Blueprint for Hope
Everybody knows somebody with a mental illness, particularly depression and bipolar disorder. I don't usually jump out of my seat to attend things like meetings and stuff, but I saw this on the news yesterday morning,. Good day FoxPhilly's Dr. Mike (U of Penn) was on with Paige Hemmis from Extreme Makeover and they were going to do a talk downtown about this topic. It was near the PHL airport so if Septa schedules cooperated, I would have taken the train.
BLUEPRINT FOR HOPE
These are the notes that I took last night:
Dr. Mike says: Depression is a biochemistry nightmare. Nobody chooses to be depressed. There is a problem with the seratonin firing in the brain. Many people who are not currently being helped are not dealing with it or do not know that treatment is there. Depression is lethal because 1) possible suicide 2) there is a higher incidence of heart attack and stroke with the added stress.
You cannot separate the body from the mind. Each part must be dealt with individually. The depressed person must hit their level and say "I want to get help, what treatments are available to me?" and work with their internist to find the right levels.
When people start talking in therapy and taking medication, they start to feel better. It is a mistake to stop taking medication as you wish- this is a bad idea.
THIS IS A WAR. DAILY WAR, DAILY COGNIZANCE. It is important to stay with the program. If something doesnt work, keep trying. There are many different kinds of drugs out there with sub classes and it is a matter of finding the right one to bring about the proper chemical balance.
Why are you here today? You care about a loved one or you care about yourself. Dr. Mike says : Seize the day, live your life to the fullest.
Paige Hemmis: currently dealing with her depression, best known from Extreme Makeover.
She did not like to talk about it due to the stigma of admitting depression. She found that she was overeating and not sleeping. She felt bad about calling her friends to hang out, and often put a fake smile on her face.
The wallboard she created lets you put pictures of things that make you happy together, (photos, happy phrases, family and word) to remind her daily why she gets up everyday. It is a cute and crafty way to remind yourself of the good times. It is helpful to hear about other people who are going through the same thing and not feel "alone".
Joe Bunting: President of DBSA, Delaware County, PA
Depression and Bipolar Alliance
It is important to lean on your family for support. It is important to get the right medication. Speak up if the meds are not working! This is your life!
We understand because we have been in your shoes.
The average psychiatrist appointment is 15 minutes. In LA, it could be as little as 7 1/2 minutes. How much can anyone really get out of a meeting in 7 and a half minutes? if the Dr. Does not want to put in the time, GET A NEW DOCTOR!
People don't like taking meds and choose to stop. It is important to continue to take the medications and have them monitored by the doctor, tweaking as needed.
Ask yourself, are you 50 percent better on these meds? That's a good. If it is less than 30%, open your mouth and give more information so that the doctor can help.
What can the frustrated family walking on eggshells do?
Family therapy, support groups, take time to realize it is not about them. Chemicals make thier minds think differently. This must be addressed from the patient point of view and the family who lives with them. Sticking together as a family is critical.
To be human is to have periods of depressed times. Recognize your triggers, eat right and take care of yourself. Excercise helps bring about the endorphins naturally.
It is important to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep daily. Sleep deprivation is bad, sleep deprivation combined with apnea is worse. Oversleeping to compensate does not help either. Seek treatment for apnea, and lose weight my managing your intake, but not a diet. Enjoy fruits and vegetables.
Sources: lots of online support to help you manage your illness.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE SO THAT YOU CAN MAINTAIN IT.
BLUEPRINT FOR HOPE
These are the notes that I took last night:
Dr. Mike says: Depression is a biochemistry nightmare. Nobody chooses to be depressed. There is a problem with the seratonin firing in the brain. Many people who are not currently being helped are not dealing with it or do not know that treatment is there. Depression is lethal because 1) possible suicide 2) there is a higher incidence of heart attack and stroke with the added stress.
You cannot separate the body from the mind. Each part must be dealt with individually. The depressed person must hit their level and say "I want to get help, what treatments are available to me?" and work with their internist to find the right levels.
When people start talking in therapy and taking medication, they start to feel better. It is a mistake to stop taking medication as you wish- this is a bad idea.
THIS IS A WAR. DAILY WAR, DAILY COGNIZANCE. It is important to stay with the program. If something doesnt work, keep trying. There are many different kinds of drugs out there with sub classes and it is a matter of finding the right one to bring about the proper chemical balance.
Why are you here today? You care about a loved one or you care about yourself. Dr. Mike says : Seize the day, live your life to the fullest.
Paige Hemmis: currently dealing with her depression, best known from Extreme Makeover.
She did not like to talk about it due to the stigma of admitting depression. She found that she was overeating and not sleeping. She felt bad about calling her friends to hang out, and often put a fake smile on her face.
The wallboard she created lets you put pictures of things that make you happy together, (photos, happy phrases, family and word) to remind her daily why she gets up everyday. It is a cute and crafty way to remind yourself of the good times. It is helpful to hear about other people who are going through the same thing and not feel "alone".
Joe Bunting: President of DBSA, Delaware County, PA
Depression and Bipolar Alliance
It is important to lean on your family for support. It is important to get the right medication. Speak up if the meds are not working! This is your life!
We understand because we have been in your shoes.
The average psychiatrist appointment is 15 minutes. In LA, it could be as little as 7 1/2 minutes. How much can anyone really get out of a meeting in 7 and a half minutes? if the Dr. Does not want to put in the time, GET A NEW DOCTOR!
People don't like taking meds and choose to stop. It is important to continue to take the medications and have them monitored by the doctor, tweaking as needed.
Ask yourself, are you 50 percent better on these meds? That's a good. If it is less than 30%, open your mouth and give more information so that the doctor can help.
What can the frustrated family walking on eggshells do?
Family therapy, support groups, take time to realize it is not about them. Chemicals make thier minds think differently. This must be addressed from the patient point of view and the family who lives with them. Sticking together as a family is critical.
To be human is to have periods of depressed times. Recognize your triggers, eat right and take care of yourself. Excercise helps bring about the endorphins naturally.
It is important to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep daily. Sleep deprivation is bad, sleep deprivation combined with apnea is worse. Oversleeping to compensate does not help either. Seek treatment for apnea, and lose weight my managing your intake, but not a diet. Enjoy fruits and vegetables.
Sources: lots of online support to help you manage your illness.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE SO THAT YOU CAN MAINTAIN IT.