FEATURE: Spectrum 1 (09/05/2021)

'Not everyone lives to tell their story': Wisconsin man shares journey after suicide attempt

BY GRISELDA PEREZ

In 2020, 861 people died by suicide in Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services considers it a public health issue. Last September, Steven Binko was close to being added to that number after being rushed to the hospital in a suicide attempt. A faint voice on body camera footage from a paramedic who responded to the 9-1-1 call said: “120,000 milligrams of Tylenol in total.” Binko had taken several pills of pain medication and it wasn’t his first attempt. The struggles of mental health are a journey he works through daily. “The truth is that when you’re in that space, mind you, everyone is different but for me, I don’t know that anything that somebody says can really change it,” said Binko, recalling that night. “(It’s important) just to let someone know that what they feel is valid, just to feel seen, to know that your experience matters.” National Suicide Prevention Week runs from Sept. 5 - Sept. 11. But the whole month is used to focus on resources and advocacy for preventing suicide. Suicide is the 10th overall leading cause of death in the nation. There’s been a 35% increase since 1999, affecting men at a higher rate, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Now, Binko’s goal is to make conversations about mental health more common and accessible. “I don’t have any formal education in mental health but I do have my experience,” he said. “I feel like the more that we listen to each other and share these experiences, the more it kind of normalizes things like mental health and understanding that mental health is a very normal thing. It affects everybody.” In the last year, Binko has directed a lot of work towards his mental health. Binko has committed to therapy and has opened up to new forms of help like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, where the development of personal coping strategies is the target of problem-solving. As a former music and theatre entertainer, he now shares his personal journey in public presentations. It helps him process and he hopes to be a small light to anyone battling in darkness. “Their pain does not need to fit the narrative of what suffering looks like for you,” explains Binko. “If you do say something (to someone who is suicidal), come from a place of empathy, not judgment because there’s no cost for kindness, but there are consequences to judgment.” Binko said he’s in a better place right now, but it's taken all his 33 years of life to get to this point. “There’s a lot of vulnerability putting (this) out there,” he said. “I just feel a responsibility to share it because not everyone lives to tell their story.” Original Source HERE

Feature: WebMD (07/19/2021)

What People with Chronic Insomnia Wish You Knew

By Nicole Blades

Steven Binko

Just about everyone has trouble sleeping from time to time. Think about the times in your life when, no matter what you tried -- warm milk, mellow music, counting sheep --you couldn't get to sleep.

Now, imagine this happening at least three times a week for 3 months or more. That's chronic insomnia. For the 10% to 30% of adults who live with this condition, it affects many areas of life. Long-lasting sleep deprivation may lead to health issues ranging from forgetfulness to depression to a higher risk of heart disease.

“The hard thing is you're basically running on empty all the time,” says Steven Binko, 33, a Milwaukee-based entertainer who was diagnosed with chronic insomnia 15 years ago. “People attribute insomnia with being on a caffeine buzz. It's not like that. It's really a restlessness.”

People who live with chronic insomnia say others may not understand how their condition differs from short-term sleeplessness. They say they often get well-meaning but short-sighted suggestions on how to “solve” their sleep problems.

“It’s why I don't talk about it too much, because I get all sorts of advice every time I do," says LaShawn Wiltz, 45, a content creator who lives in Decatur, GA. "I'm 45. I think I've heard everything.”

Wiltz has been living with chronic sleep maintenance insomnia since high school (that means she has trouble staying asleep). Yet people still regularly suggest things like meditation or a relaxing bedtime routine.

“I'm the queen of routines! I've had a nighttime routine forever,” she says.

LaShawn Wiltz

Medication suggestions aren't helpful, either, she says. Chances are, a person with long-term insomnia has already tried whatever you're recommending, whether it's a sleeping pill or herbal remedy.

Over the years, Wiltz has tried sleeping pills as well as over-the-counter allergy medicines and sleep aids. "But they always made me feel hungover, so I don’t do it anymore,” she says.

Binko, whose bouts with insomnia and chronic fatigue syndrome can leave him without rest for days, has been down the same road.

“I've tried everything from Ambien to Tramadol, even just Benadryl and things over the counter, but none of it really creates the sedating effect that I need to go to sleep,” he says.

Even more upsetting is when people dismiss your insomnia as being “all in your head,” says Kirsten Alana, 40, a freelance photographer from Los Angeles.

“Insomnia is a real medical issue, just like migraines or dry skin, eczema, etc. It deserves the respect that other conditions have,” says Alana, whose occasional sleep issues turned into full-blown insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Insomnia is a physical manifestation of a problem that your body is having."

Kirsten Alana

Research has shown time and again how essential sleep is to your health. “It’s as necessary as food and air,” Binko says.

That's why it's important to get a medical diagnosis and treatment when you have insomnia, he says. Self-medicating with over-the-counter sleep aids is not a good solution for the long run. You can get to the point where you can't sleep without them.

“Understanding the root cause is a key component in addressing restlessness and determining which lifestyle changes are necessary,” he says.

If you know someone with chronic insomnia, don't assume you know what they're going through. Instead, ask questions and educate yourself about the condition. And if you have the condition, don't let myths and misconceptions about insomnia stop you from seeking help.

"Everybody is different, so you have to listen to what your body is telling you, and not listen to someone who shames you for talking about it,” Alana says.

WebMD Feature Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on July 19, 2021 Original article: HERE

Feature: INFLUENCIVE (07/02/2021)

The Battle to 'Free Britney'

by Glitch Digital

Jordan Miller, Steven Binko, and Christina Aguilera are among the many rallying behind the #FreeBritney movement.

Until last week, Britney Spears remained silent on the circumstances surrounding her conservatorship.

For 13 years, rumors among the fandom were considered speculative, even dismissed as “conspiracy theories” by her father, Jamie. Following Britney’s groundbreaking testimony last Wednesday, the hearing served as vindication for many, but also confirmed some of our worst fears.

In February, ‘The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears’ was released on FX and HULU. Re-examining some of the singer’s hardships, the phrase “We are sorry Britney” trended on Twitter, prompting statements from a variety of celebrities, including Spears herself.

Revealing she had not seen the entire documentary, Britney’s Instagram caption expressed embarrassment over the films portrayal of her. “I cried for two weeks,” it said. Theories that Spears’ management was behind the post quickly emerged.

Jordan Miller, founder of the fan-site ‘BreatheHeavy’, has been documenting Britney’s career since 2004. Back in January, he spoke in depth about what he called “Britney’s never-ending legal tragedy”. While Miller is at times a point of contention amongst the site’s users, he is arguably one of Britney’s biggest supporters – an honor that has come with challenges of its own.

Miller has received several legal notices from Spears’ former business manager Lou Taylor, who reportedly demanded a number of retractions.

Britney’s recent testimony sheds light on situations like the one with Mr. Miller. Stating she was medicated with Lithium and forced to perform against her will, is unable to make reproductive choices (including the ability to remove an IUD so she can have children), and was told custody of her children would be revoked if she didn’t comply, the effort to silence Spears and her advocates is more apparent than ever.

Among those showing their support for Spears is fellow Mouseketeer Christina Aguilera. “The conviction and desperation of this plea for freedom leads me to believe that this person I once knew has been living without compassion or decency from those in control,” she tweeted on Monday.

Despite the publicity and growing momentum behind the 'Free Britney' movement, there is still concern for the road ahead.

Steven Binko, an entertainer and content creator, recently opened up about his challenges with mental health. After attempting suicide last September, Binko was placed on an involuntary 72 hour hold called “Chapter 51”.

While very different from a conservatorship, Chapter 51 is an emergency detention that is often followed by court proceedings to determine a patient’s required level of care, specifically when they are assumed to be a danger to themselves or others.

“I have immense empathy for Britney’s situation,” says Binko. “It’s dehumanizing when such critical life choices are outside your control. Yes, you can request a petition for release, but there’s a burden of proof that has to be met. You’re essentially trying to establish competency after being labeled mentally unfit.”

After the 72 hour hold, Steven Binko agreed to treatment at an inpatient facility. By complying, he avoided court proceedings that would have allowed a judge to order up to six months of inpatient care, which can also be extended at the recommendation of a doctor.

His opinion on the coverage surrounding Britney’s case?

“From an ethical standpoint, I think its poor judgement for ‘experts’ on the news to assume anyone’s intentions, or speculate on Britney’s mental capacity when so little about this is public,” he says. “I want to see her happy and healthy, but we don’t know the specifics that led her here.”

Binko refused to comment on whether or not he thought the conservatorship was necessary, but praised Britney’s recent testimony. “It takes a lot of strength to go through this so publicly. Even if there are extenuating circumstances, there’s no justification for the abuse she detailed. The assertiveness she exhibited was long overdue.”

As legal experts weigh in, the general consensus would seem that terminating a conservatorship is no easy feat. Keep in mind, this type of guardianship is usually reserved for the elderly, and the disabled, which sets an unusual precedent for Spears’ case.

Legalities aside, Britney articulated a compelling emotional plea in the court of public opinion. Additionally, recent documents show that her father filed a request for Britney’s estate to cover $2 Million of his legal fees. Considering allegations he is profiting at her expense, this does not bode well for Mr. Spears appearance. As the old adage goes, “where there is smoke, there is fire”.

“I’m in shock. I’m traumatized. I’m so angry it’s insane,” Britney tells the court. “I truly believe this conservatorship is abusive. I don’t feel like I can live a full life.”

The next court hearing in Britney Spears’ case is scheduled for July 14.