Removing the Stigma of Depression

Once again we are entering the S.A.D. season.  If you suffer from depression, you know what I'm referring to -  if you don't, please take a moment to educate yourself on the topic:  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter. Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months.  Symptoms are usually the same as with other forms of depression:

• Hopelessness
• Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
• Increased sleep (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
• Less energy and ability to concentrate
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Sluggish movements
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

SAD can sometimes become long-term depression. Bipolar disorder or thoughts of suicide are also possible.

Signs and tests

There is no test for SAD. Your health care provider can make a diagnosis by asking about your history of symptoms.
The health care provider may also perform a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other disorders that are similar to SAD.
SAD Information provided by - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If you are a regular reader of my Blog, you know my history of depression and my mission of removing the stigma that is associated with Mental Illness.  Once a year I devote a post to the FACTS of these diseases.  Please pass this information along.  

Please remember to show compassion for all God's people.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15

 

What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
Learn more about treatment and services that assist individuals in recovery.

Find out more about a specific mental illness:

 

• Anxiety Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders
• Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Suicide
• Tourette's Syndrome
  

Find out more about conditions sometimes related to mental illness:

• First Episodes of Psychosis
• Insomnia
• Sleep Apnea
• Tardive Dyskinesia
  

What does recovery look like?

As people become familiar with their illness, they recognize their own unique patterns of behavior. If individuals recognize these signs and seek effective and timely care, they can often prevent relapses. However, because mental illnesses have no cure, treatment must be continuous.
Individuals who live with a mental illness also benefit tremendously from taking responsibility for their own recovery. Once the illness is adequately managed, one must monitor potential side effects.
The notion of recovery involves a variety of perspectives. Recovery is a holistic process that includes traditional elements of mental health and aspects that extend beyond medication. Recovery from serious mental illness also includes attaining, and maintaining, physical health as another cornerstone of wellness.
The recovery journey is unique for each individual. There are several definitions of recovery; some grounded in medical and clinical values, some grounded in context of community and some in successful living. One of the most important principles is this: recovery is a process, not an event. The uniqueness and individual nature of recovery must be honored. While serious mental illness impacts individuals in many ways, the concept that all individuals can move towards wellness is paramount.

Happiness is possible...

Mental Illness information provided by - www.nami.org. If you or someone you love is affected by any of the disorders listed above, please reach out to NAMI for support.