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Anyone tell is lock down one of the reason for increase the depression rate . If yes so how to decrease it. Please share your valuable thoughts.. -
What type of medications are useful for depression ? Anyone know so please tell.. Thanks in Advance
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I am so depressed and anxious lately, I can't escape these negative thoughts or panic feelings, I cant go out, I cant work, I can do nothing. I feel like a failure, like my life has been a waste and that I'm worthless, ugly, fat, disgusting, dumb, that I cant do it. These words circle round my head constantly all day, everyday. I cant get away. Ive started therapy because I've tried everything to help myself and not need therapy, but I do and I cant help myself, and I know I'm in a really bad place right now and there's nothing I can do to help myself out, I cant crawl out of this. And death feels like the only way. Im aware of how depressing and hopeless this message sounds, and I do not want to die. I want to get better and live a life of freedom. That feels impossible.
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Family to Family Education Program What is NAMI’s Family-to-Family Program? The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The course is taught by trained family members All instruction and course materials are free to class participants Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae1ru1SBaaI A tribute video containing moving testimonials about the NAMI Family-to-Family program from family members and course instructors. The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you'll learn about: How to solve problems and communicate effectively Taking care of yourself and managing your stress Supporting your loved one with compassion Finding and using local supports and services Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain How to handle a crisis Current treatments and therapies The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family How can I find a course in my area? Family-to-Family classes are offered in hundreds of communities across the country, in two Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Go here to find a link to the latest class schedules: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Family-to-Family For further information, please inquire by contacting namieducation@nami.org. Here is more info; each page has links to a searchable database for resources in your area: NAMI Basics Class: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Basics NAMI Family Support Group: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/Nami-Family-Support-Group NAMI Homefront (based on the Family-to-Family program): https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Homefront NAMI Peer-to-Peer ("... adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery"): https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Peer-to-Peer NAMI Parents & Teachers is now NAMI Ending the Silence (has links to info & for scheduling a presentation): https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Ending-the-Silence www.nami.org Contact Us NAMI: 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203 Main: 703-524-7600 Member Services: 888-999-6264 HelpLine: 800-950-6264 -
Family to Family Education Program What is NAMI’s Family-to-Family Program? The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The course is taught by trained family members All instruction and course materials are free to class participantsOver 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program http://youtu.be/zdwh6WM8E6M A tribute video containing moving testimonials about the NAMI Family-to-Family program from family members and course instructors. What does the course include? Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disordersUp-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherenceCurrent research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recoveryGaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illnessLearning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniquesAcquiring strategies for handling crises and relapseFocusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overloadGuidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the communityInformation on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand servicesHow can I find a course in my area? Family-to-Family classes are offered in hundreds of communities across the country, in two Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. View the current Family-to-Family course schedule For further information, please inquire by contacting namieducation@nami.org. General Information NIMH Grant to Study NAMI's Family to Family Program New Study of the Family-to-Family Education Program Tell Me More Personal Stories A New Family-to-Family Teacher’s Perspective Consumers as Teachers Testimonial From A Family Member Psychiatrist Who Took The Nami Family-to-Family Peer Education Course News From the Field NAMI Brings Family-to-Family Program to Veterans' Families 2009 Training the Trainer Application A New Family-to-Family Teacher’s Perspective Directors Attend Fantastic New Family-to-Family Event www.nami.org -
Six million men in the United States have at least one episode of major depression a year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. But traditional masculine norms in our culture contravene symptoms of major depression. These norms, as defined by clinical psychologist, Dr. Ronald F. Levant, pressure a man to: 1) restrict emotions 2) avoid being feminine 3) focus on toughness and aggression 4) be self-reliant 5) make achievement the top priority Major depression is a biological, medical illness with physical, cognitive and mental symptoms. Despite clear scientific evidence of depression’s medical and biological links, it remains stigmatized as a sign of weakness or low character. Acceptance of depression as a verifiable and treatable illness is further complicated by gender bias, leading it to be falsely categorized as a “woman’s” illness. For depressed men, this bias decreases their chances of being properly diagnosed and treated. In American male culture, most men don’t have the language to express the defeat, powerlessness and anxiety of depression while maintaining their masculine identity. Less likely to express their emotions for fear appearing “weak” or “effiminate,” depressed men more often present as angry or irritable. Fewer men than women express feelings of sadness or seek professional help, so the actual number of men with depression may be underestimated. Symptoms of depression are the same in both genders: persistent sadness, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, loss off interest or sense of pleasure in activities, difficulty sleeping, among many others. However, depressed men more often suppress these feelings and delay or avoid seeking help by engaging in risk-taking behaviors— fast cars, excessive drinking, promiscuous sex— coping mechanisms that provide limited relief and often end in suicide. Leading the world in the destigmatization of mental illness is Canada, with a national television campaign, “Let’s Talk.” In this segment, the stereotypical male response to mental illness — machismo — is juxtaposed against compassion and emotional intelligence. In the same vein, former Surgeon General of the United States Richard Carmona said this in an article on men and depression on the NAMI site. ”Today we’re saying to men, it’s okay to talk to someone about what you’re thinking, or how you’re feeling, or if you’re hurting. We are attacking the stigma that tough guys can’t seek help. They can and they should.” This Article Improved My Health Changed My Life Saved My LifeIf a man in your life is struggling with feelings of hopelessness, visit the Real Men. Real Depression. page at NAMI. There you can learn more, find support, and read the stories of other men who have had the courage to seek help. Sources: Men and the Stigma of Mental Illness. goodmenproject.com. Retrieved June 10, 2015. http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/men-and-thestigma-of-mental-illness-dg Suicide Facts and Figures. afsp.org. Retrieved June 10, 2015. https://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/facts-and-figures Depression and Men Fact Sheet. nami.org. Retrieved June 10, 2015. http://www2.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/... Male Gender Role. psychologyofmen.com. Retrieved June 11, 2015. http://www.psychologyofmen.org/male-gender-role Men and Depression. nimh.hih.gov. Retrieved June 11, 2015. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/men-and-depression/inde... Reviewed June 12, 2015 by Michele Blacksberg RN Edited by Jody Smith -
Learning To Help Your Child And Your Family Having a child with a mental health condition can be a challenge, but there are ways to help make things easier. Each year, 1 in 5 kids aged 13-18 experiences a mental health condition. This means many parents have faced similar challenges and experiences as you. Be Attentive Begin by taking notice of your children’s moods, behaviors and emotions. Early intervention, especially with signs of psychosis, is critical because mental health conditions often get worse without treatment. Many conditions are cyclical and periods of strong symptoms may come and go. Symptoms aren’t visible all the time. Children may also hide certain symptoms by saying and doing what they believe is expected of them. What To Do If You Notice Symptoms If you think you notice symptoms, schedule an appointment with a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as you can, or if that is not possible, then with your pediatrician or primary care physician. Make sure that you provide your healthcare professional with as much detailed information as you can: Past mental health evaluations and other medical records Descriptions of symptoms, when they began, and whether they have changed over time Any medications or other medical treatments that your child is receiving Anything else that is requested or that you think might be valuable information If a doctor, psychologist or counselor does not provide a diagnosis or referral to another professional, you should ask why and consider their reasoning. If you disagree, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion. It is often better to be cautious than to ignore a potentially serious problem. If your child reports seeing or hearing things that are not there, without the influence of drugs or alcohol, then you should seek medical treatment immediately. This may be an episode of psychosis. Such episodes might also include: spontaneous violent behavior, denial of reality, nonsensical and paranoid claims, removal of clothing, reckless and dangerous behavior, or claims of invincibility and other special powers. Even though there are a variety of treatment options available, it can be difficult to locate and secure the proper treatment. You can find directories of mental health professionals and treatment facilities through PsychologyToday and SAMHSA. How To Continue Helping Your Child Learn All That You Can In addition to seeking help from healthcare professionals, you should educate yourself as much as possible about your child’s mental health condition. NAMI Basics is an educational class that teaches parents and other family caregivers how to cope with their child’s condition and manage their recovery. You can also find information about specific mental health conditions and treatment options on our website. Talk With Your Child’s School Check to be sure that your child is receiving appropriate care and services at school. Children with mental health conditions may struggle in school without assistance, leading to frustration and stress. Fortunately, the law requires that schools provide special services and accommodations to children with mental health conditions that interfere with their education. Learn more about how to acquire necessary educational services. Work With Your Child You need to remain respectful and understanding of your child’s feelings even if everything seems to be working against you. You should avoid getting angry at them for behaviors that are not under their control. This does not mean you can’t set limits or impose discipline. What it does mean is that you must set your expectations in consideration of your child’s mental health. This is often referred to as part of “finding a new normal.” Although it can be hard to accept, people who develop mental health conditions may never be the same as they were before. Expecting the same standards of behavior from prior to the onset of their mental health condition will only cause frustration and stress for everyone. How To Hold Your Family Together When you have a child with mental illness, it is easy to let your concern for them grow to consume your life. Here are some things to remember: Take Care Of Yourself While it is your responsibility to care for and support your child, it is also your responsibility to take care of yourself. You may have to adjust your priorities or your lifestyle, but you should avoid letting the challenges posed by your child’s mental health condition make you neglect other important parts of your life. In some cases, the stress of raising a child with a mental illness can contribute to the experience of mental health challenges by a parent. If you begin to feel that you are struggling with sadness or anxiety, do not hesitate to seek treatment for yourself. Caring for your own mental well-being will serve as a model for your child to follow, and ensure that you are healthy and able to care for your child. Take Care Of Your Family Remember that if you have other children, they may resent being pushed to the side if all the attention is placed on their sibling’s mental health challenges. Make sure that they understand what their sibling is going through, and that you spend time with each of them. Keeping a happy and balanced family can be very helpful in reducing stress levels for everyone, which can help alleviate symptoms of mental illness. Get Your Family Involved If you live with a partner or spouse, or have other children, try to get them involved in being an advocate for your child. You may find that you deal with challenges and obstacles differently than them, but you should find ways to combine strengths to overcome any weaknesses. Be ready to compromise, listen and be open to new ideas. It is possible you may discover that some members of your family have little interest in supporting you and your child in dealing with challenges posed by your child’s mental health condition. It is also possible that a spouse or significant other may be a negative influence on your child. They may demand discipline for behaviors your child cannot control, deny that there is anything wrong or insist upon an irrational course of action. Helping to raise a child who has a mental health condition can be stressful, and it is unrealistic to assume that anyone, yourself included, will always react in an ideal way. However, you must also realize that it is your responsibility to protect your child, even from others that you care about.
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Researchers finally see hope for Alzheimer's treatment, prevention Although the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act passed seven years ago to give people with mental illnesses the same access to treatment as those with physical complaints, people still aren’t getting needed help. By Patrick J. Kennedy and Husseini Manji Perceptions can ****: Every year, suicide kills over 41,000 Americans annually and more than 800,000 around the world, many of the deaths linked to undiagnosed or undertreated mental illness. Bias (whether conscious or not) against the mentally ill creates the shame and isolation that keeps people who need treatment from getting help, which probably contributes heavily to the suicide rate. The problem is stigma, an insidious and pervasive form of prejudice. The roots of mental illness are biological, frequently inherited, and not a matter of choice. It is as ridiculous to ask a depressed person to "snap out of it" as it is to ask a diabetic to use willpower to adjust her insulin levels. Some try to justify their bias through the mistaken belief that the mentally ill frequently break the law. The data, however, make it clear that individuals suffering from serious mental illnesses are far more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrators. As the suicide numbers demonstrate, people with psychiatric disorders are far more likely to hurt themselves than others. Yes, while some perpetrators of recent mass shootings were mentally ill, it is possible—even likely—that such incidents would happen less frequently, with fewer lives lost, if those responsible had received appropriate treatment. The longer the mentally ill are stigmatized, the longer it will take to break the cycle that keeps people from getting help. Even though a recent Harris poll showed that nine of 10 Americans believe that mental and physical health are equally important to their well-being, just 28 percent agreed that mental and physical health are treated equally. The instincts of the majority are on target. Although the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act passed seven years ago to give people with mental illnesses the same access to treatment as those with physical complaints, people still aren't getting needed help. The result is a cascade of problems. Mentally ill people are more likely to suffer from housing and employment discrimination and experience homelessness and arrest, than those who are not mentally ill. When people with a history of mental illness complain of legitimate physical problems, their symptoms too often get dismissed as "all in their heads." There is both a humanitarian and economic imperative to address mental health discrimination. Psychiatric diseases are the world's most expensive diseases, in part because they remove a large, often young, segment of society from the workforce. To help both the mentally ill and society, we must: Enforce the Parity Act: The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was meant to give equal access to care. That hasn't happened. The federal government should impose audits to measure how well insurance companies are complying with the law, just as it intervened decades ago to enforce civil rights laws. Ensure access: Fifty beds per 100,000 people is considered the minimum needed to serve the mentally ill, but 80 percent of states have fewer than half that number. Far too few of those with serious mental illness receive treatment that improves outcomes and reduces cost to society. We need policies to ensure that people get needed care at the right time and in the most appropriate setting. That requires more treatment beds and state systems to identify openings for those who need help. Fund research: Despite the promise of key treatment breakthroughs, the National Institutes of Health budget is $1.2 billion less than it was four years ago. Psychiatric diseases often receive less research funding and attention than even minor illnesses. Yet science has never held greater potential to improve quality of life, treatment options, and long-term outcomes for America's patients. Take action first: America outlawed discrimination 50 years ago by passing the Civil Rights Act. It was understood that actions had to change before hearts and minds could follow. Racism is still with us, and eradicating it is still our goal, but we are much further along than we would have been had we not made racial discrimination illegal. The same is true for the present lack of basic fairness for those with psychiatric diseases. Discrimination against the mentally ill is wrong—and illegal. To reduce stigma, our actions must begin to match the law. We owe that to the mentally ill and to our nation. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) was a chief sponsor of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the author of the book, "A Common Struggle," published this month. Husseini Manji, MD, is head of neuroscience research at Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, and the former chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology and director of the Mood & Anxiety Disorders Program at the National Institute of Mental Health. Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @starledger. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.
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In the video link below, Bradley Cooper, star of Silver Linings Playbook, an Oscar-nominated film about a man living with bipolar disorder, joins former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy for a press conference at the Center for American Progress to discuss how this recent film is making progress toward removing the stigma of mental illness. Cooper and Kennedy are joined by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, president and founder of Give an Hour, a nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to U.S. military and their families affected by Iraq and Afghanistan, and Topher Spiro, Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress. _______ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bradley-cooper/silver-linings-playbook-mental-health_b_2595390.html This is a matter of the Stigma that surrounds our illnesses. Please feel free to discuss...
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NEW CANAAN – Mental illness is not uncommon. One in four people will struggle with a diagnosable mental illness every year. That means that it will most likely affect you someone you know and love, even your kids. But unlike other illnesses, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness and behavioral problems – albeit an unfortunate and unnecessary one. So the question arises – when and how can we talk to our kids about mental illness in a way that will be educational and reassuring? Have an age appropriate discussion Discretion is the better part of valor for young children; valor is the better part of discretion in talking to teens. Younger children may not be able to understand the nuances of the more common mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, and the treatment may be such that it might not be necessary to say anything. On the other hand, sharing positive treatment experiences with teens is a humanizing way to connect with the kinds of problems they have undoubtedly faced. However, if the mental illness or substance use disorder mandates out of home treatment, even small children need to be in the loop – lying to them poses unnecessary complications. Talk to your mental health provider and be sure you are comfortable, before telling the kids. As a patient, it’s very important to speak with your mental health provider about the impact of mental illness on family systems and to discuss how it might impact each family member. If appropriate, you may want to have a family therapy session so the trusted mental health professional can reassure family members, answer questions or suggest ancillary supports for the family. Do your homework. Understand your illnesses and its treatment to the fullest. As a parent, it is important to model positive health related behavior. The cornerstone is becoming an informed consumer. Using trusted resources, learn about your struggles and transform yourself into a reassuring teacher. This can be one of those learning moments, where you explain to your child that everyone has something to deal with. No one is immune.No matter the illness – depression, eating disorder, anxiety, or substance abuse – no family is perfect, even if it appears they are. Let them ask questions. The questions may take a while to unfold, but are natural. They will take their cue from you. If you are calm and comfortable with what may be a degree of uncertainty, they will be as well. A mental illness is not unlike a physical illness, but this one involves the brain. It is often helpful to compare mental conditions it to other medical conditions that require treatment, medications or hospitalization. Dr. Aaron Krasner; Chief, Adolescent Transitional Living Program, Silver Hill Hospital
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by Contributed | Story: 136497 - Apr 8, 2015 / 5:00 am#Schizophrenia is a very serious and disabling mental illness. Troubling symptoms including hallmark psychotic hallucinations and delusions tend to develop in the prime of life and can lead to detachment from reality and a near total loss of ability to function in society.With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be managed and some degree of function restored for many patients with this condition. Unfortunately, if prescribed treatment plans are not carefully followed or are discontinued, problems can arise. This is not an uncommon issue. For many reasons, close to 50 percent of people discontinue or fail to regularly take a prescribed anti-psychotic medication within the first year of treatment. Sometimes, as symptoms subside with a new treatment, the patient no longer feels as though medication is needed and so discontinues or becomes irregular with it. Others may discontinue because of unpleasant side effects or if the treatment is not working as well as hoped. Unstable life situations can also play a role in irregular medication usage. While psychiatrists have long advocated the importance of sticking to a treatment plan when it comes to serious conditions such as schizophrenia, a new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has shown just how important it is. Researchers from UCLA followed outpatients taking oral anti-psychotic medications and examined their adherence to prescribed treatments as well as effects for those who chose not to reliably follow their treatment plan. After 18 months, results showed even short periods of irregular medication use can lead to relapse of psychotic symptoms and a need for hospitalization. Although not totally unexpected, the researchers were surprised to learn that irregular medication use even for brief periods is associated with a significant risk of relapse. Within the study: 32 percent took their medication as prescribed; 33 percent had mild non-adherence (meaning they took only 50-75 percent of meds over a two week period); 16 percent had moderate non-adherence (taking less than 50 percent of meds during a two to four week period); and 19 percent had severe non-adherence (taking less than 50 percent of meds for more than four consecutive weeks or dropping out of treatment). Any irregular treatment compliance – even mild – was associated with a risk of relapse. Typically, symptoms would begin to show up within a couple of months of irregularity in medication usage. Although it’s not clear why even mild issues with medication compliance are dangerous, researchers suggest it may be due in part to the current practice of prescribing the lowest amount of medication that will improve symptoms while minimizing side effects – leaving very little room for missed doses. Whatever the reason, this study highlights the importance of sticking to a course of treatment and working closely with a professional when managing a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia. When it comes to psychotic symptoms, a relapse is not only unpleasant, but it can also be quite dangerous. Source: http://www.castanet.net/ Medications Drug Name (View by: Brand | Generic ) class: phenothiazine antipsychotics 9.0 chlorpromazine systemic class: phenothiazine antiemetics, phenothiazine antipsychotics 8.8 clozapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 8.0 loxapine systemic class: miscellaneous antipsychotic agents 8.0 lurasidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.8 asenapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.6 paliperidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.3 olanzapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.3 ziprasidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.2 quetiapine systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 7.1 risperidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 6.8 aripiprazole systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 6.5 thioridazine systemic class: phenothiazine antipsychotics 6.0 iloperidone systemic class: atypical antipsychotics 5.7 molindone systemic class: miscellaneous antipsychotic agents 5.5 mesoridazine systemic (More...) class: phenothiazine antipsychotics reserpine systemic class: antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting Source:http://www.drugs.com/
