Mental Health Depression MEGA Thread - DepressionTalk + Over 100 Links of Info

[dilated_pupils]

Please remember this thread is not just for depression/anxiety info but also to post in and to receive help and suggestions so please take advantage of that in this thread - we are all here to help!!! Also please take the time to read my post it explains everything in more detail, and below that are the links regarding depression/anxiety information.

Picture is from http://mountcope.wordpress.com/

This thread is intended to help everyone on the forums by simply providing two things - a place to talk about their depression/anxiety related issues and to provide helpful links to different websites in which one can find information for just about anything. I've also included medication links for those looking around for the right medication. Possibly take a list of meds you've researched in to your doctor and talk to them about your different possibilities. Don't have a doctor? Don't worry! I have added several links to help find the right doctor - easily found by putting in your basic information such as a zip code. I have only found one so far that searches internationally, but I will be looking for more, or send me your links if you have any for outside the US doctor searchs. Anyway, I hope you all get something out of this I spent a lot of time on it, and I'd most definitely like to hear your feedback. If you have anything to add what so ever please don't hesitate to PM me and I will work with you in adding in whatever material you find, or wish to see.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you're just having one of those days ("Somebodies got a case of the Mundaysss!) or if you have an actual depression condition/anxiety disorder let's here about it in this thread, this should help tone down the amount of depressed threads and keep them all in one place. So post away.

I will start. I have been very depressed lately, but I was in between medications for my bipolar since I happened to see two doctors which gave me different bipolar meds, and I got confused on what to do so I just stopped taking them all together for a little while. My feelings of no self worth, and my lack of motivation all hit me again recently, but the last few (like 3 literally) days I have felt much better - and that's ever since I filled my scripts. I'm now on a new medication for sleep (I'm an insomniac) which helps greatly, and I also had my bipolar medication dose doubled (hope it helps, we'll have to wait and see). Anyway, I'm looking forward right now to getting my 2c-i and 2c-c because I could really use a good trip; I feel as if I'm on the brink of making a big decision but maybe that's because I am... I've been pushing around the idea of joining the military but I'm pretty against all the war politics, but I also think it would be a great experience for me. So I can't decide whether or not to do that or continue with school for the time being. Anyway, I'll let you guy's do the rest of the talking now. The end.

-dp

Here are some websites to help those suffering from depression and anxiety. I sincerely hope these links help some people as there is a plethora of information posted in this thread.

Please read if you are feeling suicidal or call a doctor right away! - Suicidal Thoughts/Information Thread

Useful links thread for BL - Click here

Depression Chat And Forums - A very warm and helpful place where they are trying to help the community, give it a look.

Depression Information/Guides/Links
Basic depression info - http://www.depression.com
American Psychological Association - http://www.apa.org/
Teen Depression Information - http://www.teendepression.org/
All about Depression (includes myths as well) - http://www.allaboutdepression.com/gen_01.html
Bluelight thread about psychotic disorders - http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?t=299673
More Depression Info - http://depression.emedtv.com/depression/depression.html
Childhood Depression - http://depression.emedtv.com/childhood-depression/childhood-depression.html
Teen Depression Info - http://depression.emedtv.com/teen-depression/teen-depression.html
Suicidal Thread on Bluelight - http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?t=411147
Learning about depression - http://www.pristiq.com/major_depressive_disorder.aspx
Clinical Depression Information - http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk
Peer support, forums and chat rooms - http://www.depression-understood.org/
Depression websites - http://www.helpself.com/directory/depression.htm
Anxiety and Depression Info - http://www.findingdulcinea.com/guides/Health/Anxiety-and-Depression.pg_03.html
Learn and Understand Depression - http://www.depression-helper.com/
Step by step info on depression and different kinds - http://www.health.com/health/depression
Depression Guide - http://www.wingofmadness.com/
Depression websites/links - http://www.healthcentral.com/depression/websites.html
Depression Guide and other useful links - http://www.selfgrowth.com/depress.html
Getting Treatment - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/143785/getting_treatment_for_depression.html?cat=72
Bipolar home page - http://www.bipolar.com/
Depression FAQ - http://www.mcmanweb.com/depressionfaq.html
Another FAQ - http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/faq-depression.htm
Another FAQ - http://paranormal.se/faq/depression.html
Depression Info - http://www.aplaceofhope.com/depression-information.html
Symptoms of Depression - http://www.hopefordepression.com/depression_faq.html
What causes depression - http://organizedwisdom.com/FAQ:Depression_101/Depression_Causes
Depression Warning Signs - http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-symptoms-and-types

How to find the right doctor
Includes an awesome FAQ as well on finding docs - http://www.findapsychologist.org/finding.html
Tips for finding a psychologist/therapist - http://www.iampanicked.com/anxiety-articles/finding-a-psychologist.htm
Finding a psychologist/What to expect - http://www.mamashealth.com/mental/psycho.asp
How to find a psychologist (very good website) - http://www.ehow.com/how_2330038_find-psychologist.html
Q&A How to find the right therapist - http://counsellingresource.com/ask-the-psychologist/2008/03/03/choosing-the-right-therapist/

Psychiatrist/Doctor Search Links
Psychiatrist Search for US - http://www.healthgrades.com/local-do...lty/psychiatry
Search for any type of doc (including Psych’s and Counselors) US only - http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/
Search for A psychologist in your area using your zip code - http://locator.apa.org/
Find a therapist by zip code - http://www.goodtherapy.org/find-a-therapist-by-zip.html?gclid=CLf_mrPE55oCFeFM5Qod2EogBw
Therapist locater for US, CA, and overseas - http://www.therapistlocator.net/?gclid=CI_Yjt3E55oCFQyVFQodnnLBBA
Search for a doctor for just about anything you need, includes searching by your insurance - http://directory.realmentalhealth.com/syndication/directory/search/9eaf91cc7d3768abc3904d7fda0a745f/
Therapist search - http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=1
Another Therapist search - http://www.find-a-psychologist.com/

Locating a Mental Health Facility (helpful links)
Search by state, very good search tool - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml & http://www.mentalhealth.gov/
A very well put together site, search for everything and anything you need - http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=empower_FindAPro_launchpad
Facilities based on substance abuse however still helpful for mental health - http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/
Inpatient treatment search - http://www.minnesotahelp.info/Public/taxonomy_glossary.aspx?code=RM-330
Mental Health Clinics and Counselors Directory Search - http://www.mental-health-directory.info/

Mental Health Information Links
A very amazing website filled with a ton of information - http://www.mental-health-matters.com/
National Mental Health Information Center - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov
Everything you need to know about mental health (includes FAQ) - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/resources/faqs.aspx
Mental Illness Information (tons of info, great support website) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mental-illness/ds01104
Addiction to anxiety, from depression to schizophrenia and everything between - http://www.mentalhelp.net/

Anxiety Links
Very good anxiety website lots of information - http://www.anxietycentre.com/
Anxiety FAQ - http://www.panic-attacks.co.uk/anxiety.html
Another Anxiety FAQ - http://www.npadnews.com/faqs.asp
How to get help - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publ...s/how-to-get-help-for-anxiety-disorders.shtml
Everything from anxiety to addiction - http://www.milestonesranch.com/?gcli...FQ-5FQodyWFHCA
Anxiety Disorders Info - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
Educate yourself on anxiety here - http://www.conqueranxiety.com/anxiety-info.asp
Everything you need to know about anxiety - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0045/
Anxiety info from news to meds - http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/
Different Anxiety Disorder Info - http://www.effexorxr.com/anxiety-di...E5-8690-2078546CA6C3&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_ev=click
Self-Help Strategies for Anxiety Relief - http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_self_help.htm
Anxiety Definitions, Support and Help Index - http://www.anxietynetwork.com/helphome.html
Introduction to Anxiety Disorders - http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=1
Panic Disorder - http://panicdisorder.about.com/
Anxiety Explanations and Info - http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=46
Free Anxiety Cures and Self Help Treatment - http://www.anxietymadewell.com/

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder discussed in a video HERE

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Links (OCD is a type of anxiety disorder)
7 pages about OCD everything you need to know very informative - http://tinyurl.com/l7v7hp
OCD Basics - http://www.epigee.org/mental_health/ocd.html
Symptoms, Causes, Complications etc... - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189
Lots of OCD Info - http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287681-overview
Anxiety Disorders - http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter4/sec2.html
Self Help, What is OCD with tons of info - http://www.anxietybc.com/resources/ocd.php
Treatment of OCD - http://www.psychguides.com/ocd
Clinical Review on OCD - http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/333/7565/424
Treatment of OCD - http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter4/sec2_1.html#treatment
Support groups, treatment and much more - http://www.ocfoundation.org/

Panic Disorder
Panic disorder info and treatment - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/panic-disorder/index.shtml
Answers to questions about panic disorder - http://www.apa.org/topics/anxietyqanda.html
Lots of information pertaining to panic disorder - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/panicdisorder.html
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Info - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338
Resource site for Panic Attack Info - http://www.anxietypanic.com/
Panic Disorder Info Sheet - http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/p...cen/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/137.html

When it comes to depression and medicating it wisely, it all comes down to what type of depression you have, and what your body will react too. Since we have no idea how a certain person will react to a medication, it usually takes a long time to find the right one because you go through a lot of trial and error before finding that perfect med and dosage. I myself have been on at least 20 different medications and I'm still not even happy yet completely with how my medications work for me. It also has a lot to do with your doctor so good luck on finding the right one for you - doctors are a dime a dozen but good doctors are hard to come by.

Medication Information Links (PM me to add yours if it's not on here)
Abilify
Cymbalta
Xanax
BuSpar
Prozac
Desyrel
Elavil
Pamelor
Remeron
Paxil
Lexapro
Tofaranil
Vistaril
Wellbutrin
Seroquel
5-HTP
Depakote
Lithium
Effexor
Zoloft
Zyprexa
Risperdal
Celexa
Luvox
Limbitrol
Doxepin
Lomont
Selegiline
Trazodone
Pristiq
Neurontin

Here's a link to Electroshock Therapy Information

Depression Statistics Links
Awesome Depression Statistic Website - http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/d/depression/stats.htm
Depression Fact Sheet - http://www.upliftprogram.com/depression_stats.html#statistics
Depression Facts and Information - http://www.indepression.com/depression-statistics.html
Statistics on Depression - http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_statistics_depression
Facts on Depression Statistics in Teenage, Adolescent, Elderly - http://www.depression-guide.com/depression-statistics.htm
More Depression Stats - http://www.depressionhelpspot.com/depression_statistics.html
Teen Suicide Statistics - http://www.teendepression.org/articles1.html
Stats on Adolescent Depression - http://www.about-teen-depression.com/depression-statistics.html
Suicide Statistics - http://www.allaboutdepression.com/gen_04.html#1
Lots of different kinds of Depression Statistics - http://depression.emedtv.com/depression/depression-statistics.html

Anxiety Statistics Links
Anxiety Disorder Statistics (good website) - http://www.conqueranxiety.com/anxiety_statistics.asp
Another great anxiety statistic website - http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-statistics-information.shtml
Stats on Anxiety - http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/22705/54705/anxiety-statistics
Prevelance statistics about Anxiety Disorders - http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/anxiety_disorders/stats.htm
Anxiety Stats, Signs and Symptoms - http://content.nhiondemand.com/psv/HC2.asp?objID=100215&cType=hc


More to come...

Feel free to PM me with other helpful depression related links to add and I will make sure to put them in this thread.

***Special thanks to stellablue for her help organizing this thread - I very much appreciated the help!***

 

[kroozer_*]

Well, i can say this. I am depressed/pissed. I have been fighting a custody battle with my baby momma and she lives in freakin ohio. So have been having to learn laws in another state as long with civil law in my own. It has taken 11 and a half months just to make a REAL court order to MAKE her come to my state. And have not seen my lil girl in 9 fkn months. Very devestating at first but now i have a more clear head about the whole situation.

 

[dilated_pupils]

^^Wow that sucks I'm really sorry to hear that. I would be very upset as well if I couldn't see my own child. I hope things work out for you. Do you think they will?

-dp

 

[3dmusic]

I have ongoing depression.
I't can have many causes.
Mine is caused by the way I perceived the experiences I have had in life, and the amount I feel I have not learnt in certain areas.
Although there are good areas of my life and my self, I sometimes fear that the weaker areas of my life are in fundamentals, like relating to the world, and interacting.

For everyone who is depressed with their situation, I would say, to write it down, and turn the negative words into positive ones. What you fear, into what you want.
This helps things come into your head that never occured to you before.
New ideas, and new ways of looking at/going about things.

 

[belfort]

my depression doesnt seem to have a main cause..i can have a great weekend then wake up on monday and not even feel like geting out of bed...when i manage to make it to workl i could give a shit less if i get fired etc etc..its crazy but i gotta live with it...

 

[dilated_pupils]

belfort that's no way to live. Check out some of the links I provided I think you will see that there is ways that you can be helped - and I know taking medications suck, but sometimes you don't even need them maybe you just need therapy.

-dp

 

[dilated_pupils]

*Edit - Updated now with helpful links feel free to PM me to contribute to the list (I'd very much like to make a longer list that can be used as a reference tool to those suffering from any type of depression).

-dp

 

[stellablue]

It was my pleasure to work with you on this project. I love your ideas and information. You have truly created a beautiful and very helpful thread.

 

[dilated_pupils]

Thanks stellablue, you're a very nice person to work with - and thank you for the praise!

-dp

 

[stellablue]

^ No problem.

I also wanted to add some things to this thread.

Each year, more than 30,000 Americans take their own lives. An additional 500,000 Americans visit emergency rooms for self-inflicted injuries. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among children, teens and young adults ages 10 to 24. In the United States, about 4,000 young people die by suicide each year. Of the total number of suicides among ages 15 to 24 years, approximately 80% were male and 20% were female. And, every year, approximately 125,000 children and young people are brought to emergency rooms to receive treatment for injuries sustained while attempting suicide.1 The vast majority of these young people are between 15 and 24 years of age.2 In 2002, over 130,000 individuals were hospitalized following suicide attempts.

Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females, while females are three times more likely than males to attempt suicide.2 Suicide rates are highest among Whites and second highest among Native American and Native Alaskan males.1 Annually, approximately 60% of all suicidal deaths in the USA involve the use of a firearm.

Older people are also at increased risk of suicide.3 This is especially true of older men - 85 percent of people dying by suicide over the age of 65 are men.2 Over 80% of elderly suicidal deaths involve the use of firearms. Older adults who are suicidal are also more likely to be suffering from physical illnesses and be divorced or widowed.4

Risk Factors
Suicidal behaviors are complex behavioral expressions that arise from many factors (psychological, biological, genetic, sociological, economic, etc.).5 Risk factors are anything that increases the likelihood that an individual will harm themselves, although risk factors are not necessarily causes. Research has identified the following risk factors for suicide:4,6
Previous suicide attempt(s)
History of mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol or other substance abuse
Family history of suicide
Acute or chronic losses (relational, social, work, financial or physical)
Chronic physical illness, particularly if associated with chronic pain
Easy access to lethal methods
Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Feelings of hopelessness or isolation.

Ninety percent of suicides that take place in the United States are associated with mental illness, including disorders involving the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.7 Fifty percent of those who die by suicide were afflicted with major depression and the suicide rate of people with major depression is eight times that of the general population.8

The relationship between suicide and family history is complicated and not fully understood. People with a parent, sibling or child who has died by suicide have a six-fold increased risk of doing the same. However, it is important to remember that most people who have had a close relative die by suicide do not attempt to kill themselves. Having a supportive family can protect people from suicide and self-harm.9 Some suicidal behavior may have a genetic component (possibly involving a predisposition to emotional illness combined with impulsiveness).7

Protective Factors
Protective factors are believed to enhance resilience and serve to counterbalance risk factors. Protective factors can include:6
An individual's genetic or neurobiological make-up
Attitudinal or behavioral characteristics
Family and community support
Effective and appropriate clinical care for mental, physical and substance abuse disorder
Easy access to effective clinical interventions and support for help-seeking
Restricted access to highly lethal methods of suicide
Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation instincts
Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
Acquisition of learned skills for problem solving, conflict resolution and non-violent management of disputes.

The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Preventing Suicide
ince physical illness itself is a risk factor for suicide,10 primary care physicians and other health care providers are highly likely to see patients who are depressed and may be at risk of suicide. Most people who complete suicide signal their intention to do so before ending their lives and they often display these distress signals to their doctors. A substantial number of elderly people who die by suicide contact their primary care physicians within a month before their death.3

The majority of patients who have risk factors for suicide will not die by suicide. However, the presence of multiple risk factors should alert the physician to the possibility that a patient may be at increased risk if there is the emergence of life stressors or sudden changes in their biopsychosocial environment that challenge the patient's ability to adapt and cope.

Warning Signs
People who are in danger of harming themselves may try to reach out, often to their doctors, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly (a "cry for help"). Rarely will potential victims immediately volunteer the information that they are thinking of harming themselves. Instead, they often describe their concerns in terms of physical symptoms.

Warning signs include:
Talking or writing about suicide, death or dying
Giving direct verbal cues, such as "I wish I were dead" and "I'm going to end it all" (suicidal threats)
Giving less direct verbal cues, such as "What's the point of living?," "Soon you won't have to worry about me," and "Who cares if I'm dead, anyway?"
Looking for ways to kill him- or herself: seeking access to pills, weapons or other means
Increasing alcohol or other drug abuse
Global insomnia
Isolating him- or herself from friends and family
Exhibiting a sudden and unexplained improvement in mood after being depressed or withdrawn
Neglecting his or her appearance and hygiene.

These signs are especially critical if the individual has a history or current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder such as depression, anxiety or panic disorder, alcohol or drug abuse, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

People of different ages are at different levels of risk and display different types of warning signs. In addition, cultural influences, including the specific ethnic and religious culture(s) that are important to the individual, may shape how they convey signs and symptoms of emotional distress. Research indicates that many older adults who visited a primary care physician within a month of dying by suicide had an undiagnosed mental illness associated with suicide such as depression,3 or had a common medical condition associated with an increased risk of suicide such as diabetes, cancer (especially head and neck), kidney failure, peptic ulcer or rheumatoid arthritis.10 Pay careful attention to elderly individuals who are physically ill and who exhibit any of the following warning signs of suicide:24
Stockpiling medications
Buying a gun
Giving away money or cherished personal possessions
Taking a sudden interest, or losing their interest, in religion
Failing to care for themselves in terms of the routine activities of daily living
Withdrawing from relationships
Experiencing a failure to thrive, even after appropriate medical treatment
Scheduling a medical appointment for vague symptoms.

Adolescents are also at an increased risk of dying by suicide, though their warning signs are different. Be alert for the following:
Volatile mood swings or sudden changes in their personality
Indications that they are in unhealthy, destructive, or abusive relationships such as unexplained bruises, a swollen face or other injuries, particularly those they refuse to explain
A sudden deterioration in their personal appearance
Self-mutilation
A fixation with death or violence
Eating disorders, especially combined with dramatic shifts in weight (other than those associated with a diet under medical supervision)
Gender identity issues
Depression.

Although rare, children are also at risk for suicide. Although the rate of suicide in 10-14 year olds has been slowly increasing over the last five years, it has been difficult to spell out the common risk factors or warning signs most often associated with suicidal behaviors in this age group.4,6

Responding to the Warning Signs
There are no hard and fast guidelines for determining an individual's risk of suicide. However, if your doctor suspects that a family member or friend may be at risk, they should ask the sometimes difficult questions that will provide them with more evidence about the patient's state of mind and intentions, for example:
Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?
ometimes when people feel sad, they have thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Have you had such thoughts?
Are you thinking about killing yourself?
When was the last time that you thought about suicide?

The doctor will need to act immediately if they have any reason to believe that the patient is in imminent danger or poses a grave danger to him- or herself. Immediate action should also be taken when warning signs are combined with any of the following risk factors:
Past incidents of suicidal behavior or self-harm
A family history of suicide
A history of psychiatric disorders or the abuse of alcohol and other drugs
The patient's admission that he or she has considered suicide
The patient's expressed wish to die
Any evidence of a current psychiatric disorder.

If the person is uncooperative, combative or otherwise unwilling to seek help, and if you sense that the person is in acute danger, call 911 or (800) 273-TALK (8255). Tell the dispatcher that you are concerned that the person with you "is a danger to [him- or herself]" or "cannot take care of [him- or herself]." These key phrases will alert the dispatcher to locate immediate care for this person with the help of police. Do not hesitate to make such a call if you suspect that someone may be a danger to him- or herself. It could save that person's life.

Antidepressants and the Risk of Suicidal Behaviors
Medications and medication management can play a role in the therapy of suicidal adolescents and young adults. Medications may be helpful in cases where the diagnostic condition and related symptoms can benefit from the careful use of certain medications.10 This may be particularly true in a case where a needed level of symptom reduction allows for greater accessibility to and success with cognitive, behavioral or verbal modes of clinical psychotherapeutic intervention.

Antidepressants are the class of medications scientifically shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression. They have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, eating disorder, tobacco dependence, as well as other disorders. The use of medications (especially antidepressants) should always be considered when developing a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with a major depressive disorder, or when a patient expresses suicidal ideation, intent or plans. There are reasons to believe that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might reduce suicidality because of their potential to reduce irritability, affective response to stress, hypersensitivity, depression and anxiety.14 Popular SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. SSRIs may effectively reduce suicidal ideation.15 SSRIs remain the preferred psychopharmacological treatment for young adult depression, with caution that suicidal patients on SSRIs must be watched for any increase in agitation or suicidality, especially in the early phase of treatment.16

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that there is some evidence for an association between the administration of SSRIs and the emergence of suicidal behaviors, particularly in children and adolescents. It remains speculative if SSRIs might specifically increase akathisia (the pattern of intense inner restlessness often associated with neuroleptic and antidepressant drugs) in children and adolescents. If they do, even in a very small percentage of patients, individuals will most likely needed additional medicines to counteract this side effect -- at least during the initial phases of antidepressant medication treatment.

Although akathisia is a relatively rare side effect, it is extremely important that during the first few months of treatment with any antidepressant medication the mental health professional carefully monitor for this side effect as well as for the signs and symptoms of depression. Dosage levels must be considered carefully and hoarding of pills by the patient prevented. In a similar sense, access to medications by a suicidal young adult must be severely limited. While medications may be essential in the stabilization and treatment of the suicidal young adult, all administration must be carefully monitored by a third party who can report any unexpected change of mood, increase in agitation or emergency state, or unwanted side effects, and who can regulate dosage.17

Because the management of suicidal patients is complex, it is highly recommended that a psychiatrist be consulted or that the patient be referred to a psychiatrist for more specialized assessment and intervention.

Voluntary Admission and Involuntary Commitment
If a determination is made that a patient needs an inpatient assessment or treatment, it is always preferable to have the patient be an active participant in the decision to be hospitalized. It is always preferable for the patient to agree voluntarily to be hospitalized and to "sign in" on their own - taking full responsibility for their decision and acknowledging the purpose of the hospitalization. When it is deemed that a patient is a danger to himself/herself or to others, and therefore needs to be hospitalized, the patient can voluntarily consent to the admission.

When the patient is incapable (or refuses) to "sign in" voluntarily, it is incumbent upon the clinician to initiate an involuntary commitment process, ideally in collaboration with the patient's family or significant other, whereby the patient is hospitalized against their will. All states have policies and procedures to initiate and complete the involuntary commitment process.

The Prevention of Suicide
Few schools and communities have comprehensive suicide prevention plans that include screening, referral and crisis intervention programs. Although many different programs have been developed, mostly aimed at high school students, very few have been systematically evaluated for their short- and long-term efficacy and effectiveness.

Suicide prevention strategies for youth have two general goals: case finding, with accompanying referral and treatment, and risk factor reduction.19 Case finding strategies: school-based suicide awareness curricula, screening, gatekeeper training, and crisis centers and hotlines. Risk factor reduction strategies include: restrictions of lethal means, media education, postvention (intervention after a suicide), crisis interventions and skills training (e.g., symptom management and competency enhancement for youth).

Screening programs employ a screening instrument to identify high-risk youth for further assessment and treatment. Popular programs such as SOS and TeenScreen do offer research findings which indicate that they effectively identify teens at risk,20 and do not themselves encourage suicidal behaviors.21

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry17 identified the following public health approaches to suicide prevention in children and adolescents:
crisis hotlines;
method restriction;
indirect case-finding by educating potential gatekeepers, teacher, parents, clergy and peers to identify the "warning signs" of an impending suicide;
direct case-finding among high school or college students or among the patients of primary practitioners by screening for conditions that place teenagers at risk for suicide;
media counseling to minimize imitative suicide; and
training professionals to improve recognition and treatment of mood disorders.

Conclusions
To reduce the rising toll of premature deaths due to suicide, and to protect family and friends from the psychological burden and pain associated with surviving the death of a loved one, the greatest needs seem to be increased awareness, recognition and response to youth and the elderly in need and in times of crisis. This heightened sensitivity to the potential for self-injurious behaviors befalls parents, educators, school personnel, health care professionals, mental health professionals, clergy, first responders (firefighters, police, emergency technicians), and even youth and the elderly themselves.

Public education campaigns as well as professional training is needed to educate about the signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior, and how and when to intervene. For the public this means learning how to ask about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a non-judgmental and supportive manner, how to convince a person to seek help, and how to ensure that the individual properly receives help.22 For the physician it means knowing when to ask, how to ask, how to listen for the tell-tale answers, and how to protect the patient from self-harm, which often includes how to work with friends and family members to provide safety, security, support and stability. Resources to provide effective interventions must be available at the community level and they must be affordable, accessible and age-appropriate. Intervention must be targeted first to the family, community (church and school) and physician's office.

The stigma of mental illness and the stigma associated with self-injurious or self-destructive behaviors remain obstacles to seeking care and remaining in care. Slowly our society is beginning to accept the fact that mental disorders are common and are treatable. As a society, we may well not be able to eliminate all the risk factors that increase the potential for suicidal behavior but suicidal behaviors are treatable and suicide is preventable.

 

[cosmic charlie]

Awesome thread guys

I battle an on going case of depression but lately I've been doing much better. I quit using the drugs that were bringing me down and I'm in a much better head space right now. Even though I'm poor as hell and thing's aren't looking to good on the job front I still smile everyday.

Besides quitting hard drugs I also stopped drinking so much. Alcohol was starting to make me sad as hell. I would just spend all my night's alone with a bottle chain smoking posting all kinds of wacky shit. Thank goodness I'm getting a hold of my addictions again. This will be the first summer in 7 years that I haven't been addicted to opiates. A small win in my life long battle with this horrible drug.

 

[dilated_pupils]

Awesome thread guys ... Thank goodness I'm getting a hold of my addictions again. This will be the first summer in 7 years that I haven't been addicted to opiates. A small win in my life long battle with this horrible drug.

Thanks for the praise as well Charlie - And a small win? That's a huge win! I hit a year clean on opiates myself then relapsed, but I still look at my year clean as a big accomplishment. Keep it up man and you know you can always talk to me on AIM or PM me if ya need too.

-dp

 

[dilated_pupils]

I just want to say now that this is stickied, that I hope somebody gets some help from all this information, I spent a lot of time putting this together, and I really just want to give back to BL for everything it's given me. In fact I probably wouldn't be alive if it wasn't because of BL so I just want to see this thread get used properly and I have wondered why something like this wasn't created earlier. Well now it is and all the links for basically any depression information are there at your fingertips.

If anyone cannot find what they are looking for, please don't hesitate to PM me and ask me I will be more than willing to help anyone needing anything regarding almost anything, lol. But seriously please don't hesitate to ask for my help, I'm sure stellablue feels the same way. So ask either of us if information is needed.

-dp

 

[ocean]

Nice job DP..........you can see a lot of hard work went into this.....
There is another thread that covers all mental disorders that you should link and I will pm you later with the link........I realize this is a 'depression thread' but depression is sometimes accompanied by other mental disorders.
Just wanted to say this thread you and Stella have done is/will be appreciated
It was much needed.

 

[dilated_pupils]

^^Thanks ocean I added the link you sent me, thanks for contributing. I need more people to contribute, especially BL links as I just used google mostly to find all the information. And to add to what you said - a lot of hard work did go into this I spent a decent amount of time putting this together and stellablue helped organize it and bold everything for me using the mod feature, which I appreciate. Anyway send me anymore links you have - anyone. Thank you.

-dp

 

[straycatphizzle]

I feel like this is gonna help a lot of people.

 

[dilated_pupils]

***Updated with many more links and re-organized for easier reading. Hope this helps some people. Please give me feedback on this thread - and don't hesitate to PM me with stuff to add or stuff you'd like to see in this thread. I will be more than willing to work with anyone who needs help/information as well. I know a lot about depression, all different kinds through experience and research so I know the facts when it comes to depression and anxiety.

-dp

*Edit: Updated again - now I've added the "How to find the right doctor" section. Hope this helps!

 

[dilated_pupils]

***Another update, added more features to the main post at the top. Please take a look and let me know what ya guys think.

-dp

*edit: Added in the depression and anxiety statistics links, very helpful when wanting to know the facts and also helps you see you're not the only one with these problems. Any other links anyone has please send them to me.

 

[ocean]

my depression doesnt seem to have a main cause..i can have a great weekend then wake up on monday and not even feel like geting out of bed...when i manage to make it to workl i could give a shit less if i get fired etc etc..its crazy but i gotta live with it...

I know in another thread I Had asked if you see a psychologist or a therapist.........But I don't think you answered??
Are you on any medications for depression?
Have you ever been diagnosed with clinical depression or do you feel you have situational depression?

 

[dilated_pupils]

***Update - Added OCD section, since it is technically a type of anxiety disorder. Also added and OCD video link that is very helpful in explaining OCD and what it is like to have.

-dp