It’s been a pretty hectic week for most of my American readers. A major national holiday and Black Friday, all in one week. Back to back, no less!

The only thing that could rival that excitement would be a brand new Saturday Sanity, right? (Well, it was worth a shot.)

As you read this, I’m most likely putting up Christmas decorations. And that is more exciting to me than any of it!

This week at Mental Health Notes, things were sad. People watched as a fellow human being committed suicide live, the numbers of children being dropped off at Nebraska hospitals are rising (Marcie at Kids Health Notes has posted an update on the revision to Nebraska’s Safe Haven Law), and there was an update to the tragic Lori Drew/Megan Meier case. Of course, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. I told you about the IAVA and Ad Council teaming up to create online communities for veterans and veterans’ family and loved ones, as well as gave you some inspirational quotes to ponder. Oh, and I pointed you in the direction of some great money-spending ideas, which, can be good or bad news, depending on how you look at it.

Regarding mental health advocacy and education, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) wants to spread the word about nominations for the Welcome Back Awards, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released it’s latest issue of a newsletter geared toward helping returning veterans, and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s (DBSA) Trauma Course for Peer Specialists is just around the corner. Chato Stewart at Mental Health Humor is offering to draw free pictures (how cool is that?!) – head on over and check out the terms and conditions. And finally, Kate McLaughlin has posted some extremely helpful information for family members and loved ones of a person with a mental illness.

In the world of mental health news, research, and studies, people with both diabetes and depression may have a harder time managing their blood sugar levels (I once read a pamphlet about how depression and diabetes interact), a panel of federal drug experts says we’re getting a bit too flippant with the antipsychotic prescriptions to children, the number of suicides among the elderly in long-term care facilities is holding steady, and the alignment of a child’s eyes could actually point to an increased risk of mental illness in later years (what?!). On a lighter note, Dr. Steven Toepfer of Kent State University has conducted some research that suggests we can be happier if we become more grateful (I so could have saved you some time, effort, and money on that one, Toepfer).

Here at b5media’s Health & Wellness Channel:

• Mark explains The Insanity of Alcohol over at A Dozen Steps.
• Mary Emma shares a personal poem of thanks at Alzheimer’s Notes.
• Angelique is holding a contest for some cute handcrafted jewelry over at Breaking the Mirror (the deadline’s tomorrow night, so hurry up!).
• Angela of Breastfeeding 1-2-3 has a ridiculously adorable baby.
• Marijke talks about laughter therapy at Cancer Commentary. (Marijke is also in the running for Best Canadian Blog with her personal blog, Marijke: Nurse Turned Writer. Give her some votes and wish her luck!)
• Scott at Health and Men points to an Swedish study dealing with stress and the physical damage it could cause you.
• Liz has posted the latest Healthbolt carnival.
• And…could it be? Is Tony back at Astronomy Buff?!

Post from: Blisstree

Saturday Sanity: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

It seems like just a few Saturday Sanities ago I was talking about how warm and sunny it was outside; now, we’re covered in snow. We have been all week. I still don’t have a winter coat (I didn’t have one last year, either – I can be very serious about my procrastination) and Chopper doesn’t understand why we don’t go outside 9,375 times a day anymore.

Anyway…

This week at Mental Health Notes, I talked about a new study about the television viewing habits of unhappy people, commented on two legal situations involving mental health issues (the older Tammy Lewis case, and the newer Elgin Mental Health Center case), shared my thoughts on the Facing Us 2008 Music Contest winners, provided some epilepsy and mental health resources (thanks, Cleveland Clinic!), and turned to the loldogs for some depression humor.

Regarding mental health advocacy and education, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s (DBSA) eUpdate for November 2008 is up (lots of good stuff in there!), Beliefnet has announced the 10 nominees for the Most Inspiring Person of the Year 2008 Award and they’re ready for you to cast your vote, Dr. Brent provided a basic rundown of seasonal effective disorder (SAD) over at Care2.com, the Revolution Health Group offers nine ideas for natural ways to treat depression, and Rick Robinson explains Post Election Stress Syndrome (ha).

In the world of mental health news, research, and studies, after a study that included nearly 5,700 American adults researchers believe people in chronic pain are at a higher risk for committing suicide, researchers who studied both American and Japanese teenagers believe violent video games may contribute to increased aggression over time (um, hello?), and some researchers are toying with a new treatment for OCD (one that may have adverse side effects, apparently).

Here at b5media’s Health & Wellness Channel:

• Mark helps us understand how we can turn negatives into positives at A Dozen Steps.
• Mary Emma has a plethora of Alzheimer’s resources for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month listed over at Alzheimer’s Notes.
• Kristina tells us about ADHD medications not causing genetic damage in children at Autism Vox.
• Susan of Grounded Fitness wants to know how yoga and meditation has changed your life.
• Scott’s talking about Gulf War Syndrome over at Health and Men.

Now, whether you’ve got snow or not, go outside and enjoy the day!

Post from: Blisstree

Saturday Sanity: Is It Too Early To Build Snowmen?

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and the Cleveland Clinic would like to point to several epilepsy resources they have available within their Epilepsy Center. Of special interest, I’m told, is the Epilepsy Medical Guide, the Pediatric , and their webcast series “Living with Epilepsy.”

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What? Yeah, I get the brain part, but what’s this got to do with mental health?” Well, a lot actually. There’s a ton of research out there dealing with epilepsy and various mental health conditions. Check out these facts and sources for starters:

• “Mental health and behavioral problems are among the many issues that can affect children with epilepsy.” From depression and anxiety to attention-deficit disorder and autism, the Massachusetts General Hospital page on Mental Health and Behavior (in their Growing Up with Epilepsy section) provides information about the causes and types of mental health and behavioral issues associated with epilepsy.
• “Seizure disorders are often associated with a variety of psychological and social difficulties.” In the Mental Health section of their Wellness & Quality of Life Kit, Epilepsy Ontario provides a information about depression, self-esteem, and stress related to epilepsy, medication for epilepsy, and social issues surrounding epilepsy.
• “While epilepsy is no longer considered a psychiatric disorder, its psychiatric dimension is important for treatment and research [...].” Epilepsy Symptoms, a Harvard Health Publications press release for the Harvard Mental Health Letter, addresses the changes in the way we understand epilepsy in regards to it’s relation to mental health.

So you see, if you or someone you know is dealing with epilepsy, you or someone you know could very well be dealing with other mental health situations, too.

Check out the Cleveland Clinic’s information and resources for epilepsy, and while you’re there take some time to peruse all their mental health resources.

Post from: Blisstree

Resources: Epilepsy And Mental Health

Well, we’re, what…two weeks into November? And NaNoWriMo is not going as well as I hoped it would. Don’t get me wrong – it’s going much better than last year’s. I just thought I’d be farther along than I am right now. Still, any progress on this book is a blessing!

On to the brainy stuff:

This week at Mental Health Notes, it was business as usual. I commiserated over animal testing in new schizophrenia research, told you about two ways you can donate to help veterans receive mental health treatment, pointed you in the direction of an article about dream symbols that mean you’re stressed, and rambled on about activities that help boost brain power. Oh, and I also offered some entertainment: You can download a radio broadcast about PTSD (informative stuff!) and watch an interesting performing arts segment titled “Mental Health” (not so informative stuff).

Regarding mental health advocacy and education, director Richard M. Patricia is spreading the word about his new documentary, Strive for Happiness. The film takes a look at what it’s like growing up in a home with a loved one who suffered from mental illness. iVillage’s iLearn courses is offering Stress, Sanity, and Survival, a free course that aims to help you learn how to better manage your stress. In Buffalo, New York, a campaign is underway to get mental health providers to volunteer their time and services to make sure veterans receive the treatment – and not just the medication – they need. And, serious mental health advocate and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter offered her views on the state of America’s mental health care at a recent Magellan Health Services, Inc. conference.

In the world of mental health news, research, and studies, hyperactivity is one of the conditions for which children are being increasingly medicated, researchers believe folks experiencing chronic pain may be at more risk for suicidal thoughts, and some researchers from researchers at the Centre for Women’s Mental Health at The University of Manchester think there’s a link between a mother’s mental health and stillborn babies and newborn deaths.

Here at b5media’s Health & Wellness Channel,

• Lively Women blogger Peggy Rowland is holding a contest to win a Conception Kit by Conceivex, Inc. (The contest will run until November 24.) Peggy also has also posted an interesting interview with an aromatherapist who explains how aromatherapy can work to manage stress.
• Healthbolt’s Liz Lewis is giving away a Motorola MOTOROKR S9-HD headset. (This one runs until November 18.)
• Grace Ibay points to a fascinating article about genetics and mental health (those of you looking for reasons to point fingers at Mom or Dad may love this one) over at Genetics and Health.
• Over at Autism Vox, Kristina Chew updates us on a sad story turned sadder involving the death of Jon Jon Jackson, a 10-year-old boy with autism.
• Marijke Durning shares the pain and healing that comes along with losing a pet at Cancer Commentary. And, at Womb Within, she allows a reader to share her story of depression and in vitro fertilization.

Now, I’m off to write!

Post from: Blisstree

Saturday Sanity: The News Is More Important

Several years ago, a soldier I once knew told me about the time he had to dig graves for children who’d starved to death in a country most of us have never been to. It wasn’t a war zone; these children simply didn’t have enough food to stay alive. He and his fellow soldiers dug the graves while family members stood looking on.

This experience stayed with him for a very long time.

I’ve written about America’s service men and women more than a few times here at Mental Health Notes, so it’s no surprise I’m doing it again today. It is Veterans Day, after all.

However, rather than provide you with a list of resources for veterans – something that’s pretty characteristic of me – I’m providing you with ways you can provide resources for veterans. Specifically, mental health resources.

That’s right, you can take the reigns. Two pretty big mental health groups are making it possible. Both Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have donation sites set up where you can donate money to help veterans, someday-veterans, and family members obtain the help they need to deal with reentry more smoothly.

MHN is accepting donations through their program Operation Health Reunions, and NAMI is accepting them through their Veterans Tribute Honor Roll. (And, while you’re over at NAMI, don’t forget to check out their new 14-page brochure on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD and depression, anger and violence, substance abuse, suicide – these are all things many of America’s returning soldiers and veterans deal with from day to day. Sadly, there seems to be a lack of adequate resources for these men and women, as well as a trend in both active military men and women and veterans not seeking the help they need. If today’s the day you can donate to help, do so.

And, take a few minutes to visit Mary Emma Allen’s Veterans Day Memories in Alzheimer’s World and contribute your own memories.

Post from: Blisstree

Help Veterans Obtain Mental Health Resources

With only a few days until the 2008 presidential election, we’re getting down to the nitty gritty here in America. Like many Americans, I’m quite anxious. The race is close, and I’m looking forward to its finish. I’m looking forward to knowing who our next leader will be. I’m looking forward to seeing if he can pull us out of this economic slump.

I’m also looking forward to no longer receiving campaign emails and enjoying a full week of prime time television without debate interruptions.

Despite how close Election Day is, nearly 6.4 percent of the voting public is still undecided. And, given the number of Americans with mental health issues, I’m willing to bet a good percentage of those undecided voters could use some more information about the candidate’s health care platforms. Fortunately, they don’t have to go very far. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) launched its online Election Center, MI Vote Counts, to help them out.

From helping consumers understand the importance of voting and providing information about mental health legislation to informing them about registering to vote and exactly how to go about voting, the DBSA’s MI Vote Counts is a portal for all things election.

I was able to chat with Gloria Pope, the DBSA’s Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, about why MI Vote Counts is so important – specifically, the story behind MI Vote Counts, the importance of staying current with the candidate’s platforms, and the spark that sets the DBSA’s Election Center apart from all other online tools.

Read on!

Mental Health Notes: What prompted the DBSA to create the Election Center (EC)? What was the driving force behind it?

Gloria Pope: For the past two years, DBSA has been building a phenomenal network of online advocates. We started out by doing a couple of trainings on “Advocacy 101” with a few of our chapter leaders. Then soon after, we began to send alerts out when we needed action on a piece of legislation. We started with a small distribution list but through word of mouth; now distribute to more than 8,000 “constituents.”

Our goal for this upcoming election was to get our folks to register to vote, vote and encourage family and friends to do so as well. Our mantra – in all of our advocacy efforts has been – To be an advocate means you are empowered; and to be empowered means you are an advocate. The name of the center, “MI Vote Counts,” speaks for itself – and has been the message we’ve been trying to communicate throughout the year.

The EC will give our advocates a chance to truly be empowered by making their voices heard on November 4. To accomplish this, we needed to provide the tools and resources and make it quick and easy to find the information they would be looking for. All of the resources are need are in one place. The site with its colorful landing page has links such as, “Why Vote,” “How to Vote,” and the “Role of the Government,” will guide them to what they are looking for. Additionally, the homepage takes them directly to our Legislative Action Center (LAC), information on DBSA-endorsed legislation and an advocacy center, where they can learn how to be an advocate.

The EC will enable them to:

• Research the candidates and their platforms on healthcare.
• Find out if they endorsed or opposed mental health legislation throughout the year.
• Register to vote (day or night from the comfort of your home).
• Obtain an absentee ballot in case you may not feel well enough to vote.
• Learn about other legislators who are up for election.

We even made the center easy to find. Visitors can type dbsalliance.org/vote in to their search engines and go directly to the center.

MHN: Why do you feel it’s so important for mental health consumers to stay up to date with the presidential candidates’ platforms?

GP: We encouraged our advocates to go into the voting booth, armed with the best information possible. Throughout the past few months, we asked them not to be a part of “personality politics” – voting for a candidate because of their looks or personality. We wanted advocates to listen to all of the candidates’ platforms so that they could decide who would be the best candidate. Our advocates have the option of listening to what the candidates’ have been saying and then going to the LAC to see how they have voted in the past year on these same issues. We have found that some candidates’ support an issue on the campaign trail, but when you look at their voting record, it tells a whole other story.

MHN: And finally, what do you think makes the DBSA’s Election Center stand out from other advocacy groups’ similar election/candidate-focused informational websites?

GP: The EC gives our constituents everything they need to know right at their fingertips. They don’t have to search our site for different information. They can do everything from learning about the legislative process to reading about the importance of voting. – all in one place. We also have been finding an increase in letters sent to legislators by constituents who initially started out in the EC and then moved on the Legislative Action Center (LAC).

DBSA is extremely proud of our advocates. In 2006, approximately 500 letters were sent through the LAC. In 2007, the number increased to 10,300. This year, with two more months to go, more than 43,000 letters have been sent – making us one of the strongest grassroots networks of online advocates.

Personally, I’ve been browsing through MI Vote Counts since I first learned about it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s just now learning about it. It’s too late to register to vote in most states (except for those states that offer same-day and late registrations like New Hampshire and Montana), but keep in mind that is only one of the resources MI Vote Counts offers.

If you’re undecided, check it out.

If you’ve already decided, check it out anyway.

And don’t forget to thank Gloria for this insight into MI Vote Counts!

Post from: Blisstree

MI Vote Counts: The DBSA Helps You Decide

Today kicks off NaNoWriMo, my friends. I attempted NaNoWriMo last year, but pretty much hid my face until it was December was sidetracked by the third day in due to an unexpected but necessary move. This year, I really have no excuse not to participate. I even have a story this time. Sure, none of the characters have names and I have no idea why any of them even know each other, but hey, Harry Potter wasn’t written in a day.

As you read this, I’m probably curled up in the fetal position somewhere.

Anyway, on to the goods. There’s a lot of it. Probably because I’m procrastinating.

This week at Mental Health Notes, I shared some of the brain benefits of pomegranates (and have since been coached on the word’s correct pronunciation), mused about the effectiveness of Bath & Body Works’s new line of sleep-promoting products, and shared online resources for breast cancer patients and prescription medication education (say that five times fast). Ooh, I also got a little creepy with an article about the psychology of Halloween characters, but perhaps the most important post of all was the one about online resources for election education.

Regarding mental health advocacy,the DBSA has launched Find A Pro, a tool geared toward helping along peer recommendations for mental health professionals, and is even giving away cool DBSA-gear to the first 2,000 people who recommend a professional. And, I’ve met two new peeps. Fellow depression survivor and writer Anthony McCune is holding a blog carnival to celebrate the three-year blogiversary of his blog, The Lives and Times…. and mental health blogger Michele Rosenthal writes Parasites of the Mind, a blog about healing post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the world of mental health news, things aren’t as good. The suicide rate for middle-aged folks in America is rising, a new study suggests children with high IQs may be more likely to abuse alcohol as adults, propofol (a sedative used as an anti-seizure medication) may increase the risk of death, and smokers are more likely to have impulsive children (which totally explains my and my best friend’s childhood shenanigans). Oh, and while weight doesn’t seem to play a role in women’s sexual behavior, only 12 percent of women with sexual problems have those problems thanks to personal distress (that means it’s you, guys. That means it’s you).

Here at b5media’s Health & Wellness Channel, times are bittersweet. Several of our very talented and passionate bloggers have decided it’s time for their career paths to take them elsewhere, and they will be deeply missed. Take a moment to say goodbye and wish them well!

• Kendra James of A Hearty Life and Diabetes Notes.
• Kristen King of Lively Women.
• Karen Lynch of Pink Ribbon Review.
• Hope Wilbanks of Weighting Line. (Hope’s predecessor, Diane Penna, has already taken over. Go say hi!)

Please note that these are just the departing bloggers who’ve written goodbye posts or introduction posts. There are others, as you’ll notice when you start looking at the other blogs. Let’s wish them well, and make their replacements feel welcome!

Image: SXC

Post from: Blisstree

Saturday Sanity: Procrastination Benefits Everyone

Earlier I told you about how I loved the way Private Practice handled a storyline in which a mother thought her son was a sociopath.

When I hear the word “sociopath,” I cringe. I admit it. Not because I think people shouldn’t use the word “sociopath,” but because, well, it’s a scary word. “Sociopath” has been connected to names like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, and John Wayne Gacy, and – hello – those were some scary peeps.

But what exactly qualifies someone as a sociopath? What is sociopathic behavior? It’s not really something you’ll find in an informational pamphlet down at your local community mental health center, is it?

I decided to do some research (i.e. GOOGLE), and found these sites that may provide a bit of insight regarding sociopathy:

• Sociopathic.net doesn’t really cover sociopaths; rather, it’s more of a personal site that’s all about “different perspectives” and “anti-establishment viewpoints.” Still, the owner includes Sociopathic and Psychopathic Development which does offer a good bit of information about sociopaths.
• How to Manage Sociopathic Behavior at eHow offers seven “instructions” that, in my opinion, should only be used if you’re trying to get a better understanding of sociopathic behavior (and not actually trying to manage your own, or another’s, sociopathic behavior – contact a professional, NOT eHow, OK?).
• VT Massacre: Sociopaths Explained is from Viewzone Magazine (which, from what I can tell, is a magazine about “interesting stuff”) and discusses sociopathic behavior based loosely on famous names like Cho Seung, the VT shooter.
• Suite101.com provides a collection of articles related to sociopathy, including other related disorders like antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, and psychopathy. Suite101.com also provides Psychopath, Sociopath or Antisocial Personality, which discusses each of the disorders and why the names tend to be used interchangeably.
• Inside the Mind of a Sociopath offer an excerpt from Martha Stout’s The Sociopath Next Door: The Ruthless vs. the Rest of Us, a pretty well-known book about the subject from what I understand, as well as a list of other books and related online resources about sociopathic behavior.

So, there you have it. It’s not a long list, but it provides links to some pretty good information if you want a working knowledge about sociopaths. If you know of any other resources, or have firsthand experience, share in the comments!

Image: SXC and Hugo Humberto Plácido da Silva.

Post from: Blisstree

Sociopath: What Does That Even Mean?

I received an email the other day letting me know that icyou was hosting a scavenger hunt in celebration of it’s new homepage (which leads me to believe the site itself is no spring chicken). Aside from the fact that the winners of the scavenger hunt get things like iPod Nanos and gift certificates for iTunes and Amazon (I’ve never had a regular iPod, and I could use some funds to order Prison Break Season 3…), I was genuinely interested in what this icyou with it’s catchy little phrase was actually offering.

In a nutshell, icyou is a portal for health care providers and consumers alike that offers videos about various health-related matters. Some of the videos are super professional, while others are vlogs by private citizens. I searched through some of the video topics, and in addition to “mental health,” I found “depression,” “stress,” “autism,” “Alzheimer’s Disease,” and “brain cancer.”

I especially enjoyed this ADHD video:

There are also categories dedicated to the politics and policies related to health care, which is something that should interest all of us.

I haven’t joined the community (I don’t vlog, though, really I should – maybe spice things up around here or something), but just from poking around, it seems like a great way to help ourselves learn more about and take control of our health.

(Well, I did run into a few really rude comments on some of the videos, but I guess you’ll have that.)

Anyway, check it out. If you’re a member, point me in the direction of some of your videos. And if you’re still living in the 90s with no mp3 player to speak of (ahem, like me), give the scavenger hunt a go!

Post from: Blisstree

Want To Vlog About Your Brain?

This year’s campaign focuses on how the uncertain economic and political climate – the crisis on Wall Street, high gas prices, and a presidential race too close to call – can leave Americans feeling depressed, anxious or overwhelmed.

Sounds a bit like last Saturday, yes?

Anyway, read on for the press release, and be sure to visit MentalHealthScreening.org to find a depression screening in your area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feeling sad, stressed or anxious? A normal reaction to life events or something more?

Learn more at National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) on October 10th

With the crisis on Wall Street, a boom of home foreclosures, and high energy and food prices throughout the country, no one can blame you for feeling anxious or overwhelmed. These days it is common and understandable to be angry, worried and even gloomy, especially if you lost your retirement fund, your job, your house, or are stressed about paying the bills.

Worry, anger and stress are normal, appropriate and even necessary during life’s difficult moments. But when negative feelings prevent you from doing your daily activities or interacting with friends and loved ones, it might be time to seek help.

NDSD, held on October 10 at close to a thousand sites nationwide, can help. At this free, public event you can take an anonymous test to see if you might suffer from depression or a related disorder and learn how to get help.

At National Depression Screening Day, you can take just a few minutes to complete a questionnaire that gauges your likelihood for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. Each participating location offers a wide range of educational resources on these disorders, geared toward a variety of audiences – so you can attend a screening event if you’re concerned for yourself, or if you’re worried about someone close to you. You will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a mental health professional to talk about your personal concerns. To find a site near you or to take a screening online, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org.

Some facts about depression:

• Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
• Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
• Depressive disorders costs employers more than US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.
• More than 80 percent of people with clinical depression can be successfully treated. With early recognition, intervention, and support, most individuals can lead productive lives.

Screening for Mental Health Inc® is the non-profit organization that first introduced the concept of large-scale mental health screenings with its flagship program National Depression Screening Day in 1991. SMH programs now include both in-person and online programs for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide prevention. SMH programs have been used by hospitals, mental health centers, social service agencies, government agencies, older adult facilities, primary care clinicians, colleges, secondary schools, corporations, military installations and HMOs, reaching individuals ranging from teens to older adults.

For more information about National Depression Screening Day, to locate a site that is offering screening on October 10th or to take a screening online, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org.

Post from: Blisstree

Get Screened During National Depression Screening Day