Mental illness affects people in every corner of our global community. Thousands with mental health conditions around the world can face discrimination, stigma, and emotional and physical abuse in mental health facilities. Additionally, many receive poor quality of care due to dilapidated facilities and lack of qualified health professionals.[1] The theme for this year’s World… Continue reading World Mental Health Day 2015: What does dignity mean to YOU?
Category: Patient Experiences
The highs and lows of bipolar disorder
Since it’s still Mental Illness Awareness Week, we thought we’d share some facts on bipolar disorders, found in this dynamic infographic. Read our previous post for more information on how to get involved during this year’s awareness week – and all year long. Did you know bipolar disorder is a worldwide condition? In Australia there… Continue reading The highs and lows of bipolar disorder
#HelpingWomenNow: October is breast cancer awareness month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which you’ve probably noticed by the annual surge of pink ribbons – but what does it really mean? The yearly campaign to increase awareness of the disease, hosted by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), is about encouraging women to have a plan for early detection with its theme… Continue reading #HelpingWomenNow: October is breast cancer awareness month
Cancer awareness in September: Prostate, ovarian and thyroid
September was an awareness month for three types of cancer – prostate, ovarian and thyroid – and the emphasis fell on early detection, something to keep in mind year round. Man up. Get checked. #manupgetchecked This month, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) teamed up with boxing legend Evander Holyfield for a PSA. The PCF also… Continue reading Cancer awareness in September: Prostate, ovarian and thyroid
September is Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
If you hadn’t already heard about September being named Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month by The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), there are still two days for you to join in and help spread the word. What does “global awareness” mean? Pretty much just what it sounds like. It’s spreading awareness so that everyone around the world knows… Continue reading September is Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
#NotAlone: On PatientsLikeMe, no one is alone
Our co-founder Jamie Heywood calls it “the big idea my brother inspired.” A community of people learning from each other’s shared health experiences, connecting with people who get what they’re going through, and tracking their journeys to inform new research and help others understand what might work best for them. That is PatientsLikeMe, and that… Continue reading #NotAlone: On PatientsLikeMe, no one is alone
Data donations make wishes come true
Back in December 2014, the PatientsLikeMe community donated 450,000 health data points during the 24 Days of Giving campaign, and a special thanks to everyone who participated and have continued to donate their data for good. Every donation made wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions, and on behalf of the community, PatientsLikeMe made… Continue reading Data donations make wishes come true
Tackling brain illness, together
Our partners at One Mind are advocating for a better understanding of the brain in general, and they’ve narrowed it down to a single statement: Our brains need answers. And that’s why they launched the “Needs” campaign story, underneath the hashtag #BrainsNeedAnswers. Think about it – what does your brain, or the brain of a… Continue reading Tackling brain illness, together
Talking Brain Donation with Dr. Deborah Mash
Dr. Deborah Mash is a professor of neurology and molecular/cellular pharmacology at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She’s also the director of the university’s Brain Endowment Bank, and she recently spoke with PatientsLikeMe about her research and exactly what goes into donating your brain to science. As she says, “we still know very… Continue reading Talking Brain Donation with Dr. Deborah Mash
Throwback Thursday: Diabetes and stress
Just about two years ago, nearly 600 members of the PatientsLikeMe community completed a survey called the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), a 17-item questionnaire which measures the amount and types of problems diabetes can cause in a person’s life. And today, we’re throwing it back to the summary of the results. Here’s what Dr. William Polonsky,… Continue reading Throwback Thursday: Diabetes and stress