to do (and yes I know I have kids and I thought that would make falling asleep easier). As my health returns and I continue to see life as less of an obstacle and more as a gift, I will remember that there are people out there who have better health but I would be willing to bet that they have already taken their health as their own responsibility.

As for the doctors in Saskatchewan. I really wish the best for you. I can't imagine the weight of responsibility for the health of people that won't help themselves and eat better or exercise or even sleep well. As a recovering one of these people I will try to see the doctor for things not chronic disease related in an attempt to not be a "sick" person any longer.

Good luck to my friend and her daughter who really need to see a doctor today.