As I shuffled around my kitchen this morning, waiting for my coffee to drip, I tried to think of a topic for today's blog. I've come to discover that writing a daily, research based blog is quite difficult in that each entry must be different and interesting. So, as I stood there waiting, my 180lb, Rottweiler, Bosko plodded into the room and dropped his soccer ball at my feet for our morning play session. Absently I kicked it into the dining room and watched him chase it as I poured my first cup of the day. He brought it back and I kicked it again, still focused on thinking of a topic, as I walked to the table. Then, after my first sip, I had my “Ah Ha,” moment. Animal Therapy.
Animals, especially dogs, can be a vital component to the recovery process for many ill and aging individuals. They are currently being used as a common mode of therapy in such places as hospitals, residential homes, schools and even prisons. Although it is hard to measure the positive influences of pets scientifically, many doctor's are recommending pet ownership to their patients as an important addition to traditional therapy.
Pets love without prejudice, judgment or rejection. They can be the one constant for a depressed individual, at a time when they feel that their whole world is out of control. Pets, in general, have a calming effect on people. In the article titled “Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Premise and a Promise,” researchers Aaron Katcher and Erika Friedmann are quoted as saying, “Pets are a source of comfort that can be scheduled on demand of the owner, in almost any quantity, without bargaining or supplication.”Beside the emotional assistance that pets can offer, they also serve to assist people socially. Samantha Weaver, writes in her article titled “Animal Therapy for Depression,” “ Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to focus. Helping to develop a person's self-esteem and reducing their loneliness and anxiety are just some potential benefits of individual animal therapy.”
For me, the responsibility of having pets has served to force me to function during times when I otherwise would not have gotten out of bed. I have two Rottweilers, a cat and a 5 ft long Iguana. They need my care everyday. In the mornings when I don't want to rise, the dogs still need to go out and be exercised. During the afternoon, when I want to go back to sleep, the Iguana needs to be bathed, fed and her cage needs constant cleaning as well as temperature and light regulation. And my cat, well she sits on my chest and smacks my face as I sleep if she wants something from me. Although I can't say that having this menagerie in my house is always calming, I do know that my pets have been invaluable to me as I continue to deal with this disease. If you feel that you have the time, love and money that is necessary for responsible pet ownership, please contact your local animal organization and adopt. There are animals out there who need your help as much as you need theirs.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Shoulders for Support
In my February 24th entry, titled “Dealing Day by Day,” I discussed and provided a link to things that a depressed person can do to help themselves. Today this page is dedicated to those of you who are the friends and families of individuals who are depressed.
I have referred several times to my initial bout with depression and my fear about what was happening to me. What I haven't mentioned, as of yet, was the effect that it had on my friends and family. At that time, I was a straight A, scholarship student, about to graduate with a nursing degree, and appeared to have a very promising career and future ahead of me. Then WHAM! I became sick. It was only with the help of those around me that I was able to finish school, begin my career and maintain any close relationships. But as hard as this disease has been on me, it has also taken a toll on those around me.
That first time when I tried to express how I was feeling to my parents, my father told me to “just look into the mirror and tell myself that I was fine and I would be.” Considering how I felt at that time, that advice made me pretty angry. Just tell myself that I was fine and then I wouldn't be sick anymore? If only it were that easy.
What I did not understand at the time was that my father and the rest of the people around me were as bewildered and afraid of the changes in me as I was. They were initially uninformed about the symptoms, causes and cures for depression and they did not know how to help me anymore than I knew how to help myself. Unfortunately at that time, there was no Internet to turn to for immediate knowledge about diseases.
Thankfully this is a new age and there is a wealth of information available to people who are trying to support their loved ones through mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. On their website, the Mayo Clinic offers people guidance on how to support loved ones with depression. They are as follows:
Remember, depression steals away an individual's initiative. It is important as a friend or family member that you contact them. Go to their house and encourage them to go out. Ask them to take a walk or go see a movie. If they refuse to go out, then don't force them, but stay and provide social interaction.
For more information on how to help read Supporting loved ones through their battle with depression by the Mayo Clinic.
I have referred several times to my initial bout with depression and my fear about what was happening to me. What I haven't mentioned, as of yet, was the effect that it had on my friends and family. At that time, I was a straight A, scholarship student, about to graduate with a nursing degree, and appeared to have a very promising career and future ahead of me. Then WHAM! I became sick. It was only with the help of those around me that I was able to finish school, begin my career and maintain any close relationships. But as hard as this disease has been on me, it has also taken a toll on those around me.
That first time when I tried to express how I was feeling to my parents, my father told me to “just look into the mirror and tell myself that I was fine and I would be.” Considering how I felt at that time, that advice made me pretty angry. Just tell myself that I was fine and then I wouldn't be sick anymore? If only it were that easy.
What I did not understand at the time was that my father and the rest of the people around me were as bewildered and afraid of the changes in me as I was. They were initially uninformed about the symptoms, causes and cures for depression and they did not know how to help me anymore than I knew how to help myself. Unfortunately at that time, there was no Internet to turn to for immediate knowledge about diseases.
Thankfully this is a new age and there is a wealth of information available to people who are trying to support their loved ones through mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. On their website, the Mayo Clinic offers people guidance on how to support loved ones with depression. They are as follows:
Recognize the symptoms of depression, even if a loved one doesn't
Symptoms include: loss interest and pleasure in normal activities, overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness or crying spells, changes in sleep(sleeping too much or too little), unplanned weight gain or loss, agitation or slowing of body movements, fatigue, low self-esteem and thoughts of death.
Don't tell them to “snap out of it!”
Realize that people who are depressed can not will themselves out of being sick. They are not lazy if they are unable to work, take care of their children or keep up with daily chores.
Offer support and compassion
There are many ways to do this and as I've written before, you will need to think about the person who you are trying to help to figure out the best way to support them. Some ideas include:
Expressing your concern and letting them know that you care
Listening to their concerns and avoid offering solutions
Ask how you can help
Point out their positive qualities and the things that they are able to do
Encourage healthy behaviors.
Take time to take care of yourself
Don't lose sight of your own needs in your caring and concern for others. Take time to eat, sleep and exercise to keep yourself strong.
Remember, depression steals away an individual's initiative. It is important as a friend or family member that you contact them. Go to their house and encourage them to go out. Ask them to take a walk or go see a movie. If they refuse to go out, then don't force them, but stay and provide social interaction.
For more information on how to help read Supporting loved ones through their battle with depression by the Mayo Clinic.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Acting on Alternatives
Dovetailing into my previous writings about networks and celebrities helping to dissolve the stigma surrounding depression, and about the use of medications as well as alternative therapies for its treatment, on Friday, March 9th, ABC's “The View,” presented an episode on women and depression. During this episode Rosie O'Donnell shared her battle with the disease over the last ten years and the treatments that have been most successful for her.
She cites medication as “saving her life,” and then relates that she also practices yoga in conjunction with inversion therapy to help alleviate her depressive symptoms. Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down from a yoga swing for a period of time each day. Rosie states that she does it for approximately 15-30 min/day, and that it is supposed to help the release of serotonin from the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is produced naturally in most people. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with clinical depression, as well as other mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. Many anti-depressant medications achieve their benefits by increasing the levels of serotonin in the affected person's brain.
Since I had never heard of inversion therapy before as a treatment for depression, I decided to see if current research supported Rosie's claims. For over two hours I searched the Internet and extended library systems in an attempt to find research articles about this therapy and depression without any success. If there is well supported research directly linked to this particular therapy, I have been unable to find it.
What I did discover, however, is that there are many substantiated research articles and books in reference to yoga being an excellent therapy for depression. Additionally a bibliographic list compiled by Trisha Lamb of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, leads to many articles on the subject. What is a common denominator throughout the literature that I reviewed is that yoga practice does indeed create positive anti-depressant responses in the body.
Depending on the study or article these responses can be attributed to yoga-induced changes in the sympathetic nervous system(the area where neurotransmitters transmit their messages), the release of endorphins and the increase of aerobic fitness due to the physical exercise of yoga, as well as the increase in social interaction and distraction of attending yoga classes. One study in particular, looked at the use of the Iyengar method of yoga to treat Vietnam War Veterans suffering from depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Dr. Janis Carter and Professor Gerard Byrne write of this method, “The efficacy of the Iyengar method for depression is undoubted, but avoiding back injury...needs also to be incorporated in the programme.” As reported in the article, this treatment was very successful and well tolerated by the participants with the exception of those with back pain/problems. When I proceeded to further research the Iyengar method of yoga, I saw a photo of a person in the exact same position as Rosie on her swing!
My conclusion is that there does seem to be some merit to the connection between the improvement of depressive symptoms and hanging upside down. Many traditional yoga postures are inverted and the connection between yoga practice and alleviation of depression has been scientifically made. I do practice yoga, to help me with my depression, though not as frequently as I should and I don't hang upside down on a swing. But if you are interested in yoga or inversion therapy, as with any physical exercise, please check with your doctor before you begin!
Other interesting links:
http://www.msi.com.pl/pub/vol_11/no_12/8330.pdf
http://www.therapywithyoga.com/Vivekananda.pdf
http://www.holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga_pos_headstand.htm
She cites medication as “saving her life,” and then relates that she also practices yoga in conjunction with inversion therapy to help alleviate her depressive symptoms. Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down from a yoga swing for a period of time each day. Rosie states that she does it for approximately 15-30 min/day, and that it is supposed to help the release of serotonin from the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is produced naturally in most people. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with clinical depression, as well as other mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. Many anti-depressant medications achieve their benefits by increasing the levels of serotonin in the affected person's brain.
Since I had never heard of inversion therapy before as a treatment for depression, I decided to see if current research supported Rosie's claims. For over two hours I searched the Internet and extended library systems in an attempt to find research articles about this therapy and depression without any success. If there is well supported research directly linked to this particular therapy, I have been unable to find it.
What I did discover, however, is that there are many substantiated research articles and books in reference to yoga being an excellent therapy for depression. Additionally a bibliographic list compiled by Trisha Lamb of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, leads to many articles on the subject. What is a common denominator throughout the literature that I reviewed is that yoga practice does indeed create positive anti-depressant responses in the body.
Depending on the study or article these responses can be attributed to yoga-induced changes in the sympathetic nervous system(the area where neurotransmitters transmit their messages), the release of endorphins and the increase of aerobic fitness due to the physical exercise of yoga, as well as the increase in social interaction and distraction of attending yoga classes. One study in particular, looked at the use of the Iyengar method of yoga to treat Vietnam War Veterans suffering from depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Dr. Janis Carter and Professor Gerard Byrne write of this method, “The efficacy of the Iyengar method for depression is undoubted, but avoiding back injury...needs also to be incorporated in the programme.” As reported in the article, this treatment was very successful and well tolerated by the participants with the exception of those with back pain/problems. When I proceeded to further research the Iyengar method of yoga, I saw a photo of a person in the exact same position as Rosie on her swing!
My conclusion is that there does seem to be some merit to the connection between the improvement of depressive symptoms and hanging upside down. Many traditional yoga postures are inverted and the connection between yoga practice and alleviation of depression has been scientifically made. I do practice yoga, to help me with my depression, though not as frequently as I should and I don't hang upside down on a swing. But if you are interested in yoga or inversion therapy, as with any physical exercise, please check with your doctor before you begin!
Other interesting links:
http://www.msi.com.pl/pub/vol_11/no_12/8330.pdf
http://www.therapywithyoga.com/Vivekananda.pdf
http://www.holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga_pos_headstand.htm
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Mulling Over Meds
I clearly remember my initial bout with major depression and the first time that I took antidepressant/anti anxiety medication. When I became sick that first time, I had no idea what was wrong with me, all I knew was that I was extremely ill and couldn't seem to get any better on my own. When I went to my doctor, I learned, much to my surprise, that my symptoms were textbook for depression. My doctor then wrote me a prescription for the then new class of antidepressants SSRI'S (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and give me a referral to a psychologist for counseling.
Later, after I felt better, I would spend a long time accepting the fact that I had what was considered a mental illness, had to use antidepressant medications and had to see therapists. During that time, there were a great many adjustments that I had to make regarding my own self-image in reference to these things, but truth be told, that first time and every time thereafter that I became really sick, I couldn't have cared less, what my illness was called, classified as, or what I was required to do to get well, as long as I was able to begin to feel better. The disease for me, and I'm sure for many is just so severe when it is at its worst, that it is literally mental agony. I was sure that I wasn't going to make it that first time, but I did with much help from my family and friends.
But what didn't help and continues to be detrimental to many people who have depression and other mental illnesses, is the uninformed opinions of people who believe that these are not legitimate diseases and that people who use medication to treat them are weak and are just using crutches to get through life's difficulties. Examples of this can be found in statements by Tom Cruise in reference to Brooke Shields's use of antidepressants during postpartum depression and in some religious approaches to the disease which state that depression should not be treated with medications because it is caused by “pride, self-centredness and self-pity.”
In reality, depression is a complex disease, that has the potential to be caused by both genetic and/or environmental factors. For this reason, most comprehensive treatments for the disease are “Bio-Psycho-Social,” in which a patient is offered both medication and counseling together. Other supports can come from herbal remedies, spiritual guidance and physical exercise just to name a few. In an article titled “ Depression (Unipolar) Unmasking Mental Illness,” Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. writes, “people are not unconnected collections of physical and mental and spiritual things. Rather, they exist holistically.”He also draws a parallel between depression and what is usually considered a physical disease, heart disease by pointing out that both biological and environmental forces can cause these diseases and that both can be addressed medically(pills), psychologically(promoting behavior and thinking changes) and spiritually(prayer). His main point is that there is no reason to take the approach that any one avenue of therapy is wrong.
After a diagnosis of depression, each person needs to decided for themselves, in conjunction with their doctor's professional input, which type of treatment, or combination of treatments is right for them. Medications do have the potential for side effects, and have, in some people, done more harm than good. On the flip side, to not use medication, when you are severely depressed may be deadly. Suicide is always a possible consequence of the disease. If you are not happy with your doctor's response to your questions and/or suggestions about treatment, then seek another until you feel comfortable and your needs are being addressed. If you feel too sick to tackle the medical hurdles yourself, solicit assistance from a family member or friend who you trust to help you wade through the pros and cons of possible treatments.
Over the years, I have done a lot of research on the disease and its treatments, both traditional and nontraditional and I feel that I have come up with a combination that works well for me. I have created coping mechanisms that have allowed me to live most of my life medication free and although I am never symptom free, I am usually able to handle the disease on my own. I do still, however, use medication when I feel that I am losing my handle on the disease. No one blinks when a person who is diabetic takes insulin or a person who has heart disease takes digitalis, so I do not feel any weaker or more ashamed about taking my medication than any other individual who must take medication to control a disease. And neither should you.
Later, after I felt better, I would spend a long time accepting the fact that I had what was considered a mental illness, had to use antidepressant medications and had to see therapists. During that time, there were a great many adjustments that I had to make regarding my own self-image in reference to these things, but truth be told, that first time and every time thereafter that I became really sick, I couldn't have cared less, what my illness was called, classified as, or what I was required to do to get well, as long as I was able to begin to feel better. The disease for me, and I'm sure for many is just so severe when it is at its worst, that it is literally mental agony. I was sure that I wasn't going to make it that first time, but I did with much help from my family and friends.
But what didn't help and continues to be detrimental to many people who have depression and other mental illnesses, is the uninformed opinions of people who believe that these are not legitimate diseases and that people who use medication to treat them are weak and are just using crutches to get through life's difficulties. Examples of this can be found in statements by Tom Cruise in reference to Brooke Shields's use of antidepressants during postpartum depression and in some religious approaches to the disease which state that depression should not be treated with medications because it is caused by “pride, self-centredness and self-pity.”
In reality, depression is a complex disease, that has the potential to be caused by both genetic and/or environmental factors. For this reason, most comprehensive treatments for the disease are “Bio-Psycho-Social,” in which a patient is offered both medication and counseling together. Other supports can come from herbal remedies, spiritual guidance and physical exercise just to name a few. In an article titled “ Depression (Unipolar) Unmasking Mental Illness,” Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. writes, “people are not unconnected collections of physical and mental and spiritual things. Rather, they exist holistically.”He also draws a parallel between depression and what is usually considered a physical disease, heart disease by pointing out that both biological and environmental forces can cause these diseases and that both can be addressed medically(pills), psychologically(promoting behavior and thinking changes) and spiritually(prayer). His main point is that there is no reason to take the approach that any one avenue of therapy is wrong.
After a diagnosis of depression, each person needs to decided for themselves, in conjunction with their doctor's professional input, which type of treatment, or combination of treatments is right for them. Medications do have the potential for side effects, and have, in some people, done more harm than good. On the flip side, to not use medication, when you are severely depressed may be deadly. Suicide is always a possible consequence of the disease. If you are not happy with your doctor's response to your questions and/or suggestions about treatment, then seek another until you feel comfortable and your needs are being addressed. If you feel too sick to tackle the medical hurdles yourself, solicit assistance from a family member or friend who you trust to help you wade through the pros and cons of possible treatments.
Over the years, I have done a lot of research on the disease and its treatments, both traditional and nontraditional and I feel that I have come up with a combination that works well for me. I have created coping mechanisms that have allowed me to live most of my life medication free and although I am never symptom free, I am usually able to handle the disease on my own. I do still, however, use medication when I feel that I am losing my handle on the disease. No one blinks when a person who is diabetic takes insulin or a person who has heart disease takes digitalis, so I do not feel any weaker or more ashamed about taking my medication than any other individual who must take medication to control a disease. And neither should you.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Hallmark Cards - Caring or Comic?
On Thursday, February 15th, Hallmark released a new line of cards titled “Journeys,” which offer encouragement for real life situations. Some of the topics covered include caring for elderly parents, going through chemotherapy, the emotional turmoil of miscarriage, disclosing sexuality as well as dealing with illnesses such as depression and anorexia.
Since that date, I've read numerous comments on other websites and blogs that have poked fun specifically at the cards designed to support individuals with mental illness, with some of the caustic responses even coming from those who have a mental illness themselves!
Because I couldn't understand the differentiation that was being made between the cards for mental illness, in this line, and those that had just been presented on the other topics, I decided to take a short trip to my local Gold Crown store and check things out for myself. Once there, I read the cards, all of the cards, in the new line and what I discovered was that the Journeys collection has been tastefully created with attractive, sometimes even humorous(when appropriate according to the topic) facings and simple messages of caring and support. The cards intended for those with mental illness were no more or less then any of the others in overall content and style.
In my opinion, Hallmark is on the right track in creating cards for all of life's difficult issues. It doesn't make sense to me that it is deemed more appropriate to some people to send someone who has Cancer a card offering support than it is to send one to someone who has Depression or Anorexia. Of course, it is obvious that Hallmark is trying to increase their profits by writing for niche markets, after all they are a business, but in the larger picture, these cards have the potential to help people express their caring and support to their loved ones during times when they need it the most. What is funny or strange about that?
Theresa Steffens, an assistant product manager at Hallmark is reported by AP Business writer, David Twiddy, as remarking that customers have said “ I don't know what to say during a difficult time, so I don't say anything at all.” Since mental illnesses are known to be isolating, I feel that any form of communication that tells an individual that they are remembered, cared about and supported is a positive thing.
My suggestion for communicating with anyone who is going through a hard time is to think about the person you are trying to reach out to and then you will know the best way to support them, whether that means shooting off an email, stopping by their home, calling them on the phone or even sending them a Hallmark "Journeys" card stating “When the world gets heavy, remember I'm here to help carry it with you.” In this case, "caring enough to send the very best," means sending the most important thing...you.
Since that date, I've read numerous comments on other websites and blogs that have poked fun specifically at the cards designed to support individuals with mental illness, with some of the caustic responses even coming from those who have a mental illness themselves!
Because I couldn't understand the differentiation that was being made between the cards for mental illness, in this line, and those that had just been presented on the other topics, I decided to take a short trip to my local Gold Crown store and check things out for myself. Once there, I read the cards, all of the cards, in the new line and what I discovered was that the Journeys collection has been tastefully created with attractive, sometimes even humorous(when appropriate according to the topic) facings and simple messages of caring and support. The cards intended for those with mental illness were no more or less then any of the others in overall content and style.
In my opinion, Hallmark is on the right track in creating cards for all of life's difficult issues. It doesn't make sense to me that it is deemed more appropriate to some people to send someone who has Cancer a card offering support than it is to send one to someone who has Depression or Anorexia. Of course, it is obvious that Hallmark is trying to increase their profits by writing for niche markets, after all they are a business, but in the larger picture, these cards have the potential to help people express their caring and support to their loved ones during times when they need it the most. What is funny or strange about that?
Theresa Steffens, an assistant product manager at Hallmark is reported by AP Business writer, David Twiddy, as remarking that customers have said “ I don't know what to say during a difficult time, so I don't say anything at all.” Since mental illnesses are known to be isolating, I feel that any form of communication that tells an individual that they are remembered, cared about and supported is a positive thing.
My suggestion for communicating with anyone who is going through a hard time is to think about the person you are trying to reach out to and then you will know the best way to support them, whether that means shooting off an email, stopping by their home, calling them on the phone or even sending them a Hallmark "Journeys" card stating “When the world gets heavy, remember I'm here to help carry it with you.” In this case, "caring enough to send the very best," means sending the most important thing...you.
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