What is spirituality?

I believe spirituality is identifying the things that are truly important to you and giving them the priority they deserve.

How to overcome depression?

Some time back I was asked to speak regarding spiritual solutions to depression. Now I know more than most that the word depression covers a myriad of conditions and I hesitate to talk about simple cures. For those that know me I believe there are 6 strategies you need to focus on when trying to manage/ overcome depression: exercise, support from family and friends, psychological counselling, fulfilling work, relaxation/meditation, and medication.

What underpins all these things?

In my own recovery, I found that when I was severely depressed, I was best to focus on exercise and contact with family and friends. As I started to improve, I embraced meditation and this really helped with being centred and seeing things with new clarity. I came to realise that when I looked back to my past, much of my self esteem was tied up with external achievements. When things were going well I was fine and when they weren’t I crumbled. I now believe that striving to be of service to others is the key to my mental health. I’m not saying that this is the case for everyone but I have certainly found it to be true for me.

Who am I?

I have spoken on several occasions with Charlie Hogg, The Director of the Brahma Kumaris in Australia. Over the years Charlie has helped thousands of people learn how to meditate. He says that 80% of the people who come to learn are struggling with depression and/or an anxiety disorder. Many have been trying to find happiness and peace through achievements and material possessions and have found that to be a losing battle. They think of themselves as their gender, occupation, marital status, income level etc. When these don’t measure up with their expectations of the perfect life they feel disillusioned.

Source of Happiness

Charlie has no income, and no traditional material possessions, yet he is one of the happiest and most positive people I know. He truly feels fulfilled when he is serving others. When I was interviewed recently by Richard Fiedler on the Conversation Hour, he made the comment that the happiest people he has interviewed (and his has spoken to an incredible cross section) are those that are dedicated to helping others.

This is no quick fix

What I am describing above is no quick fix, but I believe that finding our what is truly important to you and then spending a lot of your time addressing this purpose in central to sustainable happiness and fulfillment. An important part of this is understanding your strengths and finding out what special skills or qualities you have that you like to use. Martin Seligman did some great work in this area in his book Authentic Happiness - see http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx . At this website you will find some tools to help you understand your strenghts

Brinkmanship

I believe that depression, like any adversity has the potential to be transformed into a gift. If through your pain you are able to come out the other side with new priorities in life and a new mission then I believe you can consider yourself blessed. Don’t get me wrong. I know that depression can be a living hell but like every crisis it can EVENTUALLY be turned into an opportunity. I believe that depression has such a high recurrence rate because people that don’t come to terms with what is important to them and change their lifestyle accordingly have to eventually revisit it.

For an excellent artictle on this subject from the Mayo Clinic please see: http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/mental-behavioral-health/bipolar-disorder/living-with-bipolar-disorder/spirituality-stress-relief?msc=A62687 

If you have a view on this topic, please respond to this post.

KInd Regards

Graeme

Tags: anxiety, back from the brink, depression, depression treatments, graeme cowan, spiritual solutions

One of the biggest problems you have when you google depression or anxiety disorders is that you get 6 Trillion websites - where do you start?

I am very proud of the new resources section for  www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com . It is extremely comprehensive and covers helplines, organisations, websites, support groups, and books for Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, and Canada.

It was put together with a huge contribution from a friend of mine, who wishes to remain anonymous. It is broken down into subcategories which include:

General Mental Health

Depression

Bipolar

Child and Adolescent

Carers

Post and Antenatal Depression

Anxiety Disorders

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Support Groups

There is also a large listing of books that is broken down into the same categories and are linked directly to Amazon so that you can read more about each book to see if it is for you.

You can check out the resources section at: http://www.iambackfromthebrink.com/resources.html

Hopefully this directory will save you lots of time in identifying websites that have good material.

Have a look at the section and let me know by answering this blog if there are any other sites that you think should be included. http://www.iambackfromthebrink.com/resources.html

Kind Regards

Graeme Cowan

www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com

Tags: anxiety, bipolar, depression, depression books, depression resources

In my research for BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO many people wondered about how you go about choosing the right psychologist. You GP is often a great source of guidance. There are also sites like www.goodtherapy.com.au  which provide a lot more information than Yellow Pages to help you make a decision. The best way to evaluate a person however is to have a first visit and view it as a test drive:

After the first visit you should ask:

1. Did the session feel worthwhile?
2. Did the psychologist understand my situation?
3. Did they seem genuinely interested in helping?
4. Did they outline a plan I had confidence in?
5. Do I trust the psychologist and want to return?

If after answeing these questions you don’t feel comfortable with the psychologist you should endeavour to find another. It is far too important to find someone you have confidence in than to be concerned about hurting anyones feelings. This area is covered in much greater depth in BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO which will be in good bookshops from September 9.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: anxiety, depression, evaluation, psychologist

In research I conducted for BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO (launched September 9) many parents expressed concern about how their partner’s depression was impacting on their children.

Children are very perceptive and you need to keep a close eye to see how they are coping. It is an area where it is very hard to find any advice and I had a researcher search the world to find great practical information. Believe it or not we found the best advice on our own doorstep. Northern Sydney Area Health put together a booklet put together by Northern Sydney Area Health called “Support for carers, family, and friends: Uncharted Waters”.

Whilst there is not enough time to fully outline all their recommendations, they stressed that children should be reassured of the following:

1.       It’s not their fault – children often believe that they may have caused the illness and it is important that they be reassured of that point.

2.       The illness is not catching – They may not bring it up but fear of catching the illness is very real for children. Explain that all causes are not known but it is definitely not contagious.

3.       What will happen next – This may not be completely clear yet, but explain to them to the best of your understanding, who will take care of them and what will happen to the unwell person.

Signs to look out for

Some of the signs that a child may not be coping are:

·          Inability to get along with other children

·          Marked fall in the level of school work

·          Change in usual sleeping and eating patterns

·          Marked weight gain or loss

·          Reluctance to go to school

·          Fearfulness

·          Restlessness

·          Excessive disobedience

·          Social withdrawal

If you are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a child, or if symptoms are lasting more that a few weeks, seek professional help. A good place to start is your GP or the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (or equivalent) at you local area health service. Kids Helpline may also give you some guidance- 1800 55 800.

In BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO, we then provide individual advice for Pre School Aged and Younger Children, Primary School Aged Children, and Adolescents.

There is also an excellent guide and checklist by COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers/Parents)

http://www.nscchealth.nsw.gov.au/carersupport/fami/copmiresources/003747278.pdf

Best wishes and my love and support in taking care of this important group.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: adolescents, anxiety, children, depression, support

In my role as an organiser for GROW - a 12 step support group for people with mental illness issues - www.grow.net.au - I am continually reminded of how insurmountable the black hole of depression can be. This is highlighted when new people come who have reached the end of their tether. I can so easily relate to them because it wasn’t that long ago that I was there myself.

The value of personal testimonies

One the most potent things to give them hope is when they hear another describe how they were once in that same situation but now are feeling so much more stronger and capable. There is something about an authentic story that moves the heart. I have pleasure in telling newcomers of the many examples people who came to GROW broken but who now are back working full time.

What exactly are you troubled by?

This is something we endeavour to find out from our members when they are struggling. Often when you are depressed everything seems overwhelming, but we try to encourage people to identify their major worry.

Is it likely, probable, or only possible?

So often we worry about things that never happen and this question seeks to identify what is worth investing time trying to solve and what can be forgotten for the moment. Often with the benefit of other’s perspectives, something that has been really troubling someone can be reduced to the imposter it really is.

How important is it?

Is it something worth investing time in to solve or is it not worth spending another moment on.

What shall I do about it?

In GROW we try to concentrate on one problem at a time - usually something that is likely to happen and that you have some control over. We then brainstorm some potential solutions and endeavour to get the person to chose the most appropriate course of action for them.

Emotional Support

What people often find very beneficial about GROW is the support they get from those around them. You don’t have to explain what depression or anxiety feels like as most members have personally experienced these illnesses. When someone shares a problem, and then agrees to undertake a practical task to address it, we usually organise for another member to call them during the week to see how they are going. This emotional support is hugely beneficial.

Support groups like GROW can be a god send for people who are really struggling - particularly if they don’t have friends or family to confide in.

BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO: Helping your loved one overcome depression

In research I did for my latest book, Back From The Brink Too (available September 9, 2008), which is for the loved ones of people with depression, many carers recounted how hard it was for them to find emotional support for them. I have suggested many strategies of where carers can find emotional support.

If you have a story about a support group. I would love to hear from you.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: anxiety, depression, problems, stress, support groups

I was fortunate enough to have recently visited Hong Kong.  Whilst there I caught up with some people from Jardine Matheson - one of Hong Kong’s oldest and largest companies. Like a lot of organisations, that had found that their charitable contributions in the past had been quite haphazard.

The launch of Mindset

After some research, they decided to focus their attention on the area of mental health and launched Mindset in 2002. Mindset’s objectives are to change people’s attitudes by raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and to provide direct assistance to individuals, families, and organisations in need of help.

Involving some high achievers

Each year 50 Ambassadors are chosen from across the Jardine Companies, who are able to take time out from their normal roles to guide Mindset activities. This group contributed 30,000 hours and are  typically aged 25-30 and are regarded as future leaders within the group.

Mindset Initiatives

Current initiatives include:

1. Education and prevention in schools through the “Health in Mind” program.
2. Re-intergrations - supporting mental health agencies through patient support activities and the promotion of a job training program within the Jardine Matheson Group companies.
3. Financial Support - to fund direct services for the mentally ill such as case managers etc.
4. Community Awareness - to undertake a range of initiatives that enhance awareness of mental health related issues.

Two of the most notable community initiatives are the “Mindset Ratrace” - a community fun run around downtown Hong Kong and “Walk up Jardine House” which both served to raise funds for activities.

Highlights

• More than 25,000 school students reached by the “Health in Mind” program.
• 135 training and placement opportunities offered to ex mentally ill in Group businesses.
• The funding of six programs in support of carers and families and direct services for the mentally ill.
• 19 patient support actvities organized.
• $5HKmillion ($A1 million) Cash contributed
• 30,000 hours by 50 Jardine Ambassadors

It was interesting hearing their experiences in job placement. They initially sought openings in their group and then tried to place appropriate people. Eventually they found that they were best off starting with the candidate and then determining what type of role would suit. The referrals for these candidates come from community mental health organisations.

The company employs a part time administrator whose role it is to co-ordinate activities.

About half the people who have gone through Jardine’s re-integration initiatives remain in full time employment.

Jardine’s are to be applauded for pioneering help in an area of community need that has typically been overlooked by most of the corporate world.

If you have any questions or comments about this initiative I would love to hear them.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: anxiety, charity, depression, mental health, work

There was recently a very good article from the Mayo Clinic on taking medication for depression (see News section of www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com ) As highlighted in my last entry, the average doctor does not have great skills in managing mood disorders and we often feel tempted to take things into our own hands when we perceive a medication is not working or there are bad side effects.

Always consult your doctor

I have learnt through bitter experience that it is always better to consult a doctor when stopping or altering the dosage of a medication. There can be very unpleasant side effects if a medication is stopped suddently. I have also experienced the situation where a medication doesn’t appear to be working at a lower dosage, only to have it work well once the dose is increased.

First rule of recovery

The first rule of recovery is to get an accurate diagnosis from a competent mood disorder doctor. They then will be able to determine if antidepressant medication is warranted and prescribe the variant which has the most probability of working.

In my last Blog entry I highlighted the advantages of MAP, a new diagnostic tool from the Blackdog Institute. This week I noticed a new computerised treatment aid for depression being developed in Texas (see News section of www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com) Anything that can aid the average doctor in being a better diagnostician and treater of depression has to be a good thing.

If you have any personal stories about going off depression medication abruptly, I would love to hear them.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: antidepressants, anxiety, depression, side effects

In a recent book by Professor Jane Plant called “Beating Stress, Anxiety and Depression” she lists substantial evidence of how often mental illness is misdiagnosed. (see news story at www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com) I suspect one of the reasons for this is that it is a very inexact science (eg. you can’t take a blood test) and it often takes someone with substantial skill and experience to properly diagnose. Another contributing factor is that some medicines taken for other conditions have depression as a side effect.

When I interviewed over 250 people for my latest book Back from the Brink Too, carers say that their biggest regret is not getting their loved one to a competent doctor sooner to get an accurate diagnosis.

Startling delay in diagnosis

Yesterday, I met with Wendy Williamson from the Blackdog Institute and she told me that it takes 15 years on average from the time someone first presents with syptoms of bipolar till when they are actually diagnosed. There is a lot of unnecessary suffering because of this. I’m not sure what the figures are for depression but I suspect they would be equally worrying. What further complicates things is that different types of depression respond better to different types of drugs. Is it any wonder that some patients and their loved ones are frustrated by trialling drugs that don’t seem to work.

A probable solution

Wendy showed me a new software program developed by the Blackdog Institute called “Mood Assessment Program” or “MAP” which seeks to address this frustrating situation.

The patient is required to sit down and answer a number of questions about their history which takes about an hour. The questions cover the symptoms they are experiencing, their psychological profile, physical health, stressful life events that may contribute to the mood disorder, and what drugs and therapy you have tried.

Save time save suffering

The resulting report provides doctors with a comprehensive overview of your personal experience with depression and provides a probable diagnosis of type of illness you are suffering from. It then presents doctors with the treatments that are most likely to effectively treat depression. The MAP system is in pilot mode at the moment but the results are looking extremely promising. The Blackdog Institute is one of the preeminent mood disorder units in the world and this software allows GP’s, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists to leverage their expertise.

If you have any frustrating experiences about delayed diagnosis or comments on MAP I would like to hear them.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: antideppressants, anxiety, bipolar, depression

In a recent article from Psychology today it cites a study where group of women were allocated a volunteer “befriender” for a year to meet up with regularly for a chat, cup of tea, go to movies etc. After a year they found that 72% had experienced a remission from their depression compared to 45% for a control group. This also reinforces the research I did for “Back from the Brink’ which showed that support from family and friends was the second most important factor in people recovering from depression. For details of the story go to the news section of www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com (a free copy my research can also be downloaded there. When people are depressed they find it very difficult to reach out to others but there are some strategies can help address this which I’ll outline later.

May the best in life and love and happiness be ahead of you.

Graeme

Tags: , anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress

In an article today from the US (see News section of www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com ) several employers from Minnesota have banded together to try to address the high cost of depression in their workforce. Called the “Bridges to Excellence” program, their health insurance companies are asking doctors to be accountable for their results. Patients will be asked to fill out a 9 question survey at the start to assess the severity of their depression. They will then have to redo the survey at 6 months and 12 months. If the patient is recovered after 12 months, the doctor will receive a $100 bonus for their treatment. They then plan to review results after two years with a view to directing patients to the more successful doctors.

This action is a direct result of the cost of depression in the workplace. Although the structure of health delivery in Australia is quite different, I think it is inevitable (and healthy) to have doctors accountable for their treatment. There would then be a much higher motivation to instigate evidence based treatment. In talking recently with Professor Gordon Parker from the Blackdog Institute, I know that he believes that many doctors currently treat depression via an outdated model. Measuring outcomes along the recovery path (or lack of it is a good thing)

May the best in life and love and happiness be ahead of you.

Graeme

Tags: , anxiety, depression, workplace depression, workplace stress