EXITING THE NUTHOUSE

2007-06-09T20:07:00.000-05:00

THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED

Please see me at my new blog:

http://cherished79.wordpress.com

Thanks to all who visited and showed support. Check out my new look!!

2007-05-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome

This site is dedicated to those individuals living with mental illness, affecting them most deeply along with spouses, family and friends.

Many forms of mental illness take their shape in Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia, just to name a few. A major note is that mental illness is neither one’s fault nor a character flaw.

Catch up on what’s in the news dealing with mental health issues, articles written by myself, articles discovered in medical sites and magazines – all aimed to inform you.

So, grab a cup of coffee, take a wee browse, learn something new – and most of all - just enjoy. Leave a comment or two if you would like. Thanks for taking a peek.

CAN YOU TELL?

2007-05-14T20:46:00.000-05:00

Mental illness is surrounded by a glut of half-truths and untruths. If you tell someone that you've been diagnosed with, for example, bipolar disorder, they are likely to roll their eyes and say, "I don't believe it - you don't look mentally ill...?"

Which brings me to my question: Do I perchance look like I have Bipolar Disorder? I don’t think I do. Am I perhaps making something out of nothing? Self-confidence and self-esteem slid into the basement and remained there for too many years. Trudging through the mud down there, and finally locating some stairs to climb up, rung by rung, I achieved the surface.

To look at me, I hope you'd never guess I'm bipolar and PTSD. There's no sign around my neck, but if you worked with me, for example, you'd soon notice that I'm "different," or a little "odd".

For one thing, "I'm somewhat negative at times, having difficult moments following directions and have to write everything down. Sometimes I can’t keep focus, and where other people find new work assignments challenging; I sit in self-doubt and bewilderment. My self-confidence feels in jeopardy each moment. I am the one who takes their performance review to heart. Out of nine rights, one negative is discussed, for which I feel total devastation, berating myself repeatedly. A true perfectionist, at least I try to be, however letting myself down is somewhat of a crucifixion. But, I am your dependable employee, the gleeful one, the one who shows little anger, and the one touted as one of the paramount in customer service. I must apply a mask for the most part.

Although felt as if a hex was put upon me years ago, I feel slightly different now. I’m still bitter about the illness at times, but realizing that THIS is ME.

Written by:
Me

Mental Illnesses Affect Spouses, Family & Friends

2007-05-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

Did you know an estimated 22.1 percent of Americans ages 18 and older – about one in five adults – suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder?

Depressive disorder affects approximately 18.8 million American adults, or 9.5 per cent; major depression, 9.9 million adults, and bipolar disorder (manic-depression) about 2.3 million adults.

******
For a decade, I literally “lived” in and out of hospitals. My husband of 27 years stood by me through these turbulent years. Years of endless hospitalizations, electro-convulsive therapy (shock treatments), suicide attempts and a myriad of medications became a way of life.

My immediate family were always there for me also, always a gentle hand and listening ear.

Friends? They were supportive at first and came in droves to the hospital for visits. But as the years lingered on, they started to dwindle. If this had been cancer or heart disease, would they have been by my side?

I believe it is the stigma attached to mental illness that drives people away.

Are mentally ill people dangerous? No! A family member totally cut ties with my husband and I during the early years of my major depression and hospitalizations, as he thought I was dangerous and feared for his children. At Christmastime, only my husband’s name appears on the Christmas card – my name is excluded.

One family member visited me in hospital and stated I had a “bad case of the nerves”. I hardly had bad nerves – depression was holding on to me.

My husband was very lonely and frustrated during my hospitalizations, as I seemed more ill with each admission. On occasion he said I looked like a person heading towards death. I lacked motivation and my facial expression was tired and drawn.

In a strange way, while I was in hospital, I wished to break free and be home, but when I was home I wanted to go back to hospital. I think they call this conditioning.

What frightened my husband the most during those endless years were the suicide attempts. He felt powerless and angry that the system was letting me down and I was becoming worse. While on passes from the hospital, he never knew what he’d find when returning home from work.

Finally, at a dead end with my psychiatrist of six years, a wonderful psychiatrist who was an authority on bipolar illness rescued me. The secret though is you MUST stay on your medication and avoid alcohol or drug use to stay healthy. Life is so different now – a complete 360º turn. There IS life with mental illness, however, the stigma still remains.

Written by:
Me

WALKING ON THE EDGE...OF BIPOLAR

2007-05-03T15:03:00.000-05:00

I describe bipolar as a house with three levels. There is the upstairs (mania), main floor (even mood) and of course the basement where the shackles of (depression) are clasped around your ankles. I seem to wind up in the basement much more often than upstairs. I was diagnosed with Bipolar in 1995. (These are recollections on the cruel portrayal of the bipolar illness).

~~Mania~~

Why is this mood of mania so good to be true?

How can a human being gather such joy, such stamina, such exuberance, such astuteness over a short period of time?

I didn’t plan on buying a car, but purchased one today. Travelled from car lot to car lot and at last found the one for me. It’s brand, spanking new with all of the features. I’m unsure how much I paid for it – I’ll fret about that afterward.

Had an appointment with my psychiatrist today. He said I’m cycling too high, too fast and will hit pavement if this is not taken care of. I was given another appointment for the end of the week, handed some medication, but tossed the meds away – I want to fly, no, soar as high as I can go. I refuse to give this rejoicing up.

Visited the bar tonight. Made lots of “friends”. They said they have never seen someone so “up”. One problem though, I prefer to talk, than listen. I was on top tonight and even bought a few rounds of drinks and plenty for me too. I really entertained them. Top notch. I’m proud.

Suddenly, the urge is there to shop. Shopped ‘til I dropped at Walmart and spent, spent, spent on miscellaneous items. The excitement was there big time.

Days pass. I can’t sleep, but who cares, who wants to sleep? I don’t, and miss this wonderful world? The pacing though, I can’t stop. I sit down – get up. Repeat. Repeat. Is this madness? I don’t want to be ‘normal’, I prefer the sweet taste of ‘high’.

Time passes by. I’m slowing down, and begin to spiral downwards. I’m crashing. I’ve hit cement.

I’m in blackness – in the basement.

___________________________________

~~Depression~~

Dreaming. In calm waters. I’m sitting in my dinghy cross-legged, floating. The sea and sky are black.

I awaken. Black. Black is black. The room is black, but it must be morning. I’m all mixed up. I thought I heard the food trays arrive. I sneak a quick look out my room, and yes it is morning, but the halls too look black. All I sense is dread. Am I in a dream world? I shuffle back to bed.

I recollect particular events, my hospital admission for one. My family expressed they had no alternative, I was incoherent, seated in my rocking chair, rocking back and forth, back and forth, tightly wrapped in my orange and lime green crocheted afghan. I hadn’t called anyone for days, nor answered the telephone. They were apprehensive upon entering the house. Phew! I was alive they said.

Unable to actually climb out of bed now, I am encased in stone. My heart is thumping so I must be alive, but this dreadful veil covers me like death. I feel chilly. Suicidal thoughts dance in my head. Is this punishment for my ‘high’? Life is unfair.

~~The Learning Curve~~

Treated with anti-depressants, I was able to recover from my bottomless depressive state.

There were times when I totally wished to toss in the cards, so to speak and admit defeat. Take me, enough of this garbage. What did I do that was so immoral to be selected and handed this illness?

This is not my initial time ‘high’ and believed I was in a position to stop taking medication. What was the point? I felt incredible. When you’ve hit bottom one still doesn’t realize why hell has welcomed him. But, you’re given a kick and memory surfaces. The fog clears and you recall abusing alcohol and refusal of prescribed medication. This spells disaster for persons with mental illness.

~~Conclusion~~

I am working diligently now to surface and achieve an ‘even mood’. It requires enormous effort. Back on medication, faithfully ingesting the prescribed dosages, I am told it will take some time to get back on my feet.

In retrospect, obviously I made some irresponsible choices, but while manic your thoughts and judgment are impaired. It’s unproblematic to scale to the peak of the mountain, but plummeting and sitting in the dungeon is excruciating.

Written by:

DEPRESSION: Signs and symptoms

2007-04-28T20:18:00.000-05:00

These are just some of the signs and symptoms of DEPRESSION, but each person is different.

Persistent sad feelings or a mood, low, gloomy for no explanation. Crying spells.
A lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, such as socializing with family and friends.
Thoughts of suicide or preoccupation with death.
Difficulty with sleep. Sleep behavior altering from difficulty falling asleep, restless, broken sleep, or over sleeping.
Trouble concentrating and making decisions.
A change in appetite -- either eating more or eating less.
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
Feeling intensely agitated or irritable with restlessness.
Frequent or constant tiredness or feeling run down with very little activity.

Several of these symptoms, for two weeks or more, should be brought to the attention of your doctor or health care professional for an assessment.

Symptoms in children, teens and the elderly vary slightly. For example, children and teens often seem irritable, perhaps refusing to go to school. Although depression may be a debilitating illness, many medications are now available for effective treatment.

Written by: Me

Depression and Children

2007-04-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

Know the Facts:

~~ As many as one in every 33 children may have depression.
~~ Once a young person has experienced a major depression, he or she is at risk of developing another depression within the next 5 years.
~~ Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attention, learning or conduct disorders are at a higher risk for depression.
~~ The rate of depression among adolescents is closer to that of depression in adults, and may be as high as one in eight.
~~ Two-thirds of children with mental health problems do not get the help they need.

Learn to Recognize the Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of child and adolescent depression vary in severity and duration and may be different from those in adults. Young people with depression may have a hard time coping with everyday activities and responsibilities, difficulty in getting along with others and/or suffer from low self-esteem. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents and other important adults in a young person's life to be aware of signs such as:

~Missed school or poor school performance
~Changes in eating and sleeping habits
~Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed
~Persistent sadness and hopelessness
~Problems with authority
~Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness

What Can Parents/Adults Do?

If parents/adults in a young person's life suspect a problem with depression, they should:

~Be aware of the behaviors that concern them and note how long the behaviors have been going on, how often and how severe they seem.
~See a mental health professional or the child's doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.
~Get accurate information from libraries, hotlines and other sources.
~Ask questions about treatments and services.
~ Talk to other families in their community.
~Find family network organizations

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children with depression. Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to and further evaluated by a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat depression in children and teenagers. The diagnostic evaluation may include psychological testing, laboratory tests and consultation with other medical specialists. The comprehensive treatment plan may include medical psychotherapy, ongoing evaluations and monitoring, and in some cases, psychiatric medication. Optimally, this plan is developed with the family and, whenever possible, the child or adolescent is involved in the decisions.

Source: http://www.canadianparents.ca/

Cyclothymic Disorder

2007-04-27T09:39:00.000-05:00

Cyclothymia or cyclothymic disorder, is a chronic mood disorder that results in short periods of mild emotional and behavioral "highs" alternating with short periods of mild to moderate depression. People with cyclothymia also experience intermittent periods of emotional and behavioral stability.

Cyclothymia is a less severe form of bipolar disorder, the latter of which results in extreme swings between manic or hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes. Although people with cyclothymia may develop bipolar disorder, the less severe condition isn't simply the onset or an early alert of the more severe condition.

The estimated prevalence of cyclothymia is between 0.4 percent and 1 percent of the general population in the United States. It usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cyclothymia/DS00729

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION - Why Am I Feeling This Way?

2007-04-27T09:07:00.000-05:00

The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.

Many new moms experience the baby blues — a mild, short-lived depression — for a few days or weeks after childbirth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 10 percent of new moms experience postpartum depression — a more severe form of depression that can develop within the first six months after giving birth. For women with postpartum depression, feelings such as sadness, anxiety and restlessness can be so strong that they interfere with daily tasks. Rarely, a more extreme form of depression known as postpartum psychosis can develop.

Experiencing depression after childbirth isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply part of giving birth. If you're depressed, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms — and enjoy your baby.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546

SUICIDE: THE TABOO WORD

2007-04-25T21:28:00.000-05:00

Suicide: definition…is an act of willfully ending one’s life

Males die much more often than females by suicide, while females attempt suicide more often
U.S. Caucasians commit suicide more often than African Americans do
People commit suicide more often during spring and summer

Suicidal ideation produces the perilous side of mental illness, acting as both a friend and seducer. Even though thoughts of dying encapsulate our mind on one hand, we yearn to remain living on the other. We desire just to feel better.

Depression, best known of all the mental illnesses, is difficult to endure and treat. It renders one feeling hopeless and helpless. Experiencing a sort of wintry solitude, completely immobilized with any light of optimism dimming. It creates emotional and financial fallout, coupled with a horrible emptiness and black death-like existence. Life tastes sour.

Journal entries:

Wednesday 7:30 am

I am seated in my corner by the window again. I like it here, even though it is a hospital room, it allows me to believe in the plan. Should I proceed with the plan today? I’m sort of frightened, yet energized at the same time. Each day that I plan, gets me through the darkness. This hole of depression is certainly swallowing me up and I’m drowning. Effortless tasks take major energy. Heaviness and hollow sadness are with me daily.

I feel geared up. Today is the day. I am positive that this is the answer, why question, why live one more day in this black subsistence. What did I do that was so wrong to deserve this?

Wednesday 11:00 am

My pass is approved. One bus ticket home. One to make it back? Who cares, I’m not returning to the hospital. The bus ride home is excruciating. Crowded. Countless stops. I am irritated. Finally - home.

Casey greeted me at the door, his tail wagging. I’ve missed him since my admission last month.
I plopped down on the couch, left the coat on and just stared. Stared and stared for what seemed like hours.

It’s time.

Wednesday 2:30 pm

The stash was still in the closet. A whole bunch of pills & colors, mostly white. They are large, small, round, oval - all still in their bottles. I chose the white ones. Seems as if they will be the most effective. With a huge glass of water, I ingested a handful. Difficult to swallow, but they went down.

I returned to the couch and sat and waited for death to come. I feel like I accomplished something today. I’m proud. I am in somewhat of a dreamlike state now, breaking free from the demons of depression, free of the shackles around my ankles. All of a sudden I feel panicky. Perspiring. What have I done, I am not supposed to experience this. This isn’t in the plan, which was so well thought out. Oh my god, what do I do now. I do not feel sleepy, however, a bit nauseous and my brain muddled. Who should I call? Minutes pass and I am pacing the living room. Ok, 911.

The ambulance arrives. Here I lay on a stretcher. I am berating myself. You are such a loser, can’t even get this right, why did you have to call, back to square one again, you had the chance, you blew it, another disappointment, a huge loser. You planned this for weeks, how everything would be so easy, you are such a cop out, you deserve to be sick. Audrey went through with her plan, you admired her so much for being so brave, you said you wanted to be with her; well you are stuck now among the living. Loser.

Wednesday 6:00 pm

So, the plan was a failure. Ingested a huge quantity of charcoal, which felt like black paint going down. Terrible stuff, spreads between your teeth. They said this is to prevent the meds from doing damage. Most people vomit, but not I. And here I sit once again, in my corner, in the hospital, in my depressive darkness. Imagine blaming oneself for having an illness. Imagine having to apologize for having an illness. That is the cruelty of depression.

Fortunately, there are effectual prescription medications on the market to treat depression. It is imperative to stay on your medication to remain well. A knowledgeable, attentive psychiatrist is also key in recovery.

Written by:
Me

2007-04-24T18:57:00.000-05:00

Love this photo

MIGRAINE...Indescribable

2007-04-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

Did you know 25% of women and 8% of men suffer from migraine at some time in their lives? There is a well-known association between migraine and affective disorders, but the information is sparse concerning the prevalence of migraine in subgroups of the affective disorders.

~~~~~~~~
I am a statistic.

Lying in bed in a fetal position, my hands grasp a throbbing head. The frozen ice pack from two hours ago has become warm.

The room is in darkness, however, daylight peeks through the sides of the pull-down blinds. This has been my sanctuary for the last three days. Excruciating pain finds me with a headache that is termed a migraine. Walking downstairs and entering the kitchen to trade ice packs from the freezer, I settle in on the living room couch, hoping a change of scenery will loosen the gap of pain in my head. It doesn’t, and I saunter back up to bed.

The headache is spreading to the left side, right side, now on top, now throughout my face.

Horrendous pain. I am “eating” too many non-prescription meds, praying each time that “these ones” will subside the pain. Nausea follows; nothing is effective and it’s impossible to function. Due to allergies, I am unable to ingest certain pain relievers.

Day four and five – no change. In bed mostly, hiding from the world, living in darkness. I am becoming somewhat used to the pain.

I make an enormous decision to visit the hospital ER. Five days with a migraine has taken its toll.

ER - Two hours pass in the waiting room, someone signals me to “Section C”, where a nurse ushers me to a hospital gurney. I am instructed to undress and replace my clothing with a backless blue gown, and wait to be examined. This will be my new bedroom for the next while. Bright, florescent lights irritate me and exacerbate the pain.

An hour passes and a resident finally sees me. He asks my medical history, and many typical questions; when did the pain start, how do you know if it really is a migraine, have you had it before, what meds are you on etc. etc. He then disappears.

I’m obviously not a high priority patient, and I recognize that. Still, the hours tick by at a snail's pace and at last the senior physician enters. Prior, I eavesdrop on the doctors chatting. The senior states: “Perchance a stroke – better check”. Another load of questions, followed by a ‘stroke’ exam, and although in pain I am impressed by their thoroughness.

A nurse is summoned to insert an IV. I caution her of my poor veins. “Ouch”, she is not gentle, and one poke turns into three. I wince in pain but at last the IV is in place. The “anti-pain” meds are entering my system, where with any luck they will toss me into normalcy.

Three hours follow. The first med is unsuccessful; therefore, a second is administered. I glance at the IV. Drip, drip, drip. A further hour passes and for the first time in five days I feel relief. The pain hasn’t entirely vanished, but absent is the throbbing. Hallelujah! I almost feel like dancing!

I am free to leave.

I bear the wounds of my experience shown with black-and-blue arms where the poke for veins took place. Anything is worth reprieve.

Pessimistically, as a classic migraine sufferer I always await the next attack. But, for now I am thankful to be without pain.

Written by: Me

What Exactly Is A 'NERVOUS BREAKDOWN?"

2007-04-24T14:41:00.000-05:00

What is a nervous breakdown? What causes people to have them?

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., and colleagues answer the question.

Answer: The term "nervous breakdown" is used by the public to characterize a wide range of mental illnesses. Nervous breakdown is not a medical term and doesn't indicate a specific mental illness. Generally, the term describes a person who is severely and persistently emotionally distraught and unable to function at his or her normal level.

Often, when people refer to having a nervous breakdown, they're describing severe depression.

Signs and symptoms of severe depression include:
~~Agitation or restlessness
~~Difficulty or inability to stop crying
~~Sleeping difficulties
~~Dramatic appetite changes
~~Indecision

The causes of mental illness usually aren't clear. But these factors may play a role:
~~Stress
~~Drug and alcohol use
~~Coexisting medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and certain vitamin deficiencies
~~Genetics

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nervous-breakdown/AN00476

ALZHEIMER and DEMENTIA: Brain Structure Changes

2007-04-23T18:46:00.000-05:00

Alzheimer's And Dementia: Brain Structure Changes Years Before Memory Loss Begins

Science Daily — People who develop dementia or Alzheimer's disease experience brain structure changes years before any signs of memory loss begin, according to a study published in the April 17, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers say these findings may help identify people at risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which leads to Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers performed brain scans and cognitive tests on 136 people over the age of 65 who were considered cognitively normal at the beginning of the five-year study. Participants were then followed annually with neurologic examination and extensive mental status testing. By the end of the study, 23 people had developed MCI, and nine of the 23 went on to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The brain scans of the 23 people with memory loss were then compared to the 113 people who remained cognitively normal.

Compared to the group that didn't develop memory problems, the 23 people who developed MCI or Alzheimer's disease had less gray matter in key memory processing areas of their brains even at the beginning of the study when they were cognitively normal.

"We found that changes in brain structure are present in clinically normal people an average of four years before MCI diagnosis," said study author Charles D. Smith, MD, with the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington and member of the American Academy of Neurology. "We knew that people with MCI or Alzheimer's disease had less brain volume, but before now we didn't know if these brain structure changes existed, and to what degree, before memory loss begins."

In addition, the study found those people destined to develop MCI had lower cognitive test scores at the beginning of the study compared to the group that didn't develop memory problems, even though these scores were still within normal range.

"These findings of structural changes in cognitively normal people before memory loss begins aren't surprising given Alzheimer's disease may be present for many years before symptoms of the disease begin to appear," said Smith.

The study was supported by grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Centers Program (ADCs).

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by American Academy of Neurology.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070416160805.htm

PAIN & DEPRESSION: Are They Linked?

2007-04-23T18:32:00.000-05:00

Can depression cause physical pain or discomfort?

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., and colleagues answer.

Answer:
Yes. Doctors who treat chronic pain and depression have known for many years how closely these two conditions are linked. Some research shows that pain and depression share common pathways in the emotional (limbic) region of the brain — which may, in part, explain their association.

Depression may increase your response to pain, or at least increase the suffering associated with pain. Conversely, chronic pain is stressful and depressing in itself. Sometimes the two create a vicious cycle. In addition, both chronic pain and depression are influenced by genetic and environmental factors as well.

Certain antidepressants may relieve pain in some people by reducing their pain perception, and improving their sleep and overall quality of life. A discussion with your doctor can help you sort out whether this option might be right for you.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pain-and-depression/AN01449

CHRONIC STRESS: Can It Cause Depression?

2007-04-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., and colleagues answer.

Answer:
The cause of depression is not entirely clear. However, genetic and environmental factors play a role. Some people may be more vulnerable to stress because of their personality characteristics or temperament. Persistent or chronic stress has the potential to put vulnerable individuals at a substantially increased risk of depression, anxiety and many other emotional difficulties. Scientists have noted that changes in brain function — in the areas of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland — may play a key role in stress-induced emotional problems.

Maintaining good mental health requires getting enough sleep, eating sensibly, exercising appropriately, avoiding the harmful use of substances such as alcohol and effectively managing stress. If you have persistent stress, consult a doctor or therapist to discuss effective ways to minimize stress and its negative impact on your physical and emotional health.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/AN01286

ANXIETY: When Is It A Problem?

2007-04-22T18:14:00.000-05:00

What is the difference between normal worrying and an anxiety disorder?

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., and colleagues answer.

Answer:

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It helps you cope with tense situations. It also helps you focus on the task at hand and motivates you. Almost everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. Typically, anxiety goes away when the triggering event is over.

However, anxiety is a problem when it becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, such as riding an elevator or leaving your house. People with anxiety disorder experience excessive fear and worry that are out of proportion to the situation. These feelings are more intense and last longer than normal feelings of anxiety.

If you find it difficult to control your worry or stress or if anxiety interferes with your daily activities, consult your doctor or a mental health professional. If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, effective treatment is available.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anxiety-disorder/AN01139

Aussiejourno's Weekly Blog Awards

2007-04-21T21:50:00.000-05:00

Top Blogs for the week-ending…..April 21, 2007

I ranked #31 out of 50!. Two weeks ago I was included in "honorable mention", so I am very excited by this!! Wow – round of applause, please. And, I actually nominated myself for next week…so, fingers crossed to see what happens.

I’ll keep you all posted.

Thanks to David McMahon for presenting these blog awards.

http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/

IS THERE A PSYCHIATRIST IN THE HOUSE????

2007-04-21T19:32:00.000-05:00

I have been living within the mental health system since early 1994, and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (manic depression) in 1995. Bipolar is characterized by mood swings, sometimes swinging drastically into a deep, deep depression or upwards into mania. Psychiatrists are key to dealing with mental illness, for without their monitoring of medications and in-patient/out-patient counseling, the illness can lead to an unmanageable life. Living with mental illness at the best of times is difficult, however, untreated BP disorder can only lead to a life sentence of “jail time” filled with black, endless depressive days or mood swings upward, and out of control.

My most memorable experience was changing psychiatrists in the mid stages of my dark depression. Getting nowhere with my present psychiatrist, whose patient load was incredible and monthly appointments lasting a mere 6 minutes, I went on the search for a new doctor. I questioned many of the mental health staff at the hospital if they knew of a doctor accepting new patients, however, NO was the answer from all. So I went on the hunt on my own, starting with the Yellow Pages. Phoning doctors on my long list proved futile, until I thought I hit the jackpot with a Dr. H. He was accepting new patients. Bells should have gone off in my head – why was he accepting new patients when no one else was? I was to find out why…

Visit #1 – I was geared up and in fact excited about a new start. I craved only the attention it would take to repair the damage that depression had left me with and bounce me back onto the road to recovery.

Only a half-hour appointment for the initial assessment, Dr. H introduced himself, shook my hand and offered me a chair. He was a larger sized man sporting a white shirt and wool-patterned vest. My eyes encircled his mid-sized office, noting the tall bookcase over-flowing with mostly thick books, and on top of it, a poor spider plant on its last legs crying out for water. His desktop also made room for additional books, but I sat in wonderment at the heaps of files. Were all of these patient files permanently living there for impressive purposes or did this man lack bad office filing skills? I hoped the latter.

Atop his desk sat four green ceramic turtles each the size of a small onion. I welcomed these as I felt nervous and they proved somehow to have a soothing effect. He made himself comfortable in his brown leather chair, asked many questions, and made no notes but was quick to mention how he and my former doctor had studied together. This gave me a chill. Was this a positive or negative thing? Before long the appointment was ending and I had to return the four turtles to his desk. “Next week, we’ll resume our discussion”, he stated.

I felt as if I had achieved nothing really, just a change of doctors, and he was not the breath of fresh air that I was so much hoping for.

Visit #2 – This appointment went without incident and I felt I accomplished nothing once again. The four turtles helped, but I was raw with emotion from the depression. Living with crying spells and walking the tightrope of deep suicidal thoughts all week, I was hungry for some concrete advice.

Dr. H. seemed uninterested in my depression woes, offering the same advice as my previous psychiatrist and adjusting my medications slightly. He spoke slowly and softly and I had to lean forward to understand what exactly he was saying. I left the office perplexed, asking myself is it the doctor or me? The appointment, an hour this time, concluded right to the second.

Visit #3 – Another week passed and depression was holding on to me. Dr. H. asked me how my week was and I started to recount the relentless days of depression. Holding dearly on to the turtles, I glanced across the desk and startled by what I saw - Dr. H. was napping! Fast asleep, slumped over in his brown leather chair, and here I am the patient asking myself what my next move should be. Do I: A) call the secretary, B) nudge him awake, C) escape while the going is good? Suddenly, Dr. H awakens from his slumber, glances at the clock and states, “we must close for today”.

To conclude this waste-of-time appointment, I receive such an uninspiring statement while exiting the office. Dr. H. asks me “did you know that your eyes are large – you should have that looked into”. Huh? My eyes? I have enough problems right now with mental health issues; I hardly wish to look into a possible eye deformity. I know that my eyes are ‘big’, but hey, I’m no Marty Feldman!

So right then and there it was adios to Dr. H. Perhaps the reason why was accepting new patients was due to his slumber problems with former patients.

I never called or returned to confront Dr. H, and he never followed-up with me. It was a strange relationship, seemed like a movie of sorts.

Unfortunately, but fortunately my previous psychiatrist accepted me back. Once again I was met with six-minute appointments on a monthly basis and ineffective medications.

Shuffled from the mental health unit at the medical hospital, to home, to psychiatrist office, to mental institution, the years dragged by and my condition sustained a downward spiral. I prayed for death so many times. Who would desire a black death-like life, living each day weighed down by mental illness?

Throughout the next few years, I met with several other psychiatrists. Some were helpful; most seemed exhausted by my resistance to their treatment. I felt as if I was to blame for this illness, but would soon shake my head and come back to reality thinking, “Why would someone wish themselves an illness?” Just when all hope was lost and I had conceded to the fact that the illness had won, and every hope for the future was lost, a new psychiatrist entered my life.

During one of my many hospital admissions, my outpatient psychiatrist was on holidays, and another filling in. I was not optimistic, walking down this path before with negative results.

Scratching my head after this psychiatrist’s first visit, I was left bewildered by the preliminary consultation. Dr. J. in fact took 1½ hours to interview me, seemingly puzzled by my ongoing years straddled with untreatable bipolar disorder. I was to learn he was an expert in treating BP, and throughout my stay visited and planned a new strategy of medications right for me. I remained in hospital for another week, and during my stay requested if Dr. J. would see me as an out-patient when discharged. Although I was informed of his heavy patient load, he agreed, and as they say “I never looked back”.

It’s been over three years under Dr. J’s care. Medications are working successfully and I exist with an almost “even” mood. I still experience mood swings, but they hardly compare with the drastic swings experienced years ago. Hard work and determination have paid off, but one cannot achieve such determination when life is dealing you a black hand and nothing is working in your favor. Easy for people to say “pick yourself up, don’t always think negative, and quit complaining”. Hmmm…I used to want to reply, “If I could, I would”.

Standing in our way though, of course, is stigma. An unpleasant word, but it sits in our society almost like a hex over individuals with mental illness.

I did not write this article to paint a negative tone about the doctors of psychiatry. I can’t stress enough, however, that they are our ‘life line’ to mental health wellness.

Written by:
Me

CATS & DOGS CHILLING OUT WITH PROZAC

2007-04-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A growing number of U.S. pets and zoo animals are overcoming anxieties and mellowing their behavior with the use of human anti-depressants, a report said.

The Los Angeles Times said over the last decade, Prozac, Buspar and Amitriptyline have been introduced into the veterinary world to treat cats for indoor spraying, dogs and birds for separation anxiety and self-destructive compulsive grooming.

Veterinarians who prescribe psychoactive drugs, such as Dr. Elyse Kent, owner of Westside Hospital for Cats in Los Angeles, do not immediately pull out prescription pads. Instead, they do medical work-ups on animals to rule out physical causes for destructive or neurotic actions and prefer to use behavior modification instead of, or along with drug therapy. "We try to use these medications short-term," Kent told the Times, "because they are not without side-effects."

The Los Angeles Zoo had a male orangutan with respiratory problems, and after consulting with a psychiatrist, put the primate on the antidepressant Remeron in 2005. The ape's appetite improved. It fathered a healthy baby in 2005 and is now being weaned off the antidepressant, the report said.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Quirks&article=UPI-1-20070110-10593400-bc-us-petpills.xml

Psychopharmacology

2007-04-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

Psychopharmacology is the study of drug-induced changes in mood, thinking, and behavior. These drugs may originate from natural sources such as plants and animals, or from artificial sources such as chemical syntheses in the laboratory. These drugs interact with particular target sites or receptors found in the nervous system to induce widespread changes in physiological or psychological functions. The specific interaction between drugs and their target sites or receptors is referred to as drug action. The widespread changes in physiological or psychological function is referred to as drug effect. In psychopharmacology, researchers are interested in a wide range of drug classes such as antidepressants and stimulants. Drugs are researched for their pharmaceutical properties, physical side effects, and psychological side effects.
> read full article at Wikipedia.org

http://www.sciencedaily.com/encyclopedia/Psychopharmacology/

Bipolar: Suicidal Behavior Varies Among Different Phases

2007-04-20T19:51:00.000-05:00

January 1, 2007, HELSINKI, Finland ~~ There are marked differences in suicidal behavior during the different phases of bipolar disorder, new research has found.

Researchers from Finland screened more than 1,600 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients for bipolar disorder and examined how suicidal ideas and risk varied among the different phases: depression, mixed, manic, and hypomanic.

The study found marked differences between the phases in terms of suicide attempts and suicidal ideas. Hopelessness predicted suicidal behavior during the depressive phase, whereas severity of depression and a younger age predicted suicide attempts during mixed phases.

While the researchers said there was a relatively small sample size of people in some of the phases, their study could serve to alert clinicians to warning signs of suicide during the different phases of bipolar.

The study, which appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders in January, was entitled “Suicidal behavior during different phases of bipolar disorder.”

Article Source: BP Canada Magazine (Spring 2007)

Brain's 'Default Mode' Awry In Schizophrenia

2007-04-20T16:37:00.000-05:00

Source:Yale University
Date:March 14, 2007

Science Daily — The “default mode,” or baseline condition when the brain is idling, is not properly coordinated in patients with schizophrenia and this aberrant activity may be caused by poor connectivity between brain networks, a Yale School of Medicine researcher reports.

Co-author Godfrey Pearlson, M.D., professor of psychiatry, said he and his colleagues found that regions of the brain known previously to be individually abnormal in patients with schizophrenia, also function abnormally in concert in the default mode network. “In addition, the extent of the default mode abnormalities correlated with the severity of auditory hallucinations, delusional thoughts, and attention deficits that are hallmarks of schizophrenia,” Pearlson said.

Although the exact role of the default network is unknown, it is thought to involve response to stimuli as well as self-referential and reflective activity that includes memory retrieval, inner speech, mental images, emotions, and planning of future events.

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that alters patients’ perception, thought processes, and behavior as evidenced by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech or behavior, social withdrawal, and varied cognitive deficits. Episodic memory and attention are significantly impaired in schizophrenia.

A central feature of schizophrenia is disturbed integration of activity across multiple brain regions, or dysfunctional connectivity between frontal temporal brain regions. Symptoms of schizophrenia have been attributed to a failure of functional integration or aberrant connectivity among regions or systems of the brain.

The study included 21 patients with schizophrenia and 22 healthy subjects. The group performed a straightforward task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging in which they were asked to detect an infrequent target sound within a series of standard and novel sounds. In the healthy subjects, the default mode network resonated slowly and regularly as observed by blood flow. In the patients with schizophrenia, the activity in the brain increased and was significantly more irregular, although they performed equally well on the task.

Abigail Garrity of Trinity College was the lead author and Vince Calhoun of the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital was the senior author. Co-authors included Dan Lloyd of Trinity College and Kristen McKiernan and Kent Kiehl of the Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital.
The study was supported by, among other funders, the National Institutes of Health in a MERIT grant to Pearlson.

Reference: American Journal of Psychiatry 164: 450-457 (March 2007)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070313172329.htm

Insomnia and Depression are Linked

2007-04-19T18:45:00.000-05:00

Research has shown that insomnia is actually a risk factor for depression. Studies indicate that people with insomnia who got help for their sleep problems had a lower incidence of major depression a year later than those who had left their insomnia untreated. One of the aspects of depression is feeling powerless over your life. Feeling unable to manage your sleep only adds to that feeling. In addition, people who are taking stimulating antidepressants as part of their treatment for depression may have trouble falling or staying asleep. In some cases another type of antidepressant with sedating properties can be added at night.

http://sciencedaily.healthology.com/depression/dyk3280.htm

UNDERSTANDING TEEN SUICIDE

2007-04-19T18:17:00.000-05:00

Author: Eric Sabo
Medically Reviewed On: December 13, 2005

What causes someone to go from thinking about suicide to attempting it?

Dr. David Shaffer, the director of child and adolescent psychology at Columbia University and a leading expert on suicidal behavior, says that the causes may be complex, but the patterns are usually straightforward. In recognizing the early warning signs, it may be possible for family and friends to help prevent suicides. Dr. Shaffer explains the risks and what you can do.

At what age do people begin to have suicidal thoughts?
We don't have a lot of information about the frequency in pre-high school kids, but I think that suicidal thoughts probably begin just before puberty or around puberty. But you do get very young kids saying that they wished they were dead or that they are going to kill themselves and things of that kind. But it's very, very rare for young kids to act on those thoughts.

What prompts this type of suicidal thinking?

Suicidal thinking, obviously, is a very mixed bag. There are kids who just say it for effect. There are kids who say it when they're feeling low. There are kids who say it when they really mean it, and so on. And because it's so common, it's not necessarily very indicative of what goes on underneath.

Do these thoughts often lead to suicide attempts?
Suicide attempts are very common, and in depressed kids, who are the kind of kids who end up in treatment, you're getting about 40 to 50 percent who will have thought about suicide and about 30 percent will have made a suicide attempt.

Who is most at risk for committing suicide?
First of all, kids are more likely to commit suicide as they grow older. So, the teenagers who are most likely to commit suicide are 18- and 19-year-olds. They account for half of all teen suicides. Secondly, most suicides occur among boys. It's about five times more common in boys than girls. Thirdly, family history may be important. Suicide is about twice as common if there's a history of suicide on one side of the family. The kind of person who's at greatest risk is a kid who is very impulsive, loses their temper quickly, is prone to very extreme emotions and who may also have some depression or substance abuse. There are two emotions that seem to underlie suicide: one is the inability to control your emotions, feelings and acts, and the other is hopelessness.

What causes a teenager to go from thinking about suicide to attempting it?
The events themselves are of two kinds. They're not very special, and they're events which are experienced by tens of thousands of kids every day and hardly ever result in suicide. Usually, it's getting into trouble and being found out: maybe they are found cutting classes, cheating or stealing something from another kid. The death will usually take place very shortly after the discovery, before the person knows what the consequences are going to be. And during that period of uncertainty, there's probably a great deal of fear and anxiety and that seems to be what drives the suicide. They just want to get away from that very bad feeling.
Other triggers are probably common teenage experiences, including breakups with a boyfriend or girlfriend or some kind of public humiliation like a losing fight or being insulted in front of others.

Parents and friends should be on the lookout for what warning signs?
The most important things to look for are really the features of depression. Some of the classic things that you're taught are warnings such as writing a will and giving your possessions away. These are very, very infrequent, and they hardly ever occur before a suicide. But the classical features would be a change in which the kid becomes less sociable with their friends, preferring to stay at home and more self-critical. A kid may be really passionate about a particular kind of sport or something else and then they just stop doing it. Sometimes the kids will say that the work they've done is lousy or that people don't like them or that they're ugly. Sometimes the kids just get very irritable and snappy and, if their parents question them, they'll snap back.

Can teenagers grow out of this suicidal behavior?
Suicide attempts are much more common in adolescents and then they decline. Once you get into adult ages, the meaning of a suicide attempt is quite different.

How can parents and friends help prevent a potential suicide?
I think that you prevent it by increasing awareness of depression. Most adolescents don't know what depression is; they just feel that they're bad people. They don't think they're depressed, and most of their parents think that the kids are just being teenagers, so it's very, very under-identified. The thing that you can do to help is to routinely try to educate kids about the warning signs

http://sciencedaily.healthology.com/mental-health/article1006.htm

Weather Can Make The Swings of Bipolar Disorder More Severe

2007-04-19T18:04:00.000-05:00

Recent studies have shown that the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder may be tied to the changing of the seasons. In these studies, people with bipolar disorder were more likely to experience manic episodes, periods of extreme euphoria, during the warmer months of spring and summer than in the winter and fall.

http://sciencedaily.healthology.com/mental-health/article998.htm

Physical Abuse, Childhood Neglect Can Equal Depression

2007-04-18T19:42:00.000-05:00

January 1, 2007, NEWARK, NJ ~~ Children who suffer physical abuse or neglect are more likely to develop a major depressive disorder (MDD) in young adulthood, new research has found.

Researchers from the Department of Psychiatry, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, and the Bureau of Evaluation and Research, Office of Children and Family Services in Rensselaer, New York, said few studies have looked at the relationship between abuse or neglect in adulthood and depression in adulthood. They studied adults with an average age of 28.7 years with substantiated cases of physical or sexual abuse or neglect as children, compared them with adults who were not abused or neglected as children.

The researchers found that physical abuse or neglect evaluated the risk of developing a MDD in young adulthood, but childhood sexual abuse did not.

They concluded that the results support the need for health-care professionals to increase efforts to detect and treat depression in physically abused or neglected children.

The study, which appeared in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, was entitled “A prospective investigation of major depressive disorder and comorbidity in abused and neglected children grown up.”

Source: BP Canada Magazine (Spring 2007)

Depression & Brain Cells

2007-04-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

Depression can impair memory, but early treatment with antidepressants may stop the decline. New research at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada found that people with a history of depression didn't perform as well on word recall as those without psychiatric problems. Previous research has also shown that depressed people have smaller brain regions such as the hippocampus, possibly because chronic stress and depression destroy brain cells. The good news is: contrary to previous theories that we have a finite number of brain cells - is that antidepressants appear to stimulate the production of new cells.

Lithium Cuts Suicide Risk in Recurrent Depression

2007-04-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! News
Reuters

Fri Apr 13 1:29 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In people suffering from recurrent major depressive disorder, treatment with lithium reduces the risk that they'll commit or attempt suicide, according to a new study.

Lithium is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, or manic depression. Because the drug has shown significant anti-suicide effects in this setting, Dr. Ross J. Baldessarini, of McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, and colleagues looked for evidence that it might also benefit patients with recurrent major depression.

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the investigators identified eight studies that reported on suicides or suicide attempts during treatment with and without lithium in patients with recurrent depression. Their analysis involved a total of 329 subjects.

The overall rate of suicidal acts was 1.48 percent annually among those not given lithium compared with 0.17 percent per year among those treated with lithium -- an 88.5 percent reduction in risk.

"The findings reported here support the conclusion that lithium may represent a useful supplemental or alternative treatment for potentially suicidal patients with recurrent major depressive disorder, as has been found in patients with bipolar disorders," the authors conclude.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, March 2007.

Radical Medicine, Radical Treatment

2007-04-16T19:35:00.000-05:00

Treatment for mental illness took a turn in the mid 1940’s with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) and insulin shock therapy and the use of frontal lobotomy. In modern times, insulin shock therapy and lobotomies are viewed as being almost as barbaric as the Bedlam "treatments". The effect of a lobotomy on an overly excitable patient often allowed them to be discharged to their homes, which was seen by administrators (and often guardians) as a preferable solution than institutionalization. Lobotomies were performed in great numbers from the 1930s to the 1950s.

A new Mental Disorders and Treatment Ordinance were introduced in 1935. The term ‘lunatic’ was changed to ‘person of unsound mind’. Doctors were given the power to admit patients and voluntary treatment was allowed.

Restraining devices used in hospitals in the 1800's and early 1900's included the padded helmet which was attached to the patient's head to keep him from banging it against sharp or hard objects, the hand mitten which looked like a boxing glove and prevented patients from gouging and scratching, the straight jacket which restrained the patient's arms, and cold wet packs which were used by wrapping the patient in ice cold, wet sheets. In addition, patients having seizures were given hydrotherapy, in which they were restrained in bath tubs, covered up to their necks with canvas and bathed with warm water. Electroshock, insulin shock and lobotomies were used only in rare uncontrollable cases.

STIGMA - And Mental Illness

2007-04-14T19:24:00.000-05:00

What is stigma?

When someone appears to be different than us, we may view him or her in a negative stereotyped manner. People who have identities that society values negatively are said to be stigmatized. Stigma is a reality for people with a mental illness, and they report that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life. Society feels uncomfortable about mental illness. It is not seen like other illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Due to inaccuracies and misunderstandings, people have been led to believe that an individual with a mental illness has a weak character or is inevitably dangerous. Mental illness can be called the invisible illness. Often, the only way to know whether someone has been diagnosed with a mental illness is if they tell you. The majority of the public is unaware of how many mentally ill people they know and encounter every day. One in five people will experience a mental illness at some point in his or her lifetime and mental illness affects people of all ages, in all kinds of jobs and at all educational levels.

Why does stigma surround mental illness?
We all have an idea of what someone with a mental illness is like, but most of our views and interpretations have been distorted through strongly held social beliefs. The media, as a reflection of society, has done much to sustain a distorted view of mental illness. Television or movie characters who are aggressive, dangerous and unpredictable can have their behavior attributed to a mental illness. Mental illness also has not received the sensitive media coverage that other illnesses have been given. We are surrounded by stereotypes, popular movies talk about killers who are "psychos" and news coverage of mental illness only when it related to violence. We also often hear the causal use of terms like "lunatic" or "crazy," along with jokes about the mentally ill. These representations and the use of discriminatory language distort the public’s view and reinforce inaccuracies about mental illness.

What are the effects of stigma?
If you became physically ill, you would go to a doctor. Once you got better you would expect to get on with life as usual. Life, however, does not always fit back into place for people diagnosed with a mental illness. Everyone has the right to fully participate in his or her community, but individuals struggling to overcome a mental illness can find themselves facing a constant series of rejections and exclusions.

Due to stigma, the typical reaction encountered by someone with a mental illness (and his or her family members) is fear and rejection. Some have been denied adequate housing, loans, health insurance and jobs due to their history of mental illness. Due to the stigma associated with the illness, many people have found that they lose their self-esteem and have difficulty making friends. The stigma attached to mental illness is so pervasive that people who suspect that they might be mentally ill are unwilling to seek help for fear of what others may think. Spouses may be reluctant to define their partners as mentally ill, while families may delay seeking help for their child because of their fears and shame.

How do we erase stigma?
We can battle stigma when we have facts. We all have times when we feel depressed, get unreasonably angry or over-excited. We even have periods when we think that everything and everybody is out to get us and that we can’t cope. For someone with a mental illness these feelings become enveloping and overwhelming. There is no particular way to develop a mental illness. For some people, it occurs due to genetic factors in their family. Other causes may relate to environment stressors such as experiences or severe child abuse, war, torture, poverty, loss, isolation, neglect or abandonment. Mental illnesses can also occur in combination with substance abuse.

Any questions can be directed to your Mental Health Association.

Information source for this article: http://mentalhealthworks.ca/ Mental Health Works.

SITGMA - In the Workplace

2007-04-14T19:16:00.000-05:00

STIGMA ~~
Considering so many people have such difficulty opening up to people close to them, it's no wonder that there are real fears about being stigmatized in the workplace. The cost of mental illness in the workplace is enormous: 30 to 40 per cent of disability claims are for mental illness, and the losses amount to about $33 billion a year, not including treatment and health care—plus the unknowable costs in lost productivity by those people who suffer in silence.

Employees should think carefully about how much and to whom they are planning to disclose information. If an employee is performing a job well despite a mental illness, then there would be no obligation to disclose his/her condition. In fact, the benefits and risks of disclosing should be carefully weighed before any action is taken.

Sharing information with co-workers is a matter of personal choice. Trust is the issue, and although there is always talk among co-workers, be wise when or if you choose to disclose. This could be detrimental to your future with your company. Really ask yourself – am I going to be farther along by disclosing or just remain silent. Will it hurt or harm? And is it worth it?

Written by:

Chronic Headaches Leave Women Prone to Depression

2007-04-12T18:20:00.000-05:00

Women's Health MSN

Researcher says mental state can influence course of pain management
-- Krisha McCoy

MONDAY, Jan. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Women who suffer from chronic headaches are at greater risk of depression.

That's the conclusion of a study published in the Jan. 9 issue of Neurology.

It's estimated that 18 million American women are affected by headache.

The new study included 1,032 women at headache clinics in five states. Of these women, 593 reported having fewer than 15 headaches a month, and 439 reported having more than 15 headaches a month. Ninety percent of the participants were diagnosed with migraines.

The women with chronic headache were four times more likely than those with episodic headache to report symptoms of major depression. These chronic headache sufferers were also three times more likely to report symptoms related to headache, such as low energy, trouble sleeping, nausea, dizziness, pain or problems during intercourse, and pain in the stomach, back, arms, legs and joints.

"Painful physical symptoms may provoke or be a manifestation of major depression in women with chronic headache, and depression may heighten pain perception," study author Dr. Gretchen Tietjen of the University of Toledo-Health Science Campus, said in a prepared statement.

The women with a diagnosis of severely disabling migraine had a 32-fold increased risk of major depression if they also reported other severe symptoms.

"Regardless of what's causing the link between migraine and depression, psychiatric disease such as depression complicates headache management and can lead to poorer outcomes for headache management," Tietjen said.

More information:
The American College of Physicians has more about headache.

HealthDay News
SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology, news release, Jan. 9, 2007

Little Evidence Omega-3 Fights Depression

2007-04-12T17:29:00.000-05:00

February 14, 2007 8:40:40 PM PST Yahoo! News
Article Source: Yahoo! Health (HealthDay News)

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14 (HealthDay News) -- There's no evidence that omega-3 fatty acids on their own fight depression and only limited evidence that they're effective against depression when used in combination with antidepressant drugs, according to new research.

Previous studies had suggested an association between omega-3 levels and behavior and mood disorders, including depression, according to background information in the review article, published in the journal Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in chemical signaling in the brain, and also help regulate blood vessel activity and immune system function linked to the central nervous system. Oily fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables are the main dietary sources of omega-3, which is also available in dietary supplements that contain fish oil.

The review authors analyzed published studies on the clinical effectiveness of omega-3 in people with depression.

Along with their conclusion that omega-3 has little or no effect on depression, the authors said there is evidence that fish oil supplements contain environmental toxins, which may be especially concentrated in supplements made from fish livers.

This means that people should not exceed the maximum recommended doses of these supplements, the authors said. They also noted that pregnant women should take only low doses of fish oil supplements, which contain vitamin A. High levels of vitamin A can harm a developing fetus.

MENTAL ILLNESS: Just The Facts, Ma'am...

2007-04-12T16:23:00.000-05:00

Mental illness: is it an intellectual disability or brain damage?
NO. It is an illness just like any other: heart disease, diabetes, asthma.

Is it incurable and lifelong?
NO. With effective, on-going treatment, an individual may lead an everyday life

Are people born with a mental illness?

The causes are unclear. A predisposition to some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, can run in families. Many other factors can contribute to the onset of a mental illness in people with a predisposition such as stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, child abuse, unemployment, social isolation and times of accidents and life-threatening illness.

Mental Illness – is it catching?
YES. Studies show one in five Americans will develop a mental illness during their lifetime. And, using the expression ‘nervous breakdown’ is far preferable to being identified ‘mentally ill’.

Are people with a mental illness dangerous?

NO. This is an unfair and false perception.

Should we segregate these people in the community?
NO. So many people with mental illness receive a bad rap and seem to take a place on the back burner as far as medical care goes. Not all cities/towns are alike, however, when funding is sought, the mentally ill seem to come in last. Only a few people who need hospital care, are hospitalized against their will. To reiterate – people with mental illness are not dangerous, but sadly it still leads to discrimination.

Ooh...Shouldn't have said that Kate...

2007-04-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

The January 19th issue of LIFE weekend magazine included a short interview profile of Kate Walsh, the actress on the television show Grey's Anatomy. For “weekend attire,” she stated as her preference: "Men's flannel pajamas all day. I can look like a mental patient."

Once again, mental illness stigma

2007-04-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Easter Lilly

Happy Easter

PSYCHOTHERAPY - Is this the route to go?

2007-04-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

Definition

Psychotherapy can be defined as a means of treating psychological or emotional problems such as neurosis or personality disorder through verbal and nonverbal communication. It is the treatment of psychological distress through talking with a specially trained therapist and learning new ways to cope rather than merely using medication to alleviate the distress. It is done with the immediate goal of aiding the person in increasing self-knowledge and awareness of relationships with others. Psychotherapy is carried out to assist people in becoming more conscious of their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motives.

Psychotherapy's longer-term goal is making it possible for people to exchange destructive patterns of behavior for healthier, more successful ones.

The generally accepted aims of psychotherapy are:

~Increased insight or improved understanding of one's own mental state. This can range from simply knowing one's strengths and weaknesses to understanding that symptoms are signs of a mental illness and to deep awareness and acceptance of inner feelings.

~The resolution of disabling conflicts, or working to create a peaceful and positive settlement of emotional struggles that stop a person from living a reasonably happy and productive life.

~Increasing acceptance of self by developing a more realistic and positive appraisal of the person's strengths and abilities.

~Development of improved and more efficient and successful means of dealing with problems so that the patient can find solutions or means of coping with them.

~An overall strengthening of ego structure, or sense of self, so that normal, healthy means of coping with life situations can be called upon and used as needed.

Though there are no definitive studies proving that all five of these goals are consistently realized, psychotherapy in one form or other is a component of nearly all of both in-patient and community based psychiatric treatment programs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As mentioned previously, my experience with psychotherapy proved detrimental to my entire well-being. It caused a multitude of misery for numerous years, chopping my life in half, and virtually destroying both sides. For me, entering therapy was the biggest mistake of my life. In retrospect, dredging up past hurts proved fruitless and pointless. "Let sleeping dogs lie".

But, that is MY opinion. Psychotherapy has done wonders for others. My aim is not to speak out against therapy, but as a caution, investigate before you begin.

OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2007-04-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

What is it?

Imagine being so worried about cleanliness that simply popping out to the shop means having to wash your hands again and again before leaving your house. And immediately after you leave, having to go back to wash them again because you touched the door handle and may have picked up some microscopic germ.

Or only being able to settle down in the evening once every item in your kitchen was lined up in its correct position (and that includes every knife, fork and spoon in the cutlery drawer, every packet in every cupboard, and even every biscuit in every tin). Life would rapidly grind to a standstill, and that is exactly what happens for many people with OCD.

Obsessions and compulsions

An obsession usually develops in the form of thoughts or impulses that occur over and over again. These obsessions may be about almost anything, although common ones revolve around dirt, germs, being ill, and harming someone you love.

The obsessions are generally traumatic for the person who feels out of control and may be associated with other symptoms such as fear, panic, disgust, and doubt.

Compulsions are small acts or rituals that a person performs over and over again in a desperate bid to make the obsessions go away. They may have to be performed in an certain way, to set rules, and can drive the person crazy, but they have little choice but to do it.

Common compulsions include:
~grooming rituals
~cleaning
~tidying
~checking switches and locks
~counting and arranging
~collecting objects
~repeating the same action over and over until it feels just right

OCD can start at any age, although usually before mid-life - in as many as 1 in 3 cases it starts in childhood. The exact cause is not fully understood, but there is a genetic or inherited tendency. Biological changes seem to occur in the brain, particularly in the way information is handled - in other words, OCD is not just made up or "all in the mind".

Research suggests that in OCD, communication between the front part of the brain and deeper structures is faulty. Serotonin is the major chemical messenger involved in this area, and insufficient levels are thought to play an important part in OCD.

Occasionally, there may be clues to a physical cause. One unusual example is when the problem begins suddenly in childhood, after a bad throat infection (with the streptococcus bacteria). An autoimmune mechanism may be to blame, and it is worth trying a course of antibiotics as these may help.

Psychological treatments

In recent years, great claims have been made for a treatment called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which includes learning about the condition and learning to adapt behaviour to cope with obsessive feelings. The therapy can help prevent other problems associated with OCD such as depression, or more simply, unemployment.

Other psychological techniques may be incorporated in this treatment. Those who complete a course of CBT (usually about a dozen sessions) can expect a 60 to 80 per cent reduction in symptoms.

In the US, a 12-step programme adapted from that used successfully with alcoholics, has helped some people with OCD. More information can be found at: www.emotionsanonymous.org
Drugs that increase the brain concentration of serotonin may also help improve symptoms. These are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and include well-known treatments such as Prozac (fluoxetine).

Talking to others can help people with OCD share their burden. The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation has a lively chat room, among many other good resources: www.ocfoundation.org

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in December 2005.
Webite source: bbc.co.uk health

Notation: I, too, suffer from OCD in the form of checking. It has become a huge problem within my daily life, as I check, which has just been checked, and check again… For me, medications were unsuccessful.

2007-04-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

I abhor this book. I haven't actually read it, nor do I care to, but "Depression for Dummies"? What's that supposed to mean. There is also a book, "Bipolar for Dummies". This is a disgrace, and follows along the lines of 'gardening for dummies' and 'Word for dummies'. Don't know how it got to the publisher, but someone thought it a good idea and a money-maker.

2007-03-30T19:04:00.000-05:00

Wow...a busy week! Just enjoying the colour is relaxing.

JOURNALING - Thoughts on Paper

2007-03-29T16:58:00.000-05:00

My first diary dates back to 1972. I was in high school and not enjoying life a great deal. The majority of my entries were depressing and distressing, and this seemed my only avenue to express feelings. I have been somewhat devoted to my journaling throughout the years, and cherish them written throughout my darkest, blackest depression days. Lengthy days spent in hospitals, which included charting extensive medications prescribed and daily feelings were recorded. Memory loss can be recaptured now due to journal entries. Even though I am on my road to recovery, I still record daily, as for me it has become a habit.

The journal itself doesn’t have to be an expensive, leather-bound book – mine is an inexpensive spiral ‘4 subject book’ purchased at a department store. Keep in mind this is YOUR journal.

Getting Started

Find a comfortable chair or seat yourself at the kitchen table. Clear your mind. Relax. Let your thoughts and emotions flow freely. It is important that you do not censor yourself as you write. Do not worry about grammar or punctuation errors. Put every thought onto the page.

What should I write about?

Everyone is different. Some write daily in a journal, others weekly. Just remember, this is your journal and you may write as you wish. Writing in daily diary type form suits some, while others choose a topic each day. But either way, let your mind go, start writing words, and most of all, follow your feelings.

Ask yourself, using one day as an example, did something happen to perhaps upset me, or was it more of a joyful day. Include: thoughts and desires, what are you most afraid of or afraid of not doing. Unresolved issues?

How can a journal help me?

Self-discovery ~~ Writing consistently in a journal can give you a deeper connection with your own inner self.

Less stress ~~ Releasing all your inner thoughts and anxieties through writing can help release unwanted stress.

Courage to pursue your passion ~~ Knowing what you want to do with your life is the first step in making it happen.

Understanding the past ~~ Journaling can bring up many issues in life that are still unresolved. Writing about them helps take you to a place of forgiveness and healing.

Written by:

SMOKING Increases Anxiety, Suicide Attempts

2007-03-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows smoking is bad for them, but nicotine use among people who have bipolar disorder also raises the risk of suicide attempts, substance abuse, anxiety, and a worsening course of the disorder, new research has found.

Michael J. Ostacher, MD, and colleagues evaluated 399 outpatients who have BP disorder and found about 39% of them had a history of smoking. This history was associated with an earlier age of onset of the first depressive episode and the first manic episode, a history of anxiety disorder, a history of alcohol or substance abuse, a worsening course of the illness, and having made a suicide attempt.

The researchers said their findings indicate that more research is needed into the impact of smoking on BP disorder. The study was entitled “The Association Between Smoking, Suicidality and Clinical Course in Bipolar Disorder”.

Article Source: BP Canada Magazine (Summer 2006)

Chronic Medical Disorder Could Spell Severe Bipolar

2007-03-25T15:55:00.000-05:00

August 1, 2006, TORONTO, ON ~~ People with bipolar disorder who also have chronic medical disorders are more likely to undergo a more severe course of bipolar, have increased household and work maladjustment, be unemployed and require medical care more frequently, a new study has found.

Researchers with the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry and the University Health Network conducted what they said was the first cross-national population-based study of comorbid medical disorders.

By examining data from a national survey in Canada, they found that rates of chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, asthma, chronic bronchitis, high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, and multiple chemical sensitivities were significantly higher in the bipolar group.

The study which appeared in the journal Psychiatric Services, was entitled “Medical Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder: Implications for Functional Outcomes and Health Service Unilization.”

Article Source: BP Magazine (Fall 2006)

SIX WOMEN...and mental illness

2007-03-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

I conducted six ‘chats’ with these courageous women while an in-patient on the psychiatric floor of a medical hospital, recovering from depression. I was able to converse with each woman separately where they shared their stories.

Note: I was discharged earlier than any of these women; therefore at that point, a conclusion to each woman’s story was absent. However, I revisited three weeks later to chat. Two women were previously discharged, however the remaining four were content to share their situation. I’d like to thank each woman for sharing their stories with me – it took a phenomenal amount of courage and I wish them the best of success to remain well.

********************
Clara – Age (46)

Clara’s eyes well up as she recounts her story of anguish and to her, humiliation. Both wrists are bandaged from a botched suicide attempt, and she stares downward at the floor as she speaks to me.

The dim days of depression have taken their toll, and frowns as she recalls her profession as a bank manager, which now has ended. So has her 20-year marriage. Her husband threw up his hands and declared that he had, had ‘enough’. By enough, she explains, he grew weary of the recurring hospitalizations, the continuous unresponsiveness of her life form and now another suicide attempt. “What is next”, he asks? She still has her children’s support though, ages eighteen and twenty, and proudly shows me pictures of them.

“I am unsure of what the future holds, of course, nor does anybody else, but I wonder if I’ll be vacating the house – or him. It will be lonely one way or another, but I felt alone sometimes even when he was there. I won’t miss the constant criticism. The loneliness and lack of ambition gets me into trouble hence the days of depression begin”.

She begins to look into my eyes, her complexion not as gray compared to when we first began our conversation. Verbalizing that depression has followed behind her for fifteen years, she sought help from a family doctor and begged him to help dissipate the gloomy mind-set. Throughout the years she’s experienced minute success, attempted suicide one other time and medications have been ineffective.

“I do have a new psychiatrist, and with only two appointments so far, he didn’t seem especially interested in me or my illness.”

Clara feels both dispirited and powerless. She is also bitter. Her career was her life, as she puts it, “life has been sucked right out of me”. “Why continue”, she asks? “Who would wish to carry on – for that bright light ahead? – I think not”.

Three weeks have passed: She agreed to ECT (shock treatment). So far she’s received five treatments and feels as if they’ve made some difference and realizes this depression won’t cease to exist over night, but does feel a tad more optimistic. Thoughts of her marriage break-up, she feels, are to some extent due to the illness, which even now saddens her. But she is looking onward to the future…and expressed that she may be discharged in two weeks. Also, her strategy is to continue with ECT treatments on an outpatient basis.

********************
Belinda – Age (35)

I meander into the dining room where Belinda is waiting. She is bipolar and has been in hospital for a couple of weeks and the path has been bumpy.

Her moods have been “flip-flopping”, in other words, traveling from ‘high’ (mania) and plunging to ‘low’ (depression). Rapid cycling. Today she is feeling a little ‘up’. She much prefers this to the never-ending depressing lows. Depression to her means heading towards death. Who yearns to be living throughout this period? She struggles with the mood swing of depression far more frequently than that of mania. She has by no means attempted suicide, yet her brain travels towards that route often.

She has succeeded in the working world, as assistant manager of a major department chain for six years. Unfortunately, this all crumbled due to too many ‘under-the-weather’ days, doctor’s appointments and hospitalizations causing her to surrender her company position. She glances at me and says “just when everything is going nicely in your life, you are dealt a black hand”.

Belinda’s ill health started slowly, feeling ‘down’ a great deal of the time. Personnel at work questioned the personality change. She questioned it also, and subsequently her family doctor assessed the situation and diagnosed it as depression. The doctor prescribed some medications and advised that a psychiatrist be involved. That in itself is a task; at least in this city where they are in short supply, and typically placed on a waiting list.

Conclusively, she found a psychiatrist through the hospital. He is very thorough, doesn’t hurry her appointments and seems to really be concerned. Together they are experimenting with medications, but haven’t reached that point where moods are stable. What contented her most was the diagnosis her illness – bipolar. “I can put a name to all of these mood swings over the years, and know that I’m not crazy”. Unfortunately, at present she is not in good shape as the depressions supercede the mania. But, is working very hard to become well again.

She resides with her boyfriend who is remains very sympathetic to Belinda and her illness.

BELINDA WAS DISCHARGED

*********************
Ashley – Age (17)

Ashley motions me into her hospital room and I take a seat on the empty bed across from her. She is a teenager, morose in manner and voices that her depression has utterly spelt the downfall of her high school years.

In hospital, more often than not throughout the past year, she’s uncertain of ever graduating and feels hopeless.

Implausible dark, ominous days never end for her and on the odd chance a friend visits. “I think they feel I’m just not the ‘old Ashley’ and don’t know what to say or talk about or what mood I’ll be in if they do visit”. She begins to shed tears discussing her situation, puzzled, “what did I do that was so horrible to be stuck with this disease?”

She states she is a perfectionist and worked furiously to continually receive superior grades in school, but rapidly they started descending and her lack of enjoyment and suicidal feelings were overwhelming. Her mother was attending sessions with a psychiatrist and thought it an excellent idea for her daughter to visit this doctor. However, by the time the first appointment was scheduled, she was at the lowest point of depression and was hospitalized.

The initial admission to hospital was extremely difficult. Mixing with other patients took effort, and she was unwilling to share thoughts and feelings or problems with anyone. Days were lengthy and uninteresting. Medications weren’t doing their job and the suicidal feelings were continuously on her mind. The stay lasted three weeks. “I wanted to escape the place so badly that I lied about my actual feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts and they discharged me”.

Days out of hospital proved a tragedy. The depression over-powered her every turn. She did return to school, but concentration was absent and she gave up. Her parents weren’t stringent on his matter of attending school, as they realized the poor health and self-esteem weakened her.

Numerous admissions followed due to major depression and suicidal ideation. Medications were adjusted several times but nothing was in truth very effective.

This present admission appears to be making headway. She had a different in-patient doctor and believes the medications are beginning to achieve results. It’s indescribable how depression hurts, but although somewhat optimistic at this point, she is not throwing her arms up in the air declaring ‘I’ve won’ yet.

ASHLEY WAS DISCHARGED

********************
Carolyn – Age (20)

Carolyn is a slender girl with lengthy, straight blond hair. To glance at her, one would assume, “looks perfect, like a swimsuit model”.

Looks are deceiving. Carolyn overdosed a few days ago and is barely beginning to get on her feet. We chatted firstly about the overdose.

She intended to OD for weeks. At home she ingested a massive cocktail of prescription and non-prescription medications. Her sister dropped by unannounced, discovered her motionless on the living room floor and called 911. Afterward it was determined that, had another hour passed, she would have been dead. Tested, there appears to be liver damage and further tests are to be completed to rule out heart damage. Still though, she remains regretful that the OD wasn’t successful.

This may distress some people, with remarks to the like of “how could she be so selfish” or “she’s so pretty, how could anyone give up anything to look like her”. These are misconceptions of mental illness. Our outer shell judges us. Doesn’t matter what is intensifying within and how we are dealing with it.

Sadly, Carolyn says she prays to breathe her last breath, as the blackness never subsides. “You retire at night to blackness and wake up to the same color – black. Do they know what they are doing in this hospital? No medications are helping. What am I supposed to do; I’m out of hope”. “Nurses have done most of the work here, but the in-patient doctor is scarce and I am fortunate if visits every 3rd or 4th day”.

In spite of the mood fluctuation and hospitalizations, her boyfriend is tolerating this exceptionally well. He is very caring and supportive, and that is crucial for recuperation.

As Carolyn describes it, “depression is so consuming and it was burdensome to perform my duties at work”. She is employed at a fast-food restaurant and works bizarre hours.

This is not her career job, but for the moment it pays the bills. Her employer has incredibly understood and has guaranteed her that the job will be there when discharged.

Three weeks later: Carolyn has certainly made progress. Medication is taking effect. She may be discharged next week, but will wait until stronger and well enough to return to work. She found that the in-patient doctor’s more recurrent visits made a difference. Why couldn’t this doctor be as available for the first few weeks of her stay I ask?

********************
Susan – Age (29)

Susan appeared uneasy as I sat down alongside her. I held her hand and reassured her that at times relating your story can be cathartic.
“I’m bipolar”, she states, “and frankly this illness has ruined my life”.

She was married for three years and with the incessant quarrelling and ‘flips’ between mania and depression, brought her into hospital numerous times. Therein the marriage fell apart, as her husband just couldn’t adapt to the ‘changing’ Susan.

Susan is proud, yet shy to speak of her office position in the working world. To her credit, she has been promoted twice in the past four years, firstly as a mail clerk, followed by company receptionist and lastly to an intermediate customs/exporting position. Her company has treated her well, allowing for time-off throughout the bumpy times, but she is still cynical about the future.

She has been in hospital for 3 ½ weeks, and is not making headway. Fearful to return home while still unwell, as this depression is so tough to shrug off. And now devoid of a husband for ‘talk’ support or family, which are vanishing by leaps and bounds, life appears bleak.

Three weeks later: Unexpectedly, Susan’s husband visited and wants to make an effort at their relationship. She alleged he regrets feeling sorry for himself and did not grasp the ‘pain’ of her illness. This in itself has brought some life in her.

“I’m still sitting on the fence as far as moods go”. The meds are working slowly for her and the doctor predicts two to three more weeks in hospital.

********************
Nancy – Age (41)

“I think I’ve conquered my depression!” she expresses excitedly.

Nancy has been in hospital for five weeks. The first three were a calamity and never thought she could hold her head up high again. The deep depression was all too consuming and no matter which was of previous interest i.e. reading, playing cards or socializing – vanished. There was a sentiment of no hope.

She is employed at a government agency and supervisor of a sizeable department. She has held this position for eight years now and employed at the agency for eighteen years. The division senior supervisors, and the agency for that matter, have been incredible. They have granted her time off and affirmed to return to work when feeling healthy enough. Co-workers have been visiting, as well as friends, but frankly she was in such a condition of blackness and doesn’t commit to memory conversations.

Nancy’s marriage is unbroken and has an incredible husband who has stood by her every moment. No children are in the picture due to her demanding career.

The depression appeared to originate with the death of her father earlier in the year. He was diagnosed with cancer and passed away not long after. Subsequent to the funeral, her mind clouded and she was all consumed with thoughts of suicide. She secretly wished to be by her father’s side, but couldn’t allow her mother to bear both burdens, so sought after help with her family doctor. The doctor was wonderful, but declared she could only do so much and referred her to a psychologist.

Nancy’s sessions started off nicely, but began to alter when digging deep into her father’s demise. She reacted badly and her whole personality altered. Day after day, she would sit down in darkness, in her recliner chair, gaze at the wall for hours, more or less in a trance. She realized she considered necessary further help, so called a friend and landed in the ER.

“The attending psychiatrist on this floor was amazing and guided me through this rough time”.

The medication took its time but is feeling a difference – a big difference. Some days are major disappointments, feeling so ‘down’ and thinks pessimistically, therefore feeling frightened.

Three weeks later: Presently, Nancy is coming along and elated that she is heading upwards and onwards instead of downwards into the pit. She returns home next week.

Written by:

2007-03-24T14:17:00.000-05:00

MIGRAINE HEADACHES

Migraines are common in patients with a number of mental illnesses, but they are particularly common among bipolar II patients. In one study, 77% of bipolar II patients had migraines while only 14% of bipolar I had this headache, suggesting that difference biologic factors may be involved with each bipolar form.

I suffer from migraine headaches often, and at times the pain is so horrendous that I am forced to visit the ER for a shot of pain medication. The searing pain is unbearable.

Minimal Alcohol Use Can Worsen Bipolar...

2007-03-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

January 1, 2006, TORONTO, ON ~~ Even consuming small amounts of alcohol appears to worsen the outcome of people with bipolar disorder, new Canadian research has found.

Researchers from the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry examined 148 people with bipolar I or II who were enrolled in a study of cognitive-behavioral therapy vs. psycho-education. They ranged in age from 18 to 60, were in full or partial remission, and were not heavy drinkers.

Although weekly alcohol consumption was minimal among the participants, alcohol consumption among the men was associated with manic episodes and emergency department visits. Among women, alcohol consumption was associated with episodes of depression and hypomanic episodes.

Article Source: BP Canada Magazine (Spring 2006)

2007-03-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

I feel great today!!

SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS

2007-03-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

Ten years of ping-ponging in hospitals, untreatable bipolar disorder and with life heading nowhere, my luck changed after a new psychiatrist entered my life. With correct meds finally, and great encouragement I began to take two steps forward.

My passion for writing began to resurface. Thoughts and ideas that lay dormant over the years could now be seen in print. My dilemma though found me with limited computer skills caused by years of unemployment, non-usage of computers and coupled by memory loss. I had to relearn everything. Tenacity prevailed, I worked daily on my typing skills, escalating my speed and educated myself using software. I regained the skills and was extremely pleased of the accomplishment. Wow! And so began the writing and was so swollen with pride when one of my articles was published in our local paper.

Next, I began to experience the yearning of perhaps returning to the working world. This would prove later to be a feat in itself. At the outset, I had a spotty resume caused by years of infirmity. Using my volunteer work, as well as, a short stint with self-employment, filled in the ‘experience’ section of my mottled resume, which began looking presentable. Next came the job hunt. I always felt, the search for a job is far more problematical than performing the job itself. Months of telephone calls, faxing resumes and mainly waiting for ‘that call’, at last paid off. I received ‘that call’, but felt frozen facing an actual interview. Years had passed since an interview was necessary of me. Also, tests were required. The computer typing test I had no difficulty with, but the ‘intelligence’ test proved a different story. Feeling I answered questions correctly, I later learned I only just squeezed by. However, a second interview was necessary and lo and behold I was offered a position in the banking field.

Prior to beginning this position, it was compulsory to attend a two-week training session. I considered this a breeze. I was gravely mistaken. The first day was a disaster, as it was essential to become accustomed to their internal computer system, and I sat in confusion having problems with straightforward tasks such as passwords and locating screens. The remaining two weeks met with more perplexity, and slowly my self-confidence, self-esteem and self-doubt tumbled downward. I was the slowest and oldest in the class. But, I passed and began the position. The everyday routine felt so bizarre after years of illness at home and in hospital. Enjoying the job, I was discontented with management and other factors played, and so, unfortunately after three months I discovered this job just wasn’t for me.

To make a lengthy story short, before long I found the position right for me. I have been with this company for 1 ½ years now and performing well. Self-confidence has returned, I am meeting the company’s stats, and ever so proud of this achievement. Pulling yourself up by the bootstraps and getting back on your horse, so to speak, is in itself a major accomplishment. I struggle daily with ‘fitting in’ with my co-workers, and dreading my performance reviews; always expecting the negative, and ultimately surprised by the positive. Depression leaves a scar, but I have learned that a scar can fade.

I do not share my past with co-workers, due to the fact of **stigma. I recognize I would be treated in a different way, as the general public does not comprehend mental illness. In secret, I wish my co-workers/management to be acquainted with my triumph. Existing under a veil of blackness for so many years, then at last standing upright and functioning in the ‘working world’ is something of a phenomenon. This would give enlightenment to my slowness in grasping new company policies and procedures; my frazzled three-month wait to learn if I passed the probationary period; why self-confidence plummets and the heart skips a beat when monthly performance reviews are about to take place; and why I experience a sensation of gratefulness for this company, as they took a risk hiring me with a resume packed with holes. They apparently saw the potential I forgot I possessed.

I am testimony that the compassionate doctor that I am so privileged to have, the correct medication, sheer will and determination, spousal/family support have motivated me to seek out my buried talent and bounced me back on the road to living yet again.

Written by:

"Losing It" and Losing It...

2007-03-22T19:08:00.000-05:00

Early in 1984 I started “losing it” followed by the spiral into hell, “losing” my career, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and very nearly my marriage and house.

Easy to look back now - so easy to do:

Faux pas #1. Entering psychotherapy. By far, the biggest mistake of my life. Dredging up past childhood hurts was beyond doubt detrimental to my overall health and well-being. Weekly sessions fueled crying outbursts, continuous flashbacks and nightmarish triggers. My quest should have been halted when the depression set in and the initial hospitalization occurred. I was the big loser in this pursuit.

Faux pas #2. Placing my trust in the mental health system, explicitly doctors. I placed my life in their hands and ultimately lost. Continuous switching of medications that proved unsuccessful and too-many-to-count hospitalizations all resulted in ZILCH. Too much trust on my part. Existing in the throes of depression, I consented to most hospitalizations; others were without. What began as one admission, soon grew to over 30. I surmise that they scratched their heads as to what to do with me. Hospital conditioning crept in, and I began to favor the hospital over home.

Faux pas #3. Not asking adequate questions. In defense of myself, deathly ill with the pain of depression, I granted to over 50 ECT’s (shock treatments). Doctors assured me that these treatments were paramount, explaining as the quantity of treatments increased, depressive feelings would decrease. Nonetheless, as time ticked by, the ECT’s in conjunction with medication, all out failed. Also, who would question a doctor’s method if it ultimately meant becoming well? I was once again the big loser.

Faux pas #4. Not fighting for my Career. Surrendering too easily and signing my livelihood away with a simple signature allowing the company to sever ties with me for good. I have to confess they were very tolerant initially, however, quickly grew tired of my continuous ill days and hospitalizations. Personality and work habit changes ultimately gave them no choice, I surmise. One day you are supervisor of a mid-sized accounting department – next day you are sitting in your hospital jammies waiting in line for your morning pills. I was once again the big loser.

Faux pas #5. Always blaming myself. This is something I have been struggling with throughout this whole illness, but have recovered enough to now say: “Why must I apologize for having an illness?” If this was cancer – would I have to apologize?...I think not.

Depressive illness robs one of so many things. A colossal frustration for me is the major memory loss linked with the too-many ECT treatments. Recalling particular past events in my life have been wiped out and have taken years to return, but only at a snail's pace. I was assured that long-term memory would not be affected.

BUT…BUT…BUT, No more faux pas and I’m living life again:

See what a few good years can do:

Working full-time, pursuing my writing again, no hospitalization since 2003, excellent psychiatrist, correct medication, moods steady, wonderful hubby, wonderful mother, cute doggie, new friendships.

Written by:

2007-03-22T18:54:00.001-05:00

TOM CRUISE INTERVIEW - 'cruisin for a 'bruisin

2007-03-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

These are exerpts from the Tom Cruise interview as appeared:

on Today Show, dated June 25, 2005, hosted by Matt Lauer

Cruise: You know, Scientology is something that you don't understand. It's like, you could be a Christian and be a Scientologist, okay. Scientology is something—

Lauer: So, it doesn't replace religion.

Cruise: It is a religion. Because it's dealing with the spirit. You as a spiritual being. It gives you tools you can use to apply to your life

Cruise: I've never agreed with psychiatry, ever. Before I was a Scientologist I never agreed with psychiatry. And when I started studying the history of psychiatry, I understood more and more why I didn't believe in psychology. And as far as the Brooke Shields thing, look, you got to understand, I really care about Brooke Shields. I think, here's a wonderful and talented woman. And I want to see her do well. And I know that psychiatry is a pseudo science.

Lauer: But Tom, if she said that this particular thing helped her feel better, whether it was the antidepressants or going to a counselor or psychiatrist, isn't that enough?

Cruise: Matt, you have to understand this. Here we are today, where I talk out against drugs and psychiatric abuses of electric shocking people, okay, against their will, of drugging children with them not knowing the effects of these drugs. Do you know what Aderol is? Do you know Ritalin? Do you know now that Ritalin is a street drug? Do you understand that?

Cruise: No, you see. Here's the problem. You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do.

Lauer: Aren't there examples, and might not Brooke Shields be an example, of someone who benefited from one of those drugs?

Cruise: All it does is mask the problem, Matt. And if you understand the history of it, it masks the problem. That's what it does. That's all it does. You're not getting to the reason why. There is no such thing as a chemical imbalance.

Lauer: But that's what she went on the antidepressant for.

Cruise: But what happens, the antidepressant, all it does is mask the problem. There's ways, [with] vitamins and through exercise and various things... I'm not saying that that isn't real. That's not what I'm saying. That's an alteration of what I'm saying. I'm saying that drugs aren't the answer, these drugs are very dangerous. They're mind-altering, antipsychotic drugs. And there are ways of doing it without that so that we don't end up in a brave new world. The thing that I'm saying about Brooke is that there's misinformation, okay. And she doesn't understand the history of psychiatry. She doesn't understand in the same way that you don't understand it, Matt.

Lauer: But a little bit of what you're saying Tom is, you say you want people to do well. But you want them do to well by taking the road that you approve of, as opposed to a road that may work for them.

Cruise: No, no, I'm not.

Lauer: Well, if antidepressants work for Brooke Shields, why isn't that okay?

Cruise: I disagree with it. And I think that there's a higher and better quality of life. And I think that, promoting — for me personally, see, you're saying what, I can't discuss what I wanna discuss? Matt, but here's the point. What is the ideal scene for life? Okay. The ideal scene is someone not having to take antipsychotic drugs.

Lauer: I would agree

Cruise: Okay. So, now you look at a departure from that ideal scene, is someone taking drugs, okay. And then you go, okay. What is the theory and the science behind that, that justifies that?

Lauer: Let me take this more general, because I think you and I can go around in circles on this for awhile. And I respect your opinion. Do you want more people to understand Scientology? Would that be a goal of yours?

Cruise: You know what? Absolutely. Of course, you know.

Lauer: How do you go about that?

Cruise: You just communicate about it. And the important thing is, like you and I talk about it, whether it's okay, if I want to know something, I go and find out. Because I don't talk about things that I don't understand. I'll say, you know what? I'm not so sure about that. I'll go find more information about it so I can come to an opinion based on the information that I have.

Lauer: You're so passionate about it.

Cruise: I'm passionate about learning. I'm passionate about life, Matt