By Karuna Dharini Dasi <\/strong><\/p>\n Due to the tragic death of Subuddhi Raya prabhu, our New Dwaraka community is suffering the shock and grief for the three weeks since his passing. Subuddhi was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur in 1976 and he was a carpenter and repair man for the temple. Subuddhi had been to war in Viet Nama and was discharged as a conscientious objector. He lived in a van adjacent to one of the temple buildings for twenty-five years. <\/p>\n When a city inspector told Subuddhi he had only two weeks to move his van he became very indecisive and depressed. Devotees did many things to cheer him up, to help him make a smooth transition to a new location. Somehow he was unable to adjust. His life ended in a confrontation with the police in which he pulled out a gun on police and they fired at him. We believe Subuddhi was possibly suffering from depression coupled with intoxication. <\/p>\n Subuddhi was well loved by many devotees here. His strong devotion for serving Sri-Sri Rukmini-Dwarakadisha was known to all. He especially liked to sing the afternoon kirtan to the Deities. I am writing this article not to discuss the details of his situation or actions, but to offer necessary knowledge to all devotee readers of Danadavats about depression and other mental illnesses which we find occurring in members of ISKCON. Undesirable consequences as in the case of Subuddhi prabhu can sometimes be avoided when we become more informed. <\/p>\n Finding NAMI Did You Know? How Does it Feel? Intoxication, Illicit Sex and Spirituality Treatment Compliant and Non-Compliant Accessing Resources Seniors, Juniors and Vaisnava youth Srila Prabhupada said that no matter how materially sane, a person who does not wish to put a stop to the suffering condition of his material existence cannot be called a perfect human being. Whereas a devotee who even once feelingly chants the holy name of Krishna, no matter what his condition, is the best man in any group. We should do our best to save such best men.<\/p>\n Conclusion Due to the tragic death of Subuddhi Raya prabhu, our New Dwaraka community is suffering the shock and grief for the three weeks since his passing. Subuddhi was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur in 1976 and he was a carpenter and repair man for the temple. Subuddhi had been to war in Viet Nama and was discharged as a conscientious objector. He lived in a van adjacent to one of the temple buildings for twenty-five years<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11984"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11984\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n Two years ago I experienced chaos and heavy sadness due to a relative coming down with a severe mental illness. It was suggested that I attend NAMI classes. NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, sounded like a strange group to me, so at first I was reluctant to do so.
\n But I was desperate, severe mental illness was right in front of me everyday in a person who is very close and dear to me. The twelve or so weekly meetings I attended were held in a hospital across the street from the temple.
\n Eventually I could understand the meetings and the experts who conducted them to be yet another facet of the help Krishna extends to me throughout my life, in good times and bad. The meetings consist of family members of mentally ill persons volunteering to teach essential info to those who are new to mental illness.
\n An added bonus was every evening when I crossed the street and entered back into our Hare Krishna community I felt like I had some new tools for understanding myself and the people who come to us. I took a look around at the wonderful, amazing variety of people who pledge themselves to Krishna. It put me in awe; Krishna certainly carries what we lack, preserves what we have. Some of us appear to have a little bit less to preserve than others, but the mercy is available to every soul. Krishna\u2019s mercy is His most amazing quality, as described in The Prayers of the Personified Vedas.
\n The following is a brief summary of info I learned in those NAMI classes as it may relate to any devotee who associates with or is the temple manager of a person (or persons) who have mental illness.<\/p>\n
\n The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, lists thousands of types of mental illnesses and combinations of them. Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder are only two of many major categories. One in every one hundred human beings will manifest either of these two.
\n Simple Depression is much more common. One man in ten and one woman in five will have a serious episode of Depressive Disorder before they are forty. They typically experience six to eight episodes in one lifetime.
\n In managing a temple or just in working with devotees, it will be helpful to know the symptoms of mental illness. Here is a general list:
\n Constant tension and nervousness, irritability or abusiveness, over reaction to things, indifference or inflexible stubbornness, irrational statements, obsession with own pursuits, inflated self-concept, uncontrollable crying, hyper-vigilance, disinterest in sex or hyper-sexuality, indecisiveness, wish to be withdrawn or isolated, obsession with religion or spirituality, previous or current dependence on intoxicants. (-NAMI general list)
\n Not all symptoms may manifest in one afflicted person, but if there are more than a just a few it is likely that the person has some form of mental illness.
\n(warning: Using this list alone cannot constitute a skilled professional diagnosis.) <\/p>\n
\nA description of the experience of mental illness written by a recovered patient:
\n\u201cThere is a curious feeling of being \u201cout of step.\u201d My family is all around me, but I am removed, distant, as though watching them from far away. I feel disconnected; odd. Dependable habits are breaking down. I can\u2019t go to sleep. Why do I feel a sense of impending doom? I keep sighing. I only know deep sadness. Why can\u2019t I decide what to do? What has happened to my old reliable self? How can I leave behind these terrible fears? What is the use of my living?\u201d (quote from NAMI member)
\n Certainly when one is in such a debilitated condition any pressure on them or criticism will throw them over the deep end, push them toward intoxication or suicide. They are sometimes referred to as \u201cthin-skinned\u201d by the rest of us. The cold hard facts are that mentally ill people are the most likely candidates for suicide: 13% of those with schizophrenia and 15% of persons with bi-polar die from suicide. The rate is 20% for those with untreated depressive disorder. (Gotleb and Hammen, 2002)<\/p>\n
\n What I learned at the NAMI meetings increased my appreciation for the four regulative principles: in particular no intoxication, no illicit sex, and no gambling. The mentally ill, left untreated, are more likely to indulge in various vices.
\n The mentally ill have a very practical reason for intoxicating themselves, something psychologists call \u201cself-medicating.\u201d The purpose is to blot out their extremely disturbing feelings of disorder, to take an edge off a terrifying emotional roller coaster. Especially at the onset of the illness, the sudden rejection from society and family due to the symptoms of their illness makes them want to do anything to forget.
\n For this reason psychiatric professionals have named this problem \u201cdual-diagnosis,\u201d because there are often two serious illnesses intertwined here which are almost impossible to distinguish from one another, mental illness and toxic addiction. Each has to be treated independent of the other in order to unravel them. Dual-diagnosis is among the most difficult to discover and treat. There are many rehab facilities which address this issue in particular.
\n Another common trait among some of the mentally ill is hyper-sexuality. Due to \u201chypomania,\u201d (an intense manic mood that may follow depression), they often become overly friendly with anyone. With no barriers, they are everyone\u2019s acquaintance but no one\u2019s friend. Almost inadvertently a number of sex partners are attracted to them.
\n One more quite common symptom of mental illness is uncontrolled gambling and or shopping sprees. The person falls into enormous debt. He or she, in a state of mania, realizes only a few days or weeks later that the things purchased are unwanted, and panic and depression take over. These obsessive sprees also include casino going or purchase of lotto tickets.
\n Vices paired with \u201cobsession for religion or spiritual practice\u201d are a combination we have seen over the years in new members. Renunciation and religious conversion give quick relief from mental suffering. ISKCON has become a shelter, not for just the average person recovering from bad habits, but also for persons with mental illness.
\n An individual\u2019s mental disorder may temporarily appear to be something mystical. It may sometimes even resemble an advanced spiritual consciousness. However, severe episodes of the illness eventually ensue, which are very confusing and painful to experience for themselves and the devotees around them. Based on this misunderstanding there may episodes which include shouting, violence, etc. Anyone who has ever lived in or managed a temple has experienced at least some of this.<\/p>\n
\n The very good news is that most mental illnesses are treatable. After a quality professional diagnosis the patient is prescribed two courses of treatment, prescription medication and therapy.
\n It is very important to understand that medications have come a very long way from what they were just fifteen years ago. The days of lithium and shock treatments for people in the loony bin are in the distant past and all kinds of \u201csecond generation\u201d medications are available which are more effective with much fewer side effects.
\n Another therapy is TMS. One very nice devotee I know was diagnosed with a very difficult depressive disorder. The meds did not work for her. She was prescribed TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. A hand held brain stimulator emits very subtle vibration into the right and left cortex. After just six weeks of small regular doses of this therapy her depression has been abated for several years and she is back to her regular devotional service. <\/p>\n
\n At first persons who have suffered from mental illness may choose to accept treatment but the real test comes when it is seen whether or not the person remains \u201ccompliant,\u201d or willing to continue treatment.
\n The statistics show that 50% of all diagnosed who undergo treatment eventually become \u201cnon-compliant.\u201d They will not continue with treatment. Often they were not given any personal care from an \u201cadvocate,\u201d a person who was willing to painstakingly guide them through the several critical recovery years after the onset of severe mental illness. This time period requires finding a good psychiatrist, adjusting medication, and quality counseling.
\n Mental illness is typically caused by genetics but it is also triggered by environment and trauma. There are some who do not respond well to the recovery process. Sadly, this is the reason so many mentally ill persons are on the streets, homeless and abandoned.
\n The compliant have a very good percentage of nearly full recovery and ability to function well in human society and in the workplace (with some vocational rehabilitation) for the remainder of their life.<\/p>\n
\n If a new devotee or congregation member exhibits a number of the symptoms listed previously, they should be directed to get help as soon as possible. Qualified devotee therapists and psychiatrists are usually associated with the congregation of any temple and they can be consulted. Because they are familiar with the situation of what a struggling devotee is and what is expected of him, they can be particularly helpful and personal. They can also help the temple\u2019s management make decisions about what to do and provide valuable resources for alternatives. In our case Mohana devi dasi, (ACBS) has kindly come to hold meetings in New Dwaraka to help us with grief counseling for Subuddhi prabhu. This has been and invaluable service.
\n Every city has an emergency psychiatric evaluation ward. One of them, located not very far from Los Angeles temple, happens to be the only 24\/7 emergency psychiatric hospital in all of Los Angeles County. It is called Exodus. Devotees sometimes bring their fellow devotees there from the temple. I have personally brought two devotees who both received excellent treatment and follow up referrals. Both are servants of the temple and compliant with their meds and therapy. The man who established \u201cExodus\u201d is very qualified and enthusiastic to help people.
\n After treatment is established further help is often necessary. \u201cStep Up On Second\u201d or \u201cStep Up on Vine\u201d are examples of successful institutions in Los Angeles established for the purpose of life style\/vocational rehabilitation for compliant individuals. They show a very good success rate. The Hollywood branch was recently opened with the promotion and sponsorship of Bill Clinton and Kobe Bryant.
\n The NAMI classes I have mentioned are for relatives and friends of the mentally ill. They also offer very helpful informative classes for the mentally ill themselves. These classes are not taught by psychiatrists, they are taught by persons who have family members who are mentally ill. The dedication, sacrifice and compassion of the teachers is very impressive.
\n Temple managers are not alone to help individuals who are struggle a bit more than the average guy in the ocean of material existence. We only have to see what is available, what is out there for these people, and temporarily try to re-direct them away from the temple and to the proper institutions, so they can get the kind of professional mental health care they need.<\/p>\n
\n There is a minority of older members in ISKCON who are undiagnosed and dangerous to themselves or others. You can find them at almost every ISKCON center. Perhaps they never took care of their illness because psychiatric assistance was frightening to their generation. Or they came from the sixties when drugs were a bit more rampant so they are more likely to mask their illnesses. Another problem is stigma. No one wants to seek help if they will be dismissed as a crazy or a lazy or a demon.
\n And then there is the young new bhakta who has pledged himself to ISKCON but it is later discovered that he is an undiagnosed, mentally unstable as well. In many cases he has not even a clue as to what is wrong.
\n Mental illness is hereditary. Those devotees who have a mental illness will pass it on to approximately one out of every four of their off spring.
\nAmong Vaisnava youth we have seen various kinds of mental imbalance which explains some of the strong tendency for intoxication. Statistics show that youth (early twenties) is the age that a person is most likely to show symptoms of a mental disorder.
\n Whatever the age, Srila Prabhupada\u2019s mercy is great, fine, personal and powerful. He knew the process of chanting Hare Krishna and engaging in devotional service would control our raging minds and senses and heal us and make us whole. All glories to his absolute guidance! I can personally say he has saved me everyday of my life.
\n But what about sincere devotees who have fallen into such a mental cloud that they cannot even rise out of bed in the morning to chant the Holy Names? He wrote, \u201cHoping this meets you in good health,\u201d at the close of every letter knowing well that health problems, mental or physical, would compound our suffering.
\n Recently we held a festival for his disciple Subuddhi Raya prabhu, with a fire yajna and kirtan. When the assembled devotees joined together in unison in a chorus of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, their grieving hearts gave vent to a marvelous sound vibration that filled the auspicious Holy Dhama of New Dwaraka in every direction.
\n \u201cOh my Lord! Persons who chant the Holy Name of Your Lordship are far, far advanced in spiritual life, even if born in families of dog eaters. Such chanters have undoubtedly performed all kinds of austerities and sacrifices, bathed in all sacred rivers and finished all scriptural studies.\u201d
\n -Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.33.8<\/p>\n
\n This humble article has summarized just some of the ideas and resources offered by NAMI education programs. NAMI has offices in nearly every city in the U.S. as well as some international contacts. Short of that, please visit the official NAMI website or contact a representative of NAMI to study information that may help with the mental health issues that so often challenge us.
\nThank you. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![](\"http:\/\/dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads2\/212013-10-19-15-0521.jpg\"\/)
By Karuna Dharini Dasi <\/strong><\/p>\n