Monthly Archive for July, 2006
Mental Health Stigmatization: A Report of the GNIF
In recent decades, societal conceptions of mental health and mental illness have evolved significantly. Compared to prevailing attitudes of the early 1900's, the general public and scientific community alike have become much more aware and knowledgeable of mental illness: its causes, severity, prevalence and treatments [1]. With increased basic and clinical research into the fields of mind, brain and behavior, more effective and accessible treatments for all types of disorders may soon be realized.However, all the efforts and successes of the scientific community are critically undermined by the presence of a persistent, widespread societal stigma against mental illness.
Journal Entry: A Child’s Bipolar Story – “Hopeless”
Last night I heard my mom say she wishes maybe, I had cancer or something, instead of what I got is my bipolar. That really made me sad and made me mad! When I finally asked my mom, "why," she said, "If only you had cancer or lymphoma or something like that. Everyone would understand, everyone would feel sorry... That would be so much easier than bipolar!" She told me I would have a greater chance of being cured and of living, of not dying. She said I'd have fun with all the flowers, balloons, toys, and special snacks! She said important people like rappers and athletes might even help me, might even do fun things for me! And if I shaved my head bald, no one would make fun, they would even say, "that's cool."
Prisoner of the Mind: Living with Depression
When I was ten, I loved a science-fiction TV show called "The Prisoner." I was too young to fully understand it, but one chilling part of the story involved a huge black sphere that rolled out of nowhere to pursue the escaping prisoner. It was relentless and horrifying. There was no getting away from it; the prisoner was always consumed. That's what depression feels like to me, and this summer was the worst episode yet.For many weeks, I didn't even realize what was happening. I felt totally drained of energy, but I was used to fatigue; I've had AIDS for nearly nine years.
Comparing Mood Disorders
Of all the mental health disorders, the two most common, and perhaps the most disruptive and distressing, are schizophrenia and bipolar. Even though the two share few similarities in symptoms and characteristics, they are both treated and medicated very differently.Schizophrenia is the most devastating mental health disorder diagnosed. It typically emerges in adolescence, but can be diagnosed in males between the ages of 16-25. In females, diagnoses generally occur between 25-30. Both male and female are affected equally.
Popular Posts
- Mind Games - Science's Attempts at Thought Control
- The Science of Stuttering
- Risks of Personalized Medicine
- Intelligence - Are You Holding Back Your Brain?
- Is Grief a Mental Illness?
- The Brain's Buying Power
- The Cost of a Good Night's Sleep
- Inside Your Brain on Holiday
- Risk Factors for Recurrence of Depression
- Salvia Divinorum - DEA Control over Magic in the Mint
Future Posts
Latest Posts
- Intelligence – Do You Need it to be Successful?
- A Trip for Terminal Patients
- Memory Ain’t What It Used to Be – And That’s Good for Psychotherapy
- The Science of Stuttering
- Are Your Friends Making You Fat?
- Beer – The Smarter Drink
- Macroeconomics and Suicide
- From Nymphomania to Hypersexuality
- Commitment – It’s the new Love
- Religion and Depression – Cause or Effect?
Comments
- david: I think you did an excellent j
- bikash12: I think you did an excellent j
- Veronica Pamoukaghlian, MA: Thank you for your insightful
- Richard Kensinger, MSW: I agree w/ Howard Gardner's pe
- Melbzi: Muso's and smoked pot.I q
- Melbzi: I am 36 and from Melbourne Aus
- CODER: When we get sick, really sick
- Rusti Hauge: I don't see any evidence to th
- david: Fantastic content, being in Pr
- Kevan Henson: Write to me.Kevan Henson
- Kevan Henson: Tbi's are the way of your daug
- Kevan Henson: Tbi's suck because now we are
