D is for the Many Faces of Depression

We all feel it at one time or another, the feeling of sadness and hopelessness; to a point it’s normal phase of life.  Different situations affect us and we go through a period of time where it seems nothing can go right.  For some,  however, that feeling doesn’t go away, lingering for days and weeks at a time and interfering with everyday life.  The most important aspect of depression is for those who live with the illness and more so for those who do not  is to know that it is not a sign of weakness or being negative, it is a legitimate health issue and treatable with medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle changes.   

Depression is not as clear cut as many may think there are many faces to depression and I want to touch on a few of them here.  The diagnosis of the type of depression is critical is finding the right type of treatment.    

Major Depression is the illness that is most commonly heard of.  It is characterized by a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, loss of weight, or weight gain, a feeling of being sleepy most of the time, a feeling of worthlessness, trouble concentrating and thought of suicide.  Five of more of these symptoms must be present for at least two week for a diagnosis of Major Depression.  Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor can then begin to work with you on the best way to treat your illness. 

Persistent Depressive Disorder:  This type of depression follows the same pattern of Major Depression, however, the symptoms must be present for at least two year.  This would be considered Persistent Depression and is treated with medication and therapy. 

Bipolar Disorder:  While it mimics the symptoms of depression, there are also periods of extreme highs, called manic episodes.  The most important thing here is to use medication to stabilize the moods swings, these are called mood stabilizers.  Anti-depressant is not commonly use with Bipolar Disorder because they tend to increase the chance of a manic episode.  

Seasonal Affective Disorder:  This is most common during the winter months when there is less sunlight and the days are shorter.  Major depression occurs during this time and is treated with anti-depressants and light therapy.  Light therapy is most common and requires the person to sit in front of a natural light box for 15 to 30 minutes a day.  

Psychotic Depression:  This is a diagnosis of major depression which includes with it symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.  Anti-Depressants and Anti-psychotic drugs are used to treat this type of depression. 

PostPartum Depression:  This has also been known as the “baby blues,” and occurs in the weeks and months after the birth of a child.  Anti-depressants and therapy are known to help with this illness.  

Situational Depression:  While there is not a technical term for this type of depression, but it hits all of us at one time or another when a stressful event occurs in life.  The death of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce or any occurrence that makes you feel unsure of yourself and the world around you.  Therapy is the most common treatment for this type of depression

As you can the illness of depression is not cut and dry, one size fits all type of illness.  There are many facets and anyone can fall under one or more diagnosis.  The more we talk about depression and mental illness the more we can come to understand that it is a medical condition and that 1 in 4 people live some sort of mental illness, most often you do not know who it is.  

The Uncertainty of Life - The Mind Struggles

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An addition to what I posted earlier today - I attended the viewing of my friend's mom's funeral this evening. We have all created such a bond, being there for each other is a comfort. Then I came home and checked my email - the news sent me into a downward spiral - I could only sit and cry. Another friend of ours, lost her husband in a car accident Friday night. The viewing will be Friday night. I am at the end of my rope right now, I did not have the time to call my doctor today - tomorrow I will be on the phone first thing. I can not take much more. Continue reading below for today's original post.

I received the news late Sunday night, a friend’s mom passed away suddenly – only a day after attending her grandson’s graduation.

For those of us who knew her, it is difficult to accept just knowing she will not be around. She was a large part of our high school years; we were looking forward to sharing a band reunion with her in August. Instead, we will spend time remembering our “second mom,” her devotion to us “impossible teenagers.”

When I checked the newspaper for the obituary, I discovered another friend’s father had passed away, what affected me about this one was – yet another person I knew had lost a loved one.

Since October 2006, I have attended 8 viewings/funerals. It began with my brother-in-law in October 2006, at the young age of 31 passed away suddenly after a stroke. Two months later, I took my daughter and her friends to the viewing/funeral of a friend of theirs who had been killed in a car accident the day after Christmas. In May of 2007, I attended the viewing of a friend’s mom, the next day attending a viewing of a friend from high school (the same day attending the Baptism of my nephew, who was named after my brother-in-law) Fast forward to 2008, attending the viewing/funeral of a friend’s dad in March, a viewing of my youngest daughter’s friend’s dad only 2 weeks ago, now will attend two viewings this week.

Personally I have had enough! I understand it is a process of life, it is God’s plan for us to stay on this earth for only a short time, but I’m tired. Maybe it’s the realization that I am getting “older,” and fragility of life is becoming more evident. When my oldest daughter became engaged last week, then gradated from high school last night it hit me that time has passed by so quickly and with each day the uncertainty of life becomes more of a reality.

I believe it is a mental challenge right now, as well as a faith challenge. Trying to understand God’s hand in all this and doing my best to trust that this all part of a greater plan for all of us. In the midst of that, I struggle to keep my mind focused – instead I simply want to sit and hide from the world. I contemplated calling my doctor this morning, asking for a refill of my anxiety meds – but have yet to dial the phone. Do I need to rely on the meds? I am tired enough right now, physically and mentally – the meds would only make me more tired, not sure how that would help. I have fought so hard to maintain my illness with minimal medication, I take only 2 now – the third for anxiety I try to avoid, but at times like these I wonder if I am doing more harm than good. I know the reality of this illness; I’ve been down this road too many times.

When I attend the viewing tonight I know the emotions will get the best of me, and the next couple days are sure to be a challenge. Will I call my doctor? Probably – though I want to fight this on my own, I am a realist and know that I need it sometimes – the alternative is not an option.

Image via WikipediaOnly 2 years ago new pills were being introduced to help people quit smoking, lose weight and beat other tough addictions, such as alcohol and cocaine. The pills would work by blocking the parts of the brain that control the pleasure responses we get when we eat, smoke, use drugs, etc.

However, as tests have gone it may seem that they work too well for some people. There have been reports of some people taking these drugs experiencing severe depression and thoughts of suicide.

The scientists and makers of these drugs say they are say are safe - though not for everyone. The fact that this type of restriction would bring many setbacks and issues - as it would take these new drugs away from those who could use it the most. In addition, the fact that these drugs do block the pleasure center of the brain, in order to curb cravings - they may also play a part in taking away some pleasure of life away in general.

In recent studies, 43 percent of those the drug Rimonaband noted psychiatric issues, with 28 percent reporting the same effects with dummy pills. As with other studies, those with history of depression were more affected by the drugs.

There is the argument that those who quit smoking or are trying to lose weight, will on their own experience mood swings and depression - so all in all it may be difficult to determine what is causing what.

In one report, a Schizo patient was given a drug to help him quit smoking, without worsening his psychological symptoms.

It’s a toss up - do we use the drugs to help, or do we withhold them to save them.

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Ignoring Diabetes to stay thin

Diabetes is a common disease today, though some find it difficult to accept - this idea can have dire consequences.

The practice of skipping insulin shots, or using only partial doses had become widespread and been given a name, "Diabulimic,” categorizing it along with anorexia and bulimia.

The beginning signs of Type 1 diabetes will be sudden and dramatic weight loss. While this is a telltale sign, when insulin is prescribed, there is a tendency for weight gain, not only gaining back the weight originally lost, but additional pounds as well. For this reason many young women are making the choice to use only a minimum amount of insulin, enough to keep them “functioning.” The ease of this habit makes it harder to monitor, as diabetics give themselves shots and can adjust their dosage with no one’s knowledge. As the trend continues, doctors are forced to take notice and reach out to their patients, before they cause permanent damage to their body.

Because this is not an official disorder, Diabulimics are forming groups in cyber world, reaching out to each other, looking for answers, treatment and learning how to make their doctors and the medical world in general away that there is a problem. It seems, as with most illnesses and disorders, there is no real “light shed on it,” until someone dies or makes it famous.

A quote in the articles states, "This behavior is like playing Russian roulette with your health. It's almost like they're turning back the clock to a point in history when we didn't know that the consequences of diabetes were preventable."

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder - At Home

For generations the mere mention of mental illness was accompanied with whispers, locked doors and secretive hospitalizations. It was something to be feared and hidden from public knowledge, after all, they were "crazy," and admitting such a person in the family was unacceptable.

Fast forward to 2008, mental illness is in the forefront of research. It is unfortunate that it took so many lives before people took notice, but as many people will notice - it takes a tragedy before something is done. Welcome to reality!

When it comes to Bipolar disorder, people become confused - including those who live with the disorder. Imagine trying to explain to someone that today you are the happiest person alive and taking on the world, while tomorrow you will struggling to get out of bed and think the world is closing in on you. It's enough to make your head spin.

Recently a doctor in San Diego announced he discovered several gene mutations that are related to the disease, commonly known as Manic Depression. With this information in hand, he created a genetic test that can be used at home to diagnose BP.

Can anyone else see a disaster in the making here?

While I understand his idea, many people are reluctant to go the doctor, there is still a stigma attached to seeing a psychiatrist - however, with a "do it yourself" test, where does treatment enter into the picture? BP needs to be controlled either with medication or counseling, sometimes both in the beginning. The availability of a take home test is anyone can claim they are BP and use it to their advantage. Have you seen news reports lately? It is the in thing; I did such and such because I am Bipolar. Yeah, and I am the King of England! Now, don't get me wrong there are things that are done by people who are seriously mentally ill - I do not doubt that, but when someone uses it as an excuse that is when we have problems.

For the most part many people live with a wide range of mental illnesses and no one, other than close friends and family may know it. I know this, it's what I do. I learned the hard way you do not make it public knowledge! People do not accept are not very kind! I now keep it too myself, there are people who know and they accept me and my limitations. I take medication and see my psychiatrist every few months. But playing on people's anxieties only leads to trouble.

In his defense, the doctor at the head of this test, admits BP results from a combination of things, genetics does play a part, as do life experiences. The genetics does not mean someone will develop the disorder, just as a history of cancer in a family does not mean everyone will have it. There is a thin line and these home tests are crossing it.

Stopping Medication - Causes problems

There is a common practice among those who take medication for depression and other mental illnesses – they discontinue they medication because “They feel better,” not realizing it is the medication that is helping to stabilize the chemical imbalances, or stop taking it because of the stigma.

Most often than not it is the stigma that stops medication, having to answer questions as to why they take a certain medication will mean admitting their mental illness, a fear greater than the illness itself.

It has been seen in recent college campus shootings that the gunman had recently stopped taking his Anti-depressant. Most of these medications are used to stabilize mood and when suddenly stopped, the person’s system is put in turmoil and their actions take on a life of their own, so faithfully taking their medication is vital.

So, why do people stop taking it? As I mentioned stigma is a big reason – medication brings the feeling of being an outcast – the mentally ill are not exactly accepted with open arms. Side effects also play a part in stopping medication, when the side effects begin; it no longer seems worth the effort. Another reason, and it is a sign of our times, is many can not afford the medication when insurance money runs out. When you need to make a choice – do you eat or take the medication. Food and shelter will win.

Whether it is stigma, financial or side effects – stopping medication is a dangerous choice. These medications are made to help stabilize mood and help with chemical imbalances stopping and starting these medications will further complicate an illness, often sending the person into a tailspin or suicidal thoughts, mania and/or dangerous activity.

Knowledge and acceptance is vital.

Virtual Reality to help PTSD patients

Virtual reality is known more for video games, flight simulators and theme park rides, than treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but virtual reality therapy is becoming a reality.

While PTSD has been a reality for generations, it has been more commonly seen since the Vietnam War, treating those suffering from the disorder would isolate themselves and live in fear of what they see in their dreams.

Now there is hope for those struggling to readapt once they return home – there is thought to be 15-30% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffering from PTSD. In light of these statistics, the Office of Naval Research provided $4 million to research the benefits of using virtual reality to treat the soldiers returning to the states. The treatment would consist of an interview where the soldier would share what may have brought on the PTSD symptoms; in turn the virtual reality scenario is tailored specifically for that person, with the capability to add realistic smells, such as gun fire and burning rubber. When put together they heighten the level of realism and help the vet tell their story and face the fear and memories that continue to affect their lives.

In the past treating PTSD consisted of group therapy and/or individual therapy and having the person imagine the experience. BY using virtual reality, the experience is more vivid aiding in the recovery process, without relying completely on drugs.

It’s always good to see advanced technology being use to help those in need.

Marijuana Vending Machines - Good Idea?

California was always the place to be, in the 60’s it was “if you’re going to San Francisco.” Then it was roller-skating, pumping iron on the beach…….now in 2008, it is marijuana vending machines. I did a double take too, but it is true. California has once again made a name for itself.

While this will raise eyebrows, the reason for the unconventional vending machines is to help those who use marijuana as medicine for various illnesses or chronic pain. For years the argument has continued – whether or not to legalize marijuana, when given by prescription. The controversy however continues as to if it can be controlled, and what the repercussions would be to legalizing the drug.

For the inventor of the Prescription Vending Machine, or “PVM,”, however, he is helping those in need, those who are in constant pain and are finding no lasting relief from traditional medicine. The concept is simple, the person who desires to purchase the medicinal marijuana, they must be registered in a computer database – which will verify their identity through fingerprint verification and a prepaid card with magnetic strip. After verification, an envelope with the marijuana drops down the slot. The machine is guarded at all times and is said to offer privacy and convenience, especially for those who are unsure of their purchase – but “need” to use it.

No matter the reason for its creation, it is still illegal. California is one the 12 states that accept medicinal marijuana, however it still leave the Feds with the authority to shut down these marijuana dispensing machines.

It is a controversy that can last forever, it may be helpful for those with various medical conditions – yet is abused by others, so who wins?

As I read about this I thought about things I wanted to be 16 so I could drive, once my birthday arrived it was no longer a big deal. Then I wanted to be 21 so I could go to clubs and drink – then I turned 21, and well you can guess what happened – it was no longer a big deal. So, is it possible the same effect occur with other things we see as “illegal?” After all what fun is it if we can get it with no problem and legally.