Grieving is a Normal Part of Life

September 2, 2012

In Memory of my sister (10/1963 to 8/2012)

I know this blog is straying from my usual format but it has been a difficult week.  Funny thing is that all week I knew I had to write my blog but I just couldn’t bring myself to getting in the right frame of mind.  It was a struggle to want to write as I knew this would probably be the last week for my sister, who had been battling rare appendix cancer for several years.

Of course, I didn’t know exactly when she would breath her last breath but it wasn’t until I awoke the day after her passing that I felt compelled to write again.

My sister fought hard and strong to overcome this dreaded disease but the aggressive, rare cancer ultimately took over.  She fought the battle like no one I have seen before.  She loved her family tremendously.  Every family has its ups and downs but she was grateful that in the end our family grew closer.  For, as dreaded as her disease was, it did bring our family closer.

Grieving is a normal part of life.  We all experience it in someway.  Whether a death of a loved one, a divorce or broken relationship, or loss of anything that is meaningful to us.

Many of us are familiar with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross‘ book, “On Death and Dying.” In it, she identified five stages that a dying patient experiences when informed of their terminal prognosis.  Kubler-Ross identified the following states:

• Denial (this isn’t happening to me!)
• Anger (why is this happening to me?)
• Bargaining (I promise I’ll be a better person if…)
• Depression (I don’t care anymore)
• Acceptance (I’m ready for whatever comes)

Many people believe that these stages of grief are also experienced by others when they have lost a loved one.

Although there may be typical stages of grief, the process is different for everyone.  Whether sudden or expected, grieving is a necessary process in our lives.  I believe one’s faith is an important part of how they deal with anything in life but especially during times of loss.

For me, I remember my sister as a strong, joyful, caring person.  Her faith, family and friends were essential in her life but most important to her was her faith. Her faith became stronger through her illness and carried her through the difficult times.  This same faith is what will carry me through in dealing with her no longer living with me on this earth.

I am blessed to have a large network of family and friends to get me through this difficult time.  But if I didn’t, I would turn to the outside resources that are available to the loved ones left behind.  For those grieving now and for those that will be grieving one day, I hope this blog post will help in some way to encourage you along your journey.

Coping with Grief and Loss

What Resources Are Available in the Community to Assist Grieving Families Cope With Their Loss?

Shades of Grief: When Does Mourning Become a Mental Illness?

Is ECT (Electroshock Therapy) an Effective Treatment?

August 19, 2012

Is Electroshock Therapy or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) an effective treatment?  There seems to be some debate about the effectiveness of what seems like an outdated or cruel treatment for severe cases of mental illness, particularly depression. Surprisingly, it is also sometimes used to treat postpartum psychosis.

What is Electroshock Therapy or “ECT”?  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ECT was first developed in 1938.  With ECT, electrodes are put on the patient’s scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied while the patient is under general anesthesia. The current causes a brief seizure in the brain. According to WebMed.com, ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients. It’s also very effective for patients who suffer from mania or other mental illnesses.  It does sound cruel but the patient is sedated and should not feel anything during the procedure.

My own personal experience with ECT was very frightening.  In 1997, I had been struggling with the after effects of postpartum psychosis and depression for over a year.  I was in no state to make an informed decision about having the ECT treatment but it was recommended so I had it administered.  I remember each time the procedure would start I would feel a strong buzzing in my head for several seconds.  I did not remember anything after that until I was back in my hospital room.  Once back in the room, I would feel nauseous and vomit.  This was the pattern I would experience several times a week for what seemed liked forever but was actually only a couple weeks.

But the question is was the ECT treatment effective?  Honestly, in my case, I can not say for sure because it would go on to be another year with additional treatments administered before I began feeling better.  I had some memory loss which, in my case, subsided.  It doesn’t always for others.

Regardless of my own experience, what does the research say about the effectiveness of ECT treatment?  In a study published by the National Academy of Sciences in March 2012, ECT treatment was found to significantly reduce depressive symptoms.  The fact is that it can be an effective form of treatment for some people with severe depression when administered by a properly trained medical professional.

If you have had ECT treatment, please consider commenting about your own experience.  It is helpful to others to get feedback on the effectiveness of specific treatments.

Sources and additional reading:

Study explains how shock therapy might ease severe depression

The effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression: a naturalistic study.

‘Shock therapy’ still used for depression, postpartum psychosis

Electroconvulsive therapy reduces frontal cortical connectivity in severe depressive disorder

Mental Illness in the Classroom

 August 12, 2012

With the summer winding down and the start of a new school year around the corner, I have been thinking about the challenges of mental illness in the classroom. The mental health of children is something that can not be ignored.

Did you know that, according to the National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council, about one in five youths experience a mental, emotional, or behavior disorder at some point in their lifetime?

With that many youth experiencing some type of mental, emotional, or behavior disorder, it is impossible not to address the impact of mental illness in the classroom.  The challenges are great.  Budget cuts, teacher shortages, classroom overcrowding, lack of mental health training in teachers and school administrators can all contribute to an inability to properly address mental illness in the classroom.

If your child has a mental illness, what can you do to assist in your child’s education?  The National Institute of Mental Health addresses several questions for parents related to the treatment of mental illness in children and school.  I have listed them below.

Q. How do I work with my child’s school?

A. If your child is having problems in school, or if a teacher raises concerns, you can work with the school to find a solution. You may ask the school to conduct an evaluation to determine whether your child qualifies for special education services. However, not all children diagnosed with a mental illness qualify for these services.

Start by speaking with your child’s teacher, school counselor, school nurse, or the school’s parent organization. These professionals can help you get an evaluation started. Also, each state has a Parent Training and Information Center and a Protection and Advocacy Agency that can help you request the evaluation. The evaluation must be conducted by a team of professionals who assess all areas related to the suspected disability using a variety of tools and measures.

Q. What resources are available from the school?

A. Once your child has been evaluated, there are several options for him or her, depending on the specific needs. If special education services are needed, and if your child is eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the school district must develop an “individualized education program” specifically for your child within 30 days.

If your child is not eligible for special education services, he or she is still entitled to “free appropriate public education,” available to all public school children with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Your child is entitled to this regardless of the nature or severity of his or her disability.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights enforces Section 504 in programs and activities that receive Federal education funds. Visit programs for children with disabilities for more information.

Q. What special challenges can school present?

A. Each school year brings a new teacher and new schoolwork. This change can be difficult for some children. Inform the teachers that your child has a mental illness when he or she starts school or moves to a new class. Additional support will help your child adjust to the change.

Q. What else can I do to help my child?

A. Children with mental illness need guidance and understanding from their parents and teachers. This support can help your child achieve his or her full potential and succeed in school. Before a child is diagnosed, frustration, blame, and anger may have built up within a family. Parents and children may need special help to undo these unhealthy interaction patterns. Mental health professionals can counsel the child and family to help everyone develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to each other.

Parents can also help by taking part in parenting skills training. This helps parents learn how to handle difficult situations and behaviors. Training encourages parents to share a pleasant or relaxing activity with their child, to notice and point out what their child does well, and to praise their child’s strengths and abilities. Parents may also learn to arrange family situations in more positive ways. Also, parents may benefit from learning stress-management techniques to help them deal with frustration and respond calmly to their child’s behavior.

Sometimes, the whole family may need counseling. Therapists can help family members find better ways to handle disruptive behaviors and encourage behavior changes. Finally, support groups help parents and families connect with others who have similar problems and concerns. Groups often meet regularly to share frustrations and successes, to exchange information about recommended specialists and strategies, and to talk with experts.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health-Treatment of Children with Mental Illness

I have several friends that can attest to the importance of parental involvement in the education of children with mental illness.  They are model parents in being proactive in this often challenging situation.  Ideally, parents should be involved but this may not always happen.  What if parents do not recognize that their child has a problem? What if parents do not know how to handle their child? Or what if the parent may not have the ability or resources to assist their child?

On the flip side, what if a teacher or school administrator does not know how to handle a child with a mental illness? What if the child is “labeled” as a discipline problem when, in fact, he or she has a disorder?  Or what if the school and classroom environment is not one of acceptance but rather stigma and bullying?

I wish I had all the answers to these questions but I do not.  All of these situations create an even greater challenge in the schooling of a child with a mental illness or disorder. But they are all situations that can be overcome.  It may take time, patience, perseverance, effective communication between the school and the parent(s) and, most importantly, training and education on mental illness.

If you are a parent with a child that has a mental illness or a teacher teaching children with mental illness, I ask you what has worked best in your situation?  What has caused the most difficulty?  Please comment on this post.  Your insights and comments can help others in a similar situation.

Additional reading:

School Materials for a Mental Health Friendly Classroom: Eliminating Barriers for Learning: An Administrator’s Guide

How Does Mental Illness Affect The Classroom?

Teaching about Mental Illness in the Classroom

How does mental illness interfere with school performance?

Issues in Mental Health: Mental Illness Awareness

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Our Physical Surroundings Impact Our Mental Health

August 6, 2012

I just returned from a trip to visit family.  I was blessed to stay at a place on the beach.  I, personally, love the beach.  It is so peaceful and serene.  No matter what is going on in my life, I can get a new perspective when I am near the water.  My own experience got me thinking about how our physical surroundings impact our mental health.

I know how my physical surroundings impact my own mental health so it seems only logical that it would impact everyone’s mental health.  We all should have our basic needs, such as housing, food, water, and safety met.  Sadly, that is not the case for many people throughout the world.  How can our mental health be strong if we do not know where our next meal will come from or where we will find shelter from the elements?  I believe not knowing the answer to these basic questions causes one to live in a constant state of anxiety.

In fact, one of the findings of a study published in September 2008 by the Government Office for Science was that our sensory stimulation, that is what we see, smell, touch, taste and hear are significant factors contributing to our mental well-being.  These factors impact every one of us.

I am thankful that I no longer live in a state of anxiety as I once did.  I am blessed that I have come to a place of healing and recovery.  If it was not for the support of family and friends, I would not have achieved the basic needs required for me to overcome my own situation.  I thank God every day for the many blessings in my life.  It has not always been easy.  When I look back, I see how the difficulties in my physical surroundings made it hard for me to grasp that things would get better.  Perseverance, faith and hope carried me along the way.  They still do.

If your own circumstances look grim, I encourage you to not give up.  Rather, persevere and reach out for help wherever help is available.  In time, things can change for the better.

Sources and additional reading:

Mental Capital and Wellbeing and the Physical Environment

Environmental Connections: A Deeper Look into Mental Illness

How the environment affects mental health

Mental Health and the environment

Wellbeing: Mental health and the environment

What causes mental illness?

Does What We Eat Affect Our Mood?

July 21, 2012

Does what we eat affect our mood?  It is very likely that foods we eat can affect our mood.  Our diet is very important in maintaining good health.  Although the diet is important, there is no absolute proof that a specific food or diet that can cure mental illness.  However, there is research that shows that our diet can affect our mood and aggravate existing mental conditions.

According to WebMed.com, a healthy diet may help in overall treatment of depression.  Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and a small amount of healthy fat can help alleviate depression symptoms.  Deficiency in foods rich in these nutrients can cause our body to not work at is full-capacity and can even cause illness.

In fact, according to the Better Health Channel, a lack of B vitamins, magnesium and calcium can increase the symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Foods rich in magnesium include halibut, almonds, cashews, spinach and whole grains such as oatmeal and whole grain breads. You can get B vitamins from fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy sources such as milk and foods fortified with B vitamins such as cereals and breads. You can find calcium in dairy products, fortified foods such as cereals and juices, sardines, salmon and leafy green vegetables such as collards and spinach.

There also are things we should avoid in out diet, especially if experiencing anxiety or stress.  Alcohol and caffeine can trigger the release of the stress hormone, adrenaline, which can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety, according to The Anxiety and Depression Disorders Association of America.  The Association also recommends avoiding high energy drinks as well.  Sadly, many individuals turn to alcohol and caffeine when experiencing stress and anxiety.

Sugar causes the blood sugar to fluctuate so it can increase the symptoms of depression.  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean sources of protein instead of fast food is highly recommended.  Personally, I have found that the busier I am, the less likely I am to eat a healthy diet.  Stress can make it hard to adhere to a diet that is best for our health, both physical and mental health.  For me, the key to keeping a healthy diet is planning meals in advance.

I love my Crockpot.  The Crockpot is a good way to prepare a meal when you do not have time to cook a meal.  I often put a lean roast and vegetables in the Crockpot.  I am busy during the day so it is great that by dinner time it is ready to eat.  I have made fresh homemade chili, spaghetti sauce and soups all in advance using the Crockpot.  I also keep fresh fruit and vegetables on hand, preferably organic, that can be eaten any time.  I love eating fish as well.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and nuts.  Ongoing research is showing that omega-3 rich foods may assist in the treatment of depression. Research is also showing the importance of Vitamin D.  There is a higher rate of depression among individuals with a deficiency in Vitamin D.

Research supports eating a Mediterranean diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy cereals, legumes and fish. Such a diet can help alleviate symptoms of depression.  Although research is ongoing in the area of diet and mental health, it definitely indicates that what we eat affects our mood. Foods that are already recommended we eat (fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, etc.) for staying healthy physically, appear to also help keep us mentally healthy as well.  So I, personally, will do my best to keep a healthy diet for both my body and my mind.  I hope you will too.

Sources and additional reading:

Foods That Fight Anxiety & Depression

 

Depression and Diet

 

Depression – Food for the Brain

 

Mediterranean Diet and Depression

Can Postpartum Psychosis Be Prevented?

July 10, 2012

Can postpartum psychosis be prevented?  This is a tough question but one that I think needs to be addressed.  I, personally, have seen that postpartum psychosis can be prevented.

As a Volunteer Coordinator with Postpartum Support International, I provided emotional and informational support to many moms experiencing mental illness related to childbearing.  I recall, one mom, who was high risk for experiencing postpartum psychosis since she experienced postpartum psychosis with her first birth.  Mothers, who have experienced postpartum psychosis with previous births or have a history of bipolar disorder are most at risk.  The mom, who I gave support to, went on to have a successful second pregnancy and postpartum period without any incidence of postpartum psychosis or depression.  She worked closely with her doctor and support team in preventing a recurrence.

Another mother I gave support to began exhibiting early warning signs of postpartum psychosis a few days after the birth of her first child but with early intervention, there was no progression of postpartum psychosis.  The key for her was that I knew her personally.  She was aware of the possibility of experiencing problems so she contacted me as soon as she exhibited symptoms.  Her family and I got her the help she needed before the symptoms escalated.  She went on to have a second child without any problems.

I, personally, have seen that postpartum psychosis can be prevented and with early intervention can be stopped.  But what does the research indicate?

According to an article published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, a study of the prevention of postpartum psychosis and mania in women at high risk, concluded that it is recommended that appropriate preventative medication be initiated immediately postpartum in women with a history of psychosis limited to the postpartum period in order to prevent postpartum psychosis.  In addition, the study concluded that patients with bipolar disorder require continuous preventative medication throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period to reduce late pregnancy or the first few months postpartum relapse risk.

The bottom line in prevention is that women, who are at high risk of experiencing postpartum psychosis, should work very closely with a medical professional, properly trained in the area of mental health related to childbearing, during their pregnancy and postpartum period.  Having a plan in place for receiving emotional and practical support during pregnancy and the postpartum period is also highly recommended.

Despite having everything in place, a woman can still experience postpartum psychosis.  The risk can be greatly reduced but not always prevented.  Early intervention is critical in the onset of postpartum psychosis.  The more we talk about the illness and recognize that it can be properly treated, the more it will be prevented.

In my case, I was never blessed to have another child but if I would have, I would have been better equipped because I never knew that postpartum psychosis even existed when my son was born.  There is now better awareness of postpartum psychosis but still there is ignorance and misunderstanding of the illness that needs to be overcome.

Sources and additional information:

Subsequent Pregnancy in Women with a History of Postpartum Psychosis

The Prevention of Postpartum Psychosis and Mania in Women at High Risk

Postpartum Support International

An Illness That Can Attack Mothers

The Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis

APP Network: Action Postpartum Psychosis

The Thyroid and Mental Health

June 29, 2012

I recently learned from my routine annual blood test that my thyroid is hyperactive.  Since getting the results, questions have been running through my mind as to what could be causing my thyroid to overwork.  My thyroid has been checked regularly over the years and the results have been fine so why am I having the problem now?

I was aware that an overactive thyroid can cause symptoms of anxiety disorder.  I was also aware that an underactive thyroid can cause symptoms of depression.  I knew that mothers experiencing postpartum mood disorders should always have their thyroid checked but I did not realize how intertwined mental health and the thyroid are until I began researching my own situation.

According to emedecinehealth.com, the thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body’s use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues.

Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much (overactive thyroid disease or hyperthyroidism), too little (underactive thyroid disease or hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules, and/or goiter. All types of thyroid problems in women are much more common than thyroid problems in men.

The more I learned about the thyroid, the more I realized its importance in our health including our mental health.  According to an article published by the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, attention has been given to the relationship between thyroid function and mental disorders for the following reasons:

• Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can be accompanied by prominent mental abnormalities.
• Thyroid hormones have been used in the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions.
• Some drugs used for the treatment of mental illness can have an effect on the thyroid gland.

The article goes on to discuss the mental abnormalities associated with thyroid disorders.  In the case of hyperthyroidism (overactive), common psychological symptoms are anxiety and tension; mood changes; irritability and impatience; overactivity; sensitivity to noise. Psychological symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive) are slowing of mental processing; loss of initiative and interest; memory difficulties; muddled thinking; depression.

Of course these symptoms may be associated with mental illness when there is not a thyroid disorder but most definitely, anyone experiencing such symptoms should have their doctor order blood work to rule out a thyroid disorder.  In addition, some psychiatric drugs have been found to affect the thyroid so anyone taking psychiatric drugs should have their thyroid regularly monitored.  Hence, the reason for the discovery of my hyperactive thyroid.

In my case, the psychological symptoms are not present.  Instead, I have only been dealing with the physical symptoms of an overactive thyroid, such as a rapid heartbeat, increased sensitivity to heat, bowel changes and sleep disturbances.

Since the exact cause of my overactive thyroid is uncertain at this time (although I suspect it is related to diet and supplement use), I will try to calm my overactive thyroid with some nutritional and natural remedies that I learned about while doing my research.  I figure it can not hurt to try while I wait the three months it is going to take to get in to see the endocrinologist.

Sadly, I learned that individuals with an overactive thyroid should avoid chocolate, coffee, salt, and black tea.  All things I enjoy.  But I will be able to drink lots of green tea and lemon balm tea.  I will increase my intake of broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, peaches, onions and spinach.  The diet changes won’t be difficult since I love those foods anyway but I will miss coffee and chocolate.

I would love to hear from anyone who has had an overactive thyroid and to learn what has worked for them in getting it regulated.  Please be sure to comment on my blog page.

An Illness that Can Attack Mothers

June 16, 2012

(Some names have been changed to protect identity)

In early 1996, eight weeks after the birth of my son, I was struck with postpartum psychosis, a rare, life-threatening illness, the most serious mood and anxiety disorder associated with childbearing. My son was just 8 weeks old when I went three nights without sleep.  I never thought I could experience such a frightening and consuming illness.  I had no prior history of mental illness and was unaware that postpartum psychosis even existed.  Perinatal (includes pregnancy and the first year after a baby is born) mood and anxiety disorders include a spectrum of disorders.  The disorders affect women of every culture, age, income level and race.  Postpartum psychosis can strike 1.1 to 4 out of 1,000 deliveries (Gaynes et.al, 2005).

My first pregnancy ended in miscarriage and I experienced a long and difficult labor and delivery.  Both of which can be risk factors for a mood and anxiety disorder associated with childbearing.

By six weeks my son began sleeping through the night but I could not.  By seven weeks, I was feeling sleep deprived and agitated.  I believed I would soon die.  It was an unexplained feeling but very real.  I found myself so frightened that I could not sleep at all.  The next thing I knew, I was afraid someone was going to kill me and take my baby.  I would learn much later, that I was having a delusion or strange belief, which is a symptom of postpartum psychosis.  But at the time it seemed very real and not at all false.  After the third night without sleep, I was so frightened that I would not even let my husband, the baby’s father, hold our son.

Kelly’s son was nine months old when she knew she wasn’t feeling well but couldn’t describe nor understood what was happening.  She knew she was feeling depressed as she had been away from her baby for a week.  After she returned from her business trip she was struck with postpartum psychosis.  She experienced extreme anxiety, false and delusional thinking and great fear.  Kelly also did not have a prior history of mental illness.  Kelly would go on to experience postpartum psychosis with the birth of her second child.  The second time Kelly experienced postpartum psychosis, it came on very suddenly.  She was taken to the hospital by her husband but she was sent home with just a mild sleep medicine.  By the time she was taken to the hospital again she was not even aware of her surroundings.  Both times Kelly experienced postpartum psychosis she was forced to stop breastfeeding while in the hospital.

The single most predictor or risk factor for a mood and anxiety disorder associated with childbearing is a previous occurrence.  Kelly did not know this as she was not educated about her illness the first time she experienced postpartum psychosis.

Jessica new something was wrong while still in the hospital after giving birth to her first child.  She knew something happening but the nurses didn’t listen and no one explained to her what to expect.  Jessica also experienced some medical problems while still in the hospital.   Once the doctor learned what was happening, she was given an antidepressant.  Soon after she started taking the medicine, she realized that she was going to die but thought it would be okay.  In the night, she began imagining that angels were coming for her.  She even passed out.  The next day her family took her to the doctor.  She tried to escape from the car several times.  After taken to the doctor, she was forcibly hospitalized.  The doctor did not know what was wrong with her.

Postpartum psychosis is often misdiagnosed.  In fact, it is often thought to be postpartum depression.  Postpartum depression is a less serious mood disorder than postpartum psychosis but is more common.  About 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression after the birth of a baby.  In both Jessica and my case, we were thought to have postpartum depression.   Many doctors are not familiar with postpartum psychosis hence the misdiagnosis.  Jessica, Kelly nor I had a prior history of mental illness prior to our pregnancies.  Having a history of mental illness makes a woman at much greater risk for a mood disorder associated with childbearing.  That was the case with Amanda.

Amanda had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder about five years prior to having her son.  She had been stable on medication during that time.  She was off her medicine prior to and during her pregnancy up until the final month of her pregnancy.  She was planning to breastfeed so she was taken off her medicine again after her son was born.  It was not until her son was about three or four months old that she recalls having trouble sleeping after feeding her son at night.  She had gone back to work when her son was eight weeks old.    She told her husband about her sleeping problems so he offered to take over one of the feedings.  It was too late.  She soon began feeling as if people where talking about her and following her.  It heightened into her threatening her husband with a knife and thinking he was trying to take her son from her.  Amanda was aware that she was at a greater risk for some kind of relapse after the birth of her baby since she would be off her medication.  Although she was never actually diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, a link between postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder has been found.

In the November 2003, the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry published a review.  The review reported a link between postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder.  The review concluded that understanding the relationship between postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder has implications for childbearing related treatment as well as long-term treatment.  In fact, the review indicates that similar treatment should be given to women experiencing postpartum psychosis as women experiencing bipolar disorder.  Although Amanda recovered from her postpartum episode, she still undergoes treatment for her bipolar disorder.  Jessica fully recovered from her postpartum psychosis and with preventive measures in place, went on to have a successful second pregnancy and postpartum period.  Kelly and I both were eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, postpartum onset.  The recovery period for all of the women was different but treatment with medication, therapy, as well as emotional and spiritual support was necessary for our recovery.

Although mental illness related to childbearing is now better known and understood, there is still ignorance and prejudice surrounding these illnesses as well as mental illnesses, in general.  Mental illness is not a character flaw or a punishment from God.  Mental illness has biological, emotional and spiritual aspects.  All aspects should be addressed in recovery.  Unfortunately, very often all aspects are not addressed.  In the cases of Jessica, Kelly, Amanda and I, if it was not for proper medical care and support from others, the outcome of our stories may have been very different as there is a 5% rate of suicide/infanticide with postpartum psychosis.  It is for this reason that immediate medical attention is required.  If you or someone you know is pregnant or has recently given birth, please offer them practical and emotional support.  If they are experiencing any symptoms of depression or psychosis, advise them to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Are Psychiatric Medications Prescribed too Frequently?

June 10, 2012

This is a challenging question to answer.  There has definitely been an increase in the number of psychiatric medications prescribed but is this a result of better identification of mental illness or is it as a result of the medications being pushed by doctors and pharmaceutical companies?

I guess it is difficult to determine a definitive reason why there is an increase in the use of mental health medications.  There seems to be research and opinions that support both the better identification of mental illness and that medications are being pushed by doctors and pharmaceutical companies.  I, personally, believe it is a combination of both reasons.

According to a Wall Street Journal article published in November 2011, overall use of psychiatric medications among adults grew 22% from 2001 to 2010.  The percentage is based on prescription-drug pharmacy claims of two million insured U.S. adults and children reported by MedCo Health Solutions, Inc., a pharmacy-benefit manger (click on graph above to see more percentages).

The Wall Street Journal article goes on to state that psychiatric medications are among the most widely-prescribed and biggest-selling drugs in the United States.  Of course, whether the psychiatric drugs are used appropriately or not has been an ongoing concern and debate among the medical community and policy makers.  In my opinion, as an experienced marketing professional, I believe the increase in direct consumer advertising of medications, in particular psychiatric medications, should be a concern.  The advertising influences the consumer’s perception and demand of the medications, whether or not they are necessary.  Although many find benefits from taking medication, it is important to be aware that the pharmaceutical companies are profit-driven.  Yes, there is excellent research conducted by the companies but remember, that they look at whether or not the financial benefits of a medication will be greater than the risks.

So, in my opinion, there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not psychiatric medications are prescribed too frequently.  My recommendation is that individuals do their own research and educate themselves about the diagnosis being given to them.  Medications may not always be necessary and other treatments can be effective.  When medication is recommended, finding the right one can be challenging.  Research the medication and understand the benefits and risks.  Remember that your doctor works for you and you have the right to be a partner in your care and treatment.

I would love to hear what others think on this topic so I encourage comments.

Also, I recently discovered that my subscribe feature on my blog page was not working properly.  Unfortunately, I lost some subscribers.  The problem is now fixed.  If you subscribed to my blog between the end of March and the first week in June, please resubscribe.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

I hope you find the information I provide helpful and informative.  I appreciate you taking the time to read my blogs.

Additional Informational Resources:

Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America by Robert Whitaker

Treating Depression: Is there a placebo effect?

MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

Antidepressant drug sales plummet as patents expire and patients flee to safer alternatives

How FDA and Big Pharma mislead millions into taking dangerous anti-depressants

Citizens Commission on Human Rights

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

May 26, 2012

How many of us have experienced a traumatic life event?  I am sure most of us can answer yes.  But when that event causes ongoing distress and disruption of an individual’s life for more than a month after the event, there could be something more going on than normal stress.  According the Hazelden Foundation, research indicates that 7 to 12 percent of people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives.  Women are more likely than men to develop the disorder.

What is a traumatic event?  A traumatic event can include combat or military experiences, sexual or physical abuse or assault.  It can also include experiencing a serious accident or natural disaster.  Even witnessing someone else experience a traumatic event can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  In fact, according to Postpartum Support International, 1% to 6% of women experience postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder after giving birth to a child.

What are some of the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?  According the the Mayo Clinic, symptoms usually start within three months of the trauma but in a some cases symptoms may not appear for years after the event.  If you are experiencing some of the following symptoms continually after a traumatic event, it is very possible that you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Some of the symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time
• Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
• Hopelessness about the future
• Memory problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships

• Irritability or anger
• Overwhelming guilt or shame
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
• Trouble sleeping
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Hearing or seeing things that aren’t thereThese symptoms may be sporadic.  Dealing with stress or reminders of the event may increase the symptoms.  It is important that if you believe you may be experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), that you seek help.

What type of help is available?  According to the National Center for PTSD, there are effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder available.  Therapy and medication have been found to be effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  In particular, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears to be the most effective treatment for the disorder.  In this type of therapy, your therapist helps you learn to understand and change your thoughts about your trauma and its aftermath.  There are other therapies, such as group therapy and family therapy, that can also help in the treatment of the disorder.

I, personally, have found the benefits of therapy to be invaluable to my recovery from the trauma I experienced relating to the onset of postpartum psychosis and my subsequent hospitalizations.  There is hope for those experiencing post-traumatic stress.  Remember you are not alone, you are not to blame, and things will get better with proper care and treatment.

Many of us recognize that soldiers are at risk for experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  As we celebrate Memorial Day, I honor all of the soldiers, both past and present, including my own father, who was a World War II pilot, that have made sacrifices for our freedom.  May we never forget!

What treatments have helped best for those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder?  Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Physical Problems and Mental Health

May 5, 2012

It appears that individuals with mental illness have higher rates of physical problems, at least according to an U.S. Government report released last month (April 2012).  But do physical problems cause an increased risk of mental illness or does mental illness cause an increased risk of physical problems?

In regard to mental illness being tied to a greater increase in physical problems, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report released, in April 2012, indicates that adults aged 18 and older who had any type of mental illness in the past year had higher rates of high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.  Some of the findings in the recent U.S. Government report are:

• People with major depression in the past year had higher rates of the following chronic health problems than those without major depression: high blood pressure (24 percent vs. 20 percent); asthma (17 percent vs. 11 percent); diabetes (9 percent vs. 7 percent); heart disease (7 percent vs. 5 percent); and stroke (3 percent vs. 1 percent).
• 22 percent of adults with any type of mental illness in the past year had high blood pressure and nearly 16 percent had asthma. The rates in adults without mental illness were about 18 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
•  People with mental illness had higher rates of emergency-department use and hospitalization, according to the report. Rates of emergency department use were nearly 48 percent for people with a serious mental illness in the past year and 31 percent for those without a serious mental illness.
• Hospitalization rates were more than 20 percent for those with a serious mental illness in the past year and less than 12 percent for those without a serious mental illness.

Although the report indicates increased risk, in my opinion, the percentages are not drastically different.  Also, the report doesn’t investigate the possible causes of the physical symptoms such as medication side-effects, stress, access to care or if patients with mental illness are treated differently than patients without mental illness.  I am sure some or all of these come into play.  In my own past personal experience, my physical symptoms were often overlooked or placed secondary due to my mental illness diagnosis.  I guess, in that case, the percentages of physical ailments in individuals with mental illness may be even higher.

According to one opinion in an article in World Psychiatry (v.6(1); Feb 2007), in many countries psychiatrists have forgotten that they are medical doctors.  The author of the article believes that “sadly only a small proportion of psychiatrists have an interest in dealing in a comprehensive manner with people struck by physical illness…Despite having a medical diploma, only a few among the psychiatrists are sufficiently well trained in medicine to be able to deal with patients who have a mental and a physical disease at the same time.”  This seems like harsh words but often many doctors push you out the door with a prescription before really investigating and discussing your health and well-being.  Whatever the case, it seems it is necessary that more research be conducted to unravel the puzzle of higher rates of physical illness in people with mental disorders.

But what about the other scenario of physical problems increasing the risk of mental illness?  It appears that they do.  For instance, a study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, suggests that women with any history of migraines were about 40 percent more likely to develop depression than women without a similar history.  Also, in many cases, living with chronic physical illness can cause anxiety.

A 2006 study completed at the University of Manitoba, showed a higher rate of anxiety in participants that suffered from a physical illness but even higher rates showed in those with respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, arthritis, allergies, thyroid diseases and migraine headaches.  Debate is ongoing about what comes first the illness or the anxiety because living with chronic stress can also cause physical problems.  According to an article in the August 5, 2008, Harvard Health Publications, regardless of what comes first, people living with chronic physical illness that have untreated anxiety may have an increase in symptoms and the physical illness may become harder to treat.

It may seem that it has to be one way or another but research indicates that mental illness can cause an increased risk of physical symptoms and physical symptoms can cause an increased risk of mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety.

There is no denying the mind and body connection.  If the body can suffer from pseudoseizures, as was the case with me, then I know the line between mental and physical illness is a fine one.  I imagine as more and more research is conducted, the finer the line will become between the two.

If any of you have any further insight or research in this area, I would love to hear about it.  Please comment on my blog post below as it helps bring further insight and understanding.

I hope you find my blogs of interest and helpful.  If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to future blog email notifications by entering your email address on my blog page.  Also please share my site with a friend or others that you think may find it helpful and of interest.  At the bottom of the posts, there are quick links to share the posts directly through social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others.

Thank you for your continued interest and inspiration.

Sources and Links:

Migraines May Raise a Woman’s Odds of Depression

 

Mental Illness Tied to Higher Rates of Physical Problems: Report

 

Physical illness and mental health

 

Depression and physical illness

 

Separating anxiety from physical illness

 

The Link Between Anxiety Disorders and Physical Illness

Mental Health and the Workplace

April 28, 2012

Mental Health and The Workplace

Have you ever been frustrated and overwhelmed with your job?  Have you ever had to work with a difficult co-worker or supervisor?  I imagine most workers can answer yes to these questions.  If you can answer yes to these questions, you probably already know that the environment of the workplace can affect a worker’s well-being and mental health.  According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, several key issues have been shown to have a significant effect on employee mental health. The following factors not only impact the health of the individual employees, they also impact the health of the organization and the organization’s financial bottom line.

• Psychological Support

• Organizational Culture

• Clear Leadership & Expectations

• Civility & Respect

• Psychological Job Fit

• Growth & Development

• Recognition & Reward

• Involvement & Influence

• Workload Management

• Engagement

• Balance

• Psychological Protection

There are several other workplace issues that can affect mental health including stigma and discrimination; demand and reward relationships; job burnout; harassment, violence, and bullying; substance use, misuse and abuse at work.  Organizations should consider all these factors in their efforts to create a mentally healthy workplace.

According to Workplace Mental Health Promotion,there are eight workplace strategies that can positively affect mental health in the workplace.  These include the following:

1. Encouraging active employee participation and decision making
2. Clearly defining employees’ duties and responsibilities
3. Promoting work-life balance
4. Encouraging respectful and non-derogatory behaviors
5. Managing workloads
6. Allowing continuous learning
7. Having conflict resolution practices in place
8. Recognizing employees’ contributions effectively

Achieving some of these strategies are more challenging than others because organizations are made up of individuals with many personalities and backgrounds.  The differences can make working together difficult.  In general, employees want to feel appreciated, respected and treated as a team player.  Working in a positive environment is so important for positive well-being.

The impact a boss or supervisor has in the workplace environment is huge.  In fact, an online study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found employees who said their supervisors were coercive, pressuring and authoritarian, or non-supportive, felt their needs weren’t being met and had lower levels of well-being.  And the way an employee feels at work can account for more than a quarter of the differences in work performance between individuals, according to the authors of the study.

The American Psychological Association offers tips for managing your boss which I encourage anyone that is experiencing difficulties with their boss to read.  In my own life, I have been a worker and a boss.  Overall, I have had positive experiences as both.  I have found that stress in the workplace as well as stress in our personal life needs to be managed.  For me, exercise, a healthy diet, counseling, support from family and friends, as well as a healthy spiritual life have all contributed to the healthy well-being, I now maintain.

Have you ever experienced stress in the workplace?  Have you ever had a difficult boss?  If so, what helped or hurt the situation?  I would love for you to share your comments below.

I hope you find this information helpful and consider sharing it with others by clicking on the social network links below.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to provide your email above to receive notification of future blogs.

Interview with Dr. Christina Hibbert

April 24, 2012

1.  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?  I am first and foremost Wife of OJ (not Simpson) and Mom to Braxton (15 ½ ), Tre (15), Colton (13), Brody (11), Kennedy (8), and Sydney (4). In my “spare time” (ha!) I’m also a Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice specializing in Perinatal Emotional Health, Parenting, Women’s Emotions Across the Lifespan, and Grief/Loss, and I run a weekly Pregnancy & Postpartum Adjustment group too. I’m the Founder/President of the AZ Postpartum Wellness Coalition (Est. 2005) and a Posptartum Support International (PSI) co-coordinator for Arizona. I’m also a frequent speaker and educator, and the Producer of the Postpartum Couples DVD. Most recently, I am a blogger for my new website, www.drchristinahibbert.com, and an author working my tail off to get my first book, This is How We Grow, published soon! Oh, and I’m also a singer-songwriter when I get the chanceJ.

2.  When did you decide you wanted to become a psychologist and focus on mental health related to childbearing?  I knew I wanted to become a psychologist my sophomore year of college, after my 8 year-old sister died. I went through a couple months of counseling that really helped me through my grief. I also had this amazing Intro to Psych teacher that semester who was a mom, a professor, and had a private practice. She inspired me to believe I could do the same.

It wasn’t until I had graduated with my Bachelor’s, was married, and had my first son that I knew I wanted to go back to school to focus my doctoral studies on perinatal mental health. (see next answer for more)

3.  How did you first learn about postpartum depression?   I had always wanted to be a mother, so when we found out I was pregnant I was ecstatic. But after a tricky birth and plenty of sleep deprivation, I was floored by postpartum depression. My husband and I lived with my Mom and Dad, on their living room floor for several weeks as I tried to find help for whatever was happening to me. My OB just sent me a pamphlet on “The Baby Blues;” others said, “Oh, it’s nothing. You’re just tired.” All I wanted was for someone to recognize what I was feeling was real and to tell me, “Yeah. I felt that way too.”

Two and a half years later, when my second son was born, I was prepared (or so I thought).  I’d researched postpartum depression and I had a plan, but it was still a huge challenge for me and I still had no outside support (though my husband was great). I started grad school when that baby was 4 months and my oldest was 3 and that’s when I found Jane Honikman and Postpartum Support International (PSI). I started volunteering with PSI in 2000. I took every course I could on perinatal mood disorders and read every book. Then I did my dissertation on “Postpartum Mood Disorders: The Couple’s Experience,” and produced the Postpartum Couples DVD along with it.

I graduated with my Psy.D. on a Sunday, gave birth to our first baby girl the next Sunday, and moved home to Arizona the next Friday. Being an “expert” on Perinatal Mental Health at that point did help: I was very well connected and had incredible supports in place. But it didn’t prevent my third experience with postpartum depression and anxiety; it only made it a little easier to get through. (I might have also had PPD with my fourth baby, but considering I’d just inherited two kids weeks before giving birth, it was tough to say what was what! See below for more details).

4.  What helped you overcome your own experience with postpartum depression?  1)  Allowing practical help when people offered (help with kids, home, etc) and letting go of the idea that I had to do it all on my own.

2)  Recognizing the importance of sleep! I know now that when I am too tired I simply cannot be nice. I learned to prioritize sleep by taking naps or letting my husband help in the night so I could occasionally sleep through—I’ve even gone away to a hotel for a night just to sleep!

3)   Reaching out for emotional support from others who understand and have “been there”. Though there wasn’t a warmline around when I had my babies, I learned to call on friends, family, colleagues and other PSI volunteers just to talk and feel supported. (That’s one reason I’m very proud of our AZ warmline I co-founded in 2003 that is still going strong! Now no one in AZ needs to feel alone like I did!)

4)   Being real about it helps too. Learning to let go of unrealistic expectations is huge and saved me from so much unnecessary suffering! It was important for me to understand and really believe that having PPD didn’t make me a “bad” mom or any kind of mom—it was simply an illness that was preventing me from feeling like the kind of mom I wanted to be (and actually was), like clouds preventing me from seeing the sun on a rainy day. It helped me learn to give myself credit for all I was doing and who I was becoming through those difficult experiences with PPD.

5.  What do you think is the best way of educating others about mental illness related to childbearing?  Talk about it. To your friends, family, doctors, women at the park and the grocery store. Talk away! For too long it’s been a “secret,” something women and families have felt ashamed of, something they’ve felt afraid to admit. But the more we talk, the more we can accept that perinatal mental illness is real, not our fault, and doesn’t mean anything about who we are. Speaking up shows others that it’s ok (and even better) to be open about how we’re feeling, for this allows us to seek help and feel better so much sooner.

And we need to not only talk to moms. We must talk to dads and other family members and not only because dads can have PPD too, but more so because this is a familial disease—it affects all parties involved with mom and baby.

Of course, providers need to talk about it too. In medical and mental health practices this discussion needs to become a routine part of the childbearing experience. “Describe your emotional health” should be part of every intake form and monthly perinatal visit at doctors’ offices, and “Tell me about your childbearing experience” should be part of every mental health intake form and counseling session with new moms (and dads!).

If every mother, father, friend, grandparent, doctor, nurse, counselor, lactation consultant, (you get my drift) routinely discussed perinatal mental illness with pregnant and postpartum families, imagine what difference that would make!

6.  What message would you like to share with mothers and families facing mental illness related to childbearing?  I really believe in the PSI message and wish every mother, father, and family could not only hear it but believe it: You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.

I would also tell them, as a multiple PPD survivor and now a mom of older kids and teenagers (who are bigger than I am!) that it’s all worth it. All the heartache and suffering and hard work to get well is absolutely worth it. You will have years upon years to enjoy your kiddos, but you have to let yourself seek out whatever help you need to get well first.

And for those who are finally feeling “better,” I would add, don’t just get better. Choose to become even better than better by growing through PPD. I don’t say this to put any pressure on—quite the opposite. I say this as a message of hope that there is so much joy in you to uncover if you will let yourself work to uncover it. I certainly never dreamed up the life I am now living, thanks to the detour handed me by PPD. But choosing to grow through the difficult experiences I’ve been given has made all the difference. Who knows where your PPD experience will one day take you!

7.  How has your professional experience/expertise helped you in your own life?   One reason I was drawn to psychology is because everything I learn can be applied in my own life. I am passionate about becoming the best I can be and then helping others do the same, so I guess you could say my professional experiences help me each and every day as I overcome, become, and flourish in my own life.

But the most profound time when my professional experiences have helped me have been the years after my sister and brother-in-law died in 2007, when we inherited my nephews and had a baby, going from three to six kids in just three weeks. Here I was, an “expert” on Postpartum and Women’s Emotional Health, Parenting, and & Grief and Loss, faced with putting together a new family through grief and loss while “postpartum” myself.  It’s interesting, isn’t it, how we are each prepared for the challenging circumstances that come our way. I was definitely prepared to put this family together. It’s been an indescribable journey for all of us, but the boys are now adopted and we have not only overcome our trials, we are flourishing! (You can read about my experiences  in my upcoming book, This is How We Grow).

8.  What are your top 3 tips for maintaining positive emotional health?

1)  Take good care of your body through sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Good physical health is the foundation for your emotional well-being.

2)  Learn all you can (through books, therapy, classes, etc) about how to overcome your personal emotional health challenges. Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, low sense of self-worth, or something else? Seek out wisdom and practical tools that you can use to overcome whatever seeks to bring you down.

3)  Don’t stop at overcoming. Focus on who you wish to become. Create a vision for your life and who you desire to be. Fill your mind and heart with all the good things you desire, including healthy thoughts and emotions. Remember, only you can create the life you envision, so don’t wait around for it to be created for you. Get out there and build it yourself. This is the path to emotional health and, even more so, the path to flourishing!

(Can you tell my tagline is “Overcoming, becoming, flourishing”?!)

 9.  I understand you are sometimes called the “singing psychologist” so, in your opinion, how does music play a role in one’s emotional health?  Personally, music is huge for my emotional health. When I am writing a song, singing, or playing the guitar or piano, I know I am emotionally well, for music lights me up. It fills me with creative energy that carries throughout my day.

I know not everyone creates or plays music, but listening to music can have a similar effect on our emotional health, for music can create emotion in us. Listening to uplifting music brings a smile to our faces. Listening to sad music can bring us to tears. We can use music to change our mood or to keep us stuck in a mood. Music speaks to us in a language that is quick and deep, and reaches a place that is often hard for us to reach—our soul.

So when your soul needs a lift, put on uplifting music. When you need to know you’re not alone, put on a song that sings straight to you. Avoid filling yourself with music that is contrary to who you are working to be, and instead fill yourself with music that helps you create the emotional well-being you desire. It’s a fabulous tool!

10.  How can readers follow-up with you and is there any other information you would like to share?  I would love for readers to join me and my community of “Really Great People” on my website, www.drchristinahibbert.com, where they can subscribe to my blog, use the resources provided, and connect with me personally too. I would also love to connect on Facebook (www.facebook.com/drchibbert), Twitter (@DrCHibbert), Pinterest (Christina Hibbert), or Goodreads (Dr. Christina Hibbert).

Thank you, Jennifer, for all the incredible work you are doing to help our perinatal families! I appreciate you having me as your guest.

I would love to end with one of my favorite quotes by Karen Kaiser Clark and a question to take with you and ponder:

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” What will your choice be?

The interview questions are prepared by Jennifer Moyer for her website/blog and answers are published on her website, www.jennifermoyer.com, with permission from Christina Hibbert, Psy.D.

Please leave your comments below.  You can subscribe to future blogs by entering your email address above.

Can Men Suffer From Postpartum Depression?

April 17, 2012

Many people are familiar with postpartum depression in women but postpartum depression in men is hardly ever talked about.  A new baby is a wonderful blessing but the demands of parenthood are very stressful and can be overwhelming to both parents.  Mothers and fathers share many of the same stresses.

According to one of the few studies in the area of paternal depression, in general, 14% of American men develop depression either during their partner’s pregnancy or during the first year postpartum. About 8% of fathers in other countries develop paternal depression.  The problem seems to heighten when babies are 3 to 6 months old.  During this time, 25% of new fathers and 42% of mothers report depression.  If a mother experiences postpartum depression, the father is at much greater risk of experiencing depression as well.

Sleep deprivation is a strong contributor to depression.  Research shows that any healthy adult that goes without good sleep for a month, is at increased risk for experiencing depression.  In addition, the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth can cause depression in both women and men.  Women experience a sharp decline in progesterone and estrogen but men also experience a decline in testosterone.

Unfortunately, fathers experiencing depression are less likely to seek help then mothers.  Mainly because, in general, men avoid treatment for mental health.  Also men experiencing depression often have symptoms that are unique from women.  Some of the symptoms of depression in men may include:

• Increased anger and conflict with others
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Frustration or irritability
• Violent behavior
• Losing weight without trying
• Isolation from family and friends
• Being easily stressed
• Impulsiveness and taking risks, like reckless driving and extramarital sex
• Feeling discouraged
• Increases in complaints about physical problems
• Ongoing physical symptoms, like headaches, digestion problems or pain
• Problems with concentration and motivation
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies and sex
• Working constantly
• Frustration or irritability
• Misuse of prescription medication
• Increased concerns about productivity and functioning at school or work
• Fatigue
• Experiencing conflict between how you think you should be as a man and how you actually are
• Thoughts of suicide

Some men may only experience a few symptoms and others may experience many.  What ever the case, it is important to know that the symptoms are treatable and help is available.  For more information see the links below.

Sources and Additional Links:

Postpartum Depression Hits as Many Dads as Moms

Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Its Association With Maternal Depression

Helping Men Beat the Baby Blues and Overcome Depression

Postpartum Depression in Men | Video – ABC News

Postpartum Depression in Men: It’s Real

Postpartum Depression Strikes New Fathers, Too

Resources for Fathers

Postpartummen.com

Resources

Information on this web site is for educational purposes only.  It should not substitute for a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.

The Benefits of Emotional Support

April 8, 2012

I have been sharing my thoughts and information on different types of support.  Having already discussed practical support and informational support, it is now time to discuss, emotional support.  I believe emotional support is the most important type of support for those going through difficult times.

What is Emotional Support?

According to thefreedictionary.com, emotional support is the sensitive, understanding approach that helps individuals accept and deal with their difficulties or illness.  Enabling a person to communicate their anxieties and fears; derive comfort from a gentle, sympathetic, caring person; and increase their ability to care for themselves.  Emotional support can come from family, friends or health care professionals, but according to The American Institute of Stress, emotional support seems most effective when we can share our feelings or burdens with others who are experiencing or have experienced similar problems.  Attending a support group is one way to receive emotional support.

Why Do We Need Emotional Support?

Although some individuals may believe the need for emotional support is a sign of weakness, research has shown the benefits of such support.  Often shame and embarrassment prevent others from seeking emotional support.  There should be no shame in seeking help.  I, personally, have found that the ability to talk to others, who have been through similar life experiences, has helped encourage me to overcome my challenges as well as to maintain a more healthy and positive outlook.  Emotional support may not be essential but we are designed with a mind, body and spirit.  I have found that all aspects of an individual need to be cared for and nurtured.  By leaving out emotional support, a big part would be missing in helping us to deal with life challenges.

Emotional Support is Good for Us

Criticism for the need of emotional support has largely been answered by clinical studies that have shown that emotional support can increase longevity, improve psychological function and cause improvement to immune system function.  In fact, even having a pet can provide beneficial emotional support. In my own experience, receiving emotional support from family, friends, pastors, others who have dealt with similar circumstances and compassionate health professionals all have contributed to overcoming my challenges.  Continuing to have emotional support from them, enables me to continue to deal with my current life challenges and will help me to deal with the future challenges as well.  There are many organizations and resources available that provide emotional support for those facing mental illness.  Please check out my website resource list for some of them.  Links for further reading are provided below.

Emotional Support

Emotional Support for Depression & Stress

Emotional Support In Relationships

I would love to hear your comments on your experiences with emotional support.

Informational Support is Necessary in Managing Mental Illness

Informational support is a type of support that I believe is necessary in managing illness, especially mental illness.

Informational support is defined by the European Union Public Health Information System as support that includes advice, suggestions, or directives that assist the person to respond to personal or situational demands.  I believe informational support helps educate a person to better understand their illness.  In fact, I personally have found that the lack of informational support or education can cause a mental illness to be more difficult to treat and manage.

When I was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, I was so relieved to learn that the illness existed and that I was not crazy.  But I was left to learn about the illness on my own and through loved ones.  Receiving a diagnosis helped me tremendously but not being provided with information about the illness caused me to feel isolated.  I would, silently, ask myself, “Did I do something to cause the illness to strike.”

When I experienced my illness, the internet was not as accessible as it is today.  Today, there is a wealth of information available to us.  Sometimes not always accurate information.  I believe receiving factual and relevant information directly from health care professionals is much more empowering.  In my case, I did not have the opportunity to receive treatment from a professional with expertise in mental health related to childbearing until my son was almost 8 years old.  It was in 2003, when I received the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, postpartum onset, that I was able to begin to understand and manage my illness.  Prior to then, since I had no history of mental illness, I continued to believe that I could get back to the person I was prior to the onset of postpartum psychosis.

Why did it take so long for me to learn the facts about my illness?  I have to believe it was ignorance, in my case.  But the problem is that lack of education and informational support is still affecting people dealing with illness.  In a recent survey conducted by MedTera, a patient education and marketing firm that serves the life sciences and health care industry, patients want more informational support from their physicians.  The survey found that at least one-half of U.S. patients do not believe they have the information they need to manage their conditions once they leave the doctor’s office. Furthermore, most people feel their physicians don’t communicate with them enough about specific kinds of information, including online resources, information about prescription drugs and side effects, and diet.

Yes, that is a lot of information that the health care professionals are expected to provide but, I believe, the health care professionals can certainly provide information to patients on resources or other professionals that they can contact to obtain the information needed to manage their condition.  In my own case, once I was directed to a physician that educated me about my condition, I was able to begin my journey in managing my illness.  The informational support I received was not the only type of support necessary, but it was the support I needed to begin the journey.

Below are a few links used for research and to provide additional information.

Patients want more informational support from their physicians

Social support

Additional Resources

An Interview With Author Teresa Twomey

INTERVIEW WITH TERESA M. TWOMEY

THE AUTHOR OF

UNDERSTANDING POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS: A TEMPORARY MADNESS

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?     I’m a mother of three.  I’ve been a litigation attorney, a professional mediator, a business consultant, and a college instructor.  I’ve participated with our PTA, spent several years on a MOPS steering committee, and lead a “Mothers and Others” spirituality group at a local church.   My hobbies range from fishing and writing, to making stained-glass windows and my own jewelry.  Basically I’m a fairly typical mom.

How did you first learn about postpartum psychosis?                              From a chat-room on BabyCenter on the internet.  When I was on bed-rest with my second pregnancy, there was a discussion where a woman asked if you could have hallucinations with postpartum depression.  By then I’d figured out the depression part so I said that I had.  Another woman wrote to me and said she was a nurse following the discussion and that what I described was postpartum psychosis,  not postpartum depression.  That was the early days of the widespread use of the internet.  When I typed postpartum psychosis into the search bar I got no hits!  At the time I actually believed that when I got to the library to do research I’d find out a lot more information.  Boy was I wrong!

What was your goal in writing the book Understanding Postpartum Psychosis?  First, of course, is to raise awareness so society will be better at preventing, catching and adequately treating women with this illness.  Quite literally, to save lives and lessen suffering. Second is for the families and the women who have or had this so they know they are not alone – that this happens to other normal women – that they are not to blame, and they will be themselves again; to give hope and to aid in their healing.  Third is to provide information so people in non-medical professions that interact with or have an impact on women with Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) can have a better understanding of it – hence the chapters on media, history and law.

What do you find the most challenging in reaching your goal?  That people who have not been touched by this illness (yet) think it is not relevant to them – which, of course, limits the prevention opportunities. 

In your book, you write about the legal views of postpartum psychosis.  From your personal view as well as your view as an attorney, what do you say to the person, who says the use of a defense of postpartum depression/postpartum psychosis in the case of infanticide is a cop out?  I guess I’d want to know why they think it is a cop-out.  Do they think it is a cop-out because a) they deny that the illness exists; b) they have never experienced this so it can’t be real c) they deny that this illness could cause a “good” or “loving” mother to harm her children; d) that if someone harms a child things like state-of-mind, intent, and malice have nothing to do with it, the person simply must be punished; e) that a really loving mother would want to spend the rest of her life behind bars if she harmed her child; or f) that mental illness is not an excuse because you are to blame for being mentally ill in the first place?

Each of those are based on comments I’ve heard or read.  So what gives rise to each of these? (I cannot answer these fully in this format, but I do go into this further in my book)  So, some very brief answers:  For a), b), and c) the person is expressing a degree of ignorance, perhaps willful ignorance, about this illness, or perhaps all mental illness.  With a) some may still believe that mental illness is simply a lack of willpower or the equivalent, or b) they don’t understand that postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are not the same thing, or c) they do not understand the extent to which mental illness can distort  a person’s thinking.  In addition, c) illustrates that some people do not understand that the illness can cause a woman to do bad things BECAUSE she loves her child(ren), in the distorted belief that it is somehow the best for them (such as saving them from Satan).  Reason d) shows a lack of comprehension about the workings, and intentions, of our legal system.  Although e) and f) are similar in that they both indicate a blaming of the mother simply for having an illness, e) shows a desire that the mother blame herself so we get off the hook regarding judgment, whereas f) is rooted in the old belief that mental illness is God’s punishment and therefore the mental illness itself indicates the person is deserving of punishment and scorn.

I still haven’t said what I would say to that person.  It is difficult to address these underlying deficits or beliefs, particularly because we are often not fully conscious of them.  So I’d probably side-step the expected response and say something like: “The real cop-out is ours as a society.  We fail to properly care for the mentally ill  (heck lots of people don’t even seem to think their suffering deserves relief through medication) and then, when something bad happens, we turn around and blame those who are ill, those least likely to be able to prevent this harm, for the predictable results of their illness.  It is completely illogical.  But of course that gets you and me off the hook – we don’t have to do anything about treatment or prevention and then we get to heap all the blame on those who are ill.”

In your opinion, how do you think the media handles reporting on the rare cases of infanticide?  I think it varies from reporter to reporter.  Overall, I think it seems that reporters are becoming more educated about this illness, but most articles I read indicate an extremely shallow understanding.  And every now and again I read an article and cringe that some are still using postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression as if they were interchangeable, or even calling it the baby blues.  I don’t think they have any comprehension of the harm that results from such inaccurate reporting.

What do you think is the best way of educating others about postpartum psychosis and mental illness related to childbearing?  First, having it as a standard part of any curriculum that covers motherhood, childbirth or postpartum.  Women MUST be told.  Learning about it in the throes of it is extremely disadvantageous.  Postpartum mood disorders are hugely treatable and sometimes preventable.  It’s like we are putting women out there on a dodge-ball court blindfolded.  Sure, they might not get hit at all, but, by not informing them and preparing them, we are taking away their chance to duck – or at least not get smacked full in the face!

Second, but simply including it in our conversations – when people realize the vast numbers of women who are and have been affected by these illnesses they will feel more comfortable coming forward themselves.  I’ve seen a huge shift in this in just the 10+ years I’ve been involved in this movement.

What have you been doing since writing the book?                               Resting on my laurels!  I wish!

I’ve been speaking wherever they’ll have me – be it a library, school, hospital, radio, TV, community health organization, conference, bookstore, church or mothers’ group.   I’m also a Postpartum Support International Coordinator for Connecticut and Legal Resources Coordinator.  I have a Facebook page called Understanding Postpartum Psychosis.  And I get calls and emails from all over from people who have been touched by this illness and have somehow found my book.

I’ve also been doing other writing, consulting, teaching – things that I actually get paid to do!

What message would you like to share with the mothers and families facing postpartum psychosis?  First, if it is current, take it seriously – it is very dangerous.  Second, you have every reason to have hope that life WILL return to normal (well, normal plus a baby.)  And if you have suffered this in the past, I hope you find healing and comfort in my book and, I pie-in-the-sky-hope you are moved to become active in some way to help others.

Is there any additional information you would like to share?   There is a wonderful organization in England called “Action for Postpartum Psychosis.”   I would LOVE to see something like that here in the U.S.   If you are someone who would like to work on making that happen, or you are someone who would like to donate money to that type of cause, contact me at tmtwomey@yahoo.com.

Is there anything you’d like to add?   Yes, when I first went looking for information on postpartum psychosis it was extremely difficult to find anything.  And although this is really a seminal book on the illness and the experience of postpartum psychosis – there really is nothing else like it on the market – it was not easy to find a publisher.  So I have to thank Praeger Publishers for taking a chance on this book.  I don’t really know if it was just a market decision for them or if it they were inspired at all by the desire to help others with this book – but I’m grateful that it is now available to help others that need it.

Also, I’d like to thank YOU, Jennifer, for helping to bring this illness to the attention of so many.  You are doing great work and I want to honor you for that.

The interview questions are prepared by Jennifer Moyer for her website/blog and are published on her website with permission from Teresa M. Twomey.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: A Temporary Madness

Postpartum Support International: Get the Facts

Postpartum Psychosis: Get the Facts

Melanie’s Battle: About Postpartum Psychosis

When Stress Becomes Dangerous

We all experience stress to some degree.  But do you know when too much stress can be a problem or even dangerous to your health?  The Cleveland Clinic indicates that there are several warning signs when stress becomes dangerous.  These include major changes in sleep or eating habits, unable to manage in daily life or withdrawing socially and engaging in behaviors that cause self-harm.  For a complete list of the warning signs that stress is serious and professional help is needed, please click on the link below.  Some of the resources available are listed on my website:  www.jennifermoyer.com

If your are experiencing any of the warning signs, don’t delay in seeking help.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/headlines/660656.cfm

When Things Go Wrong

We are always faced with challenges, some greater than others, but we must continue the fight and persevere.  When I am faced with challenges, the three most important things I turn to are my faith, my family and my friends.  Without faith, family and friends, I would struggle alone.  I know not everyone has these three things in their lives to depend on but I would encourage you to make them a priority in your life.

Faith starts with a seed, which can grow. Often we turn from faith in difficult situations but I have found that faith holds me up during the times I can not hold myself up.  Yes, family can be difficult but relationships can be healed and made healthy.  Family does not always mean a blood relative.  We can make our family. In fact, friends can be like family.  Friendships often begin casually but when nurtured friends can grow into an amazing support system.

We are not guaranteed an easy life.  Life is full of challenges which can be turned into victories.  I found this poem “When Things Go Wrong” by an unknown author.  I hope it encourages and inspires you as it did me.

When Things Go Wrong

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Unknown