MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT
MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT
February 23, 2001
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently."
- Henry Ford
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April 18-20: National Technology and Social Science Conference, Las Vegas.
Sponsored by the National Social Science Association, the meeting will
include technology sessions, papers, workshops and discussions in all social
science disciplines, with an emphasis on technology in the classroom.
Contact: NSSA Las Vegas Meeting, 2020 Hills Lake Drive, El Cajon, CA
92020-1018; (619) 448-4709; fax: (619) 448-4709; email: narsocsci@aol.com
Web Site: http://nssa.apsu.edu
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June 22-24: Family Research Consortium III, South Lake Tajoe, CA
The institute, which accepts a limited number of junior and senior researchers,
will cover "Public Policy, Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Child
Development." The application deadline is March 23. Contact:
Dee Frisque, Center for Human Development and Family Research in Diverse
Contexts, Pennsylvania State University, 106 Henderson Building,
University Park, PA 16802-6504; (814) 863-7106; fax: (814) 863-7109;
email: dmr10@psu.edu Web site: http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/chdfrdc
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RAPID CLIMATE CHANGE MORE CRUCIAL THAN ICE AGES
Climate always changes and what we are used to today is about as
stable as climate gets, says Dr. Richard Alley, Evan Pugh Professor
of Geosciences who has investigated climate records from both poles.
While ice ages that come on over tens of thousands of years have
periodically covered large areas of the globe with glaciers, Alley is
more concerned with rapid climate changes -- within a decade -- that
effect the northern and southern hemispheres differently. Alley told
attendees at the annual meeting of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science this weekend that "The seesaw effect of rapid
climate change is probably caused by ocean circulation and the keys
to this change are locked in the polar ice." While during an ice age
the whole Earth becomes cold together and warms up together, episodes
of rapid climate change have chilled only the northern Atlantic and
warmed the area around Antarctica or warmed the Atlantic and cooled
Antarctica. For more on this story by Andrea Messer, go to
http://www.psu.edu/ur/2001/climate.html.
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WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is an illness which often occurs with chemical
imbalances in the brain. However, unlike most other
illnesses, depression mainly affects a person's mood,
actions and thoughts. It can affect anyone, including
children and adults, men and women, wealthy and poor.
It even affects people who are happy and successful.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms may include some or all of:
Feeling low with a loss of motivation
People with depression may feel:
* deep sadness or despair (often with crying for
little or no reason)
* a sense of emptiness
* anxiety or restlessness
* an inability to enjoy usual activities, such
as work, hobbies or sex.
Troubled thinking patterns
Depression can affect memory, concentration, and the
way people feel about themselves. For example, the
illness may cause feelings of guilt, shame,
worthlessness, or helplessness. Many don't believe they
can ever feel good again.
Strained relationships
Like many other serious illnesses, depression can affect
all kinds of relationships. People with depression often:
* show little or no responsiveness to others
* lack patience or understanding
* are unable to work
* withdraw from others altogether
Depression can also produce physical symptoms, such as:
* trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
* unexplained headaches, backaches or stomachaches
* eating too much or too little
* too much - or too little - energy
* decreased sex drive
* slowed speech
Most people have some of these symptoms from time to
time. However, if symptoms last for more than two weeks,
they may be a sign of depression.
Common Forms of Depression
Major Depression
The diagnosis of Major Depression is generally made if:
* mood and motivation are low for at least 2 weeks
* at least 4 other symptoms are present during the
same period.
Left untreated, Major Depression may last months or
even years. It may also recur.
Bipolar Disorder
This is also known as manic depression. This disorder
includes periods of depression and periods of "mania".
Symptoms of mania include:
* extremely high, or "good" mood
* inflated opinion of oneself
* decreased need for sleep
* frantic or reckless thoughts, speech or actions
(uncontrolled spending, sexual activity, etc.).
Dysthymia
This illness is marked by less severe but often longer-
lasting episodes of depression. The condition may never
go away without treatment.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is depression which results from a reduced exposure
to sunlight - usually in late Fall or Winter.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact:
Your Health-care Provider
He or she can diagnose depression and ask questions to
find out if depression is related to:
* physical causes
* alcohol or other drugs.
Mental Health Specialists
Many offer specialized care for depression. Their help
is available through:
* community mental health centers
* state and local health departments
* employee assistance programs (EAPs)
* hospitals and clinics
* private practices.
Many depressed people feel ashamed of their condition
and of getting treatment. However, depression is an
illness and treatment can help.
Treating and Relieving Depression
Depression can be successfully treated a number of ways.
These include through the use of:
Medication
A variety of medications can help relieve the symptoms
of depression and help restore a person to normal
functioning. These medications are not habit-forming.
However, their use needs to be monitored for maximum
effectiveness by a physician or psychiatrist.
Some antidepressants have been around for some time.
They include:
* Tricyclics
* MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO Inhibitors)
* Lithium (typically used in manic depressive illness).
Some of the newer antidepressants include:
* Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SRIs)
* Bupropion
These two classes of antidepressants usually cause
fewer side effects than the older medications.
It is important to be patient. In many cases, it takes
a few weeks to identify the type and the dosage of
medication which works best.
Psychotherapy
Highly trained experts help people explore the
contributing factors and effects of their depression.
Common methods include:
* INTERPERSONAL THERAPY which focuses on how a
person's relationships may contribute to and be affected by depression.
It seeks to explore and improve the person's relationships.
* COGNITIVE/BEHAVIORAL THERAPY. This helps the person
examine troubled thoughts and actions. The goal is
to help change the way the person thinks about and
interacts with the world.
Therapy Settings Can Vary
For example, people benefit from:
* INDIVIDUAL THERAPY - this involves one-on-one talks
with a therapist.
* MARRIAGE or FAMILY THERAPY - involves the person
with depression and includes the participation of
his/her loved ones.
* GROUP THERAPY - one or more facilitators help a
group of people improve their mental health and
the quality of their relationships.
* SELF-HELP GROUPS - people meet together to discuss
common issues.
Medication and psychotherapy are often used in
combination.
Special cases
In special cases, treatment for depression might include:
Light Therapy
Treatment for seasonal affective diosorder (SAD) may include exposure to
a special light which simulates sunlight or daylight.
Hospitalization
If a depressed person's health or safety is in danger,
a hospital stay might be necessary.
In most cases, depression can be effectively treated on
an outpatient basis. This allows people to continue with
their normal daily routines.
Mental Health Specialists
There are a number of Mental Health Specialists who help
in the treatment of depression. They include:
Psychiatrists
They are medical doctors who are specially trained in the diagnosis
and treatment of emotional and psychological problems through the
use of medications and psychotherapy.
Psychologists
They are highly trained professionals who may specialize
in the diagnosis of emotional and psychological problems. They
also specialize in psychotherapy.
Social Workers
These are specialists who may provide psychotherapy,
referrals or other services.
Counselors and Psychotherapists
Highly trained mental health professionals who specialize in
diagnosing emotional and psychological problems and provide psychotherapy.
Psychiatric Nurses
These are Registered Nurses who have advanced training
in mental health and provide psychotherapy, education,
and medication monitoring.
How Can Family and Friends Help?
If you are a family member or friend of a person with
depression, you can:
Provide Motivation and Support
Depression can rob people of hope and the will to seek
care. Encourage the person to seek treatment and to
follow through with the treatment plan. Make it clear
that you believe that your loved one deserves happiness
and will be well again.
Be Patient and Understanding
Remember that depression is an illness, and that treatment
can help. Be patient while the treatment plan is being worked
out. Make sure that your loved one knows that you will be there.
A little love and understanding can go a long way!
Be Kind To Yourself
A loved one's depression is hard on family members as
well. Talking with a trained professional can be very
helpful.
Some Common Questions and Answers
What causes Depression?
In addition to chemical imbalances in the brain, many
different factors can play a role in depression. These
may include:
* a family history of depression
* stress (for example, a major personal loss or
trauma)
* personality or way of thinking about the world
* abuse of alcohol or other drugs
Many women experience depression after having babies.
Why Get Help?
There are forms of depression that last for years and
years. Even if you have learned to live with these bad
feelings, treatment can help you feel better.
Can I Get Depression Again?
Early treatment can help reduce the likelihood of a
recurrence of depression. But, if left untreated, the
depression can linger or it may occur over and over.
Why Can't a Person With Depression Just "Snap Out Of IT?"
Depression destroys a person's self-esteem and motivation. It makes
it impossible for them to act. Avoid blaming the person for his/her condition.
Remember, depression is not a weakness. It is an illness.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
It may range from a few months to a year or more. It is
important to follow through with all prescribed treatments - even if some
relief appears before the treatment ends.
Where Can I Get More Information About Depression?
* National Foundation for Depressive Illness
1-800-248-4344
* National Mental Health Association
1-703-684-7722
* National Institute of Mental Health's Depression
Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment Program
1-800-421-4211
* National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
1-800-950-6264
* National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
1-800-826-3632
* What is Depression
https://www.angelfire.com/biz/odochartaigh/depress.html
* Components of Depression
https://www.angelfire.com/biz/odochartaigh/depress2.html
* Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD)
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.seasonal.html
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For further information, go to the following and search online and
purchase online books on this topic. Begin by trying the following
descriptors: depression, bi-polar disorder, Seasonal Affective
Disorder, Depression and treatment, depression and medication,
Major Depression, Dysthymia, etc.
https://www.angelfire.com/biz/odochartaigh/searchbooks.html
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Contact your local Mental Health Center or
check the yellow pages for counselors, psychologists,
therapists, and other Mental health Professionals in
your area for further information.
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George W. Doherty
O'Dochartaigh Associates
Box 786
Laramie, WY 82073-0786
MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS Online:https://www.angelfire.com/biz3/news
