I always like to hear practical ways of getting the Black Dog under control but to hear that getting my hair done or sending fewer text messages, eating porridge at night and playing card games might help me sounds well odd but a good odd.
So where is this amazing insight coming from? Well from a book called Beating Stress, Anxiety and Depression: Groundbreaking Ways to Help You Feel Better by Jane A Plant and Janet Stephenson both of whom speak from personal experience.
Jane Plant is a professor of geochemistry at Imperial College London. She became interested in mental health via her work in environmental health while Janet Stephenson is herself a psychologist.
Both authors say that conventional treatments are don’t always work and should not be overly relied upon and their rather unconventional ones stand as good a chance in the battle. In fact they say all their tips are based on hard scientific evidence gathered from studies around the world.
I love the idea of this eminently simple advice and the empowerment that it is likely to give us ordinary folk…
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Black Dog Training for beginners…..
Rule number one – know what breed of Black Dog you have...
There are lots of different Black Dogs out there and knowing which one you’ve got is pretty damn important. Without that knowledge you won’t know its breed characteristics and in order to train it you are going to need every bit of background information you can lay your hands on.
Luckily it does not take long to sort out which Black Dog you have – learning about it takes a little more time. So in order to get you started here are some great web sites which can help you find out all about the different types of Black Dog that there are out there.
http://www.belljar.co.uk/home.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/depression.aspx
http://www.sane.org.uk/AboutMentalIllness/Depression
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm
http://www.depressionalliance.org/
Please note that the website www.depressionalliance.co.uk is not associated with Depression Alliance. Depression Alliance is a registered UK charity (1096741).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/depression1.shtml
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/depression.htm
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=127
http://www.channel4.com/science/microsites/S/science/body/depression.html
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/index.html
http://depression.about.com/cs/amidepressed/a/sadness.htm
http://www.overcomedepression.co.uk/
http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/depression/understandingdepression
http://www.rethink.org/
http://www.depressionuk.org/
There are lots of different Black Dogs out there and knowing which one you’ve got is pretty damn important. Without that knowledge you won’t know its breed characteristics and in order to train it you are going to need every bit of background information you can lay your hands on.
Luckily it does not take long to sort out which Black Dog you have – learning about it takes a little more time. So in order to get you started here are some great web sites which can help you find out all about the different types of Black Dog that there are out there.
http://www.belljar.co.uk/home.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/depression.aspx
http://www.sane.org.uk/AboutMentalIllness/Depression
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm
http://www.depressionalliance.org/
Please note that the website www.depressionalliance.co.uk is not associated with Depression Alliance. Depression Alliance is a registered UK charity (1096741).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/depression1.shtml
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/depression.htm
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=127
http://www.channel4.com/science/microsites/S/science/body/depression.html
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/index.html
http://depression.about.com/cs/amidepressed/a/sadness.htm
http://www.overcomedepression.co.uk/
http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/depression/understandingdepression
http://www.rethink.org/
http://www.depressionuk.org/
Monday, 18 August 2008
Trescothick is my hero!
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/trescothick-how-the-beasts-of-depression-ruined-test-career-900649.html
There are medals for immeasurable bravery and those who receive them are heroes.
But their bravery is usually of a very physical nature and we expect it to be every bit as dramatic as one might see in a Hollywood Blockbuster.
Standing up and saying: “I have depression” or “I am living with depression” doesn’t quite have the same ring about it does it?
But to do something when you know you may be vilified, knowing that many people will think of you in a different and not always positive light, knowing that it could easily harm one's career or public standing but still do it anyway - that takes guts.
For the more people that stand up and say they are ready to be counted the more acceptable it will become. If a famous person has had depression and then got on with their lives and says so openly it gives permission for others in more ordinary spheres to do so as well - even if their nearest and dearest are not as supportive as they might be.
So thank you Mr Trescothick you are a true hero in all senses of the word.
My name is Liza Helps – I live with depression.
There are medals for immeasurable bravery and those who receive them are heroes.
But their bravery is usually of a very physical nature and we expect it to be every bit as dramatic as one might see in a Hollywood Blockbuster.
Standing up and saying: “I have depression” or “I am living with depression” doesn’t quite have the same ring about it does it?
But to do something when you know you may be vilified, knowing that many people will think of you in a different and not always positive light, knowing that it could easily harm one's career or public standing but still do it anyway - that takes guts.
For the more people that stand up and say they are ready to be counted the more acceptable it will become. If a famous person has had depression and then got on with their lives and says so openly it gives permission for others in more ordinary spheres to do so as well - even if their nearest and dearest are not as supportive as they might be.
So thank you Mr Trescothick you are a true hero in all senses of the word.
My name is Liza Helps – I live with depression.
Friday, 15 August 2008
Dr De Graft Hayford Topp Yankah
I hate hearing of people who commit suicide - I suspect many of us do.
From an early age we learn this is the last taboo in fact there was a time when suicides were not permitted to be buried in hallowed ground instead they would be buried at cross roads in unmarked graves.
In many cultures suicide brings shame not just on the individual but also their family the great weight of societal disapproval brought to bear in an effort to prevent the mere mention of this final act of desperation.
Today I came across one of the most amazing tributes to an eminent Doctor following his suicide a few weeks ago.
It does not blame, it does not shame, it seeks to understand…
Dr De Graft Hayford Topp Yankah seems to have been beloved of his country, in all the accounts I read both in Ghana and in the US he seems to have been a dedicated man, a highly respected man and a good doctor with many years experience.
Tribute to “Diggs” De Graft Hayford Topp Yankah MB ChB FRCS FACS 1953 – 2008
It seems to most, so difficult to understand that you took your own life. On the surface, it will be said that you chose suicide. We who try our best to heal the mind know that suicide chose you. We have not as a people found it easy to deal with death, particularly when it occurs in the prime of life. At 55, you were already an accomplished well trained urological surgeon having served in Ghana, the UK, Germany and USA.
We will never know for sure the depths of despair and torment to which you succumbed before your departure from this life. Those of us who were privileged to know you over the years can only surmise that your passing should signal to our society that ailments of the mind can afflict anyone, irrespective of their station in life or their accomplishments.
We accept that a “broken” pancreas results in Diabetes Mellitus, a “broken” cardiovascular system can result in a heart attack or a stroke as the result of hypertension. We are yet to appreciate fully that a “broken” brain can cause great disturbances in how we think, feel and act. A “broken” brain can result in chemical imbalances which result in unsolicited deep sadness, hopelessness and melancholia so deep that death itself promises the only relief. As physicians we know that one of the earliest medical conditions described by Hippocrates, the father of modern tradition of medicine was Melancholia, which he attributed to imbalances in body “humors”. We now recognize this as Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder, which if untreated can result in suicide. This is just as untreated hypertension can cause death by stroke or a heart attack.
It is my wish that your passing not be reduced to trite and ignorant headlines which refer to you as the “suicide doctor” and the like. You have offered our society an opportunity through the sacrifice of your life, for an understanding of the “broken brain”. Major Mental illnesses are real and often result from biochemical changes in the brain beyond an individual's control. Your death and the resulting loss to your family, the medical community and the nation should cause us to begin to appreciate the burden of mental illnesses to those who suffer from them. The good news is that many major mental illnesses, including major depression can be treated if recognized early. The bad news is that many who suffer are reluctant to seek treatment or to admit their symptoms because of the fear of being stigmatized. Paa Kobina, the supreme sacrifice of your life can only serve to educate our society about how the brain can be broken as a result of the interaction of genetic, physiological, biochemical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual vulnerabilities.
We of the University of Ghana Medical School [UGMS] class of 1978, can only remember you as the life and soul of the party, an intellectual force, an extremely hardworking, committed and compassionate physician and above all, a generous friend. You have saved many lives and brought comfort to the families of your patients the world over.
Diggs we bid you a sad, fond and fraternal farewell. May Nananom welcome you to the sound of the horn section of “Iron, Zion, Lion” with their understanding of the burdens you shouldered during your life on this earth. We all remember you as you were; a generous and ethical man, a meticulous surgeon a compassionate physician and above all a man committed to his family and friends. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Paa Kobina Damirifa Due, Damirifa Due, Due, Due Due!
“The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind.” – “One Love”.
Prof. Thaddeus P. Manus Ulzen MBOn behalf of UGMS class of 1978.
From an early age we learn this is the last taboo in fact there was a time when suicides were not permitted to be buried in hallowed ground instead they would be buried at cross roads in unmarked graves.
In many cultures suicide brings shame not just on the individual but also their family the great weight of societal disapproval brought to bear in an effort to prevent the mere mention of this final act of desperation.
Today I came across one of the most amazing tributes to an eminent Doctor following his suicide a few weeks ago.
It does not blame, it does not shame, it seeks to understand…
Dr De Graft Hayford Topp Yankah seems to have been beloved of his country, in all the accounts I read both in Ghana and in the US he seems to have been a dedicated man, a highly respected man and a good doctor with many years experience.
Tribute to “Diggs” De Graft Hayford Topp Yankah MB ChB FRCS FACS 1953 – 2008
It seems to most, so difficult to understand that you took your own life. On the surface, it will be said that you chose suicide. We who try our best to heal the mind know that suicide chose you. We have not as a people found it easy to deal with death, particularly when it occurs in the prime of life. At 55, you were already an accomplished well trained urological surgeon having served in Ghana, the UK, Germany and USA.
We will never know for sure the depths of despair and torment to which you succumbed before your departure from this life. Those of us who were privileged to know you over the years can only surmise that your passing should signal to our society that ailments of the mind can afflict anyone, irrespective of their station in life or their accomplishments.
We accept that a “broken” pancreas results in Diabetes Mellitus, a “broken” cardiovascular system can result in a heart attack or a stroke as the result of hypertension. We are yet to appreciate fully that a “broken” brain can cause great disturbances in how we think, feel and act. A “broken” brain can result in chemical imbalances which result in unsolicited deep sadness, hopelessness and melancholia so deep that death itself promises the only relief. As physicians we know that one of the earliest medical conditions described by Hippocrates, the father of modern tradition of medicine was Melancholia, which he attributed to imbalances in body “humors”. We now recognize this as Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder, which if untreated can result in suicide. This is just as untreated hypertension can cause death by stroke or a heart attack.
It is my wish that your passing not be reduced to trite and ignorant headlines which refer to you as the “suicide doctor” and the like. You have offered our society an opportunity through the sacrifice of your life, for an understanding of the “broken brain”. Major Mental illnesses are real and often result from biochemical changes in the brain beyond an individual's control. Your death and the resulting loss to your family, the medical community and the nation should cause us to begin to appreciate the burden of mental illnesses to those who suffer from them. The good news is that many major mental illnesses, including major depression can be treated if recognized early. The bad news is that many who suffer are reluctant to seek treatment or to admit their symptoms because of the fear of being stigmatized. Paa Kobina, the supreme sacrifice of your life can only serve to educate our society about how the brain can be broken as a result of the interaction of genetic, physiological, biochemical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual vulnerabilities.
We of the University of Ghana Medical School [UGMS] class of 1978, can only remember you as the life and soul of the party, an intellectual force, an extremely hardworking, committed and compassionate physician and above all, a generous friend. You have saved many lives and brought comfort to the families of your patients the world over.
Diggs we bid you a sad, fond and fraternal farewell. May Nananom welcome you to the sound of the horn section of “Iron, Zion, Lion” with their understanding of the burdens you shouldered during your life on this earth. We all remember you as you were; a generous and ethical man, a meticulous surgeon a compassionate physician and above all a man committed to his family and friends. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Paa Kobina Damirifa Due, Damirifa Due, Due, Due Due!
“The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind.” – “One Love”.
Prof. Thaddeus P. Manus Ulzen MBOn behalf of UGMS class of 1978.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Down but not Out Campaign
It's not often you can do something positive to help on a national scale...but have a look at the story below then drop in on charity Age Concern's web site and see how you can help - you don't have to be a pensioner either...
A mental health pandemic and an inadequate Government response mean that over 3.5 million older people who experience mental health problems do not have satisfactory services and support, according to the final report from the UK Inquiry into Mental Health and Well-Being in Later Life – a major four year independent inquiry supported by charity Age Concern.
Researchers have found that attitudes held by many people, including GPs, and ageist rules in the NHS mean that an astounding eight out of ten older people with clinical depression don’t get any treatment.
Most mental health services for depression exclude people aged 65 and older, despite the risk of depression increasing with age in later life.
The Inquiry report reveals that mental health problems affect many more people in later life than previously believed – and that the nature of the problems is wider than often recognised. It reveals that up to 2.6 million older people – 1 in 4 people over 65 and 2 in 5 people over 85 – are suffering depression or serious symptoms of depression and one in five people over 80 suffer dementia. It also highlights that older people with mental health services are often ignored and receive little support services, and there exists a poor level of services for people growing older with longstanding mental health problems such as schizophrenia.
Women over 75 are more likely to take their own lives compared to any other age groups, and men over 75 have the second highest suicide rates of all men in the UK.
Dr June Crown, Chairman of the Inquiry, said: "Mental health problems in later life are not an inevitable part of ageing. They are often preventable and treatable, and action to improve the lives of older people who experience mental health difficulties is long overdue. Current services for older people with mental health problems are inadequate in range, in quantity and in quality."
The Inquiry found that with the rising numbers of older people, the situation is set to deteriorate. Without a major change in policy and practice, there will be 3.5 million older people with symptoms of depression and nearly 1 million with dementia by 2021, and 5 million with depression and 1.7 million with dementia by 2051 – around twice the current numbers.
Two-thirds of older people with depression never even discuss it with their GPs, and of the third that do discuss it, only half are diagnosed and treated. This means of those with depression only 15 per cent or one in seven are diagnosed and receiving any kind of treatment. Even when they are diagnosed, older people are less likely to be offered treatment and the Inquiry has heard of GPs who have called depression a symptom of growing older.
The Inquiry makes 35 recommendations for ways to improve mental health services for older people. It calls for action to: eliminate age discrimination in mental health; challenge stigma, ageism and defeatism; work on preventing problems; support older people and their carers to help themselves and each other; and improve housing, health and social care services. The government must also provide leadership and overturn years of under-funding in older people’s mental health.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “Negative attitudes about mental health problems make it very difficult for older people to talk about their feelings or to ask for help. It is scandalous that hundreds of thousands of older people may be denied treatment because depression is wrongly seen as a natural part of getting older.
“The Government and the NHS need to take action to stamp out ageist attitudes and practice, once and for all. The neglect of older people’s mental health ruins lives and must no longer be ignored.”
Awareness of depression is low among older people themselves and their relatives and is worse in some communities because of negative cultural perceptions of mental health problems. Beliefs about the origin of the illness and the high value placed on family reputation results in many black and minority ethnic (BME) elders, and their families, keeping the depression a secret.
Age Concern is calling for older people who have depression to support its campaign by visiting www.ageconcern.org.uk/downbutnotout to share their real life stories.
We can also support the "Down but not out"campaign by visiting the website
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/depressioncampaign.asp
A mental health pandemic and an inadequate Government response mean that over 3.5 million older people who experience mental health problems do not have satisfactory services and support, according to the final report from the UK Inquiry into Mental Health and Well-Being in Later Life – a major four year independent inquiry supported by charity Age Concern.
Researchers have found that attitudes held by many people, including GPs, and ageist rules in the NHS mean that an astounding eight out of ten older people with clinical depression don’t get any treatment.
Most mental health services for depression exclude people aged 65 and older, despite the risk of depression increasing with age in later life.
The Inquiry report reveals that mental health problems affect many more people in later life than previously believed – and that the nature of the problems is wider than often recognised. It reveals that up to 2.6 million older people – 1 in 4 people over 65 and 2 in 5 people over 85 – are suffering depression or serious symptoms of depression and one in five people over 80 suffer dementia. It also highlights that older people with mental health services are often ignored and receive little support services, and there exists a poor level of services for people growing older with longstanding mental health problems such as schizophrenia.
Women over 75 are more likely to take their own lives compared to any other age groups, and men over 75 have the second highest suicide rates of all men in the UK.
Dr June Crown, Chairman of the Inquiry, said: "Mental health problems in later life are not an inevitable part of ageing. They are often preventable and treatable, and action to improve the lives of older people who experience mental health difficulties is long overdue. Current services for older people with mental health problems are inadequate in range, in quantity and in quality."
The Inquiry found that with the rising numbers of older people, the situation is set to deteriorate. Without a major change in policy and practice, there will be 3.5 million older people with symptoms of depression and nearly 1 million with dementia by 2021, and 5 million with depression and 1.7 million with dementia by 2051 – around twice the current numbers.
Two-thirds of older people with depression never even discuss it with their GPs, and of the third that do discuss it, only half are diagnosed and treated. This means of those with depression only 15 per cent or one in seven are diagnosed and receiving any kind of treatment. Even when they are diagnosed, older people are less likely to be offered treatment and the Inquiry has heard of GPs who have called depression a symptom of growing older.
The Inquiry makes 35 recommendations for ways to improve mental health services for older people. It calls for action to: eliminate age discrimination in mental health; challenge stigma, ageism and defeatism; work on preventing problems; support older people and their carers to help themselves and each other; and improve housing, health and social care services. The government must also provide leadership and overturn years of under-funding in older people’s mental health.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “Negative attitudes about mental health problems make it very difficult for older people to talk about their feelings or to ask for help. It is scandalous that hundreds of thousands of older people may be denied treatment because depression is wrongly seen as a natural part of getting older.
“The Government and the NHS need to take action to stamp out ageist attitudes and practice, once and for all. The neglect of older people’s mental health ruins lives and must no longer be ignored.”
Awareness of depression is low among older people themselves and their relatives and is worse in some communities because of negative cultural perceptions of mental health problems. Beliefs about the origin of the illness and the high value placed on family reputation results in many black and minority ethnic (BME) elders, and their families, keeping the depression a secret.
Age Concern is calling for older people who have depression to support its campaign by visiting www.ageconcern.org.uk/downbutnotout to share their real life stories.
We can also support the "Down but not out"campaign by visiting the website
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/depressioncampaign.asp
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
The First Post
Inspiration comes in many forms and the inspiration for this is probably stranger and more uncomfortable than most: it is the reported suicide of a young woman in Surrey.
There was nothing I could do about it to prevent it from happening as I do not know her nor do I live anywhere near her but I believe there is something I can do now.
Depression can affect anyone at any time and it is that fact that I wish to promote via this blog.
Having lived with depression for many years I know how lonely it can be; how isolated one can feel even surrounded by friends and family. Perhaps if the girl had known that depression is as common as it is, perhaps if she'd known more about it and felt she could speak openly to others then perhaps she'd still be around today.
I have depression I live with it - no I do more than that, I have a life despite having depression - I'm not saying it's easy and I am not saying I always believe the previous statements either.
What I will do here is discuss the latest research, provide links to sites and blogs of note that I think promote the best information on depression in all its forms.
I hope to also consider media portrayal of depression - those that are considered and well informed and those that are frankly not. The media plays an important part in the moulding of public opinion it can move mountains - so if depression is portrayed in the right light here it could quite literally save lives.
There was nothing I could do about it to prevent it from happening as I do not know her nor do I live anywhere near her but I believe there is something I can do now.
Depression can affect anyone at any time and it is that fact that I wish to promote via this blog.
Having lived with depression for many years I know how lonely it can be; how isolated one can feel even surrounded by friends and family. Perhaps if the girl had known that depression is as common as it is, perhaps if she'd known more about it and felt she could speak openly to others then perhaps she'd still be around today.
I have depression I live with it - no I do more than that, I have a life despite having depression - I'm not saying it's easy and I am not saying I always believe the previous statements either.
What I will do here is discuss the latest research, provide links to sites and blogs of note that I think promote the best information on depression in all its forms.
I hope to also consider media portrayal of depression - those that are considered and well informed and those that are frankly not. The media plays an important part in the moulding of public opinion it can move mountains - so if depression is portrayed in the right light here it could quite literally save lives.
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