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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (May 19, 2005)
Page 8 The INDEPENDENT, May 19, 2005 .............................. ................... Bsaltli Notes By Audeen Wagner HEART W ALK. P r o v i dence M e d ic a l G ro u p - Vernonia h a s formed a “ Team for the Heart Walk” and on May 21 they will be taking the hike for the “Heart Walk.” They are asking for pledges for the American Heart Association. The 5K walk is in downtown Portland, and is associated with a huge national fundrais ing effort to fight heart disease and stroke. We are invited to join our local team, and/or pledge our contributions for their efforts. The Providence- Vernonia Team members are (so far): Sandy Alsbury, Sue Blair, Jeanette Doherty, Sandy Fox, Judy Hargis, Denise Null, Marla Rethwill and Cathy Rozinek. It’s not too late to join in; for more information, go to <http://www.americanheart.org > , and click on the “fundrais ing” link. Or, contact anyone at the clinic. Sounds like fun. ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS Mental Health information and understanding are important considerations in today’s world, and we all need to be informed and up-to-date on the many types of disorders and their treatment. There is a wide variety of in formation on a great website called The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) <www.n ami.org>. Judy Hargis, PA. at Vernonia, invites all who have access to a computer and are interested in this subject to call it up. The information is de tailed, easy to understand, and helpful. Judy says that the stigma that has always been attached to mental illness is disappear ing with more understanding of mental diseases. Today we have much greater knowledge about mental illness and brain chemistry. We know that effec tive treatments correct the brain chemistry. “The brain is a complex or gan that runs the show,” Judy says. “Everything within our bodies (mind, body, spirit) are all interconnected. A problem with one can affect the other. For example, physical illness can lead to depression, and, conversely, emotional prob lems can lead to physical symptoms.” It is equally impor tant to recognize that just as the heart or liver can fail, the brain can have illnesses as well. Mental illness, like dia betes, hypertension, etc., can be treated. There are very ef fective treatments out there for mental illnesses now, and they are successful because they work on correcting brain chem istry. Interesting! Mental disorders can be present in family members; with a genetic predisposition, they can be passed on to chil dren. Researchers have found June is Teacher ^Appreciation M o n tJ r^ You've been working hard all year A - as a thank you, call to schedule a 1/2 hour free massage (upgrade to i hour available for $20) V Co// for appointment ( 5 0 3 -7 0 9 -4 6 7 7 ASHN provider 8 4 5 Madison Avenue, Vernonia,OR Lie # 10732 that mental diseases such as schizophrenia are present in all cultures worldwide, regardless of culture, family structure or stresses. A few of the disorders ad dressed under the umbrella of “mental health” are: Depression (called major depression or clinical depression, or unipolar depression, or simply depres sive disorder); Panic disorder; Anxiety; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD);; bipolar disor der; schizophrenia; Obses- sive/compulsive disorder; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). And more. A lot to di gest in one short writing, but it’s important to know that there is lots of help available for these illnesses. Depression. Probably the one we hear the most about. We sometimes say we’re “de pressed” after hearing disturb ing news, a death in the family, or loss of a job...things which make us sad and feel down for a time. But Major Depression is a serious medical illness, af fecting almost 10 million Ameri cans each year. Unlike those normal feelings of sadness, loss, or passing moodiness, major depression is persistent, and can interfere with behavior, activities and even physical health. Symptoms. The symptoms of major depression represent a definite change from how a person functioned before the ill ness. Some or all of the follow ing symptoms may appear: (1) Persistently sad or irrita ble mood; (2) Pronounced changes in sleep, appetite and energy; (3) Difficulty thinking, concentrating and remember ing; physical slowing or agita tion; (4) Lack of interest in ac tivities that were once enjoyed; feelings of guilt, helplessness; (5) Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide; and (6) Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain. When several of these symptoms occur at the same time or last longer than two weeks, and especially when they interfere with ordinary function, professional help is needed. Causes. While there is no single cause of depression, psychological, biological and environmental factors may all contribute to its development. Also, a genetic predisposition can cause an increased risk for developing depression. Some people may have a biological makeup that leaves them par ticularly vulnerable to bouts of depression. Treatment. Although depres sion is a devastating illness, it is highly treatable. The great majority of those suffering from this disorder are treated effec tively and can return to their normal daily activities. The type chosen depends on the individ ual and the severity of patterns of the illness. The three basic types of treatment are medica tions, psychotherapy, and elec troconvulsive therapy (ECT). They may be used singly or in combination. For any concerns or ques tions, the first stop should be your regular family caregiver. The Vernonia clinic can readily refer patients to psychiatrists or other specialists. Even without insurance, there are agencies to offer counseling and treat ment at little or no charge. Again, the place to start is the Bankruptcy The laws are changing Get yours done before it’s too late Fees Starting at $499 Ireland at Law 503-324-1500 local clinic. Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar disorder (also called manic de pression) can cause shifts in mood, energy and functioning. It affects 2.3 million adult Amer icans, and it can run in families. It is characterized by episodes of mania, switching to depres sion, generally requiring life long treatment. Most patients have symptoms of both mania and depression, sometimes at the same time. Symptoms of Mania: (1) Ei ther an elated happy mood or an irritable, angry mood; (2) In creased activity or energy; (3) Increased thought processes, increased talking and more rapid speech than normal; (4) Ambitious plans; (5) Poor judg ment; (6) Increased sexual in terest and activity; (7) De creased sleep and decreased need for sleep. Symptoms of Depression: (1) Depressed or apathetic mood; (2) Decreased activity and energy; (3) Restlessness and irritability; (4) Slowed think ing, less talking and slowed speech; (5) Less interest and enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed; (6) Less sexual inter est and activity; (7) Hopeless and helpless feelings; (8) Pes simism; (9) Thoughts of sui cide; (10) Change in appetite and sleep patterns. Causes. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but most researchers believe it is the result of a chemical im balance in certain parts of the brain. It also tends to run in families. Treatment. While there is no cure, it is a treatable and man ageable illness, most people can be successfully treated. A combination of medications and psycho-social therapies are used effectively. There are many other men tal illnesses, and, again, help is as close as the family physi cian. And in our society the stig ma that has long been associ ated with these illnesses, like “craziness” and “weakness” are not deterrents to treatment, as once was the case. We’ll dis cuss other mental illnesses in a later issue of The INDEPEN DENT. In the meantime, pa tients are encouraged to seek out the internet for more specif ic information. Also, the clinic has some handouts that an swer many questions.
