* THIS IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF INFORMATION ARTICLES
What is Depression?
A formal definition might read like this: Depression is an adjustment reaction to a life event; a mild long-standing state of sadness; or deep despair that makes it hard to function from day-to-day.
Depression is an illness, just like diabetes or heart disease. Depression is an illness that affects the entire body, not just the mind. Depression is an illness that one in five people will suffer from during their lifetime. Depression is the leading cause of alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addictions. Depression is an equal-opportunity illness - it affects all ages, both genders, all races and economic groups (However, women suffer from depression almost twice as much as men do).
Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide.
What Depression is Not:
Depression is not something to be ashamed of. Depression is not the same thing as feeling "blue" or "down". Depression is not a character flaw or the sign of a weak personality. Depression is not a "mood" someone can just snap out of (we wouldn't ask someone who has diabetes to "snap out of it").
Some thoughts about how depression may feel (note: these are not "clinical" symptoms):
- You're having trouble making simple decisions
- Things seem to be "off" or "wrong"
- Getting up in the morning takes a great deal of effort
- You don't feel hopeful or happy about anything in your life
- You can't seem to carry on a normal conversation because you're having difficulty expressing yourself
- You're crying a lot, at things that are normally insignificant or at nothing at all
- You're anxious and worried a lot
- Your senses seem dulled; food tastes bland or you don't have an appetite, music doesn't seem to affect you, and you don't feel joy in your surroundings
- You have recurring thoughts of death and/or suicide. Suicide seems like a welcome relief
Clinical Symptoms of Depression:
- Losing interest or pleasure in most activities
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Feeling miserable, sad, or very irritable almost every day
- Having trouble concentrating or remembering
- Feeling tired, sleeping too much or too little
- Thinking of death or suicide
- Having medically unexplained aches and pains
Can I ask if someone is suicidal?
Most people are afraid to ask if someone is contemplating suicide for fear that it might upset the person or put thoughts in their head. You CANNOT cause someone to commit suicide! If at any time your depressed family member or friend is occupied with thoughts of suicide or death, call their doctor or therapist right away. Always take this kind of talk seriously. If any of the following sings are apparent, get help immediately.
Signs of suicide:
- Talking about hopelessness and worthlessness
- Suddenly becoming happier and calmer during a depressive episode
- Making unusual visits or calling people one cares about
- Making arrangements or getting one's affairs in order
- Giving things away
Take the person to the local emergency room or call 911.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
DEPRESSION
* THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF INFORMATION ARTICLES
Depression is one of the most widely known of the mental illnesses. More than 19 million Americans a year suffer from a depressive illness. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the person who is ill. Thankfully there is help and hope available. It IS a treatable illness!
WHAT IS DEPRESSION ?
Depression is a medical condition that affects people of all genders, races, ages, and income levels. People who are depressed feel more than sadness or “the blues.” They feel hopeless and suffer deep emotional pain for prolonged periods. Depression can cause dysfunction in every aspect of one’s life.
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just like heart disease.
- MAJOR DEPRESSION: presents itself by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, study, or enjoy activities that were once a pleasure. A disabling episode might occur once, but more commonly appears several times in a life span.
- DYSTHYMIA: is a chronic, unremitting depression and is less severe. However, it does keep a person from feeling good and functioning well. Many people with this form generally experience at least one major depressive episode during their lifespan.
- BIPOLAR DISORDER: sometimes referred to as manic-depression. It is a series of cycling mood changes which include elated or irritable moods and increased energy. Mania affects thinking, social behavior and judgement in ways that cause serious problems. Mania left untreated can worsen to a psychotic state.
Major depression is more prevalent among women. One-in-four women and one-in-eight men will experience the condition at some point in their lives. Many factors can cause depression, including biochemistry (a chemical imbalance of mood regulation in the brain), genetics, family history, substance abuse, and an illness or other difficult life event.
PERSONAL NOTE: The subject of mental illness makes some people uncomfortable. People who don’t understand mental illnesses such as depression might mistakenly think the person affected by this mood disorder can simply “snap out of it.” Keep in mind that people who are depressed don’t choose to be that way. Depression is a medical illness, not a personal short-coming or character defect.
THE HIDDEN DISABILITIES MINISTRY of Apostles Lutheran Church provides spiritual support and advocacy to individuals, their families and friends, with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Please contact MaryLou for information, personal advocacy, or community resource references at 547-4692 to leave a message or 421-2597.
ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
Depression is one of the most widely known of the mental illnesses. More than 19 million Americans a year suffer from a depressive illness. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the person who is ill. Thankfully there is help and hope available. It IS a treatable illness!
WHAT IS DEPRESSION ?
Depression is a medical condition that affects people of all genders, races, ages, and income levels. People who are depressed feel more than sadness or “the blues.” They feel hopeless and suffer deep emotional pain for prolonged periods. Depression can cause dysfunction in every aspect of one’s life.
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just like heart disease.
- MAJOR DEPRESSION: presents itself by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, study, or enjoy activities that were once a pleasure. A disabling episode might occur once, but more commonly appears several times in a life span.
- DYSTHYMIA: is a chronic, unremitting depression and is less severe. However, it does keep a person from feeling good and functioning well. Many people with this form generally experience at least one major depressive episode during their lifespan.
- BIPOLAR DISORDER: sometimes referred to as manic-depression. It is a series of cycling mood changes which include elated or irritable moods and increased energy. Mania affects thinking, social behavior and judgement in ways that cause serious problems. Mania left untreated can worsen to a psychotic state.
Major depression is more prevalent among women. One-in-four women and one-in-eight men will experience the condition at some point in their lives. Many factors can cause depression, including biochemistry (a chemical imbalance of mood regulation in the brain), genetics, family history, substance abuse, and an illness or other difficult life event.
PERSONAL NOTE: The subject of mental illness makes some people uncomfortable. People who don’t understand mental illnesses such as depression might mistakenly think the person affected by this mood disorder can simply “snap out of it.” Keep in mind that people who are depressed don’t choose to be that way. Depression is a medical illness, not a personal short-coming or character defect.
THE HIDDEN DISABILITIES MINISTRY of Apostles Lutheran Church provides spiritual support and advocacy to individuals, their families and friends, with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Please contact MaryLou for information, personal advocacy, or community resource references at 547-4692 to leave a message or 421-2597.
ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Just What Does Crazy Mean Anyway?
Stigma, Myths, and Facts about Mental Illness
Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action. Stigma is disrespect. It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma is a barrier. Fear of stigma and the resulting discrimination discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need. Arising from superstition, lack of knowledge and empathy, old belief systems, and a tendency to fear and exclude people who are perceived as different, stigma and discrimination have existed throughout history. The word stigma comes from the ancient Greek. It means to mark someone—probably in those times with a tattoo or a brand. In that society “madness” was viewed as a source of shame and afflicted persons were shunned, locked up and on some occasions put to death. Medical specialists of ancient Greece thought mental illnesses were caused by an imbalance of the body’s fluids.
In 17th century American society the predominate Christian belief was that “madness” was a punishment from God. Mentally ill people were confined—chained, humiliated, and abused—and left in squalid institutions and jails for their entire lives. For many centuries, mental illnesses were thought to be caused by sinfulness or being possessed by demons. It was thought the victims were being punished by God for misbehavior or being disruptive. The common belief was that “these people” (sinners) should be shunned until they repented or died.
Pennsylvania Hospital was one of the first general hospitals in Colonial America to admit “lunatics.” In spite of a hospital setting abuse of the mentally ill continued—among other degrading acts, the public was allowed to come on weekends and view the “luny’s” for a small fee! Friends Hospital was the first hospital to provide moral treatment to mentally ill patients, which it still does today. With this kind of history it’s no wonder there is so much prejudice and stigma directed to people living with mental illness. Our attitudes much change and be replaced with kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Jesus tells us in Matthew “just as you did it to one of the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
Often people are afraid to talk about mental health because there are so many misconceptions about the subject. It’s important to learn the facts to stop discrimination and to begin treating people with mental illness with respect and dignity.
COMMON MYTHS AND FACTS
MYTH: There is no hope for the mentally ill.
FACT: Today there are available numerous treatments, medications, and community supports than ever before for help and support.
MYTH: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.
FACT: People with mental illness aren’t anymore violent than the general public and because of their vulnerability they tend to be the victim rather than the perpetrator. You probably know someone with a mental illness and don’t even realize it. The media, unfortunately, has shed a negative light on the mentally ill by portraying them as psychotic killers.
MYTH: Mental illness is the same as mental retardation.
FACT: The two are distinct disorders. A mental retardation diagnosis is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain living skills. As a contrast those who have mental illnesses—conditions which cause changes in a person’s thinking, mood and behavior—have varied intellectual functioning, just like the general population.
MYTH: Children don’t experience mental illness. Their actions are the product of bad parenting.
FACT: In any given year 5-9 percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances. They are just as susceptible as adults to clinically diagnosable conditions which result from biological, psychological and even genetic factors.
PERSONAL NOTE: People with psychiatric disabilities need to know they are not alone and that others with the same kind of diagnosis have recovered their hopes and their lives. They need to know they can recover their identity as people. Better understanding of the nature of mental illness will reduce the destructive effects of stigma at every level. The challenge to church communities is to accept, include, value, love and equip the mentally ill for lives in the community.
If you have a brain you can have a mental illness. RESPECT, DON’T REJECT!
Hidden Disabilities ministry seeks to create an environment of acceptance and understanding for people with mental illness and their families. Please call MaryLou Taylor @ (757) 421-2597 or (757) 547-4692 for information about the HDLM and it’s resources.
Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action. Stigma is disrespect. It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma is a barrier. Fear of stigma and the resulting discrimination discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need. Arising from superstition, lack of knowledge and empathy, old belief systems, and a tendency to fear and exclude people who are perceived as different, stigma and discrimination have existed throughout history. The word stigma comes from the ancient Greek. It means to mark someone—probably in those times with a tattoo or a brand. In that society “madness” was viewed as a source of shame and afflicted persons were shunned, locked up and on some occasions put to death. Medical specialists of ancient Greece thought mental illnesses were caused by an imbalance of the body’s fluids.
In 17th century American society the predominate Christian belief was that “madness” was a punishment from God. Mentally ill people were confined—chained, humiliated, and abused—and left in squalid institutions and jails for their entire lives. For many centuries, mental illnesses were thought to be caused by sinfulness or being possessed by demons. It was thought the victims were being punished by God for misbehavior or being disruptive. The common belief was that “these people” (sinners) should be shunned until they repented or died.
Pennsylvania Hospital was one of the first general hospitals in Colonial America to admit “lunatics.” In spite of a hospital setting abuse of the mentally ill continued—among other degrading acts, the public was allowed to come on weekends and view the “luny’s” for a small fee! Friends Hospital was the first hospital to provide moral treatment to mentally ill patients, which it still does today. With this kind of history it’s no wonder there is so much prejudice and stigma directed to people living with mental illness. Our attitudes much change and be replaced with kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Jesus tells us in Matthew “just as you did it to one of the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
Often people are afraid to talk about mental health because there are so many misconceptions about the subject. It’s important to learn the facts to stop discrimination and to begin treating people with mental illness with respect and dignity.
COMMON MYTHS AND FACTS
MYTH: There is no hope for the mentally ill.
FACT: Today there are available numerous treatments, medications, and community supports than ever before for help and support.
MYTH: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.
FACT: People with mental illness aren’t anymore violent than the general public and because of their vulnerability they tend to be the victim rather than the perpetrator. You probably know someone with a mental illness and don’t even realize it. The media, unfortunately, has shed a negative light on the mentally ill by portraying them as psychotic killers.
MYTH: Mental illness is the same as mental retardation.
FACT: The two are distinct disorders. A mental retardation diagnosis is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain living skills. As a contrast those who have mental illnesses—conditions which cause changes in a person’s thinking, mood and behavior—have varied intellectual functioning, just like the general population.
MYTH: Children don’t experience mental illness. Their actions are the product of bad parenting.
FACT: In any given year 5-9 percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances. They are just as susceptible as adults to clinically diagnosable conditions which result from biological, psychological and even genetic factors.
PERSONAL NOTE: People with psychiatric disabilities need to know they are not alone and that others with the same kind of diagnosis have recovered their hopes and their lives. They need to know they can recover their identity as people. Better understanding of the nature of mental illness will reduce the destructive effects of stigma at every level. The challenge to church communities is to accept, include, value, love and equip the mentally ill for lives in the community.
If you have a brain you can have a mental illness. RESPECT, DON’T REJECT!
Hidden Disabilities ministry seeks to create an environment of acceptance and understanding for people with mental illness and their families. Please call MaryLou Taylor @ (757) 421-2597 or (757) 547-4692 for information about the HDLM and it’s resources.
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