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MENTAL HEALTH FLAG TOUR STOPS IN MAINE A dinner with senators, congressmen, state repersentatives, Kristy Worthen, Mary Worthen and representatives from AstraZeneca was held January 7, 2004. The next morning a breakfast reception for Kristy in the President of the Senate's office was held. Then Kristy was recognized on the Senate floor and the House of Repersentatives floor just before the Flag Ceremony and signing in the Governor's office.
The article below is from: The
Times Record: Maine's Mid-Coast Starts Here 'Girl in a blender' is beacon of hope
Kristy Worthen, who now lives successfully with bipolar disorder, is visiting the state Legislature to increase public awareness of mental health issues as part of a national tour. She has put off college until it is completed; 35 states to go. Kristy survived two serious car accidents, a suicide attempt and multiple misdiagnoses before her illness was recognized, so she knows the importance of early intervention. Her award-winning artistic talent has sustained her and now helps promote mental health awareness. She brings with her a special flag she designed and painted to carry her message symbolically. It depicts a landmark familiar to Mainers. This explanation of the design is on her Web site: "The island represents how Kristy felt before her diagnosis. She felt alone and was afraid to admit that she needed help, afraid that no one would understand her illness. "The white lighthouse represents Kristy's feelings after her diagnosis. She felt relieved to learn that mental illness was an illness just like cancer, heart disease or diabetes and that with a correct diagnosis and medication, which was right for her, she had a path to follow to move forward with her life. "The red trim on the lighthouse reminded her that there was the danger of relapse if she did not take her medication or keep her doctor appointments. "The ocean represents all of those who are still struggling with mental illness and have not received a correct diagnosis and medication. "The waves represent those who have lost their lives due to mental illness. "The beam of light shinning out over the ocean from the lighthouse represents Kristy's advocacy work, letting others know there is hope, there is help, and that her wish for them is that they too can get the help that they need to move forward with their lives." Kristy also has written a book about her experiences, "Girl in a Blender." Her mother, Mary Worthen, has written "Journey Not Chosen, Destination Not Known" about the family's struggles with Kristy's illness. Excerpts are available on the Web site. "Many people in our neighborhood and community suffer depression, anxiety and panic attacks and are afraid or ashamed to ask for help, so they go untreated," Patricia Conner, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, has told The Times Record. Kristy — girl in a blender no more — is here to encourage everyone
to seek the help they need to be well again and pursue their dreams. "I
want to let others know there is hope and there is help for people who
have been diagnosed with a mental illness," she says. |
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Copyright 2003 Kristy Worthen
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