NAMI route to address mental illness issues

A local organization will offer a course for families big business with mental illness. The Houston Chapter of NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, is offering a free 12-week program to families who are coping with mental illness.

The classes, facilitated by trained volunteers, will combine scientific information and emotional support for those struggling to care for loved ones suffering from mental illnesses. According to the press release, topics roofed during the 12-week course include the symptoms and behavior of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD and borderline personality disorder.

Quit smoking is good for mental health

Although many people believe that smoking can help to relieve pressure and depression, new studies have shown the opposite in that it can have a harmful effect on mental health. With more and more people looking to quit smoking in the New Year, Ash Wales have claimed that this US based research serves to suggest that are health benefits with stopping smoking that we hadn’t previously been aware of. The chief executive of Ash Wales, said: “This new research suggests that giving up smoking actually relieves symptoms of depression and pours cold water on the claim that smoking eases nervousness and depression”

“We already know that quitting smoking results in considerable health benefits, but this study suggests there are also mental health benefits as well.”“There has never been a better time to quit smoking. Smoking kills around 5,650 people in Wales every year and it is the single most unnecessary cause of premature death. “Smoking is an addiction and I know how hard it can be for some people to give up, but there is help and support available from Stop Smoking Wales so you don’t have to go it alone. ”Essentially, the research conducted in Boston shows a clear link between smoking and mood height.

Mental health risk elevated among pregnant war veterans

The risk of mental health issues is higher among pregnant women who earlier served in war. This is according to recent research published in the Journal of Women's Health, which looked at veterans from the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. They discovered that the chances of mental health problems including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and concern are higher among the veterans than their civilian peers.

Susan Kornstein, executive director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, commented: "With the increased number of women helping in the military it is important that we understand their unique health issues such as mental health problems during pregnancy."The authors reviewed the records of more than 43,000 female veterans who completed their military service in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2001 and 2008.The team, from the Yale School of Medicine, wished-for that the risk of mental health issues was increased by pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes happening in the woman's body

Youth fake mental health issues

Youth are faking serious conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression and self-harming in an attempt to look cool and copy celebrity sufferers. The teens said stars such as Kerry Katona and Britney Spears, who have spoken about their problems, have been an influence. An alarming 34% admitted lying about having a mental illness in the past, according to online treatment service mentaline.com.

The website’s founder Jesper Buch said: “It’s shocking that so many young people think mental health problems are trendy. “It’s a very sensitive topic, so to see that many teenagers are blasé about the whole thing isn’t good at all. “Many young people are too quick to say ‘I’m depressed’ or try to gain attention by pretending to have some kind of personal issue. Your teenage years should be spent enjoying life, not persuasive people that you have issues that should be taken extremely seriously.”

Animal Signs of Mental Illness

Animal unkindness investigators say they are seeing an increasing number of cases of people who collect pets as objects. It’s known as "animal hoarding" and experts say it is tied to mental illness.

Over the weekend, investigators seized 150 dogs, cats, chickens and horses from a home in Riga. The animals were thin and living in filth. Mental health experts say in many cases, the person collecting pets lives in the same squalid conditions. They also said simply removing the pets is not sufficient to change the behavior.

Compeer Helps Persons With Mental Illness

The winter holidays can be a hectic time for people as they anxiously try to find the perfect gift and decorate their homes. For those recovering from mental illness, this cheerful season can be especially stressful. That's why Compeer of Family Services of Chemung County matches caring adult volunteers with someone of the same gender who is improving from mental illness in one-on-one friendship. Adults referred to Compeer are often alone and without the fundamental support of family and friends, which are a crucial component of mental health recovery.

Mental illness has been called the "loneliest illness," and Compeer believes that volunteers can provide the comfort and inspiration needed to help people in mental health recovery lead happy, productive lives. From talking over mugs of hot chocolate to watching a favorite holiday movie, the relationship between a volunteer and his or her friend is an unbelievable way to bring goodness into the hearts of two people at once. Friendship is a powerful medicine, and research shows that volunteering helps reduce pressure.

Kennedy to undertake mental health issues

Patrick J. Kennedy, leaving Congress after eight conditions representing Rhode Island, says he wants to launch "The Next Frontier" in mental health treatment. Kennedy, who chose not to run for re-election in 2010, admits to some doubt about what lies ahead for a man raised in the nation's most celebrated political family, The Providence (R.I.) Journal reported Sunday.

He says he will take a public role on his signature subject of mental health, influence a national effort on treatment and understanding in the same way his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, once called for a national goal of putting men on the moon as part of his "New Frontier." One main goal, he says, is the need to treat neurologically damaged war veterans, whether suffering from battle-related post-shocking stress or from the physical brain injuries affecting the survivors of roadside bombings.

Mental health targets 'help get better care'

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Edinburgh welcomes the Scottish Government's decision to introduce waiting times goals for a range of conditions, saying it would end the "postcode lottery" for care. However, the organisation said there was possible for other, less common psychological conditions to be included.

Adding mental conditions to the list of health improvement, competence, access and treatment targets - which include the likes of cancer and A&E wards - would also make health boards more accountable for the punctual treatment of mental health, the organisation said. Its lead adviser for Scotland, Shane Buckeridge, said: "It is estimated that at any one time there are some 850,000 Scottish people with mental health problems and until now it has been a postcode draw in terms of what is available, leading to a huge disparity in service provision across Scotland."The new targets will hopefully ensure that all patients have access to the services they need in a timely method.

Mental health disaster training a smart move

More law officers should be trained in how to recognize and deal with the mentally ill based on the knowledge one assistant took home from the training. Members of the National Alliance for Mental Illness’ Four Seasons Chapter and other mental health care providers met in February with local law officers to advocate for local officers to be trained. The training gives officers an overview of different types of mental illness they may encounter — from schizophrenia to age-related dementia to post-shocking stress disorder — as well as medications patients may be taking.

It also includes meeting people with mental illness, a tour of local mental health care providers and role-playing situations. Officers deal every day with people going through mental health crises that can include being off medications, matter abuse and family problems. That’s why it is so important that officers get this training.“We walked through all types of mental illness and medications. We were taught the triggers that may cause some patients to become aggressive.”

Joblessness Increases Chances Of Suicide

A new study released by the material Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), almost 20% of American adults in the United States have experienced mental illness over the past year. This translates to over 45 million people. The worst part is though is if you’re unemployed, you’re more likely to be among those people. According to the study, which looks at data from last year, unemployment can make one more likely to experience from several different mental health conditions.

County joins mental health services proceedings

Napa will be joining dozens of California counties asking for legal direction on how to provide mental health services that saw their support slashed by the governor’s line-item veto last October. Beginning in 1984, California state law required counties to provide mental health services to special-needs children who qualify for such backing.

In October, Gov. Schwarzenegger declared the authorization for such mental health services was suspended after using his line-item-veto authority to cut the $133 million used to fund the programs from the state’s budget. In Napa County, slightly more than 100 children receive services under the now-uncertain law. Such services were expected to cost the county $450,000 for the 2010-11 fiscal year, and county officials say the state currently owes Napa County about $4 million for previous reimbursements that were never established.

Malmö cannon may suffer from mental illness

Separately, Mangs, 38, will undergo a major psychiatric assessment, the National Board of Forensic Medicine (Rättsmedicinalverket) said in a statement on Monday. Mangs is suspected of suffering from mental illness, the body wrote in a statement after a so-called paragraph seven examination. Accordingly, the agency has recommended a more comprehensive psychiatric examination to determine whether Mangs should be sentenced to psychiatric care or custody if he is convicted.

In addition to one murder and five attempted murders, for which he is in custody as a suspect with probable cause, Mangs has also been informed of his doubt in two additional attempted murders. The criminal investigation currently under way is also looking at a number of other shootings going further back in time. Chief prosecutor Solveig Wollstad confirmed to news agency TT last week that police are investigating possible links to a number of shootings in Malmö, but she did not go into further detail."The man will remain in custody until December 21st. Only then will there be a decision on whether he shall be charged for additional doubts," she said. Wollstad added that she probable that the investigation will not be completed before the end of the year.

New mental health part to be built

Hundreds of jobs are to be created with the construction of a new mental health facility. The building of the confidential 200-bed care unit in Whitehall, north Dublin, will create 300 jobs immediately. It will take 18 months to complete and will then employ a further 150 people when finished. Health Minister Mary Harney said the scheme will help meet the future needs of older people and those with mental health problems."When this project is complete the quality of the services provided will have a real impact on the lives of populace," Ms Harney said.

"I am familiar with many of the facilities in the Highfield Hospital Group and am confident that the strong commitment to the stipulation of quality person centred services which the Eustace family promote will be continued in this new unit in Whitehall."The 37 million euro facility will be located next to the site of the existing hospital on the Swords Road and Highfield Hospital and Alzheimer Centre will continue to operate during the construction stage. The two-floor new building will have a mix of 100 mental health beds and 90 nursing home beds. There will also be a 10 bed unit built to provide acute psychiatric care for both the mature and older population.

Youth Wants More Admittance to Mental Health Services

The forum was participated by young people aged 15-25. They demanded more access to youth mental health services and spread of more awareness to eliminate the disgrace associated with mental health problems. There was discussion on topics including suicide prevention and psychologist waiting lists. One of the participants from Sydney uttered that he was never aware of what mental disorders were till the time his father got affected with depression and eventually committed suicide. He himself developed depression later on; while, his school had a support network, but they were not well-informed about the mental health problems.

“The main concerns he heard from the participants were negative perceptions of mental illness and a lack of education in schools”, said Mr. Butler. He added that young people were more anxious about stigma associated with mental health problems that they had to face in schools. At the forum, the young children expressed that the mental health needed to be a part of the school curriculum. Experts advise that three-fourth of mental illness commences before the age of 25 and just one in four such young people have access to mental health services.

Researchers Review Gay Youths' Mental Health

One third of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth have attempted suicide in their lifetime, but most of them are mentally strong, new U.S. research suggests. A team at the University of Illinois at Chicago conducted psychiatric interviews with 246 ethnically diverse LGBT youth, aged 16-20, to tax them for major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conduct disorder and suicide attempts.

About 70 percent of the youth met no criteria for any mental disorders, but 15 percent met criteria for major despair and nearly 10 percent met criteria for PTSD. The study found that one-third of the youths had made a suicide attempt at some point in their life, and 6 percent had made a suicide attempt in the last year. The occurrence of mental disorders among LGBT youth was higher than that in the general population, but comparable to that of urban and alternative youth, the researchers noted."One of the most important findings from our work is that most of these [LGBT] youth are doing very well and are not experiencing mental health problems,

Mental Health Care Funding needs to be improved

Mental health care in Australia was yet again put under the scanner, with the Australian of the Year, Prof. Patrick McGorry calling for an increase in funding for mental health care. The advice made by McGorry was during a mental health summit being held by the Queensland Government.

While asking for an increase in the federal budget for mental health care, Professor McGorry said that rites for mental health in Australia were currently at $5-billion, and that they needed to be trebled to $15-billion. He also announced that the numbers of wounded because of mental disorders were 2,500 in the country and that an Australian killed them self every three to four hours.
The comments made by Professor McGorry have come after a Briton awaiting exile at a detention centre had died of a suspected suicide in his quarters. Prior to the Englishman, another prisoner awaiting deportation had died in the previous month at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney.

Talking about the increased incidences of people waiting to be deported killing themselves, Professor McGorry said that people seeking protection in Australia were already under enough mental pressure and the long wait of deportation further deteriorated their mental health, which resulted in them committing suicide.

Speak your Mind approximately the clock

mental health charity Mind in Taunton and West Somerset are now able to speak to someone 24 hours a day. Mindline, the charity’s confidential helpline, has teamed up with WAND helpline, Mindinfoline and the Taunton Samaritans. If callers are unable to get through to Mindline itself they are offered a menu option to button to another service. Mindline manager Andy Pritchard said: “We believe that it is important whatever the time of day or night you are calling you can speak to a real person.”

The Mindline Volunteers are fully taught and are people who have experienced mental distress themselves or have an understanding of what mental distress may mean for others. You do not have to say who you are and what you do say is completely secret. Mindline Somerset is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8pm and midnight, so if you call outside these hours or can’t get through you will be offered the menu option to switch to another service.

Mental health key to child defense

Better mental health services could reduce the number of Tasmanian children in the wellbeing system, according to the Mental Health Council. Council CEO Michelle Swallow has told a state parliamentary inquiry into child protection that a significant number of children in the system come from families affected by mental illness.

Ms Swallow says many of them experience depression, attachment nervousness and trauma."There has to be some strategies to allow people to say 'can somebody come and work with my family before it implodes'," Ms Swallow explained."I think supporting foster carers and providing them with ongoing training and appropriate payment is really important."

The mentally ill still face stigma

Glenn Close is right on when she speaks about the stigma of being diagnosed with a mental illness. The stigma so often linked with mental illness is a serious barrier to seeking help: Millions of individuals — children and adults — go without the critical services that can make a world of difference. The article is timely, as a recently released Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. Administration survey shows that nearly one in five mature Americans has experienced mental illness in the past year, but only 38 percent received help or treatment.

Additionally, 2 million young people, ages 12 to 17, had a major depressive episode. The Mental Health Association of Westchester County Inc. and other groups are devoted to working to overcome this stigma, so that no one who has an emotional problem feels alone, and no one goes without the help that they need. We encourage anyone who has ever been touched by a mental illness to join us. As Ms. Close says, we need to "get over the fear of saying it out loud, get free of the shame."

Officers receive mental health disaster training

Sussex County has by now received two hours of training on responding to a mental health crisis and understanding the cipher and symptoms of mental illness. This training is provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of New Jersey and includes a 25-minute video produced by the organization entitled “The Community I Serve.”

Municipal police officers were also given an hour of training about compulsion as a progressive and treatable illness. They learned about the progression of addiction, and were given resources to call upon for those affected and their families and loved ones.

Each officer was given a resource card with phone numbers of the many mental health and substance mistreatment services available in Sussex County. The officers have been asked to use the card as a source of referral information for families struggling to find help for their loved ones with mental illness and/or addictions.

The program has been brought to the county through the combined hard work of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s office, Newton Memorial Hospital’s Department of Psychiatric Emergency Services, the county Mental Health Advisory Board, the Sussex County Division of Community and Youth Services, Saint Clare’s Intensive Family Support Services and the Sussex County affiliate of NAMI.

Halle Berry raising awareness of mental illness

The actress plays Frankie Murdoch, a woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder in Frankie & Alice. She is keen to make people face the problem of mental illness head on, explaining it is much more productive than people think. Halle has suffered from depression in the past, and says many don’t even understand what having that illness is like.“We should talk about it, I hope this movie incites people to talk about the issue,” she explained. “I see homeless people on the street and I think people think they’re just derelicts or drug addicts, but many of them really undergo with real mental issues.”

In the movie, one of Frankie’s personalities is racist although her being a black woman. That concept intrigued Halle greatly, and she is keen to see how the story is received by fans.“A black woman who splits off into a white racist, right there that’s got to be a story worth telling,” she explained to Pop Tarts. “I really wanted to understand how that could happen, why that would happen and I wanted to see her journey of how she healed herself because our character actually triumphs.”

Koch donates $2 million to research on bipolar disorders

University of Iowa graduate Roger L. Koch donated $2 million to research on bipolar disorders and support for the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, according to a UI press release. The donation, providing $1 million to each program, established the Roger L. Koch Mental Illness Research support and the Roger L. Koch Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Advancement Fund.

The research fund for bipolar disorders is prepared to explore brain morphology and physiologic position of the body and other influences on the onset of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Koch, of North Miami, Fla., received his bachelor's degree in general science in 1973 and chemical engineering in 1977. The donations were made from side to side the UI Foundation.