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on: Saturday, 11 October 2008 14:35
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I'd like to thank everyone who has been there for me through all the laughter and the tears, but especially through the last few weeks of my son's graduation. I didn't think I'd survive the emotional roller coaster I was on.... but you guys were always there... ever supporting, every pushing, prodding, leading me on toward the light.... toward the day when I could just life my arms up in exclamation and say, "I have done it! I have done it! I have done it!" and I have... My son has graduated high school tonight... this very night... and though my eyes still well up with tears... my heart swells up with pride at the love that fills me every time I think of all of you... pushing me on toward the end goal! Praise! Collaboration! Love! And isn't THAT what the DF is all about? :nod: Thank you... and most especially, thank you to Lindsay, sarah-nicole, weeble, and caddon, for their undying support! :hearts: I couldn't do it without you! :hugs:
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Depression & Mental Health FAQs
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 40 million
Americans living today will suffer from major depressive illness during their lives.

Seasonal affective disorder is major depression that appears in the fall or winter and goes away in spring, thought to be caused by lack of sunlight.



Postpartum depression occurs within four weeks of a women giving childbirth. Most new mothers suffer from some form of the �baby blues.� Postpartum depression, by contrast, is major depression, thought to be triggered by changes in hormonal flows associated with childbirth.

Catatonic depression is a rare form of major depression characterized by (at least two): Stupor, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism, peculiarities in voluntary movement, and repetition of other people's words or actions. - mcmanweb.com



Psychotic depression is a rare form of depression characterized by delusions or hallucinations, such as believing you are someone you are not and hearing voices.


According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the US population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder.
Depression is a chronic illness that exacts a significant toll on America's health and productivity.  It affects more than 21 million American children and adults annually and is the leading cause of disability in the United States for individuals ages 15 to 44.


Lost productive time among U.S. workers due to depression is estimated to be in excess of $31 billion per year.  Depression frequently co-occurs with a variety of medical illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic pain and is associated with poorer health status and prognosis.  It is also the principal cause of the 30,000 suicides in the U.S. each year.  In 2004, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, third among individuals 15-24.


According to the World Health Organization, depression is presently on track to becoming the world's second-most disabling disease (after heart disease) by the year 2020.

Depression is responsible for some $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the US (a conservative estimate), and according to Bank One, is responsible for most lost work days in its employees after pregnancy and childbirth.

Additionally, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of a mood disorder. Finally, the linkage between depression and a host of physical illnesses makes it arguably the world's greatest killer.

Research presented at the 56th Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychiatric Association shows a marked link between bipolar disorder and migraines.

The odds of migraine in persons with bipolar disorder were 40% higher than the general population.

Data obtained from 36,984 people aged 15 and over, who screened positive for manic or depressive episodes with migraine, were compared against those who screened positive for mania but who didn�t suffer from migraines.

Amongst males, 14.9% of those with manic episodes were also diagnosed with migraines compared with 5.8% of the general population. Amongst females, 34.7% had both migraines and bipolar disorder compared with 14.7% who only had migraines.unquote.gif

While the research was skewed towards persons who were already diagnosed with bipolar disorders, what does it mean for people who suffer from migraines but who may have an undiagnosed bipolar disorder?



Migraines and headaches aren�t fully understood but the manifestations are very real and debilitating for their sufferers:

Throbbing pain
Nausea
Heightened sensitivity to light or sound
Seeing dots, wavy lines, flashing lights, or blind spots
Difficulty with speech, sensation, or movement

 


An estimated 2.1 million American adolescents have experienced major depression within the last year, according to a new comprehensive government study.  Researchers surveyed more than 67,000 young people ages 12 to 17 and found that one in 12 had suffered from serious depression in the previous year.Nearly 13 percent of girls had struggled with depression, compared to less than 5 percent of boys. Odds of depression increased with age -- just 4 percent of 12-year-olds experienced depression but that climbed to 11 percent for older teens.

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What is therapy?

By kstours

What is therapy?

Psychotherapy is a process where someone seeks help for problems of an emotional nature from a trained professional. By establishing a positive, trusting relationship, the professional will try to help the individual cope with the problem, mature and grow, and learn about himself or herself.

There Are So Many Different Types Of Therapists. I Get Confused. What Are The Differences?

There are four major types of professionals who may help people with personal problems.

Psychologists have a doctorate (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in psychology. They undergo at least four years of training and education in research, human behavioral theories, and therapeutic techniques. In addition to therapy or counseling, they are the mental health professionals that specialize in the administration of psychological tests and assessments and carry out psychological research.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They attend medical school and complete a three to five year psychiatric residency. Their ability to assess the need for and prescribe medication for anxiety, depression, and other problems sets them apart from other mental health professionals.

Social workers have a Master's degree in social work (MSW or CSW), which entails two years of education and training. Their knowledge of social support systems, organizations, and groups (e.g. recreation and welfare agencies) and how they may meet a person's psychological needs is a distinguishing characteristic.

Counselors have specialized training in particular areas, like Certified Alcohol counselors (CAC), or they may have advanced degrees (e.g. Master's degrees) in counseling, nursing, psychology, or guidance. They tend to deal with very specific problems, such as alcohol addiction or career indecision.

All of these professionals have their own professional organizations and their own requirements for certification or licensure.

A Few Final Words

It is widely held that, when one is experiencing difficulties, therapy can be helpful. In addition, no one type of therapy has been found to be better than another.

It is important to remember that therapy takes commitment, hard work, and time. It is best not to judge your therapy by the way you are feeling in the moment. Therapy is not magic. It is a collaborative effort between the therapist and an active and motivated participant.

Hopefully, in addition to helping solve or ease the problem at hand, therapy provides a person with tools to better deal with difficult issues which may arise even after the therapy has ended.

Source: University of Northern Colorado Counseling Center

Comments

Depression Forums would like to hear from you!
Mental illness affects one in seventeen Americans. However, in this country alone, funding for mental health
facilities is dropping drastically and the care for the mentally disabled.
When the people who need those facilities have no where to go, they end up overcrowding emergency rooms.
Depression Forums would like to hear from you!
We would like to invite you to PM Forum Admin to share your story about your Depression or Mental Health issues as breaking the silence will help us to break open the stigma surrounding mental health that keeps people from getting the care that continues the misunderstandings about those affected by mental health disorders.
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Medical News
Depression News From Medical News Today
Latest Depression News From Medical News Today.

When Nothing Else Works: Therapy Approved By FDA For Treatment-resistant Depression
Millions of patients with treatment-resistant clinical depression, who have struggled for years with disability and how to cope with their condition, now have an option that could help them lead more productive and successful lives. The NeuroStar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy system, developed by Neuronetics, Inc.

Izard Nobel LLP Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Biovail Corporation
The law firm of Izard Nobel LLP, which has significant experience representing investors in prosecuting claims of securities fraud, announces that a lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of those who purchased Biovail Corporation ("Biovail" or the "Company") (NYSE: BVF) between December 14, 2006 and July 19, 2007, inclusive (the "Class Period").




ADHD News From Medical News Today
Latest ADHD News From Medical News Today.

Many Factors To Consider In Getting Treatment Right For ADHD
The quality of a child's relationships and their diet are now known to be minor risk factors implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Biological factors, including genetics, remain the most significant factor, however, so they must all be considered before treatment can begin. "ADHD is rarely encountered as a pure, discrete disorder," says Professor Alasdair Vance from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

ADHD Stimulant Treatment May Decrease Risk Of Substance Abuse In Adolescent Girls
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have found that treatment with stimulant drugs does not increase and appears to significantly decrease the risk that girls with ADHD will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or drugs. Their report in the October Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine parallels the findings of several earlier studies in boys, which needed to be confirmed in girls.




Anxiety / Stress News From Medical News Today
Latest Anxiety / Stress News From Medical News Today.

More City High Flyers Seeking Help As Credit Crunch Bites, London, England
The Priory Group has issued a list of top ten indicators for stressed City executives which should act as warning signs that professional help should be sought. As the global economy goes into meltdown, experts at the Priory Group are coping with escalating levels of depression and related conditions amongst staff in the financial sector, also leading to a rise in people seeking treatment for drink and drug abuse.

40 Million Americans Endure Anxiety Everyday
Despite anxiety and stress being one of today's most common disorders, it is regularly under diagnosed by medical professionals. Most of us experience occasional feelings of anxiety -- muscle tension, headache, nausea, fatigue, or trembling -- before important events such as exams, public speaking, first dates, or during times of stress such as a divorce, job change or a change in residence.




Bipolar News From Medical News Today
Latest Bipolar News From Medical News Today.

Awareness Campaign - To Dispel Myths About Mood Disorders - Mood Disorders Association Of Ontario
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO) today launches "It's All In Your Head!" an initiative to promote awareness of the work of the MDAO and dispel myths about mental illness. Volunteers will be in the Yonge-Eglinton subway station and the Yonge-Eglinton Centre to hand out "heady" information to commuters during the evening rush hour. Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder will affect one in five individuals at some point in their life.

Childhood Bipolar Disorder Could Extend Into Young Adulthood
Young adults who had bipolar disorder as children are likely to suffer from manic episodes, according to an article released on October 6, 2008 in Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder that involves episodes of mania and depression. There is significant debate about how pediatric bipolar disorder, which affects children, should be diagnosed.




Mental Health News From Medical News Today
Latest Mental Health News From Medical News Today.

WHO Report Shows Mental Health Services In England Leading The Way In Europe
Health Secretary Alan Johnson today welcomed publication of a landmark international report, which highlights that mental health services in England are leading the way in Europe. The report from the World Health Organisation, published to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, showed that: - England directs 13.

American Psychiatric Association Draws Attention To Mental Illness Awareness Week 2008
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is Oct. 5-11, and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is raising awareness of mental health issues and the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding them. Now in its 25th year, Mental Illness Awareness Week provides communities across the country with an opportunity to acknowledge the human and economic toll taken by mental illnesses and to celebrate new treatment advances. Most Americans know someone with a mental illness.




Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today
Latest Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today.

High Risk Offender Charged With Assaulting A Women In Her Home, Calgary, Canada
The Calgary Police Service has charged a local man in connection with a daytime aggravated assault in the downtown in September. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a man burst into a home in the 500 block of 15 Avenue S.W., and confronted a woman who was home alone. The suspect assaulted the woman for several minutes until the woman was able to make enough noise to scare him off. The offender ran from the house and disappeared into downtown traffic.

Pregnancy Does Not Affect Mother's Cognitive Function, New Study
Pregnancy and motherhood may make us all go a little gooey, but it's not turning mums' brains into mush according to mental health researchers at The Australian National University. The study - conducted by the Centre for Mental Health Research (CMHR) at ANU - suggests that despite fears mothers may have that pregnancy affects their cognitive functions, there is no evidence to suggest that is true.




Schizophrenia News From Medical News Today
Latest Schizophrenia News From Medical News Today.

FDA Approves New Injection Site For RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) For Schizophrenia Treatment
Alkermes, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALKS) today announced that patients with schizophrenia now have a new administration option for RISPERDAL® CONSTA® [(risperidone) Long-Acting Injection]. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new injection site, the deltoid muscle in the arm, for RISPERDAL CONSTA for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. RISPERDAL CONSTA was previously approved as a gluteal injection only.

Schizophrenia Society Of Ontario Announces October Awareness Month
"Schizophrenia is a treatable brain disease." A significant element to the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario's awareness campaign this year is the website: with information on the October Awareness Campaign itself, the Access to Treatment initiative, as well as encouraging people to give to our organization.




Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia News From Medical News Today
Latest Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia News From Medical News Today.

The Brain Still Awake, Even During Deep Sleep
Sleep in man is divided in two main phases : non-REM sleep, which occupies most of our early sleep night, and REM sleep, during which our dreams prevail. Non-REM sleep is usually considered as a compensatory 'resting' state for the brain, following the intense waking brain activity. Indeed, previous brain imaging studies showed that the brain was less active during periods of non-REM sleep as compared to periods of wakefulness.

Cognitive Deficits And Sleep-breathing Disorders In Children
Like adults, children can suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In new research published in the November issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, scientists explore the interaction between sleep, breathing, and brain function and find that about two-thirds of children with SDB have some degree of cognitive deficit.




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Depression & Mental Health FAQs 2
What is Clinical Depression?

Clinical depression can affect your body, mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can change your eating habits, how you feel and think about things, your ability to work and study, and how you interact with people.

Clinical depression is not a passing mood, a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed away. Clinically depressed people cannot "pull themselves together" and get better.

Depression can be successfully treated by a mental health professional or certain health care providers. With the right treatment, 80 percent of those who seek help get better. And many people begin to feel better in just a few weeks.

Depression a Big Factor in Poor Health
World Health Organization Finds Depression Often Goes Untreated
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Sept. 6, 2007 -- Depression has a greater impact on overall health than arthritis, diabetes, angina, and asthma, but it all too often goes unrecognized and untreated, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests.
more...Depression a Big Factor in Poor Health

For Additional Information About Depression Write To:
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
 

For free brochures on depression and its treatment call:  1-800-421-4211.
or visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
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