Mental Health News

The internet has become a busy and complex place with providers in just about every type of service profession. Mental Health providers are no exception to the rule. eCounseling offers a new twist on the old traditions associated with therapy. Instead of the stereotypical couch discussion, the meeting occurs in an internet chat room, or sometimes even via email. eCounseling offers advantages of traditional counseling in that it is available anywhere the internet is. It is convenient, no need to find a sitter for the kids or even leave your home (a big problem for patients with social phobias). Instead you can discuss things from within the comfort zone, thus patients may remain more relaxed and open up more easily. eCounseling may also offer a protective wall that allows a patient to discuss something that may embarrass them or make them feel ashamed.

While it is true that eCounseling may not be for everyone and some patients would be better served to participate in face-to-face counseling, eCounseling does offer options to individuals who may have been unable to get help in the past. Expanding the role of access to health care and mental health treatment, regardless of how unconventional the treatment may seem, can only be seen as a good thing. After all, it’s all about reaching out and helping people and the internet is a great tool for doing just that.

This week in the news, addictions took a center spotlight and actually, dare I say it, garnered a little sympathy from a tired and somewhat callous public.  Miss America came incredibly close to losing her crown due to an apparent drinking problem which was compounded by her underage status (up until a week ago when she turned 21).  The Miss America Foundation immediately decided that having an addiction was not Beauty Queen material and threatened to yank the crown off her head.  Donald Trump, chairman of the Board, instead offered a solution and sent her to rehab. 

Now, first of all kudo to Trump for realizing that addictions are illnesses that require treatment and protocols in order to manage (notice I didn’t say cure).  Miss America, while looking so perfect on the outside, proved to many Americans that she was still a person (with strengths and flaws) on the inside. 

I’m glad they have recognized her illness and gave her a second chance.  I wish more people would see addictions for what they are instead of making snap judgments about how people should be because of what they do or don’t have.  Status or lack of it, does not determine addictions.  This news article about Miss America really helped to show that stereotypes are just that, stereotypes. 

I wish her well in her recovery.

The FDA has proposed a new label warning on antidepressants in an attempt to make people aware that the drugs that are prescribed to help them, may actually be killing them.  According to the U.S. Government on Wednesday, studies have confirmed that antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal behavior for people up to age 24, the government said Wednesday. Besides the warning labels, however, the government and FDA have noted that antidepressant users of all ages should be closely monitored.The biggest impact on users seems to be in the younger age groups.  However, any age user can be affected by drugs negatively.  Doctors need to step up and watch their patients more closely.  In addition, patients need to be more aware of the risks and make more informed decisions when taking medications.  Clearly, there needs to be more discussion between both camps. 

Bottom line here, however, buyer beware; there simply isn’t a magic bullet to cure depression — yet.

I just read an article that noted that an estimated one out of every eight Americans suffer from some form of anxiety disorder including social anxiety, panic attacks, and other forms of anxiety attacks.  I find that number kind of mind-blowing really.  I mean, think about it.  That is a lot of people trying to maintain a quality level of life while being literally crippled by devastating anxiety and panic. 

Old conventional wisdom made great claims about anxiety and panic — things like:  Anxiety is a sign of weakness or anxiety is genetic, so you really can’t do anything about it.  WRONG!  Old conventional wisdom has been found to be myths and full of untruths; yet, for some reason, SO many people still believe it. 

Anxiety and panic disorders are serious, common, and can affect just about anyone.  Meaning, they can affect you — or, they can affect me.  Lucky for us, there are a few things that can be done to make them more bearable.  First and foremost is to acknowledge the condition without giving it full power over you.  There are many well meaning friends who have lots of advice to get you through this, but really your best bet is to seek professional advise.  A professional can help you identify the stressors and prepare strategies to combat anxiety.  One common strategy is to find a way to conquer the worries and stresses of life since worrying is one of the key triggers for anxiety and panic attacks.   So, seek help from a professional who has experience in anxiety disorders.  You will find that once you start learning and practicing anxiety-reducing techniques, things will start to seem less frightening and more hopeful almost immediately.  

Would you be surprised to know that Princess Diana had been a teen cutter and had self mutilated herself even after marrying Prince Charles?  It’s true, she was.  In much the same way some teens turn to anorexia for control of their lives, cutters turn to mutilation as as way to “feel” or relieve themselves.  The physical pain acts as a momentary replacement for the pain in their heart and once the episode is over, most times the teen cutter will return to a more normal behavior.  That is, until the next episode when the behaviors start all over again.  

The average cutter is a white female in her late twenties.  More than likely she has been cutting since somewhere around the age of 14 or 15.  Estimates put the number of teen cutters at 1 in every 250 girls.  While there are male cutters, the female population out numbers them by a large margin.  Male cutters, however, do tend do a lot more damage with each episode. 

You won’t be able to tell a cutter just from looking at them when they are in their element.  They are smart, creative and often quite popular.  

Princess Diana explained the phenomenon by saying, “You have so much pain inside yourself that you try and hurt yourself on the outside because you want help.”   Compassion and  understanding are the best tools to dealing with a cutter, and above all the cutter must recognize that they are not really alone.  Getting psychological help is also a must.  So many things can trigger episodes of cutting and they generally tend to get worse with each episode.  Standing by and waiting to see what happens is definitely not recommended.   If you know someone who needs help, encourage them to call 1-800-DONTCUT.  The cycle can be stopped.

Traumatic events of all types (including war, typhoons, terrorist attacks, gunmen in schools or work places, earthquakes, etc.) can have substantial and lasting effects on individuals of all ages.  Children especially may be influenced by what they see on television or other pop culture media.  Recognizing the effects of viewing such trauma and having a plan for talking about it and dealing with it are important for parents and teachers alike.  The SAMHA offers some great tips for discussion here.  In light of the destruction (both natural and manmade) going on in the world around us, knowing how to reach out to those affected by the destruction is an important part of our role as parents, educators and proactive adults.

I was just reading about a guy who’s climbing the 7 Summits (the highest peak on each continent) to raise awareness of mental illness, in memory of his father, who committed suicide. I hate hearing about one more tragic death, but am glad to hear about the inspiring journey Joe Lawson is making.