Wednesday, September 28, 2005 10:19 AM
posted by Michael Mason The Depressed President In the October issue of Atlantic Monthly, there's a truly insightful article about Abraham Lincoln's lifelong struggle with major depression. Of course, back then, it was called melancholy, but the sources and historical record show indisputably that Lincoln would have been diagnosable today. Here are some tidbits to illustrate the level of Lincoln's depression:
--He did not carry a knife for fear he would use it to kill himself.
--He memorized and recited poems about death and pain.
--He talked to doctors about his low mood and took medications for it.
--He tells many friends and colleagues of his desire to commit suicide.
Lincoln actually wrote to a law partner "I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on the earth."
The article is remarkable because it illustrates how a remarkable man struggled his entire life, and at the same time, cultivated a depth and wisdom that empowered him to become one of our greatest leaders. It is an inspiring story for any reader, and perhaps of particular interest to those who struggle with depression.
link to this post  Thursday, September 22, 2005 3:34 PM
posted by Michael Mason Substance Abuse and Pregnancy SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report in 2003 that showed shocking statistics regarding substance abuse by pregnant women:
--4.1 percent of pregnant woman report binge drinking.
--4.3 reported illicity drug use
--18 percent reported smoking cigarrettes
Despite a significant amount of warning, women with substance abuse problems have a difficult time refraining from their addictions. The consequences can be extremely harmful and even fatal to infants and babies.
Click here to read the SAMHSA report
link to this post Sunday, September 18, 2005 12:04 PM
posted by Chris R. Giles, LMFT Winter Blues? Do you ever feel like you become more irritable, sad or depressed during the winter months, but seem to recover during the Spring and Summer months? If so, you're not alone. Whether you call it the winter blues, cabin fever or whatever you want to call it, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real phenomenon. There are many possible causes for SAD ranging from the lack of light in the winter months to the changes in human behavior during colder, shorter days. The National Mental Health Association has a lot of information regarding this and other mood disorders. Here is some of the information I found there.
SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980’s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our “biological internal clocks” or circadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of “step” with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk. To read more about Seasonal Affective Disorder go to Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Thursday, September 15, 2005 8:37 AM
posted by Michael Mason Are Overeating and Drug Addiction Related? A recent article appearing on Science News suggests that there could be stronger neurobiological links between compulsive overeaters and drug addicts than were previously supposed:
"In recent years, scientists have discovered neurological connections between overeating and drug addiction. They've conducted studies showing that the brains of individuals with either of these conditions differ from other people's brains in similar ways. The researchers have also described a few enlightening differences between the brains of overeaters and those of drug abusers.
Understanding the neurological causes of overeating and drug addiction, say the researchers, could lead to new treatments for both conditions."
What could be the repurcussions of such findings? It may be that drugs that are found effective for treating chemical addictions may also be useful in treating food addictions.
Click here to read Food Fix: Neurobiology highlights similarities between obesity and drug addiction
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Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.
Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.
Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.
Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states. |
