10/06/2011

Give a Click for Depression Awareness Month

Please join me in welcoming this guest post to Una Vita Bella, for a very important cause that is near and dear to my heart!

Give a Click for Depression Awareness Month

What better time to spread awareness about depression than Depression Awareness Month. October is not just for Halloween anymore. It is also a time to highlight the long arm of depression in our communities.

There are many people who do not recognize the symptoms of depression, or where to find therapeutic resources if they do. The stigma attached to mood disorders is still stronger than our willingness to acknowledge how widespread the problem is. It remains an undiscussed elephant in the room.

Depression awareness will surely be a boon to people aged 65 and older. Although seniors made up 12% of the U.S. population in 2004, they accounted for 16% of deaths by suicide. That was a few years ago, but the numbers haven’t changed much.

Andrew’s Dad

My neighbor, Andrew, told me about his father. He said, “I was getting so angry and impatient with my dad. He’s almost 75 and still pretty fit, but all he did was sit and watch TV day after day. I even bought baseball tickets, and he refused to go; said he was too tired. I couldn’t believe it. My dad loves baseball.”

“That’s when I made an appointment for him to see his doctor. If baseball didn’t get him out of the house, something had to be very wrong. Turned out my dad has depression. Now that he’s on medication, he’s having better days, and putters around in the garden again.” Andrew was upset with himself for thinking his father was ready for assisted living, but that is a mistake even professional health care workers can make.

Though old age has its problems, it is wrong to assume all “strange” behaviors are related to the march of time. This is true for seniors, and those younger than 65. It is vital that people become more alert to signs of depression. The other day I saw Andrew’s father in Andrew’s back yard, playing catch with his grandson. Granddad is still a vital person with much to offer. It was good to see him enjoying life.

How You Can Help

Thank goodness there are people acting to extend the awareness of depression, and you can participate with one mouse click. Help for Depression, an extensive website resource, and a nonprofit called To Write Love On Her Arms, are working together this October, raising money to promote understanding of depression.

Go to the Help for Depression Facebook page and click the ‘Like’ button. For each new ‘Like’ given between October 1st through the 15th, $1.00 is added to their goal of raising $15,000.

Let’s help bring awareness to our schools, places of employment, nursing homes, and to our neighbors around the globe. Please support Depression Awareness Month; tell your friends and family about it.

About the Author

 Jacqueline is a creative writer, published poet, and has an MA in counseling psychology. Her education is backed by 12 years experience as a licensed clinical counselor. 

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08/22/2011

Getting Lost and Getting Found

Sometimes we just lose our way…some of us are a little better at getting lost than others, I think. I would like to think that getting lost is also akin to taking an adventure. Truth is, it doesn’t always feel so adventurous, though. I love adventures… I like to set out on a new experience, voyage or expedition with anticipation and the excitement of a child! Getting lost doesn’t start out with that same kind of curiosity though, in fact, when you get lost, it most often takes you by surprise and leaves you feeling like a child, scared and uncertain.

There are many different scenarios in my life that I can reflect on now and think how I suddenly found myself lost. Like when I developed and was diagnosed with fibromyaglia. My life with fibromyalgia has definitely been a kind of adventure, but not one I intended on and it took a very long time to get past the feeling of being lost, in fact I felt abandoned, adrift in a vast and lonely sea for such a great length of time.

Depression has a way of sneaking up on us, too. Certainly, it is a kind of adventure coming back from the depths of depression, but not an expedition anyone purposefully decides to set out upon. It can be one of those dark and frightful filled experiences that you come out of really grateful to be alive, kind of like a type of horror film, but an adventure none-the-less in retrospect.

I find myself in the midst of a whole new adventure right now, one that started out with the familiar sensation of being lost, and still has me fumbling for my innate ability to discern direction. On any given day I may wake up looking for the excitement in the adventure and then on another I admittedly find myself exhausted, worn out from the trek I had the day before. Instead of a sore body, I sometimes find myself with an aching heart. This new trail has me facing dark shadows in the woods… ones that once I see in the light I can come to terms with, but still scary to confront. It is especially difficult because the obstacles are far too frequently completely unpredictable and purely out of my control.

There are moments of beautiful tranquility and exhilaration, too. For example, tonight, I set out on a simple walk with my dog, expecting the heat and humidity to be cumbersome and for the path to be a bit daunting. Instead, I found myself rejoicing in my ability to freely walk about the trails and sidewalks near my residence, listening to music and at times singing out loud, for the trees and the full bubbling creek, my audience. I wanted for someone to know my sense of freedom and wellness that I was feeling at that moment, so I smiled big at each passerby and sang for the pure joy of the moment.

I may be a bit lost, and floundering at times… but I am still on an adventure. This adventure of life, that sings to me, that sometimes scares me, that excites me and also breaks my heart. I know I’m not alone, we are all making our way through our own adventures, and moments of feeling utterly lost without a map or compass. I find comfort in knowing that you, too, are out there… searching for the better path and sharing it along the way.

P.S. If you are reading this, perhaps you may have noticed my recent absence from blogging. I just want to thank you for reading and staying with me, or for coming back. For anyone who reads my blog, I appreciate you. I appreciate you taking the time to know me and my heart and for simply taking the time to visit. I appreciate you coming back and for sticking it out through the proverbial good times and bad.

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07/04/2011

Stay With Me

I must admit life feels lonely these days. There are moments when the silence and wonder of it all is perfectly peaceful and there are times when it is downright painful. I realize more and more just how much I like companionship. My children are fabulous and most wonderful adventurers in life, but you know, adult companionship just provides an extra level of engagement.

It’s interesting to look back over the years, the times when social anxiety and depression were at its worst and how isolated I would become. Sometimes it wasn’t even completely apparent on the outside, but inside I would be retracted, pulled inside my own mind and gut. On the outside I would smile, on the inside I was a tear-stained face. I became afraid to go to class in college. I didn’t even want to order a pizza on the phone. I grew to be almost afraid of the mall, and I love shopping! (Now I dislike the mall for entirely different reasons… can we ban all aggressive and over-bearing shopping mall kiosk sales people, please?)

I have always been better in one-on-one settings than in groups. It is part of my personality and who I am, but I see how I have improved at socializing and enjoy it more, perhaps again, or perhaps for the first time. It was not unusual for me to completely duck out of social engagements that involved large groups of people in years past, but for the last couple, there is more of an excitement (rather than the previous dread) that surrounds the idea of a social event. I have observed myself branch out in ways that I once never imagined I would be able to do, much less enjoy. It is a significant marker of better emotional health and confidence, it is a sure sign that I have grown and feel better. I embrace this and marvel at it in moments, because the change feels quite dramatic at times.

So, here I am, ready and willing to be more social, but lacking the companionship that would make life so much richer. It can be a by-product of depression, anxiety and the like, to have fewer friendships. I am certain that I have missed out on some connections in years past because of this. The friends I do have are exceptional and truly treasured, but at times my circle feels small. As my world online has expanded exponentially, it’s still challenging to form a new off-line social community for myself when I am a “thirty-something” adult with children, especially since I don’t have a babysitter!

So, the raw truth is that I’m lonely. I am facing new challenges, holding on to hope and looking forward to good things ahead. I am staying strong (most days!) and doing my very best to be the healthiest I can be, but I crave companionship. I admit it. Does that make me a weak woman in the midst of these circumstances? I don’t think so, I think it makes me human and honest.

One of the greatest gifts in life is to know that when you are most afraid or most uncertain you have someone to reach out to, someone who might grab your hand and pull you in for hug. I am so grateful for the handful of people in my life that I can call up late at night if needed;  their gift of friendship, love and support is absolutely priceless. Those friends and family, support online and off, are most treasured to me, so if you’re reading this, please know it.

If you are lonely or need a friend, don’t hesitate to send me a message on Twitter or leave a comment here, and as soon as I am able I will make sure to let you know that you are not alone in this world. Some of the worst moments in my life have been eased and made bearable because of reaching out to a friend online and letting them know that I just need the comfort of knowing I’m not alone. We have to reach out and let others know, it’s the only way to get the comfort that we need.

If you have happened to come here reading, I ask that you stay with me if you’re able. Leave a comment, share your thoughts on experiencing loneliness in times of crisis or in day-to-day life. Have you suffered from the loneliness and isolation that comes from depression or living with chronic illness? If so, how have you coped with it and what eased the ache for you? If you, like me, have come a long way from where you once were, share that with me too. I like to rejoice with others about their triumphs. I am certainly happy to celebrate my little victories and happy to celebrate yours too!

A song that I have come to love recently is called ” Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam. I thought I would share the lyrics and the song with you. Within the lyrics you will find “stay with me” repeated a couple of times as well as the reminder to just breathe. Sometimes that is all we can do, sometimes we have to be reminded to do it! (You know what I mean if you have ever been there.)

Just Breathe

Yes I understand that every life must end, aw huh
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, aw huh
I’m a lucky man to count on both hands
The ones I love
Some folks just have one,
Others they got none, aw huh
Stay with me
Let’s just breathe.
Practiced are my sins,
Never gonna let me win, aw huh
Under everything, just another human being, aw huh
Yeh, I don’t wanna hurt, there’s so much in this world
To make me bleed.
Stay with me
You’re all I see.
Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
As I come clean
I wonder everyday
as I look upon your face, aw huh
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take, aw huh
Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Did I say that I need you?
Oh, Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t now I’m a fool you see
No one know this more than me.
As I come clean
Nothing you would take everything you gave.
Hold me till I die
Meet you on the other side

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07/01/2011

Finding My Way

I have to admit, I’ve been feeling a little lost recently. Everything has changed in my life, and yet some things remain the same. The need to care for my children, my health and to provide financially are the mainstays, living beautifully while doing it all is my mantra. Since finding out that my main source of income would come to a halt effective June 30th, (not to mention work that I have felt very passionate about) I feel a bit like I am wandering.

I know I am capable of good and great things. I know that the world needs what I can offer, but finding the right fit and an opportunity that will allow me to shine is the trick.

It hasn’t been that long since I told you about a job search I was on, and now I am back at it again. I am happy to say that my previous employer let me go as part of a change in business plans, not because of any personal detriment. I know they are on my side. But it still feels a little lonely out here. Wandering… looking for my way.

My passion for health activism and advocacy, my love of social media and my desire to become a more educated individual all helps me to feel empowered during this time. I believe that my skills and experience will take me somewhere wonderful, but it is challenging to know where to begin the search, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, although I know it is there.

I thought I had things all mapped out. I had obtained a second job, I have been able to work from home. I was working on getting into a groove. Then boom, in an instant, everything changes. That’s the way it works for us all usually. Our lives and journeys take on a whole new direction at a moment’s notice. Just when we think we’ve got it all figured out, right? So, it’s back to the question of how we deal with it.

I’m coping. I’m searching. I am looking for direction. Meanwhile I am looking for ways to enjoy the small moments when I can. I am relishing in the fact that while I don’t feel fabulous every day, I am feeling pretty darn good. Stress is certainly taking it’s toll, but I am, all in all, doing okay. Even in the midst of hardship I have enjoyed some great personal victories. I celebrate those and fully enjoy those moments of feeling good about me.

While I am here looking for my way, managing my health, the health of my children, and keeping a level of “normalcy” in tact, I am completely open to receiving a map, a guide, or even a job offer. So, don’t be shy… feel free to share. (Smile.)

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06/13/2011

Putting Myself to Work: Mental Health Advocacy

It only makes sense to share with you some of my experience at the Mental Health America conference that I just attended in Washington, D.C. but I have to admit a million and one things are swirling through this little head of mine right now. I’ll start with the conference and one of the most valuable opportunities I had and see where it takes me.

Possibly the most important experience I had as a health activist at the conference was the opportunity to visit with state representatives (actually their staff) to discuss important policies regarding mental health. I’ve always had a desire in my heart to take my activism to the politicians, but honestly, I’ve been intimidated. I have the knowledge of the average American when it comes to our political system and sadly, that’s not enough to feel confident to set appointments and feel prepared. But now, after I’ve been exposed, I feel more confident and more passionate than ever to get it together and find a way to get in front of our policy makers.

In our visits on “the hill” I accompanied some very knowledgeable and experienced mental health advocates from Mental Health America. They knew the drill, who to see, what policies and bills needed to be addressed and what needed to be said. I, only the other hand, had the chance to put some personal experience and real life circumstance behind the political talk. I shared my experience with mental health issues, the ways in which these policies would affect or could have effected my life positively if they were in place, and I shared the  need for the implementation of bills that need additional support.

One such policy that we spoke about, among others, is the Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011 (H.R. 751). This bill would expand the availability of school based mental health services for children across the United States. Our children’s mental health is vital to their education and ability to succeed in school. To ignore their mental health is like ignoring their dietary needs, yet sadly, it is still suffers. I was able to share my own personal need for access to mental health services for my children and how our school has not been able to help us at all, leaving my kids in the lurch.

My son is currently in need of help and assessment for symptoms that look like possible ADHD-inattentive type, but really we do not know what is going on. When I have approached the school for help, their answer was, “we have nothing to offer you”. Because of state assistance, my son is finally able to have health insurance, but an appointment with behavioral health is not available until the end of September. The problems and issues have been going on for months and he will have already begun the new school year by the time we get him in for the beginning of the assessment process.

The importance of policies like the one I mentioned above is directly related to the livelihood and health of our children, including mine. Other policies we worked to support affect our soldiers, the general population and again our children.  Unfortunately, without the help of our government, like them or not, these issues cannot be addressed and given the attention they deserve. Financial concerns are greater than ever and unfortunately the first things to go are social services, which cannot be tolerated. Our nation’s health and wellness should be of paramount concern to a government who needs it people in order to come back from a recession and economic downturn such as what we are experiencing.

If I can be of help and support in this process, then I believe it’s important for me to continue to come to the plate, even if I don’t know “exactly” the right ways to do it. I can learn along the way, and guess what, so can you! Check out the information on Mental Health America’s website about the policies we lobbied for and tips on how to do so yourself.

I can think of no greater privilege than to have had this opportunity to advocate for our nation and the mental health issues that we so greatly need addressed.

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