Happy 2009!Depression Boards : An Online Depression Support Group

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Hello Dear Guest

Thank you for visiting our forums.

Here at Depression Boards we value the safety and privacy of our members. As a result, most of our forums are not accessible by guests.

Registration will give you access to all our forums. Please view the topic What Do We Offer to see a full listing of our discussion boards.

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> We Love Our Pets!
tn_gallery_3_2_82254.jpg

What Is Your Diagnosis?
What is your Diagnosis? You can select different options if you've been diagnosed with more than one condition
Major Depression (also known as Clinical Depression or Unipolar Depression)  
[ 21 ] ** [28.77%]  
Dysthymia (chronic low mood). Also known as Neurotic Depression  
[ 6 ] ** [8.22%]  
Bipolar I  
[ 5 ] ** [6.85%]  
Bipolar II  
[ 3 ] ** [4.11%]  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder with or without Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety  
[ 7 ] ** [9.59%]  
A combination of Depression and Anxiety  
[ 12 ] ** [16.44%]  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  
[ 7 ] ** [9.59%]  
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  
[ 3 ] ** [4.11%]  
Borderline Personality Disorder or one of the other personality disorders  
[ 3 ] ** [4.11%]  
Schizophrenia and/or Schizoaffective Disorder  
[ 1 ] ** [1.37%]  
Attention Deficit Disorder  
[ 2 ] ** [2.74%]  
An Eating Disorder such as bulimia or anorexia  
[ 1 ] ** [1.37%]  
Other  
[ 2 ] ** [2.74%]  
Total Votes: 35
Guests cannot vote 
>Mental Health Issues In the News

Treating Depression With Omega-3: Encouraging Results from Largest Clinical Study Science Daily, 21 June, 2010



The use of Omega-3 supplements is effective among patients with major depression who do not have anxiety disorders, according to a study directed by Dr. François Lespérance of the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier at the Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), head of CHUM's Department of Psychiatry and a professor at the Université de Montréal..

This was the largest study ever conducted assessing Omega-3's efficacy in treating major depression.

Analyses revealed that Omega-3 improved depression symptoms in patients diagnosed with depression unaccompanied by an anxiety disorder. Efficacy for these patients was comparable to that generally observed with conventional antidepressant treatment. Read More

>Recommended Links

Depression Hangout
Provides chat room based support to a small, democratically-run group. New members are always welcome to apply! To protect privacy, the majority of the site is not viewable to non-members.

The Phobia Forum
An excellent site, dedicated to phobias of all kinds, with an extensive phobia listing, discussion forum and links to resources.

Psych Central
The Internet's largest and oldest independent mental health network, created and run by mental health professionals.

Transgender Depression Resources
This website provides support and assistance to the Transgender community and those who love, and are loved by them. As well as Depression resources, the site provides information on a wide range of Transgender related topics.

Dr. Jeff's and Dr. Tanya's Blog
A psychiatry weblog, authored by two harvard-trained psychiatrists and former lecturers at Harvard Medical School, that offers psychiatric news and commentary about brain disorders, mental dysfunction, psychological illness, and mental health wellness.

Cure-Your-Depression.com
What do the Medical Journals Reveal on Curing Depression Safely and Naturally? Patient run site provides easy to understand research information for anyone who suffers from depression. Offers a complimentary research report on 6 major ingredients/practices that scientific researchers have discovered that must be present in one’s life to prevent and eliminate depression.

The Healing Well
HealingWell.com is a community and information resource for patients, caregivers, and families coping with diseases, disorders and chronic illness.

Abigail Hephzibah Cards
A site featuring beautiful, hand-made cards created by a member of Depression Boards! Enjoy!

 
> A Warm Welcome

Welcome To Our Community!

Depression Boards is an online, peer-to-peer support group founded in 2008 by a group of friends. We are not healthcare professionals, we're simply a bunch of folks with direct personal experience of depression, anxiety and related issues, who want to support each other on the road to recovery.

We have found it very helpful to have a "home" on-line where we can communicate honestly and directly about our feelings with people who really understand. And we hope you will find this helpful too!

We have a strong focus on recovery and we enjoy plenty of laughs and friendship here. We also share articles and other information about mental health issues.

There is a lot to do and to read on our site and we hope you'll decide to check out what's on offer!

We recently welcomed our 700th member and we look forward to continuing to grow as a community!



Please read this important note:

If you - or someone you know - is having active thoughts of suicide,
call one of the following crisis hotlines without delay:

1-800-784-2433 (in the USA)
08457 90 90 90 (in the UK)


A Note to Our Guests and New Members:

If you are a guest browsing this site for the first time, you will find that you don't have access to our Forums. This is because we value the privacy of our members and want to create an environment where they feel safe to share their experiences.

Once you register with us, you will have access to everything the site has to offer, including blogging, photo gallery and Live Chat facilities.

If you've just registered and are wondering what to do next, why not head over to the Introductions Forum and tell us a little about yourself!

Alternatively, you may like to begin browsing some of the active discussions in our Forums.


Member Testimonials
The site is very user friendly and everyone here is very supportive and understanding. Thank you for making me feel so welcomed! -- Butterflye
 
I've only been here for a few days and I'm really blown away by all the welcomes and messages I got from lots of people here who went out of their way to acknowledge my presence. -- MagicSeaweed
 
I just wanted to say what a terrific support you all are and I'm SO pleased to see so many new members joining -- Daisy
 
Thanks so much for being there when I needed somebody. I don't know what I'd have done without your support -- Roxie
 
The people i block out the most when i'm depressed are people what have no understanding of what i'm going through... never do i have a hard time and think, oh i won't go to DB today... quite the opposite is true- when i'm low, i tend to REALLY need people who can understand... and it's not one of those things that you absolutely have to go through to comprehend... matter of fact, one of my biggest supporters here doesn't have depression (at all) -- bijou
 


Myths and Facts About Mental Illness

Mental illness continues to be misunderstood by many people. Here are some common myths debunked (courtesy of National Alliance On Mental Illness)

Myth: If I have a mental health problem I should be able to take care of it myself.

Reality: Some mental health problems, such as mild depression or anxiety, can be relieved with support, self-help, and proper care. However, if problems or symptoms persist, a person should consult with their primary doctor or a qualified mental health professional.

Myth: If I have a mental illness, it is a sign of weakness- it's my fault.

Reality: Mental illness is not anyone's fault, anymore than heart disease or diabetes is a person's fault. According to the Surgeon General's report: "Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof), associated with distress and/ or impaired functioning."

Mental Illnesses are not a condition that people choose to have or not have. Mental illnesses are not results of willful, petulant behavior. No one should have to feel ashamed of this condition any more than any other medical condition.

Myth: If I seek help for my mental health problem, others will think I am "crazy."

Reality: No one should delay getting treatment for a mental health problem that is not getting better, just as one would not wait to take care of a medical condition that needed treatment. Some people worry that others will avoid them if they seek treatment for their mental illness. Early treatment can produce better results. Seeking appropriate help is a sign of strength not weakness.

Myth: People diagnosed with a mental illness are always ill and out of touch with reality.

Reality: Most people suffering from even the most severe of mental illnesses are in touch with reality more often than they are not. Many people quietly bear the symptoms of mental illness without ever showing signs of their illness to others, and most people with mental illness live productive, active lives.

Myth: Stress causes mental illness.

Reality: This is only partially true. Stress may occasionally trigger an episode or cause symptoms such as anxiety or depression, but persistent symptoms appear to be biological in nature. There are probably many things that can contribute to mental illness- the cause is not yet fully understood.

Myth: A person can recover from a mental illness by turning his or her thoughts positively and with prayer.

Reality: Recovery is possible when the person receives the necessary treatment and support. Spirituality can also be an important source of strength for some individuals.

Myth: People who have mental illness are dangerous.

Reality: People who have mental illness are not more violent than is someone suffering from cancer or any other serious disease.

Myth: Most people with mental illness live on the streets or are in mental hospitals.

Reality: Over two-thirds of Americans who have a mental illness live in the community and lead productive lives. Most people who need hospitalization are only there for brief periods to get treatment and are then able to return home, just like people hospitalized for other conditions. Some people with mental illness do become homeless and could benefit from treatment and services.



> Wife of Former MP Reaching Out To Those With Depression
Posted by rw# - 07-5-10 18:38 - 13 comments
Wife of former Conservative MP Dave Batters reaching out to those with depression
Leader Post, June 17th, 2010

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/news/EXCLUSIVE+W...l#ixzz0spnqc8FM


REGINA — As the one-year anniversary of Dave Batters' death nears, his wife Denise is making a plea to those struggling with depression: don't suffer in silence — get help.

The former Palliser MP took his life last June 29 at his east Regina home.

In September 2008 — mere days before an expected federal election call — the Conservative MP said he would not seek re-election because of problems with depression and prescription drug dependency. He added he'd disclosed this with the hope that others suffering from mental health conditions would seek assistance.

"He was a very conscientious MP and he thought he owed it to his constituents to let them know," said Denise in an interview Thursday. "Our family decided to be open about how he died, thinking it would help people. And I think it has."

Batters entered the House of Commons in June 2004 and was re-elected in 2006.

He was admitted to hospital on July 1, 2008 and later issued a statement confirming he was on medical leave and had been ill for months.

To raise awareness about mental illness, friends and family are holding the Dave Batters Memorial Golf Tournament at the Royal Regina Golf Club on June 24.

The 76 golf spots are sold out, but $60 tickets for a post-tournament dinner can be purchased by calling Troy Edwards at 777-0547 or e-mailing davebatters@accesscomm.ca.

"There's been a major outpouring of support — even a year later," Denise said. "People certainly haven't forgotten about him and they think it's a really good idea that we're continuing to raise awareness about these issues ... I always wondered if Dave knew how many people so deeply cared about him and would have done anything to help him."

She believes society neglects the emotional needs of middle-aged men, so the fundraiser's proceeds will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatchewan division) to produce TV commercials urging depressed men to seek treatment.

"I think there's a societal expectation that men will carry on and that it's not manly to say that you're feeling depressed or feeling anxious," said Dave Nelson, CMHA executive director. "You pull yourself by your bootstraps and you just keep working harder. That may work depending on how significant the issue is. For some people, some of the time, that does not work. Because of that societal expectation, many people do not seek help in a timely way."

One in 10 people has or will suffer from depression, he said.

"Not everyone will have depression to the extent of suicidal thoughts, but clinical depression — as opposed to just feeling blue — is the most common mental health problem," Nelson said. "The good news is that it is also the most successfully treated mental health condition. But anywhere from 60 to 80 per cent of people who have clinical depression do not go to get help."

Denise worries depressed people might share Dave's mindset that their situation will never improve.

"We need to chip away at that and say, 'You are not alone.' There are many others who are suffering with these sorts of illnesses, but there is help — please reach out. People want to help you.

"Another thing they get in their heads is, 'Everyone would be better off without me. I'm such a burden to everyone. It's especially tough in that age category and gender because they're used to carrying the load themselves."

Denise said her husband's ordeal began with anxiety — a condition closely linked to depression.

"Some people might think that happy outgoing exterior that he had was just a mask — that really he was a troubled, depressed individual," she said. "Really, he wasn't. He was a Type A personality his whole life — a workaholic, a perfectionist. And then, probably politics led to increased anxiety. Being a minority government, (he was) constantly worrying about the threat of an election."

Denise said Dave's pill use escalated, then led to a dependency on benzodiazepines, typically prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders.

"When he and his doctor came up with a regime to detox from all that medication, he thought that would be the end of the story and that he'd be OK," Denise said. "That's when he wasn't OK. That's when the depression kicked in and he lost hope. If you don't have hope, you don't have much."

Dave was 39 when he committed suicide.

"Our community and our country lost a great person too — not just his family," Denise said.

Colleagues, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, attended his funeral and some remain in contact with Denise.

"I was just in Ottawa last week and had a chance to visit with a lot of them and had a little visit with the prime minister as well," she said. "He'll be unable to come to the tournament, but he'll be sending a video message to the golf tournament dinner."

In the days after Dave's death, Denise turned to family and friends and sought counselling at the Greystone Bereavement Centre.

Sadly, a number of special occasions brought fresh grief.

"His birthday was two weeks after his death and our anniversary was a month after," Denise said. "My sister got married a week after the anniversary. There were a lot of those things immediately after and I wonder if I really experienced them."

As Dave struggled for the last 18 months of his life, Denise took "every possible step I could have to help.

"He knew that, but he lost hope," she said. "Not that he wanted to die — he wanted to end the pain."

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/news/EXCLUSIVE+W...l#ixzz0spn2Jg1J
Read 347 times - last comment by UDAYBHANU SAMANTA   


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