XML FeedsArchives for: October 2008
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.
