English: Amy Winehouse at the Eurockéennes of 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is a rather sad day when a 27 year old talent such as Amy Winehouse is reported dead in her home. Reportedly she stated that she was diagnosed as a manic depressive, reported in the AP on July 23, 2011. She was unwilling to receive treatment for her illness, instead seemingly relying on smoking cocaine and drinking alcohol to handle her mood swings. This is the story for some 85% of manic depressives according to Kay Redfield Jamison, PH.D. author of many books on mood disorders including her own autobiography “Unquiet Mind” relating her own battle with manic depression decades ago. One thing that needs to be understood about both mental illness and addictions is that no one can be helped who doesn’t want the help. Given that mood disorders run in my own family I know first hand how this works. I myself sought treatment when my life was out of control and was filled with thoughts of suicidal ideation back in December of 1989. There was never a thought of following through on doing myself in, however, the idea of being free of all the darkness that was hanging over seemed a better place to be. I was one of the lucky ones, willing, wanting and able to get free of this illness, without ever deciding to enter the world of drugs as a method to handle my own mood swings. Luckily for me the thought just never occurred to me. With all the millions of dollars earned, showing up drunk to concerts, married and divorced from another addict who was in court as she for slugging people when fame brought on fans wanting to be closer than desired, and paparazzi looking for photos, it is apparent the excess brought on more troubles than it alleviated. Winehouse had stated that she never wanted the fame thinking of herself simply as a musician. Winehouse reportedly stated that she was fighting eating disorders as well, not an uncommon thing for the eating disordered to have issues of drug addiction. This happens more than many would care to know. When one thinks about it both illnesses are really a matter of obsessive thoughts leading to a compulsive behavior, unable to stop. In my practice about 50% of my eating disordered clients have had substance abuse issues as well. How sad that Winehouse’s parents reportedly knew that her life was to be over in the “not too distant future”, her father having already written his daughter’s eulogy before she even died. This was not a great surprise when one understands her complicating respiratory health issues. She was fighting early stage emphysema according to her father, Mitch Winehouse reporting that her lungs were operating at 70% capacity with an irregular heartbeat due to chain smoking and the smoking of crack cocaine. Without stopping her smoking of crack cocaine and cigarettes her doctors had told her that she would have to wear an oxygen mask and would most certainly die. So there is a very good reason for an autopsy to be done here because there are a myriad of possible causes to this talented yet, ill woman’s death. One thing is for sure though. If she had been willing to get treatment for the underlying issue here, that of her manic depression, Amy Winehouse may still be around today singing at her concerts and enthusing her fans with the great talent that was her. If you are having any of these issues, it is best to get them under control before your life is taken. Hypnosis can help to bring these behaviors under control. Just make sure that your practitioner has experience dealing with them because, as we found in Ms. Winehouse’s case, these are very serious conditions to be sure.
Do I have an Eating Disorder? Now What?
Do you suspect that either you or a loved one might be suffering from an Eating Disorder? Find out for sure as well as the best ways to treat Anorexia or Bulimia in "Do I have an Eating Disorder? Now What?", currently available from the Dawning Visions Hypnosis Store.
Do I have an Eating Disorder? Now What?
About Suzanne
Suzanne Kellner-Zinck founded Dawning Visions Hypnosis in 2002, She has become an innovator in the use of hypnotism and neuro-linguistic programming in the areas of obsessive compulsive disorders such as: eating disorders, sexual addiction and substance abuse as well as working with those with anxiety and mood disorders.
Her clients have come to work with her from across the United States and as far away as Africa to help them to finally be freed from these emotional issues that once ruled their lives. Today she is in the process of bringing her work to many more in the form of ebooks and other downloadable formats.
She is a member of American Holistic Medical Association and the American College for Advancement in Medicine.
Prior to founding Dawning Visions Hypnosis, Kellner-Zinck worked within vendor programs for the mentally ill working to help them to live up to their fullest potential. Many of her previous clients were able to move out on their own and find fulfilling work.
Kellner-Zinck is a Certified Trainer of Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic programing through Tad James Company, Inc. and a Master Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming through Advanced Neuro Dynamics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and political studies from Curry College.
Dawning Visions Hypnosis is teaching people that they can indeed leave their unwanted behaviors behind as they move forward to living fulfilling and joy filled lives.