Refocus

Mental Health News and Views 

Issue 2 — September 2009
Changing Of the Seasons

There is something special about autumn. I have always loved this season, even though it was in the fall when my first symptoms of what was to later be diagnosed as bipolar disorder first appeared. Everything changes in autumn...leaves turn various shades of brilliance, there is a chill in the air that sends the message that summer is behind us and, as the leaves continue downward, what had been lush and green slowly fades away.

That's what happened to my happiness long ago. It slowly faded away until there was only emptiness and doom. The winter season was a very long one that year, so long ago in 1976, but it wasn't until nearly two years later that it occurred to me one afternoon that I was mentally ill.

Taking Your Suggestions To Heart

I appreciate all the feedback that I have received on Issue 1 of Refocus: Mental Health News and Views. In addition to the many positive comments, there were suggestions as well. One reader suggested that in addition to the myths and facts, it would be helpful to include useful suggestions. I completely agree. Should have thought of it myself, but this is why one needs to solicit feedback. Thanks, Ken.

The Onset Of Mental Illness

The appearance of mental differs for each of us. Where is that fine line that lets us know that we are moving from emotionally healthy to mentally ill? For some, the arrival is sudden; for others this may not be true.

In my case, the appearance was a slow process, and it wasn't until nearly two years after I experienced the first symptoms that it occurred to me one afternoon that I was mentally ill. The irony is that although I had always said I wouldn't hesitate should I ever need psychiatric care, I failed to recognize what was so apparent.

"I am mentally ill!" I remember thinking. That incredulous realization just popped into my head and I knew that I was too sick to help myself. I knew that I needed professional help, so I went to the phone and made an appointment with our family doctor for the following day.

I was pretty much nonfunctioning...sitting, starring and thinking of nothing for long periods of time. "Yet", I wondered, "why didn't I recognize these signs?" Then the answer came to me that my perception of mental illness was quite skewed. And this leads me to yet another mental illness myth.

Myth ~ I believed that it would be quite evident if a person were mentally ill. He or she would be out of control, not talking sense and not able to function at all. After all, decades ago those who were mentally ill were said to have had a "nervous breakdown" which, to me, meant that such people would be ranting, hitting their head against a wall or rocking back and forth. I wasn't any of those things; therefore, it never occurred to me that I was mentally ill until the day of realization.

Fact ~ Many who endure mental disorders walk unnoticed among the rest of us, even when symptoms are present. They can function, go to work and do well unless their depression becomes too severe. (I know I used this example in Issue 1 but, because I hadn't offered a suggestion, I'm using it again.)

Suggestion ~ Be careful how you assess situations. Those who seem happy may not be. Conversely, people who are down may be frustrated or disappointed about something but not be depressed. There are always those that seem to "have it all together", handle every situation well and seem to want little from others. But...we all need companionship, compliments and friendly pats on the back; it's important that we give them and to remember that those who seem not to need our attention may be the ones who need it the most.

Myth~ People who live successful lives, who have wonderful marriages and/or children they love, would never commit suicide because they would realize the devastation it would cause.

Fact ~ All of the wonderful people in our lives, and the successes we enjoy during times we are well are irrelevant when we are not. All of it means nothing because we have gone past the point where we can love, laugh and enjoy. We are numb. Our thinking is awry. We are no longer rational, and we search for justification. I convinced myself that my family would be better off without me because of the burden that I had become. Once I recovered, I knew that my reality at that time was nothing at all like the reality when I am well. i.e. the reality that healthy people experience. . It all seemed absurd each time I would recover, but it was very real to me the many times I am in the midst of severe depression.

Suggestion ~

Don't assume that how things appear is an accurate assessment of a situation. It may not be. Regardless of lives' riches that loved ones, friends and colleagues may have, they are never immune from suicide. I used to think they were because I believed the myth. After all, it makes sense; but that was long before I became mentally ill and discovered otherwise.

Research Studies Of Interest

§      If some of you found yourselves feeling depressed despite the sunny days of summer, perhaps you are one of the 1% of Americans who are victims of what is known as The Summer Bummers. (Source: ABC report by Dan Childs of ABC Medical Unit, July 22, 2009). First studied in 1991 at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Thomas Wehr concluded that in addition to SAD, commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder that is experienced each winter by ten million Americans, there is a related disorder that certain individuals experience only during the summer. While SAD sufferers often find they eat and sleep much more, Summer Bummer sufferers typically experience decreased appetite and insomnia.

Certainly, Summer Bummers are a rare form of depression, but as temperatures rise, moods bottom out and those who endure the disorder are stressful, anxious and uncomfortable. One gentleman finds himself in a summer funk from May to September or October every year since 2001. Relief can sometimes be realized by going to cooler climates or by taking Melatonin.

§       Is there a correlation between the decrease of prescription drug use and the economic downfall? The September 10, 2009 issue of USA Today released the results of a survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau in which it was found that prescription drug use has decreased in adults between ages 50-59. At the same time, it is those adults in the age group of 45-54 who saw their incomes drop two levels. Is there a correlation? Perhaps. What is apparent is that those who stop buying medication yet still experience symptoms of depression will need to look elsewhere for relief. It could be in cases such as these that cognitive therapy; exercise and other means of stress release would diminish symptoms.

Statistics Worth Consideration

Recent statistics released by the American Association of Suicidology are below.

§         An average of 91.2 individuals or 1 every 15.8 minutes die by suicide each day

§         Suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death nationwide with a rate of 11 per 100,000

§         Males complete suicide at a rate if 4 x that of females

§         However, females attempt suicide 3 x more than males

§         The risk of suicide increases in depressed and alcoholic individuals

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Questions will be researched and answered in the next issue. Please send them to ann.OutOfFocusAgain@comcast.net

Question For October ~ we welcome your answers to the following question:

Have you ever interacted with someone who was suicidal? What did you do/what do you think you might have done?

Until next month.

In good health,

Ann

Out Of Focus...Again

OutOfFocusAgain.com

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