I do realize it is not February. The title refers to the 1993 film starring Bill Murray as a cynical weatherman reliving the same day over and over. His predicament drives him to distraction until he sees a way of turning the situation to his advantage. Oscar Wilde said something about “life imitates art”. What if it were a cynical CVSO reliving a challenging Monday over and over?
Perhaps my personal life/art lesson is perseverance, repetition, and toning down the cynicism. I am going to repeat myself, as I often do, to promote knowledge and create advantages for everyone.
If you are attempting to locate military records, including discharge documents (DD-214), then please note that a request should be made to the National Archives, National Personnel Records Center. You may request records online, by mail, or by fax. www.archives.gov/veterans.
Your Veterans Services (VS) office may assist you with the paper form if you are unable to complete the request online. The VS office is not a records repository nor are the resources able to assist with family histories.
In my previous article, I referenced the web article Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness.
While I wish I had the space to share the entire article, I am going to share a few more snippets to reinforce my desire to spread knowledge and enact change.
Stigma often comes from a lack of understanding or fear. Inaccurate or misleading media representations of mental illness contribute to both factors. A review of studies on stigma shows that while the public may accept the medical or genetic nature of a mental health disorder and the need for treatment, many people still have a negative view of those with mental illness.
Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include: reluctance to seek help or treatment and less likely to stay with treatment; social isolation; lack of understanding by family, friends, coworkers, or others; fewer opportunities for work, school, or social activities or trouble finding housing; bullying, physical violence or harassment; health insurance that doesn’t adequately cover your mental illness treatment; and the belief that you’ll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can’t improve your situation.
A quick reminder, Lake County Veterans Services office will be closed (working but unavailable) from December 25 – January 1 for the holidays and end-of-year maintenance. We are currently scheduling appointments at least three weeks out. Please consider calling or emailing to address your needs.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
