Inflammation is a hot topic in medical research, with studies showing links to heart disease, dementia and longevity. Depression is a relatively new addition to the list of inflammation-associated diseases, with two recent publications demonstrating altered levels of inflammatory molecules in the blood of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Both studies evaluated the levels of cytokines in patient’s blood. Read more →

I find the subject of compassion compelling. I believe this aspect of human-kind is a pivotal component in successful negotiation of the human experience where family and community is concerned. Pivotal, because in the absence of compassion there is stagnant disconnect. I suppose if one were to live solitary in the woods and could sustain the needs that promote healthy survival without interactions with fellow man, compassion and empathy would be unnecessary provisions in the condition of living. A rare few would decide to do that. Even if it were plausible to do so, we don’t willingly choose to. We desire the interaction of others. It promotes a sense of inclusion and well-being. There can be no perception of that belonging without some amount of compassion and empathy echoing within the dynamic of human interaction. To that end, it’s fundamental. Read more →

From our previous discussion, Scott (a commentator) proposed a very interesting basis for the disparity of mental health management in contemporary health care: lack of medical training on the subject. Typically, mental health disorders are covered in a short course in the classroom training of medical students. Then, in the hospital, medical students learn clinical aspects of mental health in psychiatry and other rotations (e.g., emergency medicine). Also, general pharmacology for medical students covers anti-psychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics (drugs to relieve anxiety) generally across a few lessons. Given the high prevalence of mental illness, certainly many topics in medicine are disproportionately lectured. Read more →

I don’t believe there is any road of human experience wrought with more winding, blind-curve, uphill challenge, where chronic illness is concerned, than in traveling the path forced by that of mental health issues relating to a close family member. Perhaps debatable, but certainly not by me — it’s the hardest road. There. I said it.

I am the mother of 24 year old son. A son, who was diagnosed at age 14 with major depressive disorder. And, to add to the ragged, mysterious 10 year tour; the looming, possible diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Read more →