England cricket ace’s optimistic spin on mental health

The England cricketer flew home from the World Cup after keeping his illness a clandestine from most of his team-mates. Being open about this condition, Yardy, 30, has offered support to millions of people who may be suffering in silence. In the UK, one in four of us will be affected at some point during our lifetime - but we're not alone. Celebrities counting George Michael, Uma Thurman, Dame Kelly Holmes and Dancing On Ice star Denise Welch have all spoken out about their Mental illness.

Mark Davies, from the Mental health charity Rethink, said: "In being honest and open about their problems celebrities show great bravery and also give heart to millions of people who suffer in silence because of the fear of stigma and favoritism. "Now it's Michael Yardy. But many others in the public eye - such as Stephen Fry and Alastair Campbell - have done the same thing. "What they show is that mental illness is like any other illness. It can affect anyone regardless of who they are or what they do. Attitudes ARE changing as a result of their bravery." Mark added that it is wrong to think of the condition as not being able to handle stress.

Flu eruption, mental health issues overload CHEO ER

A record number of children with flu and stomach viruses is congestion the emergency room at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, leading to long waits, bed shortages and cancelled surgeries. The situation is being worsened by a spike in the number of children and teens needing urgent care for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and other Mental health crises. The unprecedented stipulate for the hospital's psychiatric services started in November, soon after the suicide of Daron Richardson, the 14-year-old daughter of Ottawa Senators assistant coach Luke Richardson. The demand has not let up since, CHEO spokeswoman Marie Bélanger said. Since January, ER visits to CHEO have risen 20 per cent, with a total of 15,000 patients. Of that number, 516 suffered from Mental disorder suffering.

Mental illness appeal in amputee killing

A man who fatally stabbed his aunt, a double amputee who lost her legs as a result of diabetes complications, will quarrel he was mentally ill at the time, a court has heard. Noel Keith Gardiner, 22, pleaded not guilty in the NSW Supreme Court today to murdering Elizabeth Phillips, who was found dead in her bed at her home at Casino, on the NSW north coast, in September 2009. Ms Phillips, 36, who used a wheelchair after losing both her legs from the knees down, had multiple stab wounds to her back, stomach, hands, forearm and head, court documents say.

Gardiner's barrister, Chris Bruce, told Justice Terence Buddin at the opening of the judge-alone trial that Gardiner's innocent plea was based on a Mental illness defence. Crown prosecutor Sarah Huggett tendered medical reports from two forensic psychiatrists, who both concluded such a defence would be available. Justice Buddin said because an admission had been made by the accused, "the only live issue is a question of whether or not he was mentally ill at the time of the deadly act".

Geoffrey Boycott angers mental health charities by criticising miserable player Michael Yardy

GEOFFREY Boycott infuriated Mental health charities yesterday when he claimed depressed cricketer Michael Yardy quit the World Cup because he wasn’t good enough. England all-rounder Yardy, who flew home unexpectedly from Sri Lanka yesterday citing despair, had been criticised for his recent performances.

And Boycott, 70, said: “He must have been reading my commentary about his bowling. That must have upset him as it’s clearly too much for him. He’s not good enough at this level.” When told Yardy, 30, quit due to Mental illness rather than a loss of form, the 108-Test veteran said: “I’ve been, with respect, a better player? I’ve been able to hold my place for Yorkshire and England, so I’ve always got picked, played good, so I’ve not been in that place where my quality of play has been poor and it’s got to me mind-wise.”

Anthrax Killings Doubt Had History of Mental Illness

Anthrax killings suspect Bruce Ivins, the man the FBI believes was responsible for the attacks that killed 5 people in 2001, had documented Mental illness problems dating back several decades, according to CNN. These findings, courtesy of a report by a panel of behavioral experts commissioned by the Department of Justice, suggest that Ivins should not have been given his job at a U.S. Army research facility in Maryand. Ivins knew he was under doubt for the attacks and committed suicide in 2008.

According to Gregory Saathoff, the report's lead author, the exposure "does support the Department of Justice's determination that he was responsible," and that he had the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to commit such acts. “The psychiatric records were quite eye-opening," said Saathoff. "The criminal behaviors involved a strong component of revenge that he claimed he had engaged in as well as planned to connect in.” When Ivins was hired in 1980, his mental health records were apparently not reviewed, though he had signed a waiver allowing authorities to do so. Investigators in search of a suspect in the wake of the attack also failed to identify Ivins. "This information had been deemed confidential during Dr. Ivins' lifetime," said Saathoff, "available only to his medical providers, and off-limits to investigators.

People should discuss mental health, say campaigners

People in England need to overcome the clumsiness and fear associated with talking about mental health issues, it has been claimed. According to anti-stigma campaign Time to Change, mental health affects everyone and should be talked about more candidly in everyday discussion.

The organisation has launched a new crusade, entitled It's Time to Talk, It's Time to Change, which hopes to address this reluctance after a survey found two-thirds of workers are scared to tell colleagues about their mental health problems. In contrast, 88 per cent of respondents said they would feel comfortable telling work mates they had been missing from work due to physical illness. Time to Change Director Sue Baker said: "Talking can strengthen friendships, aid recovery and break down stereotypes. It's often a few small words that can make a big difference and get the conversation started. You don't have to be a specialist - just a friend."

Riccardi trial delayed for mental status testing

A Luzerne County senior arbitrator on Monday scheduled a hearing to determine a homicide suspect’s mental status, ultimately postponing his scheduled April trial. Senior Judge Joseph Augello said an Atkins hearing will be held May 2 for Elvis Riccardi, 33, after his attorneys requested it to rule out the death penalty against their client because of mental health issues. An Atkins hearing is based on the outcome of a legal case. In Atkins v. Virginia, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that irritation of the death penalty on the mentally ill constitutes unkind and unusual punishment.

That hearing pressed back Riccardi’s scheduled April 4 trial to now begin on June 7 with jury selection. Riccardi and Michael Simonson, 33, allegedly killed Donald Skiff, 34, of Plymouth, on April 27, 2009. Skiff’s body was found with the help of Simonson in a wooded area off Suscon Road, Jenkins Township, on June 4, 2009. Investigators alleged Riccardi and Simonson kidnapped Skiff in Shickshinny. Simonson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison in August. Riccardi’s attorneys previously have said that if their client was to receive the death punishment, it would be against his rights because Riccardi has a history of “sub-average intellectual functioning, mental illness and/or intellectual disability.” Prosecutors compete in court papers that Riccardi’s request does not give a “factual basis” that would require an Atkins hearing.

Mental Health courtyard Opens in Manhattan

A special court devoted to non-violent cases of defendants with severe mental illnesses will open at 100 Centre Street in Manhattan, announced Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. on Wednesday. “The designation of a Mental Health Court in Manhattan will address the complex criminal justice challenges presented by defendants with serious mental illnesses and will promote greater safety for New Yorkers and greater equality for the mentally ill,” Vance said.

The court will be part of the New York State Supreme Court, with fairness Juan Merchan presiding. Other judges, prosecutors, and the Department of Probation officials, among others, will be able to refer cases to the Mental Health Court. The defendants will receive a psychiatric evaluation prior to the court’s recognition of the cases. Only cases of severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, will be accepted. “A significant percentage of defendants suffer from mental disorders—an issue that the courts and its criminal justice system partners simply cannot overlook,” stated New York state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. “By addressing the underlying mental health issues driving the crime, the Manhattan Mental Health Court will help ensure more effectual, long-term resolutions,”.

Mental health first help course in Alexandria

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota will hold a free Mental Health First Aid interactive training course in Alexandria designed to teach basic first aid skills needed to help a person who is experiencing a mental health problem or disaster.

This 12-hour course is aimed at humanizing mental health literacy. It will be held April 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas Street in Alexandria Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person suitable care and treatment.

Mental health funding increase

MOUNT Gambier will receive around $8.7m of the Federal Government’s most recent announcement for financial support allocated to mental health residential care in regional South Australia. The announcement came during Federal Minister for Health Nicola Roxon’s trip to South Australia this week and is part of a state-wide health reform package valued at $2.9b over the next 10 years – of which $134m worth of projects has now been outlined. “The benefits for South Australia from today’s (Thursday) announcement are widespread – two new Mental health treatment centres will be built at Whyalla and Mount Gambier,” Ms Roxon said.

The centres are based on an obtainable model of care currently operating in Adelaide – one of which is Elpida House – and focuses on assisting patients to develop independent living skills, such as shopping, cooking and socialising while recuperating from an acute Mental illness. The centre, which is to be known as a Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC), will be developed over the next four years and will house 10 beds for residential “psychosocial rehabilitation” assistance. The CRC will also provide a safe environment for mental health consumers who are adjusting to life in the community, with specialist staff to encourage them to live independently and manage their illness. State Minister for Mental Health John Hill said the CRC would make a enormous difference to people who are on the road to recovery from mental illness, but need a bit more help to learn to look after themselves and be a part of the community again.

Sex dependence now a psychiatric disorder

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) publishes the manual, which is considered the ultimate guide to what constitutes a genuine psychological disorder rather than an imaginary one. Sex addiction became highly publicised when celebrities such as Tiger Woods and Russell Brand required treatment for the condition. The shamed golfer underwent a six-week intensive programme at the Pine Grove clinic in Mississippi, designed to treat sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, association addiction and sexual trauma.

Meanwhile, betting addiction has recently been classified as a Mental illness in Britain and now the health service is starting a preliminary project for sex addiction treatment. And the recent discussion of sex addiction could spark a boom in drug companies re-packaging anti-depressants and sex-drive-suppressants, according to experts. The Priory chain of clinics says its patients: “work on themselves for eight or nine hours a day in group rehabilitation, in individual sessions with their psychiatrists and with a wide range of trained therapists.” Clinical psychologist and sex psychoanalyst Janet Hall in Melbourne said patients with sex addiction problems now make up the majority of her clients.

Lifeline focuses on mental health in the office

LIFELINE Macarthur struck another waft against the stigma of Mental illness when it hosted a symposium on Mental health in the workplace at its Smeaton Grange centre on Thursday. UWS clinical psychology professor Rocco Crino and Michael Hall, chief executive officer of the Wild Works organization which helps businesses align and engage their staff, jointly presented to give the 60-strong spectators insights into both the personal and corporate aspects of dealing with mental health issues.

While NSW State Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell took the opportunity to deliver his party’s policy on mental health, Lifeline Macarthur’s chief executive officer Peter Mihajlovic kept his praise for the two speakers who delivered potent messages on addressing Mental health issues in the workplace and the community. “Rocco spoke about types of mental disorders and why it is important to address them in the workplace and walked us through a case study of engaging with someone with mental health issues, then Michael spoke on the corporate viewpoint and what employers, supervisors and managers can do.” “It was an excellent presentation which inspired a vigorous question-and-answer time and had people asking us for details of the next symposium, which we will clutch if there is sufficient demand”

Huge money injection for mental health

THE Federal Government will expend nearly $80 million on mental health as part of a $134 million health reform package for South Australia unveiled today. As discovered in The Advertiser, Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has announced 12 Commonwealth-funded health and hospital projects for South Australians.
They include:
*Nearly $20 million for supported housing services in metropolitan and country areas to support people with a mental illness after they leave acute care.
*Nearly $19 million for early interference care to ease pressure on families caring for someone with a mental illness.
*Two new country mental health treatment centres, in Whyalla and Mount Gambier, with 20 beds across the two sites, costing $17.3 million.
*$12 million for youth sub-acute inpatient services for people aged 16 to 24 experiencing early neurosis.
*A mental health forensic sub-acute step down unit with 10 beds and concentrated rehabilitation services costing $6.1 million.
*Mental health early interference home-based services providing around-the-clock assistance to people in a crisis in their own homes costing $6 million.
Ms Roxon also announced $54.7 million in subsidy for new equipment and facilities at hospitals including Repatriation General Hospital and Modbury Hospital. State Health Minister John Hill said the mental health investments would harmonize South Australia's ongoing mental health reforms.

Premature treatment helps youth mental illness

The study shows anxiety and misery are the leading cause of disability in young people, affecting 27 per cent of women aged 20 to 24 and 17 per cent of men in the same age range. Professor George Patton from the Murdoch Children's Institute says the rate of Mental illness increases considerably between puberty and young maturity.

Professor Patton says early handling could make a difference. "I think we have increasing evidence that if you intervene with a Mental disorder at an earlier point, that's got to be good," he said. "If you take something like anorexia nervosa... if you intervene effectively, that can make a huge difference to the result of that disorder five years down the line."

Youngsters Smoking Cannabis at a Risk of Mental Illness

Commonly used illegal drug across the world, especially among teenagers and youngsters. A recent study conducted by the European scientists has discovered that smoking Cannabis doubles the risk of mental illness in teenagers. The use of cannabis can provoke paranoia, hallucinations and bizarre behavior. The use of Cannabis also triggers extreme aggression and violence among teenagers. It was also found that people who tolerate smoking cannabis have continuous mental problems as compared to those who stop.

The experts also claim that smoking cannabis also activates psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia in susceptible youngsters. In order to study the impact of cannabis, a study was conducted on 1,900 volunteers aged 14 to 24, none of whom had any history of psychotic symptoms. The study was continued for a period of 10 years. The results found that those who had started cannabis for the first time during the study had doubled the risk of developing psychotic symptoms and mental illness. Experts say that the study will provide support to the widespread public opposition to the validation of cannabis. The use of cannabis is considered hazardous and it affects the individual and culture so teenagers are advised to stay away from smoking cannabis.

Matthew Newton Has Mental Sickness

Australian star Matthew Newton is mentally ill and has been living in "utter fear" for his life since leaving a health center, according to his lawyer. The actor appeared before a judge on Wednesday (02Mar11) following his arrest last month (Feb11) for allegedly breaching an detained violence order (Avo) by trying to contact his ex-girlfriend, actress Rachael Taylor. His attorney Chris Murphy told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court the 34 year old made a "mistake" by calling Taylor. Murphy explained that his client is suffering from a psychiatric illness and wants to have the legal matter dealt with beneath the Mental Health Act. The lawyer told the court, "He (Newton) does not have any addictions, he has a psychiatric illness."

Murphy also revealed that Newton is frightened for his life after he was knocked to the ground by a large man in December (10). He claimed the attack was inspired by journalist Paul Kent's campaign to members of the public to punch the actor in the mouth. Murphy added, "(Newton) received several sutures to his face and suffered a broken nose. I have done two cases, where a man has been king-hit (knocked out) and killed. (Newton) lives in absolute fear and he has got a Mental illness." Kent called for Newton to be given a "good hiding, a smack in the mouth" in August (10) after the star was accused of assaulting Taylor. The matter was adjourned for a mental health issue earshot next month (13Apr11), according to the Aap.

Brood and Mental Illness

Every child acts out from time to time. But doctors say there's an important distinction between the typical tantrum and something much more serious. Although many continue to view mental illness as an adult affliction, about one in five kids have a mental disorder. Experts say the youngest of kids suffer depression, anxiety, even schizophrenia. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often missed or mistaken for something else.

Mental illness topic of agenda

The Geauga County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will present a 12-week Family to Family instruction program beginning March 12. It will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at The Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Road in Chardon, across from the UH Geauga Medical Center. The series is free for family members, partners and friends of individuals affected with mental illness. Classes are ordered to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well being.

Mental Health in the juvenile

Mental disorders can seriously affect even infants and toddlers, reveals a new study led by Joy D. Osofsky and Alicia F. Lieberman of the Universities of Louisiana State and California. The study is a part of a series that is looking into the lack of mental healthcare for children from birth to five years, and is jointly edited by Ed Tronick, University of Massachusetts, and Osofsky. It has been published by the American Psychological Association.

The researchers claim that because of a wrong notion that young children are not afflicted with Mental illness, the problem is not identified and treatment is not given which could lead to permanent damage. Rather than being “immune to the effects of early adversity and trauma because they are inherently resilient and 'grow out of' behavioral problems and emotional difficulties,” infants do react to the emotions and intentions of the people around them and make meaning about their own selves.