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Post by itsmylife08 on Oct 19, 2013 21:51:21 GMT 7
As previously stated I worked as a psychiatric nurse for 6 years and I've seen the results first hand of people with various disorders to suggest that some medications are not much better than a placebo is utter nonsense. Working in a psychiatric unit is like a revolving door after been treated for their condition a lot of people leave hospital feeling just fine having received therapy in one form or another, some receive ECT not a very nice alternative but it works for some. Sadly even today there is a stigma attached to people with mental disorders so may I suggest that if you know someone that has please take the time to sit down and at least listen and allow these poor souls the time to ventilate their thoughts and feelings you'll be doing your mate and the community a great service. Good health to all.
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Post by Banjo on Nov 6, 2013 11:51:35 GMT 7
Depression: The Second Leading Cause of Disability WorldwideA new study points to growing concern about the impact of depression on quality of life around the world. Depression can have a profound impact on a person’s life, work, and relationships. But a new study shows the true toll of mental health conditions on a global scale. New research led by Alize Ferrari from the University of Queensland and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research in Australia found that depression is the second leading cause of the global disability burden. Depression, defined as a persistent state of sadness or disinterest in things once found pleasurable, is one of the most common mental disorders. The World Health Organization states that approximately 350 million people worldwide have depression, or about four percent of the world’s population. Rob Dobrenski, a psychologist in New York City and author of Crazy: Notes On and Off the Couch, said more than half of his practice centers around depression. “While many people have chronic depression that ultimately leads to a disability, it's common for it to become debilitating immediately. It's not necessarily something that builds and becomes worse over time,” Dobrenski, who was not involved in the study, said. “Unfortunately, the system moves very slowly so it can take a long time for someone to become qualified [for mental health care], even though they are ‘eligible’ within days.” However, he added, some types of depression can fade away just as quickly, so it's sometimes a disservice to designate someone as disabled so quickly. Depression Around the WorldThe new study, appearing in the journal PLOS Medicine, shows that rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) vary by country and region, but are highest in Central America and Central and Southeast Asia. Afghanistan, which has seen political turmoil and war since long before the U.S. occupation began 2001, leads the world in rates of depression, the researchers discovered. Japan, on the other hand, has the lowest rate of depression disability worldwide. To reach their conclusions, researchers scoured published studies on MDD, or clinical depression, and dysthymia, which is a milder form of depression. They assessed the diseases’ impact on the number of years people lived with disability, and substituted “reasonable estimates” for poorer countries on which few studies have been published. While the numbers showed that major depression ranked high among the causes of global disability in 2010, depression also contributes to deaths from other conditions, especially suicide and heart disease. In the U.S., depression is considered a psychiatric disability and is covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Queensland researchers say their results “not only highlight the fact that depressive disorders are a global health priority, but also that it is important to understand variations in burden by disorder, country, region, age, sex, and year when setting global health objectives.” It appears that no one is immune to depression. While it most often affects women, men can also get depression, and symptoms in children can appear when they are as young as three years old. A major hurdle in battling depression worldwide is that it rarely travels alone. “It can be a stand alone condition or easily mixed with other mental or physical issues,” Dobrenski said. “Depression and anxiety are often paired together, and depression and pain issues are also common.” Getting Help for DepressionThe cause of depression is still unknown, but most current research points to a chemical imbalance in the brain, making it a physical disease that someone cannot simply “snap out of.” Though there is no cure, depression is a highly treatable disease. Therapy with a mental health professional, medications, and lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise, have all been shown to successfully improve the quality of life for someone with depression. “Depression is a treatable condition that I recommend be treated quickly,” Dobrenski said. “Very mild depression can often resolve with cardiovascular exercise and a good support system. Failing that, seeking out a therapist and possibly medication is a smart move, as both of these have a good track record for depression.” dspoverseas.proboards.com/post/new/2002
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Post by immiadvice on Nov 6, 2013 12:13:13 GMT 7
I have never suffered from depression previously but currently I have MAJOR issues (both personal and health related) going on in life that are leaving me on the verge of giving up. In my current situation it seems there is no real support available. I feel that tomorrow I may seriously contemplate suicide. I don't want to but it will be so upsetting that I may not be able to get through it. If I was a minority I would have all the support in the world and a system to help me nut as a white male aged 18-65 there is nothing that can help.
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Post by Banjo on Nov 6, 2013 12:55:28 GMT 7
Just a suggestion.
Sorento Care Mens Shed 109 Young St , Parkside, SA, 5063, Australia
0428030728
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Post by Banjo on Nov 6, 2013 13:01:03 GMT 7
AMES (Australian Mens Emotional Services)
King william St Adelaide, SA, 5000
0420 476 078
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Post by Banjo on Nov 6, 2013 13:02:08 GMT 7
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Post by immiadvice on Nov 6, 2013 13:52:01 GMT 7
Thanks Banjo but 2 of those suggested sitews have closed and the one that is open doesn't deal with depression.
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Post by Denis-NFA on Nov 6, 2013 15:14:05 GMT 7
Thanks Banjo but 2 of those suggested sitews have closed and the one that is open doesn't deal with depression. Lifeline is probably the best if you can talk by phone..... www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Facts---Information/Lifeline-Services/Lifeline-Services13 11 14 – 24hr Telephone Crisis Supportback to top 13 11 14 is a confidential telephone crisis support service available 24/7 from a landline, payphone or mobile. Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation our trained volunteers are ready to listen, provide support and referrals. We answer around 1800 calls every day from Australians needing crisis support and suicide prevention services. If you need crisis support call 13 11 14 now. If life is in immediate danger call 000. What happens when you call 13 11 14 Our trained Telephone Crisis Supporters will answer your call and: Listen to your situation Provide immediate support Assist to clarify options and choices available to you Provide you with referral information for other services in your local area. Your call will be answered as soon as possible by the next available crisis supporter. If your call isn’t answered straight away, it means we are experiencing high demand for our service and helping other Australians in need. Please stay on the line or call back later. If you are in immediate danger call 000. Call CostsMost calls to 13 11 14 from a landline will be charged the cost of a local call, however additional charges may apply for some home phone plans. Calls to 13 11 14 from mobiles are free. This includes Pre-Paid and Post-Paid customers.Pre-paid customers who are out-of-credit will be connected to 13 11 14 until the prepaid service is suspended. The out-of-credit period varies depending on providers but is typically between 30 days and 6 months. National Relay Service If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service: TTY (teletypewriter) users phone 133 677 then ask for 13 11 14 Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 13 11 14 Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 13 11 14 National Relay Service Free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) Translating and Information Service A free interpreting service for people who do not speak English is available for 13 11 14. To access this service please: 1) Call TIS on 131 450 and ask to talk to Lifeline on 13 11 14 in the language required. 2) TIS will call 13 11 14 on behalf of the caller. A call to TIS is the cost of a local call from landlines (additional charges apply for mobiles). Find out more at: www.tisnational.gov.auCode of Conduct In the delivery of 13 11 14, Lifeline Crisis Supporters follow the 13 11 14 Code of Conduct.
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Post by Denis-NFA on Nov 6, 2013 15:16:44 GMT 7
They also have a crisis Chat Service but its only available for 4 hours a night...
Crisis Support Chatback to top
You can chat to Lifeline one-on-one using our online crisis chat service which is available 7 days a week from 8pm-midnight (AEST/AEDT).
Anyone in Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide who feels more comfortable contacting us online rather than over the phone can use this service.
During a chat session, trained Online Crisis Supporters will:
Listen to your situation
Provide immediate support
Assist to clarify options and choices available to you
Provide you with referral information for other services in your local area
Crisis Support Chat
Demand for our crisis support chat service is high and wait times can be long. Please be patient. You could also call 13 11 14.
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.
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Post by immiadvice on Nov 6, 2013 16:27:07 GMT 7
I have to say I called lifeline. Was on hold for ages so hopefully it is a free call. They were supportive and did hear me out. There is not really anything they can do but just having an impartial ear can be a real help. I am certainly feeling better now than a couple of hours ago.
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Post by Banjo on Nov 6, 2013 17:50:02 GMT 7
It definitely helps to talk things through. I've been in a couple of situations where I've had... I wont use the term depression, it was more like despair... the feeling of being unable to do anything about a situation and unable to see a way out of it. Very difficult and virtually untreatable. Maybe get away for a few weeks.
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Post by latindancer on Nov 7, 2013 4:07:07 GMT 7
I'm no stranger to depression, I.A. Here is a trick I use on myself: I think of the times during my adult life when I have been really happy and on top of the world. Then I remind myself (constantly) that given time, I will definitely feel like this again, but in the meantime I have to just endure the extreme negativity in myself. Things always change. It is the only certainty in life. You may not see any way out of it now, but there will be a way out eventually. Have you tried contacting Beyond Blue ? www.beyondblue.org.au/In the past I have felt so down that in a certain way I didn't even want to help myself by doing something like going for a long walk. Always felt better when I did though. Exercise really does help. It continues to amaze me how when I feel depressed, ALL the circumstances of my life are crap....but when I feel great, the negative things are relatively minor irritations. Our circumstances seem to just be triggers for mood rather than actual causes....though we usually defend to the death the fact that the circumstances are the actual reason we feel bad.
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Post by newtodsp on Nov 7, 2013 8:37:08 GMT 7
I'm no stranger to depression, I.A. Here is a trick I use on myself: I think of the times during my adult life when I have been really happy and on top of the world. Then I remind myself (constantly) that given time, I will definitely feel like this again, but in the meantime I have to just endure the extreme negativity in myself. Things always change. It is the only certainty in life. You may not see any way out of it now, but there will be a way out eventually. Have you tried contacting Beyond Blue ? www.beyondblue.org.au/In the past I have felt so down that in a certain way I didn't even want to help myself by doing something like going for a long walk. Always felt better when I did though. Exercise really does help. It continues to amaze me how when I feel depressed, ALL the circumstances of my life are crap....but when I feel great, the negative things are relatively minor irritations. Our circumstances seem to just be triggers for mood rather than actual causes....though we usually defend to the death the fact that the circumstances are the actual reason we feel bad. Thanks latindancer, and I would be surprised if any of us didn't have experience with at least mild depression. It is depressing being physically/mentally ill, it is depressing being excluded from society as we are, and living in povery/just above the poverty line. I like the trick that you use, and your words of wisdom. I do agree that things change, and we learn to adapt to most changes. Exercise helps me, though it is so hard when you don't feel up to it. I also find good sleep helps, and keeping in touch with friends/family. Also, for those in Australia we are entitled to 12-18 sessions with a psychologist through the better outcomes mental health plan, and if you go to medicare locals I dont believe there is any out of pocket. A good psych is also very helpful!
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Post by latindancer on Nov 7, 2013 15:18:06 GMT 7
Yes....sleep. A huge percentage of depressives have disturbed sleep. But which came first....the chicken or the egg ? Although depression may well actually CAUSE sleep disturbances, I did read an article once which said that some forms of depression may well be primarily sleep disturbances.
Immiadvice, I hope you manage to transcend the way you're feeling right now.
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Post by Banjo on May 17, 2014 8:23:21 GMT 7
Oscar Pistorius faces psychiatric tests – what are anxiety disorders? Oscar Pistorius' trial took another dramatic turn earlier this week when the judge in the case agreed to a prosecution request to have his mental health assessed. After a psychiatrist called by the defence said Pistorius had an anxiety disorder, prosecutor Gerrie Nel expressed concern that mental health issues may be used to try to reduce his sentence. Judge Thokozile Masipa said the court wasn’t equipped to decide whether the diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder would have affected Pistorius' action on the night he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in their home. She will provide detailed instructions for a psychiatric evaluation on Tuesday. Whether an anxiety disorder can be argued to mitigate responsibility in a case like this is a tricky issue. Some background about the nature and characteristics of these disorders will illustrate some of the complications. A common disorderAnxiety disorders are the most common form of mental disorder and affect approximately 10% to 15% of the population in any given year. Their range includes panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder. People suffering anxiety disorders report fears and worries that often cover many areas and affect their lives in a variety of ways. One of the key features of anxiety is avoidance – anxious people typically avoid situations they fear. This is usually a central component of the life interference that distinguishes a disorder from sub-clinical levels of anxiety. Everyone experiences some anxiety occasionally, but it’s only considered to be a “clinical disorder” when it causes significant distress or markedly affects someone’s life. People with social anxiety disorder, for instance, fear and avoid a range of social activities and interactions, such as going on dates, meeting new people, talking to authority figures, or giving talks. This avoidance restricts their opportunities, impacting on relationships, career, and self concept. Generalised anxiety disorder In this case, the defence psychiatrist said she had diagnosed Pistorius with generalised anxiety disorder. Generalised anxiety disorder is one of the more common forms of mental disorder and affects around 3% to 8% of Western populations in a 12-month period. It’s more common among women than men. Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by worry about such matters as health, family, relationships, or finances. When they worry, people with the disorder will often report a range of physical symptoms such as headaches, diarrhoea, or muscle tension. But its main feature is ongoing and persistent worry. In many ways, generalised anxiety disorder is like a personality aspect of the individual. It usually begins very early in life and sufferers often report being “worriers” for as long as they can remember. People with the disorder also commonly show many other characteristics that follow from this tendency to worry. They may have difficulties sleeping, for instance, are often perfectionistic and may procrastinate on projects, or they may be eternal pessimists. A precarious existenceOne of the underlying aspects of generalised anxiety disorder (and, in fact, many anxiety disorders) is a tendency to focus on and exaggerate dangers in the world. Someone with generalised anxiety disorder might believe they’re very likely to make mistakes, for instance, and that making a mistake would be catastrophic. This might lead them to regularly check locks and doors or to be very slow in completing tasks and they may be very unwilling to take on new or complicated activities. So, on the one hand, we might expect a person with generalised anxiety disorder to be very careful and structured about routines – they think carefully before acting, and are hesitant and inconclusive rather than taking decisive action. But, on the other hand, it’s very common for people with the disorder to misinterpret ambiguous information and assume the worst. So we shouldn’t be surprised if a sufferer believes that every noise outside is a burglar or that every burglar is there to hurt them. In fact, research has shown generalised anxiety disorder sufferers are much more likely than the average person to interpret ambiguous information as dangerous and to overestimate the amount of danger. It’s also common for these people to engage in frequent safety behaviours to try to convince themselves they are safe. They may frustrate their loved ones with constant reassurance-seeking, for instance, or may hate to be alone, or have detailed routines around checking and safety. In addition, people with generalised anxiety will focus all of their attention onto a perceived threat, often leading them to ignore other information around them. Diagnosing anxiety disorders Diagnosing a mental disorder such as generalised anxiety disorder is not an exact science. There’s no physical test for it, and the only way to diagnose it is for a mental health professional to interview the patient (and perhaps people who know them well) to build up a clear and consistent picture of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Technically, a diagnosis is made following a set of guidelines described in official diagnosis manuals – the most famous being the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, now in its fifth edition (DSM-5). According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder requires excessive worry about a number of events or activities, most of the time, over at least six months. The person must also feel as though he cannot easily control worrying, must report at least three general symptoms, and the worry must interfere with his life. Other information, including a history of related problems (such as depression), a family history, or broader behavioural patterns may be used to support the diagnosis. theconversation.com/oscar-pistorius-faces-psychiatric-tests-what-are-anxiety-disorders-26745?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The+Weekend+Conversation&utm_content=The+Weekend+Conversation+CID_03c15378ddb441a7f7a37ad15b4e438e&utm_source=campaign_monitor&utm_term=Oscar%20Pistorius%20faces%20psychiatric%20tests%20%20what%20are%20anxiety%20disorders
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