By: Nick Richard
Recovery is a process, beginning with diagnosis and eventually moving into successful management of your illness. Successful recovery involves learning about your illness and the treatments available, empowering yourself through the support of peers and family members, and finally moving to a point where you take action to manage your own illness by helping others.
Severe mental illnesses are treatable disorders of the brain. Left untreated, however, they are among the most disabling and destructive illnesses known to humankind. Millions of Americans struggling with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, know only too well the personal costs of these debilitating illnesses. Stigma, shame, discrimination, unemployment, homelessness, criminalization, social isolation, poverty, and premature death mark the lives of most individuals with the most severe and persistent mental illnesses.
The real tragedy of mental illness in this country is that we know how to put things right. We know how to give people back their lives, to give them back their self-respect, to help them become contributing members of our society.
Science has greatly expanded our understanding and treatment of severe mental illnesses. Once forgotten in the back wards of mental institutions, individuals with brain disorders have a real chance at reclaiming full, productive lives, but only if they have access to the treatments, services, and programs so vital to recovery.
- Newer classes of medications can better treat individuals with severe mental illnesses and with far fewer side effects. Eighty percent of those suffering from bipolar disorder and 65 percent of those with major depression respond quickly to treatment; additionally, 60 percent of those with schizophrenia can be relieved of acute symptoms with proper medication.
- Assertive community treatment, a proven model treatment program that provides round-the-clock support to individuals with the most severe and persistent mental illnesses, significantly reduces hospitalizations, incarceration, homelessness, and increases employment, decent housing and quality of life.
- The involvement of consumers and family members in all aspects of planning, organizing, financing, and implementing service-delivery systems results in more responsiveness and accountability, and far fewer grievances.
Treatment programs are available in our community. Visit http://www.namisttammany.org/application/2010_Resource_Guide_7_1_10.pdf for more information on available resources in our area.
By: Nick Richard
A recent report revealing that people living with severe mental illness are more likely to be in jail or prison than they are to be in a hospital was released. A survey done by SAMHSA found that there were about 100,000 psychiatric beds available in 2004, or about 1 for every 3000 Americans. This report uses this data, combined with previously published data, to calculate that there are approximately 3.2 people with serious mental illness in jail or prison for every 1 person in a psychiatric bed.
The report takes an historical perspective, tracing the use of jails and prisons to house people with mental illness from the 1800’s, when there was only about 1 psychiatric bed per 5000 Americans and most people with serious mental illness were in jail or prison. In response to the horrific conditions in prisons and jails, advocates pushed for the creation of psychiatric hospitals. At their peak, there was 1 psychiatric bed per 300 Americans. However, concerns about mistreatment in psychiatric hospitals led to widespread closures.
The study includes a review of literature showing that currently approximately 15-20% of prison inmates and jail detainees have serious mental illness; this percentage has risen precipitously with the closure of psychiatric hospitals. As recently as 1983, only 6.4% of inmates were reported to have serious mental illness.
In their analysis of the new psychiatric bed data, the authors of the report found that the ratio of individuals incarcerated versus those hospitalized varied widely across states, with Louisiana in the bottom quarter of the rankings (4.6 to 1). This means that the odds of a seriously mentally ill person being in jail or prison compared to in hospital in Louisiana are 4.6 to 1.
The report reviews some of the tragic and costly outcomes of warehousing people with mental illness in the criminal justice system, which include high use of emergency services and high recidivism rates. The report cites the reason for high incarceration rates as the lack of effective community mental health services to provide treatment in place of the psychiatric hospitals closed over the last 50 years.
Regardless of how you feel about specific policies, this report shows the urgent need for improved access to mental health services.
Click HERE for the full report
By: Nick Richard
Many PBS stations are airing When Medicine Got It Wrong a documentary about the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this week, to coincide with Mother’s Day. See broadcast schedule, including other dates.
There is a big reason why. In the 1960s and ‘70s, many psychiatrists and medical school textbooks perpetuated the myth of the “schizophrenogenic mother,” in which a mother’s personality was viewed as the source of “bad parenting” and the cause of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. Never mind that one son or daughter in the same family might develop the illness, while brothers and sisters would grow up to be fine.
On Mother’s Day, it’s important to remember that not only have individuals living with mental illness been unfairly and cruelly stigmatized, but also their mothers and other family members.
In a speech before the World Congress on Psychiatry in 1977, Eve Oliphant, one of NAMI’s founders, proclaimed: “We failed to understand why parents of a child with leukemia were treated with sympathy and understanding, while parents of a child with schizophrenia were treated with scorn and condemnation.” The documentary traces NAMI’s dramatic origins as a grassroots movement and its founding as a national organization in 1979.
Twenty years later, the landmark U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health declared: “Mental disorders are health conditions characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behavior (or some combination)…associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.” The brain is now seen as “the central focus” for understanding mental illness,” involving genetics and biology, including neurochemical activity. When Medicine Got It Wrong also coincides with Mental Health Month during the rest of May. Many stations will air it at other times in the year ahead, including Mental Illness Awareness Week in October.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, “mental health” and “mental illness” should be seen as points on a continuum.
Go to: www.nami.org/whenmedicine for more information.
By: Nick Richard
Mental illnesses are mounting concerns in the United States. Four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, Major Depressive illness is projected to be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children1. Almost one-fourth of all stays in U.S. community hospitals—7.6 million of nearly 32 million stays— involve depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health or substance use disorders2. These rising rates have been attributed to a lack of access to mental health care, lack of knowledge regarding mental health treatment options, and stigma concerning mental health disorders. In response to this potential crisis, The National Alliance on Mental Illness St. Tammany (NAMIST), The Mental Health Association of St. Tammany (MHAST), The St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS), and Greenbrier Behavioral Healthcare have joined forces to improve mental health literacy at the individual and community levels by hosting an annual mental health fair. On May 20th, 2010 from 1 – 5 PM, a mental health fair will be held at Greenbrier Behavioral Healthcare, an acute psychiatric hospital serving Louisiana. The event is opened to the public and will offer information on where to turn for a variety of mental health and social services.
This event is being done in conjunction with Mental Health Month which occurs each year in May and is designed to increase awareness about mental illness. There is a social stigma associated with mental illness, and this stigma prevents the majority of people with mental illnesses from seeking help. During the month of May doctors, counselors, and the families of those coping with mental illness work together to raise awareness of known mental disorders. This includes everything from addiction, anxiety, and autism, to depression, eating disorders, and many other conditions.
Healthy individuals and healthy communities are essential elements of any strong and vibrant society, and mental health problems affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and at all stages of life. It is during these tough economic times that many people become more aware of how essential mental health is to our overall health and wellness. As a society, we are facing challenges that put our mental health at risk, and it is sometimes hard to find anything positive to focus on and keep us motivated.
Contact NAMI St. Tammany for more information. 985-626-6538 or toll free at 1-888-521-2297. Email: info@namisttammany.org.
1 The Global Burden of Disease: A Comprehensive Assessment of Mortality and Disability from Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors in 1990, and Projected to 2020 (1996), by Christopher J.L. Murray of the Harvard School of Public Health, and Alan D. Lopez of The World Health Organization)
2 One in Four Hospital Patients Is Admitted With a Mental Health or Substance Abuse Disorder. Press Release, April 10, 2007. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2007/hcup10pr.htm)
Adolescence is not as easy time for most. There are many changes and adjustments for both the adolescents and their families. However, some adolescents are not simply going through the normal stages and are struggling with feelings of despair, convinced that they will soon grow out of it. Depression in adolescence is a problem that must be faced.
NAMI St. Tammany is bringing the community an informative program entitled “Depression in Adolescence”. Speakers will include an individual who experienced depression when he was a adolescent, a parent of an individual who experienced depression when he was a adolescent, a school social worker, and a psychiatrist. The meeting will be held at the Mandeville High School Library on Monday, April 26th, 2010 at 6:00 PM. The program is free to the general public but registration is recommended. Contact NAMI St. Tammany for more information: 985-626-6538, toll free 1-888-521-2297, or info@namisttammany.org.
Many parents find it difficult to recognize depression in their adolescent children. According to a study conducted by Brown University, many parents, even those with good communication with their children, simply do not notice when their child is depressed. While the youngsters may seem to simply be experiencing the pains of getting older, what they feel may not be ‘normal.’ Approximately 1 in 5 of teenagers will have an episode of depression before they reach adulthood and approximately 1 in 10 will have a serious emotional problem. Of these children that experience depression, 15% will eventually develop bipolar disorder. It is important that depression is recognized and correctly diagnosed because early intervention is proven to yield more effective treatment. Although it has been proven by the National Institute of Mental Health that treatments for depression in children and adolescents can be effective, 70% of adolescents and teenagers with an emotional problem never receive any type of therapy, counseling, or intervention.
Parents face the challenges of dealing with their children when a child is perhaps acting out in school, sulking, avoiding school, or having problems with eating or sleeping. Although these behaviors will vary as the child gets older, it is always hard to tell if the child is in a ‘phase’ or suffering from depression. Parents should pay special attention if their child has been neglected, had a long term or chronic illness, has been abused, or lost a loved one. Depression in adolescents often leads to self medication through substances or self-harm. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24 and the sixth leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14. In 2007, 6.9% of high school students attempted suicide. While adolescent girls are more likely to attempt suicide, teenage boys are more likely to complete their attempts.
Depression can destroy a person’s life because of the internal struggle they will face. It can be hard to recognize because when teenagers get depressed, they do not always withdraw from others or are noticeably hurting. However, it is important to be aware of teenage depression and have the ability to recognize the differences between normal teenage moodiness and depression. One in four young people will have a depressive episode before reaching the age of 24.
While there are emotional symptoms of adolescent depression such as despair, worthlessness, trouble making decisions, or lack of interest in usual activities, it sometimes takes the physical symptoms for the parents to realize that something is not right. These include having little energy, aches, rapid weight changes, insomnia, and hypersomnia.
When parents don’t recognize depression, they will not understand why their child is acting in such a way. The parents may also be exhausted and drained from the actions of their child. It is important to realize that depression is not something a person chooses, and the child is being difficult on purpose.
Thank you,
Nick
28 – 27 – 41 – 27 – 33. These are not your lotto numbers; they are the amount of suicides in St. Tammany Parish from 2009 – 2005. Awareness, education, and treatment are the keys to suicide prevention. Stigma associated with mental illnesses can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting help and preventing suicide.
Why do people commit suicide? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. People die by suicide for a number of reasons. However, the majority of the people who take their lives (estimated at 90%) were suffering with an underlying mental illness and substance abuse problem at the time of their death. They weren’t sick, but their brains were. Too often we think that a person is their brain, that’s where their personality or character resides. This is not true. The brain is an organ just like the liver, the kidneys, the gall bladder, etc. When it gets sick too often the appearance of the problem is in the form of a mental illness, as in the case of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. If the brain is sick too long, it can lead a person to taking their lives. This isn’t always the case, as millions of people live with depression and never attempt or die by suicide, but with awareness, education, and treatment, people can be helped so that suicide does not become an option.
Here are some common misconceptions:
1. “People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.”
Not True. Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help within six month before their deaths and a majority had seen a medical professional within 1 month of their death.
2. “Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.”
Not True. You don’t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true — bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
3. “People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.”
Not True. Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “you’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” “I can’t see any way out,” — no matter how casually or jokingly said, may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
You Can Help
Stay calm; Listen to their feelings; ASK if they have suicidal thoughts or feelings; Take threats seriously!
GET HELP! You can’t do it alone! Contact family, friends, youth pastors, teachers, counselors, coaches, doctors, crisis lines, or hospital ER’s.
Nick
I would like to take the time to tell you a little bit about the organization that I work for. The mission of NAMI St. Tammany is to increase awareness and advocate for families and persons with mental illness – envisioning education and training as the primary pathway to better services and eliminating mental illness stigma.
NAMI St. Tammany is a grass roots organization dedicated to offering education, support, resources and advocacy in our community for those who have a loved one with a mental illness as well as those suffering with a mental health need. Founded in 1984 NAMI St. Tammany began as a small group of individuals with a common interest. This past year a group of dedicated volunteers and a small staff has expanded NAMI St. Tammany’s purpose and services throughout the Florida Parish Region of Louisiana, which includes not only St. Tammany Parish but Washington, Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes.
The mental health needs of our communities continue to grow as our communities expand. While NAMI St. Tammany programs and services continue to increase to meet those needs we presently are trying to meet the challenges by: Providing resource information and direction to those in need; Providing 12 week Family to Family education classes to the public; Providing weekly support groups for peers and family members; Providing Quarterly meetings with speakers on various mental health topics;
All NAMI St. Tammany facilitators are trained volunteers. They are family members and caregivers who share a common experience, all have someone they love who has been diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness. Our staff is made up of those with mental health experience, knowledge and training. Together these individuals provide a well rounded group of caring, dedicated providers.
NAMI St. Tammany strongly believes in partnering and collaborating at every level in order to leverage resources and funding, and the linking and coordination of regional services and programs towards building a “mental health and wellness” region. What evidence-based research and studies have shown repeatedly is that mental health programs which are designed and delivered at the community level by community based non-profits – are the most effective. NAMI St. Tammany services are designed to close the mental health service gaps and address unmet needs in the region.
Thank you,
Nick
