SHOULD SCHOOL CHILDREN BE TESTED FOR MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESSES

I was horrified to read this in today's Daily Mail, by all means people who are suffering from mental illness should receive care. However young people are very vulnerable and the last thing that should be done to them is being labelled. As labels, especially given at school can stick with the child although their education years. If there wasn't a stigma attached to mental illness, I could perhaps understand but there are far too many ignorant people in the world who do not understand mental illness and see it as something trivial, that sufferer can snap out of it or that they are labelled as crazy and should be put into an institution. The correct person to diagnose a child or anyone for that matter should be their medical practitioner and not some computer test, especially if conducted by a teacher etc. Yes I agree its important help should be given early and I'm all for a teacher say suggesting to the child's parents that it might be an idea for the child to see their doctor. Adolescence is fraught enough for children and many go though a very self conscious process through puberty but then to be labelled as being mentally ill is just not on. For the record depression is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) and simply not all in the mind and mental illness can affect anyone of us at anytime and sufferers should be treated with compassion, empathy and respect and not vilified and labelled.

All school children in Britain should be tested for mental health illnesses, say experts

• Screening all 11-year-olds could reveal those at greater risk of conditions such as depression, claim researchers
• This could help health authorities treat youngsters early and stop them descending into more hard to treat conditions
• However, other experts warn that labeling people as 'vulnerable' at such a young age could do more harm than good

All school children should be screened for risk of mental illnesses such as depression, say leading mental health experts.

Scientists at Cambridge University said they had devised a computer test that could reliably identify those at high risk as early as 11-years-old. 

A study led by Professor Barbara Sahakian suggested the test could be used to alert doctors and psychologists to intervene early.

At risk? Scientists claim finding those at risk from mental illness could stop them from developing harder to treat conditions

Ian Goodyer, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who worked with Prof Sahakian on the study, said screening 11 to 12-year-old children could reveal those who have 'low resilience' - putting them at higher risk of developing mental illnesses such as depression.

However, other experts have warned that labeling someone as 'high risk' at such a young age could itself have negative consequences.

Mental health problems are common in young people. Some 10 per cent of children aged between five and 16 in Britain are assessed as having a mental disorder of some kind.

Adolescence is also a critical period for the development of major depression - an illness that exacts a heavy toll on people and economies worldwide with patients unable to hold down jobs or needing repeated long stretches of time off work.

The World Health Organization says more than 350 million people worldwide have depression and predicts that by 2020, the disorder will rival heart disease as the illness with the highest global disease burden.

Prof Sahakian said testing children at school age could help health authorities get in early and offer therapy to prevent people descending into more serious, hard to treat conditions.

'When you think that the burden of mental illness is more than cancer, more than heart disease - so why on earth don't we try to do something more proactive,' she said, after presenting her results at a briefing in London.

'Why are we not doing anything to pick it up early? To me it's a no-brainer.'

A no-brainer: Professor Barbara Sahakian says she can't understand why school children aren't screened for mental health illnesses

Goodyer's and Sahakian's test involves a computer assessment designed to gauge how teenagers process emotional information. It includes asking whether certain words, such as 'joyful', 'failure' or "range", are positive, negative or neutral.

For their initial study, 15- to 18-year-olds also underwent genetic testing - an exercise that would be too expensive for routine use but which validated a connection between genes and upbringing in determining mental health risks.

The researchers found that adolescents who had a variation of a certain gene linked to the brain chemical serotonin and who had also experienced regular family arguments and parental rows for longer than six months before the age of six, had significant difficulty evaluating the emotion in the words.

This, said Goodyer, suggested those children suffered from an inability to process emotional information - a factor which previous studies have established is linked to a significantly increased risk of depression and anxiety.

'The evidence is that both our genes and our early childhood experiences contribute,' said Goodyer. 

'Before there are any clinical symptoms of depression or anxiety, this test reveals a deficient ability to... perceive emotion processes... which may lead to mental illnesses.'

Experts are concerned about the early onset of mental disorders - a factor they say many policy makers and members of the public have not yet grasped.

Hans Ulrich Wittchen, a psychologist at Germany's University of Dresden, said in a major European study of mental illness last year that he too thought governments should consider screening adolescents to try to reduce the number who go on to suffer major and recurring bouts of depression.

But other mental health experts advised caution.

'Early screening in the service of early intervention to try to prevent later mental health problems undoubtedly has allure,' said Felicity Callard of London's Institute of Psychiatry.

'But to grow up with the knowledge that you are 'at high risk' of future mental health problems can affect the very way in which you grow up - and thereby... embed a sense that you are mentally vulnerable, with potentially untoward consequences.'

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WHY ARE MEN LESS LIKELY TO SEEK HELP?

Again another article on depression from the Daily Mail, I have posted a comment below the main article from another reader as I do agree with them and it is so true. I wish more could be done to end the stigma of mental illness as it is a condition anyone of us could contract at any time. As I see it, it is no different from any other physical illness for in fact it is just the same and like thyroid disease or diabetes, both of which are due to a chemical imbalance in the body. As a rule men avoid seeking advice and are very reluctant to go to a doctor for a physical ailment as it is and even more so with depression. Guys you are not immune and just as likely as women to secumb to it, it's just women  confide in their friends and are not afraid to get help. Please don't play the martyr and suffer nor think it's macho and it will go away, when swift intervention can deal with it before it gets worse, you owe it to your wives, girl friends and children as they suffer too, knowing they are powerless to help you for you must take the first step.

It's easier to spot when a woman's depressed (meaning men are less likely to seek help)

• Both men and women were equally likely to classify a woman as having the condition
• But men were less able to spot it amongst themselves

People identify symptoms of depression more readily in women than men

People identify symptoms of depression more readily in women than men, according to a new study.
Researchers found gender stereotypes influence public perceptions of depressed people.
For instance, when presented with a scenario of a man or woman in distress, men were more likely to say a woman was depressed than their male counterparts. 
Dr Viren Swami, a reader in psychology at the University of Westminster, presented study participants with one of two fictitious subjects, Kate and Jack. 
Both were described as having identical symptoms of major depression, the only difference being their suggested gender. 
For example, a sample of the test reads: 'For the past two weeks, Kate/Jack has been feeling really down. 
'S/he wakes up in the morning with a flat, heavy feeling that sticks with her/him all day. S/he isn’t enjoying things the way s/he normally would. S/he finds it hard to concentrate on anything.'
The respondents were asked to identify whether the individual described suffered a mental health disorder, and how likely they would be to recommend seeking professional help to the subject in the test.

Both men and women were equally likely to classify Kate as having a mental health disorder, but men were less likely than women to indicate that Jack suffered from depression.
Dr Swami said: 'Men were also more likely to recommend that Kate seek professional help than women were, but both men and women were equally likely to make this suggestion for Jack. 
'Respondents, particularly men, rated Kate’s case as significantly more distressing, difficult to treat, and deserving of sympathy than they did Jack’s case.'
He also found that individual attitudes towards depression were associated with scepticism about psychiatry and anti-scientific attitudes. 
Dr Swami added: 'The results are significant for initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health literacy, which should consider the impact of gender stereotypes and attitudes towards help-seeking behaviours.'

I've posted this comment from the newspaper as it is so true.

I think that if more men were told that depression was the product of a chemical imbalance in the brain and that it could be treated with chemical means so that it was "only" a technical/scientific problem with a laboratory-science solution, and not indicative of a lack of moral fiber or machismo, they would be more willing to admit it and get treatment.

- The Western Breed , California, United States, 15/11/2012 01:40

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HOW TO CONDUCT AN ARGUMENT CIVILLY

Story below from the Daily Mail. You can conduct an argument in a civilised fashion, if you take time and don't become too emotional, easier said than done however, but it does make sense to count to ten. Think of an argument as a debate, do not launch a tirade of abuse at the other person but state your case why you feel this way and don't go on the defensive. In this way you can reason with one another civilly after all the other person may not have a clue you feel upset and why.

Ten steps to stop an argument unleashing your inner animal

Mention the word 'argument' and images of grimacing faces and finger-jabbing spring to mind. But discussing two differing sets of opinions need not end up this way.

An argument is an art form which, if carried out efficiently, can be a useful way of understanding how people feel, as well as acting as a vehicle by which to make positive changes in a relationship.

Indeed, over the course of my career as a relationship therapist, I have seen countless couples turn negative feelings towards each other into fresh, exciting futures. So, how to proceed?

An argument is an art form which, if carried out efficiently, can be a useful way of understanding how people feel

1. DON'T BE AN ANIMAL

Examine how you are feeling emotionally by checking where you are on a scale of one to ten

Before starting an argument, it is vital you check your internal barometer. 

Examine how you are feeling emotionally by checking where you are on a scale of one to ten – one being serene and ten positively furious.

If you’re above seven-and-a-half, don’t even think about entering into a discussion.

When you become angry, your body displays physical symptoms. 

You will regress into a more animal state because neurons are not fired quickly enough to an area of the brain called the amygdala, which is responsible for processing our emotions.

At this point you are no longer capable of engaging in proper, rational thought and so revert to a primitive ‘fight-or-flight’ mode.

In this state your body is preparing itself to either fight, be it physically or verbally, or run away to seek shelter. 

You will notice physical symptoms such as a faster heartbeat, sweaty palms, a high temperature, feeling tense and sometimes extreme thoughts of violence.

When you feel like this, take some time out to reflect on why you are so angry or upset.

2. TAKE A BREATHER

If taking only a short break, try to breathe slowly and deeply – it helps to signal to your brain that you are not in a dangerous situation. 

Your nervous system will start to behave normally and you will be able to assess your situation more objectively.

3. ARE THINGS REALLY THAT BAD?

Sometimes a simple form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, may be of use. 

Note what is making you angry, think about why it makes you angry and then try to assess whether the situation really is as bad as you think it is. Very often it is not.

4. REMEMBER YOUR GOAL

When you finally decide to enter into an argument, make sure you go in with the correct attitude. 

Remember that the goal is to be happy, not to be in the right. You should want to resolve the situation, not just compete or indulge in a pointless fight.

5. MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

Know what the aim of the conflict is – do you want an apology or a change in behaviour, for example? Write it down. 

You will need to be equipped with appropriate language – verbal and physical – to make your desires or grievances clear. 

It can be easy to meander on to other, irrelevant issues in your relationship in the heat of the moment. Try not to as it will confuse the purpose of the argument and slow down any chance of resolution.

6. THE GENTLE TOUCH

It is almost impossible to pretend you are not angry or upset when you are, but try not to hold a defensive posture. 

Aim not to hunch your shoulders, fold your arms or gesticulate too wildly. If possible, try to sit opposite the person you are arguing with and, if it’s your partner or someone you are very close to, perhaps even place your hand on theirs.

Keep reminding yourself that the  purpose of the conflict is for both people to come out of the other side as happy as possible. This will almost undoubtedly mean compromise, and the power of touch hints at this.

7. STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN

More important than talking is listening. You must show the other person that you are willing and able to hear both sides of the story being discussed. 

Indeed, hearing their side might even help contextualise your own feelings, making it easier to understand why you have ended up having a row in the first place.

And when you do start talking, do so with caution. Arguments are not blaming games – that chance you have to vocalise your emotions is not just a cue to hurl abuse at someone.

8. POSITIVE THINKING

Instead of telling someone what they have done wrong and how they have made you feel, centre the discussion on yourself and bring in positive examples of the other person’s behaviour to help convey your point. 

For example, instead of saying ‘You forgot my birthday and you made me feel upset’, try ‘I felt upset when you forgot my birthday because you are usually so thoughtful.’ 

This immediately makes the tone less aggressive, limits the extent of fault placed on that person and makes it easier for them to understand why you’re unhappy.

9. THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT

Try not to fall back on past mistakes or conflicts when expressing the way you feel. 

The chances are that the person you are fighting with will be only too aware of past misdemeanours and  neither they nor you can do anything to change them.

Instead, focus on the here and now, so there can be resolution and reconciliation.

10. THERE’S STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

It is also crucial to remember that admitting a weakness, or when you have made a mistake, is a definite strength and in many cases is the key to ending a dispute. 

And if all else fails, get help. It can be too easy to enter into what seems to be a never-ending cycle of vicious disagreements.

If you think you need a third party to get involved and help arbitrate conversations, there are therapists available to help you.

harleytherapy.co.uk

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DEPRESSION IN THE WORKPLACE

It really annoys me there is still a stigma to mental illness. Anyone of us could develop this at anytime and it is not all in the mind nor can sufferers pull themselves together. It is no different from Diabetes or Thyrotoxicosis people who suffer Depression are suffering from either an imbalance of neurotransmitters or an inability for their nervous system to uptake them, there is actually a physical cause. Others are more sympathetic to a broken leg etc. because this can be seen, therein lies the problem, mental illness cannot. 

Another cause could possibly be attributed to the weather and lack of sunshine in the long winter months and often referred to as 'Seasonal Affective Disorder' SAD. The sad thing is if workers or anyone could receive support and understanding they would recover quicker. Time the Stigma ended.

British workers 'are the most depressed in Europe' as one in four is diagnosed with the illness

• European survey found 26% of British workers diagnosed with depression
• Britons and Germans took the most time off as a result - 41 days on average

British workers are the most likely to be diagnosed with depression in Europe, a survey has found.

The worrying extent of the illness in the UK was laid bare by the poll that revealed 26 per cent of Britons had received the diagnosis from their GP, compared with 12 per cent of Italians.

Those in the UK also took the most time off as a result of the illness, recording 41 days on average compared with the European mean of 36.

Stigma? One in four of depressed workers surveyed said they didn't tell their employers about their condition for fear of losing their jobs

The study from the European Depression Association, also revealed than one in 10 working people in Europe have taken time off because of the debilitating psychological condition, which is equivalent to 21,000 lost working days. In 2010, depression was estimated to cost the EU £73billion.

Despite the size of the problem, nearly one in three managers reported they had no formal support or resources to deal with employees who have depression, and 43 per cent called for better policies and legislation to protect employees.

THINK YOU MIGHT BE DEPRESSED? 

Below are the more common symptoms associated with depression:

Persistent sadness or low mood. This may be with or without weepiness.

Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy.

Disturbed sleep compared with your usual pattern. 

Change in appetite. 

Fatigue (tiredness) or loss of energy.

Agitation or slowing of movements.

Poor concentration or indecisiveness. Even simple tasks can seem difficult.

Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt.

Preoccupation with death and dying.

Visit your GP if you think you might be affected. For more information visit:http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Depression.htm

A quarter of employees with depression said they did not inform their work with many saying they feared it would put their job at risk.

The IDEA survey (Impact of Depression in the Workplace in Europe Audit) polled more than 7,000 people in Europe.

MEP Stephen Hughes said: 'Depression in the workplace is an employment and societal challenge that is causing serious damage and which requires attention and action from the European Union.'

Depression is the biggest mental health challenge among working-age people, affecting one in five people at some point in their lives.

However, the poll revealed there is still poor awareness of common symptoms. While 88 per cent identified low mood or sadness as a sign, just a third knew that forgetfulness could point to depression and around half knew it could affect concentration.

When asked what is needed to support employees with depression in the workplace, managers most often cited more counselling services and better government legislation and policies. 

Dr Vincenzo Costigliola, President of the European Depression Association said 'The results of the IDEA survey show that much needs to be done in raising awareness and supporting employees and employers in recognising and managing depression in the workplace.

'We ask policymakers to consider the impact of depression on the workforce and charge them with addressing depression and workers and workplace safety.'

Full results of the IDEA survey will be published in 2013.

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DEPRESSION

Depression is an illness and its not the same as feeling a bit down from time to time, which is normal and is a part of life and they are transient and go away. In suffering from depression these feelings don't go away, sometimes people don't realise they are depressed or they may feel if they admit to it they will see it as a sign of weakness as like most mental illnesses there can be a stigma attached. There is nothing to be ashamed off if you are depressed and it saddens me when ignorant people say its all in the mind or say snap out of it, with depression you can't.

The vast majority of severe emotional illnesses are in fact breakdowns in the internal chemistry of our bodies, brought about by stress.  The broken chemistry is the source of great suffering for the purpose involved, who often does not realise why they are having such trouble coping and why they are suffering so much.

Some of the symptoms are:

• Feeling hopeless and there's no point in doing anything
• Crying a lot and feeling sad most of the time
• Disliking yourself/self hate
• Lacking energy, lethargy
• Feeling guilty for feeling depressed
• Eating more binging or hardly eating at all
• Being irritable, short tempered 
• Feeling lonely
• Sleeping problems often waking in the early hours
• Poor libido
• Poor concentration
• Self harming
• Thoughts of suicide

If you have had a few of these symptoms and especially the latter two please speak to someone how you are feeling, ideally your doctor or health professional, don't suffer in silence. Depression is not something to be ashamed of, it is treatable and you can get better and it should be viewed like any other illness. Don't listen to anyone who says pull yourself together or snap out of it, you can't help it and anyone who says that to a depressed person clearly has never experienced depression and is extremely ignorant.

So if you are feeling depressed and you've been feeling this way for a couple of weeks or more take that first step to getting well please go and speak to your doctor

There is an alternative to suicide

Go to sleep, so that the pain can subside.   Suicidal ideas go up and down in intensity and in suffering.   People who have felt as bad as you are eventually very glad they are still alive, and wish they could convince you of this.   There are multiple telephone services, support services, counsellors, psychologists, GPs, psychiatrists and medications that can stop the distress you currently feel.   And life changes continuously, so that it is inevitable that you will feel much better in a short period of time.   Human beings do recover from earthquakes and wars, so you are genetically programmed to recover from pain.   Please stay alive, and give both nature and those who care about you a chance to fix your pain.  

AND THERE IS HOPE

And there is hope

When all is lost and Pandora's box is open wide

Strength and hope were left inside

Together to help our pain and sorrow

Together getting us through tomorrow

For what it's worth no pain is too great nor sadness too high

When tears torment and bleed your eye

Hope and strength will never leave us on our own

No matter how it hurts so bad and so low down

They wrap us up in a cape of healing

Soothe us gently no matter what we are feeling

We only have to ask, a whisper will do

Shshshsh cry no more, they are helping you

MPB ©  

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COULD AUTISM BE TRIGGERED BY VERY LOW DOSES OF ANTI-DEPRESSANTS OR OTHER CHEMICALS FOUND IN THE WATER SUPPLY?

Since I have pasted a few articles on Autism on this blog in the past I came across this article from the Daily Mail. Fish obviously don't have the same genetic make up as humans but I feel not enough research is done into this condition so all avenues should be explored. I feel also because it develops in childhood it's almost as if its a second class condition and if this condition was to appear overnight in adults perhaps more attention would be paid to Autism.

Autism 'could be triggered by very low doses of anti-depressants or other chemicals found in water supply'

• Just traces of drugs appear to bring on disorder
• Scientists test fish swimming in water contaminated with low levels of medication
• Disorder appears to be combination of environmental and genetic factors

Autism in genetically vulnerable people could be triggered by very low levels of chemicals found in the water supply, researchers have discovered.
Experts from the University of Idaho in the US were 'astonished' to find that just traces of common medication such as anti-depressants can bring on the disorder.
They made the discovery by observing the changes in the genetic pathways of fish swimming in water contaminated with psychoactive drugs.

Flushed away: Traces of psychoactive drugs found in our water supply could trigger developmental disorders, scientists believe

Lead scientist Dr Michael Thomas said: 'While others have envisioned a causal role for psychotropic drugs in idiopathic autism, we were astonished to find evidence that this might occur at very low dosages, such as those found in aquatic systems.'


The fish were exposed to two kinds of anti-depressants - Prozac and venlafaxine - and a drug used to control seizures, called carbamazepine.
Concentrations were comparable with the highest estimated environmental levels.

Fascinating find: Scientists examined fish swimming in water contaminated with small doses of anti-depressants or anti-seizure drugs

They found patterns of gene activity in the fathead minnows that mimicked those seen in humans susceptible to the developmental disorder.

WHAT IS AUTISM AND HOW IS IT TREATED?

Autistic spectrum disorders begin in childhood and last through adulthood.
Symptoms include problems with social interaction, an impaired ability to communicate and unusual patterns of thought and physical behaviour.
There is no cure for ASD but a wide range of treatments can help improve symptoms.
The number of cases of ASD has increased over the past 20 years, but many believe this is due to improved rates of diagnosis.

The findings, published in the online journal Public Library of Science ONE, suggest a potential environmental trigger for autism in genetically vulnerable people, the authors of the study claim.
It could radically change treatment for the one in 100 children in England who have autism, improving doctors' understanding of how to prevent or treat the disorder.
The genetic pathways affected were the same as those associated with 'idiopathic' autism spectrum disorders, whose cause is unknown.
Experts suspect the disorders were brought about by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Caroline Hattersley, Head of Information, Advice and Advocacy at The National Autistic Society, said: 'It’s important that we expand research into the causes of autism. We know that environmental and genetic factors have some role to play, but our understanding is still very limited as it’s such a complex disability.
'However, we need to be cautious when looking at these particular findings. There’s simply not enough evidence to draw any firm conclusions and so people should not be alarmed by this research.'

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Nutritional therapy may be key to stopping autism

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/05/29/nutritional-therapy-may-be-key-to-stopping-autism/

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THE ENERGISING EFFECT OF TREES

Now this is something us Holistic therapists have known for decades, but walking in a park particularly amongst mature trees is extremely energising yet calming at the same time, it aligns the soul's balance. I wouldn't go so far as say I'm a tree hugger but those that do know the secret of trees energy. Sitting with your back to a mature tree and meditating is beneficial and de-stressing.

Feeling depressed? How a walk in the park could lift your mood

• Stroll in a park gave a boost to memory and attention span which wasn't repeated on an urban route

Get back to nature: A walk in a rural setting was found to increase memory skills among depressed patients

Taking a walk in the park could help those suffering from depression, researchers have found.

They studied whether a nature walk could improve the mood of  people with clinical depression.

The research also tested theories developed in a cognitive science  field known as Attention Restoration Theory, which propose that  people concentrate better after spending time in nature or looking at natural scenes.

According to ART, those in peaceful settings are not bombarded with external distractions, which tax their working memory and attention  systems.

As a result, the brain can relax and enter a state of contemplation, which helps restore cognitive capacities.

For the latest study, 20 people with clinical depression – 12 women and eight men, with an average age of  26 – took part in an experiment  that involved walking in a quiet nature setting and in a noisy urban setting.

Before their walks, participants completed testing to determine their cognitive and mood status, and were asked to think about an unresolved, painful memory.

They were then told to go for an hour-long walk in a woodland park, or stroll along a busy street.

The routes were mapped out and participants wore a GPS watch to ensure they went to the right place.

After their walk was completed, they took part in a series of mental tests to measure their attention, and short-term and working memory. A week later, the participants repeated the study but went for a walk in the location they had not visited in the first experiment.

Getting away from it all: Nature walks yielded a 16 per cent increase in attention and working memory compared to urban walks

As depression sufferers are characterised by high levels of rumination and negative thinking, researchers were sceptical a solitary walk in the park would provide any benefit.

But mood was improved to a significant extent by both types of walk, the study found.

The results also showed sufferers had a 16 per cent increase in attention and working memory after the nature walk compared with the urban walk.

Writing for the Journal of Affective Disorders, Dr Marc Berman, of  the Rotman Research Institute,  Canada, who led the research,  said: ‘Our study showed that participants with clinical depression  demonstrated improved memory performance after a walk in nature, compared with a walk in a busy urban environment.

‘Walking in nature may act to supplement or enhance existing treatments for clinical depression.’

In 2008, another study by Dr Berman showed that adults, who had not been diagnosed with any illness, received a mental boost after an hour-long walk in a woodland park.

Their performance on memory and attention tests was improved by 20 per cent compared with after an hour-long stroll in a noisy urban environment.

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