Mental health a concern in drought

By PHILIP LY

• 
  
  The workers from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) spoke to communities in Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke about the services available to them.

MENTAL health workers have visited three drought-stricken towns in the Orana region to help farmers and families deal with depression and anxiety.

The workers from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) spoke to communities in Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke about the services available to them.

The visits were made at the request of the state minister for mental health and western NSW, Kevin Humphries.

RAMHP co-ordinator Jenn Caine said community members were often unaware of the services available to assist people experiencing mental health problems because of stress.

She said information was key to ensure rural communities knew what services were available and how they could access them.

"There are simple ways to stay mentally healthy but this can easily be overlooked when experiencing ongoing stress and isolation when being so busy working on the farm," Ms Caine said.

beyondblue Chief Executive Officer Kate Carnell said depression and anxiety levels in cities and rural areas were similar but became problematic in droughts.

She said one in three Australians would experience depression or anxiety at some point in their lives but when people were subjected to prolonged and elevated stress levels, the statistics worsened.

"The increased level of stress does lift the levels of depression and anxiety and unfortunately services may not be accessible in those [drought] areas," Ms Carnell said.

"These are clinical conditions just like a medical condition... the earlier you get help, the quicker you'll recover," she said.

She said suicide rates were an issue where there was a disparity between cities and rural areas.

"Suicide is higher in rural and regional areas than in the cities due to a range of reasons, one of them being the limited access to services," Ms Carnell said.

Ms Caine said the RAMHP aimed to provide information about what help was available to overcome depression or anxiety.

"Distance can easily be eliminated as an obstacle but it's the awareness that is potentially the problem," she said.

Mr Humphries said there was no question that the pressures some people faced during times of adversity, such as a drought, could an have an impact on their lives.

"That's why I have asked the RAMHP to send additional staff out to some of the most drought-affected areas to provide additional support to communities like what help is available and what they do to access it if needed," Mr Humphries said.

RAMHP is a key initiative of the University of Newcastle's Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health.

Source: http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/2102378/mental-health-a-concern-in-drought/?cs=12

Need Office Naptime?

For decades, American business culture has operated on the idea the sleep is for the lazy or weak and workers both at the top and bottom of the ladder have worn exhaustion like badges of honor. However, growing awareness of the importance of rest may be turning the tides as researchers highlight how sleep deprivation can affect worker productivity.
The latest article from blog Sleep Junkie, titled “Connections Between Sleep & Work Performance”, examines recent research on the subject and looks at potential ways to combat performance-reducing fatigue including napping and healthy rest habits.
One of the studies highlighted in the article comes from researchers in the Netherlands, who sought connections between depression and anxiety, sleep, and work performance in their 2013 survey of data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Key findings include that people with anxiety or depressive disorders were considerably more likely to have impaired performance and miss work when they slept under 6 hours, and that insomnia also increased chances of performance impairment.
Other supporting research includes a 2012 study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital that demonstrated increasingly reduced work productivity over a period of one month amongst participants that were limited to less than six hours of sleep. Major historical accidents attributed to a lack of rest, drowsy driving dangers, and a detailed article from the Harvard Business Review are also covered.
Sleep Junkie explains that, although rest gets a bad rap in business, the effects of sleep deprivation can range from reduced productivity to major liabilities, which the Better Sleep Council estimates costs businesses $150 billion per year. As companies become savvy to the issues, many have worked to create more rest-friendly environments. The article lists several companies that offer nap pods or relaxation rooms where employees can rest, including tech giants like Google and Zappos, major news outlets like Huffington Post and New York Times, mattress company Amerisleep, and even ice cream connoisseur Ben and Jerry’s.
The article goes on to explain why companies should consider allowing naps, with several supporting statistics showing improved alertness and performance as well as other benefits. For those who cannot enjoy a midday snooze, Sleep Junkie concludes the article with an overview of healthy sleep hygiene practices to help readers mentally prepare for rest and enjoy sleep better through the night. Readers can also find several other articles on subjects of rest and mattress selection on the website.
SleepJunkie.org is a blog dedicated to all things sleep, from mattresses, bedding, to research and more. With a focus on making mattress research easier, the website offers independent assessments and reviews of the latest brands and technologies. Readers also enjoy timely updates on mattress-related news and expert help in selecting the best mattress to fit their needs and lifestyle.
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/connections-between-sleep/and-work-performance/prweb11596842.htm

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1750431#ixzz2uH43mLMf

Fed up with crippling anxiety

Three weeks ago I stood up in a church hall in front of 15 strangers, slipped my white, fluffy dressing gown off my shoulders and then sat down again, completely naked — not a stitch on.
Trying to focus on a spot on the floor in front of me, rather than the sea of expectant faces, all I could think was: ‘What the hell am I doing? How could I have forgotten to shave my armpits? Why am I not at home, getting ready to watch Sherlock, like a normal person?’
Stripping off for a life-drawing class is far from the only out-of-character thing I did last month. From performing stand-up comedy in front of a packed pub to chatting up strangers on the Underground and jumping out of a plane at 13,000 ft, life has certainly become very strange of late.
On the first day of 2014 I started a crazy year-long mission: to follow the rules of a different self-help book each month to the letter — no matter how ridiculous, embarrassing or cringe-making it is.

 

Lust for life: Marianne Power

I’ve always been a sucker for self-help books. If it promises to change my life in my lunch-hour, rid me of my ‘negative patterns’ and has a seal of approval from Oprah — the Queen of self-improvement — I’ll buy it.
And I’m not the only one.
Until fairly recently, we Brits were not into self-help. That was something for navel- gazing Americans — people happy to talk about ‘feelings’ and their childhoods — but things have changed.
Recent figures showed that while British book sales have dropped by 1 per cent overall since the recession began, sales of self-help books have increased by 25 per cent in the same time.
Indeed, it’s estimated that telling Brits how to be thinner, happier and more confident has earned self-help publishers  £60 million in the past five years. 
Yet many experts argue that the very fact there are so many self-help books on the shelves is proof they don’t work. After all, if one book really could unlock the secret to happiness and success, why on earth would we ever need to buy another?

 

I am a case in point. Despite having read these books for more than a decade, at the age of 36 I am broke, single and chronically anxious. I’m useless with men and useless with money. I don’t own a house and don’t have a pension.
In fact, I’ve just moved back in with my dad while I have a rethink of where my life is going.
It’s not that I’m desperately unhappy. I have work as a writer that I enjoy, friends I love and a family who are always there for me.
But, like many people, I know that I don’t live life to half of its potential. I spend a good portion of it worrying, analysing and berating myself. I am my own worst enemy.
Yet, despite all evidence to the contrary, I still believe that there is wisdom between these rainbow-coloured book covers. I think the reason they haven’t worked is because, like most people, I just read them, nod in agreement and then carry on as usual. I don’t actually follow any of the advice.
So, this year, I have decided to put self-help to the test. I am going to find out what happens if you actually do exactly what the gurus say.

Feeling sky-high: 'My first words when I got back on ground were: 'I'm never doing that again.' I realised my fear of heights does not hold me back in life - it's a healthy feeling that helps keep me safe, and not so pronounced that it stops me going down escalators'

If they tell me to practise radical honesty, then fine, I’ll tell my friend she’s fat.
Or if I have to write wish lists to the universe as it says in The Secret, then I’ll write a shopping list that would put Imelda Marcos to shame.
I began January with Feel The Fear And Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers — a self-help classic that’s sold 15 million copies since it was published 25 years ago.
It was also the first self-help book I ever read. A friend gave it to me when I was 24 and in a PR job I
hated, and from the first page I was hooked. Susan Jeffers’s basic premise is that if we sit around waiting for the day we feel brave enough, clever enough or pretty enough to do the things we want to do, we’ll never do anything.
The secret of successful people is not that they are any less scared by things, she says, but that they (you’ve guessed it) feel the fear and do it anyway.
In fact, according to Jeffers, we should aim to be scared every day because that’s a sign we’re pushing ourselves and moving forward. And soon the things that once scared us become second nature.

My life's been spent in a worried rut - but now I feel so alive
MARIANNE POWER
 

The book had such an effect on the 24-year-old me that I quit the job I hated a month after reading it. I had no idea what I was doing, but soon heard that a friend of a friend was working at a newspaper and I volunteered to be office tea-maker. That was the start of my journalism career; the risk paid off.
Since then I’ve been good at taking bold risks, be it leaving jobs or moving countries. But I’m still crippled by more vague fears: fear of failure, fear of looking stupid, fear of not being good enough.
I’m scared of stupid things such as parallel parking, telling people what I really think and smiling at men.
Beneath these seemingly little things, I think, lies a huge fear of rejection. My big, reckless decisions were such a gamble that I knew it wouldn’t be a personal reflection on me if they didn’t work out. 
But if I smile at someone and he doesn’t smile back? That hurts at the deepest level of who I am. I find being vulnerable in front of another person the scariest thing of all.
So at the beginning of January, I created a list of all the things that scared me, published them on a blog so that my friends would read them and hold me to account, and promised to tackle one a day.
And boy have I done it. In fact, I have faced more fears in the past anxious few weeks than I have in all my 36 years put together.
I began with driving on the motorway: something many people do every day, but I haven’t done in six years; certain I’m just one dodgy lane change away from death.
But unless I want to spend my life on the bus, it’s a fear I need to get over. So, instead of taking three trains to visit a friend just outside London, I drove there via two motorways. I may not have gone above 60mph or left the slow lane, but I got there and back in one piece. Facing this fear felt significant, as if I was taking control of my life.

 

Growing braver: After admitting to being scared of 'stupid things such as parallel parking, telling people what I really think and smiling at men', Marianne now feels like she has helped control her fear

I soon became bolder: chatting up a man on the Tube. Given I can’t even smile at anyone I fancy, let alone talk to them, it’s no wonder I’m single.
I imagine all the reasons they would not be interested in me: too fat, too ginger, too badly dressed (all the things I was as a teen and how I still see myself inside, even when someone pays me a compliment). I don’t need men to reject me because I’m doing it for them, in my head, all the time.
It took me half an hour of travelling before I picked up the courage to comment to the handsome man in a suit standing next to me how crammed the carriage was. His reply was non-committal, but I wasn’t dissuaded.
‘Where do you live?’ I asked, as the Tube became oddly silent and a couple of people looked up from their phones. One man sitting near us even smirked.
Handsome Man looked alarmed. ‘Er, Streatham,’ he said. ‘Is it nice?’ I continued. I could see he was torn between not wanting to be rude, but worrying he had a nutter on his hands. ‘Yes, we like it very much,’ he said.
Message received loud and clear. He had a girlfriend. But I still felt strangely chuffed with myself.

According to Susan Jeffers, every fear we face leaves us feeling stronger, even if it doesn’t yield the result we wanted. Buoyed, I went bigger, tackling two fears that make up most people’s nightmares: public speaking and stripping off in front of total strangers.
Strangely enough, though a recent survey revealed people are more scared of public speaking than they are of dying, my seven-minute speech about this challenge in front of the Camberley Speakers was weirdly enjoyable.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first self-help book, Self-Help: With Illustrations Of Character And Conduct, came out in 1859

Like most women, the very thought of showing my cellulite to a room full of strangers — especially men — made my tummy turn. I told myself it was a life-drawing class, not a beauty contest, but by the end I felt strangely underwhelmed, rather than empowered.
Perhaps because this challenge had nothing to do with who I am; I was just a piece of artistic meat.
For other women it may be different. My  co-model on the night, a larger lady, told me she started life modelling as a way of helping her get through depression, saying  it has helped her learn to love her body.

Our fears are as unique as we are, but psychologists say they all boil down to two sources. The first, fear for our physical safety — so people are scared of snakes, dentists and heights because they could hurt (maybe even kill) us.
The second, fear of social isolation, which makes so many of us scared of looking stupid or disliked.
After all, if you were ostracised from your community in centuries gone by, your chances of making it on your own would be small.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve realised that facing physical fears doesn’t make much difference to how I feel about myself. Take the day when I did a  skydive. Throwing yourself towards the earth from 13,000ft in the sky is not a natural thing to do.
The coldness of the air (it was minus 15 without the wind-chill factor) combined with ferocious wind was one of the biggest shocks of my life.
My first words when I got back on ground were: ‘I’m never doing that again.’ I realised my fear of heights does not hold me back in life — it’s a healthy feeling that helps keep me safe, and not so pronounced that it stops me going down escalators.
Stand-up comedy, however, was different. That one act tapped into all my deepest fears at once — fears of failing, being rejected, looking stupid.

 

Taking control: At the beginning of January, Marianne created a list of all the things that scared her, published them on a blog so that her friends would read them and hold her to account, and promised to tackle one a day.

All of these fears stop me putting myself out there — and when I got through my joke-telling routine, on a high, to the sound of laughter and applause, I realised they also mean I’ve been missing out on some of the best moments life has to offer.
When I got a taxi home, the driver was so impressed with my guts that he wouldn’t take any money from me. That night I went to bed with a grin on my face and woke up the next morning feeling that something had shifted within me. I have never been prouder of myself, and that has stayed with me. I feel quietly invincible.
So, has this book changed me for good? Most of my life is spent in a worried rut, but last month I felt alive. Every day felt like a day when something could and would happen.
It was exhausting but exciting. I feel strong, braver, bolder. I realise that almost all of the fears that rule my day-to-day life are psychological ones, and that it’s facing those that has made a real difference to my confidence.

Jeffers says that under-pinning all our fears is the biggest fear of all: that we won’t be able to cope if things go wrong. Her answer to that? ‘You’ll handle it.’ And it’s true — I did.
In fact, the biggest lesson I learned in January was that my fear of getting rejected or looking stupid feels far worse than the reality does. I now find myself doing little things, like smiling at men in Tesco or parallel parking, without worrying about the outcome half as much.
Now I’m tackling another fear — my bank account — with the help of a book called Money: A Love Story, by Kate Northrup, who claims she clawed her way out of debt by changing her attitude towards money and herself.
I’m hoping it will put me in control of my finances for the first time, and make me the kind of person who can open a credit card statement without feeling sick.
So, where would I like to be at the end of the year? Well, I’d love to be in the black and saving money, working towards buying my first home of my own.
I’d love my career to go up a notch and to approach life with a ‘Sure, why not’ attitude instead of ‘I can’t, I’d probably mess it up’.
I’d also love to meet a man with whom I could build a future. A man who is clever, kind and funny; and doesn’t mind the fact I’m obsessed with self-help. Let’s see what happens . . .
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2560913/Fed-crippling-anxiety-MARIANNE-POWER-tried-remarkable-experiment-How-stop-life-ruled-FEAR-just-month.html

Giving up smoking boosts mental health

SMOKERS who believe their habit relieves stress and depression are mistaken, according to new research.

Experts found that quitting smoking can be just as effective in tackling depression and anxiety as taking antidepressants.
Researchers from three universities in the UK analysed 26 studies for their study.
They found quitters experienced a significant drop in anxiety, depression and stress.
The effect was the same among the general population of smokers as those with a diagnosed mental health problem.
Writing in the British Medical Journal, they said: "Smoking cessation is associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke."
The researchers said healthcare professionals who have been reluctant to offer stop-smoking advice to people with mental health disorders, for fear of quitting making them worse, should be encouraged by the findings.
Source: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/giving-up-smoking-boosts-mental-health-30011758.html

Teen Depression: A Guide for Teenagers

Learn Tips and Tools for Helping Yourself or a Friend

The teenage years can be tough, and it’s perfectly normal to feel sad or irritable every now and then. But if these feelings don’t go away or become so intense that you can’t handle them, you may be suffering from depression. The good news is that you don’t have to feel this way. Help is available and you have more power than you think. There are many things you can do to help yourself or a friend start feeling better.

In This Article:

• What depression feels like
• When teen depression turns deadly
• Talking to your parents
• What you can do to feel better
• Helping a depressed friend

  What depression feels like

When you’re depressed, it can feel like no one understands. But depression is far more common in teens than you may think. You are not alone and your depression is not a hopeless case. Even though it can feel like depression will never lift, it eventually will—and with proper treatment and healthy choices, that day can come even sooner.

Signs and symptoms of teen depression

It's hard to put into words how depression feels, and people experience it differently. There are, however, some common problems and symptoms that teens with depression experience.

You constantly feel irritable, sad, or angry. Nothing seems fun anymore, and you just don’t see the point of trying. You feel bad about yourself—worthless, guilty, or just "wrong" in some way You sleep too much or not enough. You have frequent, unexplained headaches or other physical problems.

Anything and everything makes you cry. You’ve gained or lost weight without consciously trying to. You just can’t concentrate. Your grades may be plummeting because of it. You feel helpless and hopeless . You’re thinking about death or suicide. (If this is true, talk to someone right away!)

Is your friend depressed?

If you’re a teenager with a friend who seems down or troubled, you may suspect depression. But how do you know it’s not just a passing phase or a bad mood? Look for common warning signs of teen depression:

• Your friend doesn’t want to do the things you guys used to love to do.
• Your friend starts using alcohol or drugs or hanging with a bad crowd.
• Your friend stops going to classes and afterschool activities.
• Your friend talks about being bad, ugly, stupid, or worthless.
• Your friend starts talking about death or suicide.

When teen depression turns deadly

If your feelings become so overwhelming that you can’t see any solution besides harming yourself or others, you need to get help right away. And yet, asking for help when you’re in the midst of such strong emotions can be really tough. If talking to a stranger might be easier for you, call 1-800-273-TALK in the U.S. to speak in confidence to someone who can understand and help you deal with your feelings. To find a suicide helpline outside the U.S., visit Befrienders Worldwide.

Coping with suicidal thoughts

In the meantime, the following suggestions can help get you through until you feel ready to talk to someone:

• There is ALWAYS another solution, even if you can’t see it right now. Many kids who have attempted suicide (and survived) say that they did it because they mistakenly felt there was no other solution to a problem they were experiencing. At the time, they could not see another way out, but in truth, they didn’t really want to die. Remember that no matter how horribly you feel, these emotions will pass.
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others does not make you a bad person. Depression can make you think and feel things that are out of character. No one should judge you or condemn you for these feelings if you are brave enough to talk about them.
• If your feelings are uncontrollable, tell yourself to wait 24 hours before you take any action. This can give you time to really think things through and give yourself some distance from the strong emotions that are plaguing you. During this 24-hour period, try to talk to someone—anyone—as long as they are not another suicidal or depressed person. Call a hotline or talk to a friend. What do you have to lose?
• If you’re afraid you can’t control yourself, make sure you are never alone. Even if you can’t verbalize your feelings, just stay in public places, hang out with friends or family members, or go to a movie—anything to keep from being by yourself and in danger.

For more suggestions and advice on how to handle suicidal impulses

Read: If You’re Feeling Suicidal

Above all, do not do anything that could result in permanent damage or death to yourself or others. Remember, suicide is a "permanent solution to a temporary problem." Help is available. All you need to do is take that first step and reach out.

Talking to an adult you trust about teen depression

If you are suffering and don’t know where to turn...

In the U.S., call the Nineline.org hotline for children and teens at 1-800-999-9999. It’s free, confidential, and available from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Eastern Time, seven days a week.
In the UK, call the Childline.org.uk helpline for children and teens at 0800 1111.
In Australia, call the Lifeline.org.aus 24-hour helpline at 13 11 14.
In Canada, call the KidsHelpPhone.ca helpline at 1-800-668-6868.

It may seem like there’s no way your parents will be able to help, especially if they are always nagging you or getting angry about your behavior. The truth is, parents hate to see their kids hurting. They may feel frustrated because they don’t understand what is going on with you or know how to help.
Many parents don’t know enough about depression to recognize it in their own kids, so it may be up to you to educate them. You can refer them to this site, or look for further information online. Letting your parents know that you are feeling depressed will probably motivate them to get you the help you need.
If your parents are abusive in any way, or if they have problems of their own that makes it difficult for them to take care of you, find another adult you trust (such as a relative, teacher, counselor, or coach). This person can either help you approach your parents, or direct you toward the support you need. If you truly don’t have anyone you can talk to, refer to our resources at the end of this article. There are many hotlines, services, and support groups that can help.
No matter what, talk to someone, especially if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself or others. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do, and the first step on your way to feeling better.

The importance of accepting and sharing your feelings

It can be hard to open up about how you’re feeling—especially when you’re feeling depressed, hopeless, ashamed, or worthless.
It’s important to remember that everyone struggles with feelings like these at one time or another. They don’t mean you’re weak, fundamentally flawed, or no good. Accepting your feelings and opening up about them with someone you trust will help you feel less alone.
No matter what it feels like, people love and care about you, and if you can muster the courage to talk about your depression, it can—and will—be resolved. Some people think that talking about sad feelings will make them worse, but the opposite is almost always true. It is very helpful to share your worries with someone who will listen and care. They don't need to be able to "fix" you; they just need to be good listeners.

What you can do to feel better: Tips for depressed teens

Beating depression, one day at a time

You can’t beat depression through sheer willpower, but you do have some control—even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The key to depression recovery is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there. Read Dealing with Depression

Depression is not your fault, and you didn’t do anything to cause it. However, you do have some control over feeling better. Staying connected to friends and family, making healthy lifestyle decisions, and keeping stress under control can all have a hugely positive impact on your mood.
In the meantime, you might need therapy or medication to help you while you sort out your feelings. Look into your treatment options with your parents. If medication is being considered, do your research before making a decision, as some antidepressants used for adults can actually make teens feel worse.

Try not to isolate yourself

When you’re depressed, you may not feel like seeing anybody or doing anything. Just getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult, but isolating yourself only makes depression worse. Make it a point to stay social, even if that’s the last thing you want to do. As you get out into the world, you may find yourself feeling better.
Spend time with friends, especially those who are active, upbeat, and make you feel good about yourself. Avoid hanging out with those who abuse drugs or alcohol, get you into trouble, or who make you feel insecure. It’s also a good idea to limit the time you spend playing video games or surfing online.

Keep your body healthy

Making healthy lifestyle choices can do wonders for your mood. Things like diet and exercise have been shown to help depression. Ever heard of a "runners high"? Exercising releases a rush of endorphins, which makes you feel instantly happier. You actually get a rush of endorphins from exercising, which makes you feel instantly happier. Physical activity can be as effective as medications or therapy for depression, so get involved in sports, ride your bike, or take a dance class. Any activity helps! Even a short walk can be beneficial.
As for food, an improper diet can make you feel sluggish and tired, which worsens depression symptoms. Your body needs vitamins and minerals such as iron and B-vitamins. Make sure you’re feeding your mind with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Talk to your parents, doctor or school nurse about how to ensure your diet is adequately nutritious.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

You may be tempted to drink or use drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get a "mood boost," even if just for a short time. However, substance use can not only make depression worse, but can cause you to become depressed in the first place. Alcohol and drug use can also increase suicidal feelings. In short, drinking and taking drugs will make you feel worse—not better—in the long run.
If you’re addicted to alcohol or drugs, seek help. You will need special treatment for your substance problem on top of whatever treatment you’re receiving for your depression.

Ask for help if you’re stressed

Stress and worry can take a big toll, even leading to depression. Talk to a teacher or school counselor if exams or classes seem overwhelming. Likewise, if you have a health concern you feel you can’t talk to your parents about—such as a pregnancy scare or drug problem—seek medical attention at a clinic or see a doctor. A health professional can help you approach your parents (if that is required) and guide you toward appropriate treatment.
If you’re dealing with relationship, friendship, or family problems, talk to an adult you trust. Your school may have a counselor you can go to for help, or you may want to ask your parents to make an appointment for you to see a therapist.

Helping a depressed friend

Depressed teens typically rely on their friends more than their parents or other adults in their lives, so you may find yourself in the position of being the first—or only—person that they talk to about their feelings. While this might seem like a huge responsibility, there are many things you can do to help.

• Get your friend to talk to you. Starting a conversation about depression can be daunting, but you can say something simple: "You seem like you are really down, and not yourself. I really want to help you. Is there anything I can do?"
• Know that your friend doesn’t expect you to have the answers. Your friend probably just needs someone to listen and be supportive. By listening and responding in a non-judgmental and reassuring manner, you are helping in a major way.
• Encourage your friend to get help. Urge your depressed friend to talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor. It might be scary for your friend to admit to an authority figure that there is a problem. Having you there might help, so offer to go along for support.
• Stick with your friend through the hard times. Depression can make people do and say things that are hurtful or strange. But your friend is going through a very difficult time, so try not to take it personally. Once your friend gets help, he or she will go back to being the person you know and love. In the meantime, make sure you have other friends or family taking care of you. Your feelings are important and need to be respected, too.
• Speak up if your friend is suicidal. If your friend is joking or talking about suicide, giving possessions away, or saying goodbye, tell a trusted adult immediately. Your only responsibility at this point is to get your friend help, and get it fast. Even if you promised not to tell, your friend needs your help. It’s better to have a friend who is temporarily angry at you than one who is no longer alive.

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm

Study links steroid-dependent asthma to depression

People with severe asthma who rely on prednisone are more than three times more likely to be depressed than those with severe cases who don't use prednisone and those with mild to moderate asthma, according to a new study from The Netherlands.
Prednisone-dependent asthma patients "deserve" screening for depression and anxiety, the authors say, both to alleviate their suffering and possibly improve their physical health through mental health treatment.
"There's a well-established connection with asthma, as well as chronic illness in general, and higher reports of depression than the general population," Dr. Rebecca Hashim told Reuters Health.
Hashim, an attending psychologist at Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, was not involved in the study.
Prednisone is a steroid anti-inflammatory medication used to treat asthma attacks, often among people with severe symptoms.
Previous research has linked steroid use to depression and other mood problems. And links in both directions have been found between depression and the severity of asthma symptoms.
To examine depression risk among asthma patients, Dr. Marijke Amelink, from the department of Respiratory Medicine at the Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, and Dr. Simone Hashimoto, of the Institute of Psychiatry at Leiden University in Leiden, recruited 187 patients.
Among the patients, 67 had severe prednisone-dependent asthma and 47 had severe non-prednisone dependent asthma. Another 73 patients had mild to moderate asthma.
People in the three groups were similar, although prednisone-dependent patients tended to be older, with greater limitations in their ability to breathe.
All patients answered questions about depression and anxiety, as well as questions designed to detect personality traits that could contribute to their risk of mood issues.
The researchers found that patients with severe prednisone-dependent asthma were 3.4 times more likely to be depressed than non-prednisone dependent patients with severe asthma, and 3.5 times more likely to be depressed than patients who had mild to moderate asthma.
The prednisone-dependent patients were also 2.5 times more likely to have anxiety compared to patients with mild to moderate symptoms, but there was no significant difference when compared to those with severe non-prednisone dependent asthma.
The Dutch researchers didn't find any significant differences in personality traits among the participants.
In their report in the journal Respiratory Medicine, the authors point out that non-prednisone-dependent asthma patients had depression and anxiety scores that were similar to those of the general public, while the prednisone-dependent patients had scores similar to patients with other serious medical conditions.
Hashim said the increased risk of depression might be due to the stress of the treatment, rather than severity of illness. This would be similar to other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, that require complex daily treatment regimens.
"It's not really disease severity so much, but I think what it does speak to is the level of maintenance required," she said, "It reminds you of your illness all the time."
Having long-term untreated depression or anxiety can potentially lead to further illness, especially if it affects patients' ability to take care of their health.
"The more depressed you are, the less likely you're going to be to be able to take care of these responsibilities," she added.
Hashim said it's important for doctors to be screening for depression, adding that caregivers and loved ones can go along on the office visits to express their concerns to their doctors.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/07/us-steroid-dependent-asthma-idUSBREA161AT20140207

Do I have an anxiety or depression disorder?

So just to start, I'm generally a fairly happy person, or at least try to be. I'm a full time college student and have a handful of good friends. Almost everyone I really know thinks of me as someone with a lot of confidence and a positive attitude. They see me as very strong and together, but I don't really feel that way about myself. Though I try, in a lot of ways I'm just very terrified of everything. I always feel like I'm going to be rejected.. like I'm never going to be successful at the things I really want in life.. like a career or a relationship.

Even though I'm good at hiding it, I'm often very nervous when talking to people I'm unfamiliar with. Half of the time I don't even know what to say and just feel awkward. I can do one on ones.. but talking in front of a group or something, even just to introduce myself is terrifying. It's like I'm constantly nervous or worried.. and it's been getting worse. I feel like I'm always going to say or do something stupid..

On top of that, I have all these things I want to do in life.. all this passion.. I love art and creating things, and writing.. but have absolutely no self confidence about any of it even when my work is praised. For instance.. last quarter our class had to write and send an article to the editor of our newspaper. I wrote something on a current political issue that was going on at the time, and it was the only one to be published. I honestly thought it sucked and was embarrassed to even send it in. That's just an example, but I'm ALWAYS very harsh on myself to the point where I almost see no reason to proceed with the things I'm supposedly good at.

I have good days and bad days.. but sometimes my motivation level is so low and I feel so empty that I'd like to just isolate myself from everyone and everything. I don't know if I have a mental illness or something.. but I wanted to get someones take on this...

I grew up in a very bad household with an abusive drunken father who beat my mother in front of me for the first 6 or 7 years of my life. and then grew up with an alcoholic and completely unstable mother who blamed me for all of her problems. On top of it I'm physically "disabled".. so that doesn't exactly help matters. I can't help but wonder if that has a lot to do with my issues..

These days I just feel lonely most of the time.. yet in some ways I almost feel like that's the way I prefer to be, if that makes sense at all.

Anyway, I'm not sure if I described my feelings well enough or not. I guess if I had to break it down into a few sentences.. it feels like I always have this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I almost never feel comfortable in my surroundings.. almost like a paranoia.. and it makes it so I feel like I can never really be happy.
Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140206000640AAuyzaI

New study to investigate benefits of online treatment of anxiety and depression

The Trinity College Dublin (TCD) School of Psychology has begun the search for participants in a trial to see whether anxiety and/or depression can be treated online.

The project is a collaboration between the TCD team, SilverCloud Health, a Dublin-based developer of online behavioural health and mental wellness solutions, and Aware, Ireland's depression support, education and information organisation.
A person taking part in the trial will self-administer two online treatments with additional support covering Aware’s remit for the treatment of depression, while TCD’s study will focus on the treatment of generalised anxiety in students, seen particularly around exam time.
As part of the Aware trial, researchers are looking to recruit upwards of 300 participants nationwide to evaluate the effectiveness of a supported online delivered treatment intervention for mild to moderate depression.
Support is being provided by Aware-trained volunteers who have experience in using the SilverCloud Health platform. For those looking to avail of Aware’s Life Skills Online programme, the service will be provided free of charge to participants and aims to help people learn new ways to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, worry or depression.

A call for volunteers

TCD will also be looking for 150 volunteers to take part in its study on general anxiety.
A number of countries across the world have already begun to help patients with depression and anxiety using similar online treatments to those using the SilverLight Health technology which has shown to be successful.
The study’s principle investigator is Dr Derek Richards, director of clinical research and innovation with SilverCloud Health and a research fellow at TCD’s School of Psychology who, with the help of the 450 volunteers, will look to depression and anxiety in Ireland.
“Based on the success achieved to date with supported online treatments for depression and anxiety, we believe that participants in both trials will demonstrate significant decreases in symptoms post-intervention and a corresponding increase in quality of life indicators,” said Richards.
Ireland is one of the most affected nations in terms of depression and anxiety, with reported figures of between 7.9pc-12.3pc of the country suffering from depression while an estimated 36pc of the adult student population suffers from clinical anxiety.
Source: http://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/item/35638-new-study-to-investigate/

How antidepressants work: Pharmacology of anti-depressants

Antidepressants are the drugs used by psychiatrists for treating patients suffering from symptoms such as low mood, lack of self esteem, lack of interest, lethargy, excessive sadness, self regret, feeling of worthlessness…etc, which are collectively known as ‘depressive symptoms’. There are several antidepressants that have been used to treat these symptoms and although it may not bring about a lasting cure, in most instances it can manage the symptoms giving relief to the patient until they are able to cope with such symptoms on their own.

Commonly used antidepressants

Among the most common antidepressants that are being used, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) are rather common with another category of drugs known as ‘MAO inhibitors’ or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. In order to understand how these antidepressants work, it is necessary to understand ‘what is the basis of depression’ among patients who are having symptomatic depressive illness.

The biochemical basis of depression

According to scientists, the reason for clinical depression could largely be due to the diminished levels of neurotransmitters (e.g serotonin and norephinephrin) within the ‘synaptic junctions’ existing between two neurons in the human brain. The neurons are the ones which transmit signals and the neurotransmitters are the chemical substance which carries a message from one neuron to the next. The transmitters are usually located at the end portion of the neuron known as the ‘synapse’. In response to a transmissible signal such as feeling of hunger, happiness, excitement…etc, the transmitters are released into the synaptic junction. It could them stimulate the receptors at the beginning of the next neuron which initiate a signal propagation. Following stimulating the receiving neuron, the neurotransmitters will again be re-absorbed into their original location in a process known as a ‘re-uptake’. As a result, these transmitters will be able to perform the same function over and over again.
In patients with depression, there seems to be an inherent deficiency of these neurotransmitters and therefore the signals may not be propagated effectively.

The basis of antidepressant actions

Thus, the actions of antidepressants would either be to increase the existence of adequate amount of neurotransmitters within the synaptic junction or else to prevent its natural destruction through a substance known as ‘monoamine oxidase’.

Specific actions of antidepressants

Thus, both SSRIs and TCAs will inhibit the re-uptake process and will make available more neurotransmitters within the synaptic junction. However, the MAO inhibitors will act in a different manner and will inhibit the action of Monoamine oxidase thus preventing the breakdown of the neurotransmitters thereby increasing its availability for normal signal transmission.
Although this is a simplified explanation of how antidepressants are functioning, it captures the most important aspect necessary in explaining the phenomenon.
Source:  http://pandula77.hubpages.com/hub/How-antidepressants-work-Pharmacology-of-anti-depressants