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on: Friday, 04 July 2008 18:41
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on: Friday, 04 July 2008 17:59
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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 11 th 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.
Our DF Members
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***********************
NAMI StigmaBuster alert
***********************
www.nami.org/stigma
Contact: smarch@nami.org
**Unanimous: All Thumbs Down**
"This isn't a game, it's psychological warfare," said Richard on April 5, 2006, at the end of the third episode of Unanimous, a Fox-TV "reality show" in which contestants living in an underground bunker need to agree who should receive ***********************
NAMI StigmaBuster alert
***********************
www.nami.org/stigma
Contact: smarch@nami.org
**Unanimous: All Thumbs Down**
"This isn't a game, it's psychological warfare," said Richard on April 5, 2006, at the end of the third episode of Unanimous, a Fox-TV "reality show" in which contestants living in an underground bunker need to agree who should receive $1.5 million. So far, the money has been cut in half, because they can't.
The show also represents blatant, irresponsible exploitation of stigma. In the second episode, Richard became an "outcast" after it was revealed that he once was hospitalized on "a mental ward" (apparently for alcoholism or depression).
Initially, there was hope that the show would show the reality of enlightenment and education battling ignorance and prejudice -- indeed, one contestant declared that mental illness was "no different than a common cold." But the show has degenerated into a "stigma fest." In the third episode, contestants described Richard and exaggerated his behavior using the following language.
"Crazy as a crap-house rat"
"A whole bunch cuckoo"
"Not working with a full deck"
"Bizarre" and "waggling"
"Explosive"
"Out of his mind"
"An outcast in real life"
The show's Web site (http://www.fox.com/unanimous) asks: "Has Richard driven everyone crazy?" It also advertises the show's commercial sponsor: Burger King.
Let's tell Fox-TV and Burger King to stop the stigma.
* Stop exploiting prejudice against mental illness.
* Stop spreading stigma on Unanimous or any other show.
* Support the Surgeon General's campaign against stigma.
* Stigma is a barrier to people getting help when they need it.
* They are risking liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Burger King's sponsorship in particular violates its own corporate diversity policy (http://www.bk.com/CompanyInfo/diversity/index.aspx) and is hostile to both customers and employees.
NAMI does not sponsor boycotts. They are not an effective tactic. However, the Burger King slogan is "Have It Your Way." Personally, I intend to tell them that I won't buy any Whoppers unless I can have them without stigma.
Nicole Bernard, Director
Standards & Practices
10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
ASKFOX@FOXINC.COM
Clyde Rucker
Senior Vice-President, Communications & External Affairs Burger King Corporation
5505 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami FL 33126
(305) 378-3000
Burger King does not accept public emails. It is especially important that short, handwritten notes be sent to Mr. Rucker or phone messages left with his office.
**Voice Award Nominations: Consumers**
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is still seeking nominations for the Consumer category of its annual Voice Awards. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 21.
This is a good opportunity for NAMI leaders to nominate In Our Own Voice participants. Self-nominations also are welcome.
The awards are for consumers who have 1) personally demonstrated that recovery is possible, 2) participated in efforts to reduce discrimination and stigma, and 3) made a positive impact on their community, workplace, or school. Nominations should be sent to voiceawards@vancomm.com. They also can be sent by regular mail to:
Voice Awards
c/o Vanguard Communications
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20037
Nominations should include:
* Consumer's name and contact information
* Your name and contact information
* A description (500 word maximum) of the contributions of this person as they relate to the three criteria listed above
**Old vs. New Medication: Stories Wanted**
NAMI wants to hear from consumers or family members describing the difference that newer antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia have made in their lives. Please send your short, personal story to storybank@nami.org, including your name, age, city and state, telephone number, diagnosis, treatment history, and relevant details.
NAMI will consider stories for use in testimony, media interviews, or other advocacy efforts. All submissions remain confidential. No story will be used without further contact and direct authorization.
Stella March, National Coordinator
NAMI StigmaBusters.5 million. So far, the money has been cut in half, because they can't.
The show also represents blatant, irresponsible exploitation of stigma. In the second episode, Richard became an "outcast" after it was revealed that he once was hospitalized on "a mental ward" (apparently for alcoholism or depression).
Initially, there was hope that the show would show the reality of enlightenment and education battling ignorance and prejudice -- indeed, one contestant declared that mental illness was "no different than a common cold." But the show has degenerated into a "stigma fest." In the third episode, contestants described Richard and exaggerated his behavior using the following language.
"Crazy as a crap-house rat"
"A whole bunch cuckoo"
"Not working with a full deck"
"Bizarre" and "waggling"
"Explosive"
"Out of his mind"
"An outcast in real life"
The show's Web site (http://www.fox.com/unanimous) asks: "Has Richard driven everyone crazy?" It also advertises the show's commercial sponsor: Burger King.
Let's tell Fox-TV and Burger King to stop the stigma.
* Stop exploiting prejudice against mental illness.
* Stop spreading stigma on Unanimous or any other show.
* Support the Surgeon General's campaign against stigma.
* Stigma is a barrier to people getting help when they need it.
* They are risking liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Burger King's sponsorship in particular violates its own corporate diversity policy (http://www.bk.com/CompanyInfo/diversity/index.aspx) and is hostile to both customers and employees.
NAMI does not sponsor boycotts. They are not an effective tactic. However, the Burger King slogan is "Have It Your Way." Personally, I intend to tell them that I won't buy any Whoppers unless I can have them without stigma.
Nicole Bernard, Director
Standards & Practices
10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
ASKFOX@FOXINC.COM
Clyde Rucker
Senior Vice-President, Communications & External Affairs Burger King Corporation
5505 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami FL 33126
(305) 378-3000
Burger King does not accept public emails. It is especially important that short, handwritten notes be sent to Mr. Rucker or phone messages left with his office.
**Voice Award Nominations: Consumers**
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is still seeking nominations for the Consumer category of its annual Voice Awards. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 21.
This is a good opportunity for NAMI leaders to nominate In Our Own Voice participants. Self-nominations also are welcome.
The awards are for consumers who have 1) personally demonstrated that recovery is possible, 2) participated in efforts to reduce discrimination and stigma, and 3) made a positive impact on their community, workplace, or school. Nominations should be sent to voiceawards@vancomm.com. They also can be sent by regular mail to:
Voice Awards
c/o Vanguard Communications
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20037
Nominations should include:
* Consumer's name and contact information
* Your name and contact information
* A description (500 word maximum) of the contributions of this person as they relate to the three criteria listed above
**Old vs. New Medication: Stories Wanted**
NAMI wants to hear from consumers or family members describing the difference that newer antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia have made in their lives. Please send your short, personal story to storybank@nami.org, including your name, age, city and state, telephone number, diagnosis, treatment history, and relevant details.
NAMI will consider stories for use in testimony, media interviews, or other advocacy efforts. All submissions remain confidential. No story will be used without further contact and direct authorization.
Stella March, National Coordinator
NAMI StigmaBusters
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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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