Psychology

» redback - beyond awareness

I had earlier completed a (better) response but the gremlins ate it. I like this article including the needed reminder that those who care, also need to care for themselves. The article gives the "carer" or passively concerned family member, proper context.

"Accept them just as they are. For some, that's all they need."

This is not a topic within 'Health' or 'Wellness' Communities so maybe it aims for a different, wholistic approach?
A person with depression is greater than the sum of their depression. So, IMO, that's who we accept "as they are"...the whole person.

We don't seem to tackle preventative measures very well and have an idea 'early intervention' is only about what the doctor does after the event. Depending on one's attitudes and skills, this "accept as they are" may involve action.

Beyond 'awareness'? I'd like to think we can lift awareness to increase our mental health literacy about depression and how it differs from the sad mood we all can suffer from. We can be more "pro-active" in a non-interfering way, if that makes sense.

I think family as a microcosm of society, aims to involve family members in our lives and us in theirs despite their depression, not because of it. This group 'accountability' does not replace an individual's, but complEments it. The missing complIment?

So, I guess the last sentence in the article...the summary, also needs context. I believe there are times when our actions and statements don't help. That's a diluted way of saying they can be downright unhelpful to a person's recovery from depression. Can we "make" them depressed or happy? Not in one sense of the word but this is not a blame game.

-- posted by redback

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» Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - beyond awareness

In response to beyond awareness posted by redback:

I just read yesterday that 80% of depressed teens don't get help - and go on to suffer from more depressive episodes in their adulthood. Preventative measures could include educating and supporting teens, whether they're currently depressed or not.

Family is definitely pivotal - especially in a teen's life - and not just when we're suffering. The stronger our relationships are before we're hit with something major like depression, the more likely we are to lean on each other later.

The idea of pro-active in a non-interfering way is excellent. That could include offering books or support group meeting times, I think.

I guess we can interfere with the journey through depression -- but how we do so depends on the people involved. For instance, I may feel worse when people ask how I feel today because my thoughts are drawn to my depression, while another may appreciate and feel supported by the question.

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» redback - beyond awareness

In response to beyond awareness posted by LauriePK:

Yep. I agree. "How are you feeling, today? or "Are you sure you're OK?" gets 'challenging' after being asked numerous times even when its physical illness. It's kinda like "What's the matter with you?" as they pass you by, hoping they only get an "I'm OK" or wave from you in response. Certainly not a story.

Who actually avoids the person waiting to give a story to whoever will listen? None of this has easy answers.

I'm being ambitious. Preventative measures go to maintaining mental health, not limiting mental ill-health. The latter turns to early intervention.

Family, yes. School communities are also pivotal re their anti-bullying, mentoring etc etc inclusive programs. As are workmates. All for good or bad.

I wonder what people think awareness101 is when:
"Mental Health Literacy is:
The ability to recognise specific disorders; knowing how to seek mental health information; knowledge of risk factors and causes, of self-treatments and of professional help available, and attitudes that promote recognition and appropriate help-seeking"

One desired outcome in our National Mental Health Plan is 'community ownership of mental health issues'. I say MY (mental) health is far too important to leave to other people. So, I own it in that sense. But I'm also a concerned taxpayer. (different motivators to reduce the onerous mental illhealth burden)

It's interesting. Some people say don't mention 'suicide' because you're putting thoughts in their head. Mental Health First Aid rules say ask at Step 1! It signals that you care, are concerned and have a genuine desire to help. We don't help coz we don't know how?

It does not surprise me that "...80% of depressed teens don't get help..." Analyse this for potential preventative measures. A whole of Community problem?

Here's an OZ website for kids where the suggestion is for the teen to let you know what they think of it, not you referring them there because you think they need help.

http://www.reachout.com.au/home.asp

Back in the old days, suite101 had Forum, Lounge and other avenues for people to vent, chat, discuss ANY topic. It can help a depressed person to be given more opportunities to "get involved".

-- posted by redback

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» Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - beyond awareness

In response to beyond awareness posted by redback:

It's so weird how things come when you're ready! I'm working on a book proposal about helping teens cope with changes, especially moves to new cities, foster homes, etc (with a safari theme!). This link is PERFECT -- I've been looking for info like this! I love when universes collide and give you what you need.....

Regarding not mentioning suicide -- that's also a current theory of eating disorders. Some specialists don't discuss eating disorders when talking to kids in school because they don't want to put ideas in their heads. Instead, they focus on healthy eating and strong lifestyles.

Sounds like Suite has changed over the years! For better or worse?

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» redback - beyond awareness

In response to beyond awareness posted by LauriePK:

Has suite changed? Many people I've had great dialogue with over the years have gone. It's harder to navigate...but then, I'm older and suite101 tries to be innovative for a new crowd?

This current discussion is not listed on entry to Mind & Soul 'recent discussions'. All article-initiated discussions are quarantined from general ones so we need to search Community by Community, on a fishing expedition to see if they contain recent discussions. I think some hard written articles are not seen as a result.

Happy to help with the link. 'Reachout' has won a number of awards for its efforts. I did a Mental Health First Aid course in 2001, developed by Australia. I successfully advocated its use in 2 government agencies dealing in welfare. Here's its online manual:
http://www.mhfa.com.au/mhfa_manual.pdf

The suicide issue related to first aid or crisis. I guess there is a time and place where we avoid the problem to focus on the solution. But what if you suspected one of your children of an eating disorder or such children attended that school where the specialist talks to the kids. Good secrets and bad secrets for children to understand?

Where's the balance? Your topic is family focused so I suspect parents c/sh/would be more in tune with their child's relative capacities. Not every child needs a full de-briefing after scraping their knee but the occasional generic one throughout their lives can't hurt.

-- posted by redback

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» redback - eating disorders

In response to beyond awareness posted by redback:

Articles on eating disorders are over at the Social Issues community and this...previously named Religion & Spirituality covers depression. I'll have to check 'Technology' out for changes.

-- posted by redback

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