XML Feeds15. LIVING WITH DEPRESSION #2: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
By flip on Nov 4, 2008 | In My Story, Helpful Hints | Send feedback »
When I was diagnosed as having depression, the diagnosis messed me up almost as badly as the depression itself. I was confused and disoriented, not knowing what was going on. What exactly was wrong with me? Was I losing my mind? Are they going to lock me up here? Will I get well? Am I going to lose my job? What about this, that, and the other? I was heavily medicated and had my brain shaken up with electroconvulsive therapy, kind of like a zombie - it was a time I would rather not think of.
14. LIVING WITH DEPRESSION #1: ACCEPT IT
By flip on Oct 28, 2008 | In My Story, Helpful Hints | Send feedback »
This is the hardest part of living with depression. We will do everything to deny it as an ongoing part of life - ask me, I wrote the book on denial, especially denial from a Christian perspective! And as long as you deny it as a treatable medical condition in your life, you will never be able to manage it.
13. THE BLUES, DEPRESSION, BIPOLAR DISORDER: A LAYMAN'S GUIDE
By flip on Oct 21, 2008 | In Medical Information | 1 feedback »
Medical terminology can be confusing - even when practitioners try not to be! So, here's my summary in general English:
It helps to think of the blues, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders, as points on a continuum that stretches from minor and transitory to serious and long-term/permanent.
12. HELPFUL LINKS
By flip on Oct 14, 2008 | In Helpful Hints, Medical Information | Send feedback »
Depression need not be a lonely battle - there are many others suffering from it, who are willing to lend a helping hand; and there are many sources of information and support. Here's a few links to South African resources:
* Depression and Anxiety Support Group - 011 783 1474/6
*Health 24 Bipolar and Depression Support forum at http://www.health24.com/Talk/Bipolar_and_Depression_Support/2282-3894.asp. The forum also offers an excellent source of up-to-date information in its Depression Centre at http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-807.asp.
* Depnet at http://www.depnet.co.za- an excellent SA website with information, articles, a letterbox and an interactive community. (Run by Lundbeck)
*South African Depression And Anxiety Group at http://www.anxiety.org.za/ - lots of information on more than just depression. (011 262 6396)
11. HUNTING FOR THE GENES BEHIND BIPOLAR DISORDER: TWO SUSPECTS DISCOVERED
By flip on Oct 13, 2008 | In Medical Information | Send feedback »
"The largest genetic analysis of its kind to date for bipolar disorder has implicated machinery involved in the balance of sodium and calcium in brain cells. Researchers supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, found an association between the disorder and variation in two genes that make components of channels that manage the flow of the elements into and out of cells, including neurons.
10. BI-POLAR DISORDER: TREATMENT
By flip on Oct 8, 2008 | In Medical Information | Send feedback »
Most people with bipolar disorder—even those with the most severe forms—can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended and almost always indicated. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the disorder over time.
9. BI-POLAR DISORDER: CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
By flip on Oct 2, 2008 | In Medical Information | Send feedback »
Both children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorder. It is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the illness.
8. BI-POLAR DISORDER AND SUICIDE
By flip on Sep 30, 2008 | In Medical Information | Send feedback »
Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or a physician. Anyone who talks about suicide should be taken seriously. Risk for suicide appears to be higher earlier in the course of the illness. Therefore, recognizing bipolar disorder early and learning how best to manage it may decrease the risk of death by suicide.
7. THE COURSE OF BI-POLAR DISORDER
By flip on Sep 30, 2008 | In Medical Information | Send feedback »
Episodes of mania and depression typically recur across the life span. Between episodes, most people with bipolar disorder are free of symptoms, but as many as one-third of people have some residual symptoms. A small percentage of people experience chronic unremitting symptoms despite treatment.
The classic form of the illness, which involves recurrent episodes of mania and depression, is called bipolar I disorder.
6. BI-POLAR DISORDER: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
By flip on Sep 30, 2008 | In Medical Information | Send feedback »
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
