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The Light August 2003

A Newsletter of the Find the Light online support group
focusing on Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Substance Abuse

* Find The Light Today *

Welcome to the first issue of The Light, a newsletter designed to provide information and private online support to those who suffer from mood disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse. If you are suffering from these disorders, please join us at my site www.findthelight.net. With a wealth of information plus a new Message Forum (privately held on my server), I am sure you will find comfort, solace, and the very important support you want and need.

So please enjoy this site for any information you may need and for all of the support and care you desire. You can contact me at any time. Come Find the Light.

Articles of Interest...

Beyond Sad, by Nancy Schimelpfening of About.com

Although depression is often thought of as being an extreme state of sadness, there is a vast difference between clinical depression and sadness. Sadness is a part of being human, a natural reaction to painful circumstances. All of us will experience sadness at some point in our lives. Depression, however, is a physical illness with many more symptoms than an unhappy mood. The person with clinical depression finds that there is not always a logical reason for his dark feelings. Exhortations from well-meaning friends and family for him to "snap out of it" provide only frustration for he can no more "snap out of it" than the diabetic can will his pancreas to produce more insulin. Sadness is a transient feeling that passes as a person comes to term with his troubles. Depression can linger for weeks, months or even years. The sad person feels bad, but continues to cope with living. A person with clinical depression may feel overwhelmed and hopeless.

To clarify the differences between normal sadness and depression, the DSM-IV* defines specific criteria for the diagnosis of major depression. A person who suffers from a major depressive disorder must either have a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities consistently for at least a two week period. This mood must represent a change from the person's normal mood and impair his functioning in his daily life. A depressed mood caused by substances such as drugs, alcohol, or medications is not considered a major depressive disorder, nor is one which is caused by a general medical condition. Major depressive disorder cannot be diagnosed if a person has a history of bipolar disorder (i.e.. manic, hypomanic or mixed episodes) or if the depressed mood is better accounted for by schizoaffective disorder and is not superimposed on schizophrenia. Further, the symptoms should not be better accounted for by bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.

For more information on Depression go to www.findthelight.net/depression.htm.

Substance Abuse

Abuse and Misuse of Prescription Drugs (brought to you by SAMHSA)

While most consumers use prescription drugs responsibly, misuse of these medications can lead to abuse, addiction and even death.

To better inform Americans about this rising public health problem, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed a comprehensive education campaign. The brochures, posters and print advertisements deliver messages about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. While the campaign is targeted to teens and young adults, its message is relevant to all consumers who abuse prescription pain relievers.

On this web site you will find the campaign materials, resources for more information and where to find treatment services, links to pre-recorded press events, and press releases to help you become more informed about this issue.

Remember: prescription pain relievers, when used correctly and under a doctor's supervision, are safe and effective.

Please see the official SAMHSA site at http://www.samhsa.gov

Anxiety

Trying to kick anxiety naturally? I highly recommend Dave Larson's book, "How To Stop Your Anxiety Now!" I have purchased it myself and it is really making a huge difference in my life. It teaches you all about what anxiety is, how to handle panic attacks, and gives excellent insight to the field of anxiety. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE DRAMATICALLY.

He gives practical suggestions and exercises that will help guide you through the worst of anxiety symptoms. He makes it not so scary for you when he explains the logic of thought processes and the negativity that usually goes with anxiety and depression. His book is right on when it comes to handling anxiety naturally without drugs. IT CAN BE DONE...Please follow this link for information:

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)

NAMI STIGMABUSTERS ALERT

August 2003

NAMI StigmaBusters change public attitudes

protesting media that perpetuate ignorance,

prejudice or discrimination surrounding mental

illnesses, while praising those that communicate

accurate, compassionate messages, promoting

treatment and recovery.

NAMI applauds the recently released Final Report

of President Bush's "New Freedom" Commission on

Mental Health, which recommends a "national

campaign to reduce the stigma of seeking care."

The U.S. Surgeon General also warned in 1999 that

stigma is "the most formidable obstacle to future

progress in the arena of mental illness and

mental health." Stigma discourages people from

getting help when they need it. It dehumanizes

individuals. It contributes to a lack of

investment in the mental healthcare system, with

catastrophic costs and consequences.

NAMI StigmaBusters number almost 12,000 now in

the United States and around the world. Let your

voice be heard! Support NAMI's Campaign for the

Mind of America by taking action on the latest

cases. Together, we can make a difference!

If you are feeling suicidal please call 1-800-784-2433

"When you are in your darkest hour, remember, you can always find the light..."

TB, Author, Director, Find the Light Online Support Group