Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Want to know why you should hire someone with ADHD?
Read more on this recently posted blog: http://blogs.psychcentral.com/adhd/
Posted via email from iFred
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Check out this video from MSN:
The food mood connection
Play this video on MSN Video
Play this video on MSN Video
The MSN Video Team
Posted via email from iFred
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Who is ultimately responsible for the murder of a child?
I recently posted this article on my Face book page. It created quite a response, as is expected but I had a different one than most and feel the need to talk about it. Most people said why didn't the neighbors help? The mom do something? It is always easy to point fingers when you have not walked a mile in someone else's shoes.
Don't get me wrong, it is totally understandable. The killing of a child, an innocent victim that can not protect themselves touches to our most painful emotions, hurt, pain, anger, hopelessness, despair, fear. If it were my brother or niece or nephew I can't even imagine what I would do.
However, I am not them, have walked in a different set of shoes with a different set of experiences, so can distance myself from emotions and have a another, equally valid perspective.
I find it not just sad for the child. I find it sad that nobody asks where were the neighbors, mother, and friends were when this father's father was beating him? Who helped him? Where was his neighbor, friend, or mother and who eased his pain when he was suffering probably that same type of abuse as a child? 84% of prison inmates were abused as children.
When do we start doing something productive with our own anger and pain and spend our money preventing this from happening to future generations - and not just by taking a defensive stand, staying afraid, locking him up, defending ourselves / position and ignoring the problem. Did you know with the exception of homicide, children and youths suffer more victimization than do adults in virtually every category, including physical abuse, sibling assault, bullying, sexual abuse, and rape (American Psychological Association Commission on Violence and Youth, 1993)? Between 3-4 die every single day because of abuse. And the ones that live, grow up.
We teach math, science, art, but where in the school curriculum do we teach children to recognize, understand, and appropriately express emotions? Emotions are the one distinctive factor that makes us human, yet when a child starts throwing a crying fit, we say 'Stop crying. You have no reason to be sad.' or 'Shame on you' for thinking that. We invalidate children and their emotions from the very beginning, at a very young age when they are most impressionable. And they feel wrong, internalize feeling wrong and bad, and those feelings don't go away. Where do they go? Expressed in unhealthy ways directed at others.
It is sad to me that this world just passed mental health parity, and that people had to waste time, money, and energy fighting long and hard just to convince others treating the brain was as important as the body. Most people probably don't even know about the mental health parity legislation, or understand what it means. But it means insurance is supposed to start covering mental issues the same way they do physical issues. Do you really, truly understand what that says about our society? To me it shows we place more value on getting a broken toe fixed than a broken brain.
Being healthy in the head should be the FIRST thing we are concerned about, not the last. If someone is smart enough to know something is wrong, and courageous enough to get it fixed, let them get fixed. Our mind is our gem. It is what we need to take care of the most - when our mind is healthy our body follows. Yet we have always taught the reverse.
Our government spends billions of dollars every single year on guns and armies to kill others (40% of military spending in the world is spent by the U.S. - 711 billion dollars, almost 1/4 of our federal budget), yet what do we spend to make our minds healthy, increase love and support, and ensure every child in America gets a chance at a healthy mind? And are we even taught what that means? We are leaving every child behind if they can't effectively and appropriately express their emotions as it affects us all.
When we see people with drug addictions, eating disorders, alcohol problems, anger management problems, where do we spend our money? On managing the consequences - police enforcement, treatment centers, anti-abortion rallies and lobbying, and jails. Are we working to prevent the problem in the first place or treating the disease after is has wreaked havoc on so many lives? What is more effective?
We are killing ourselves 1.5x as much as killing other people - the ultimate form of anger and hatred. Brilliant, interesting minds and people that contribute in incredible ways to society kill themselves because they can not handle the intense pain that comes along with their gifts. Yet we do not have a public outcry when this happens, even though suicide is preventable - the primary thing standing in the way is society's criticism and judgment.
Emotions make us unique. They are OK to have. Most would be shocked if everyone was honest about how we felt all the time. What everyone needs to learn is how to experience those emotions, what to do with them, and how and when to get help if they start getting out of control.
I will be excited when the day comes that we applaud people for getting help. When we provide free counseling for every single human - and look up to people that are courageous enough to deal with their inner demons instead of running in shame or acting out in despair. When we start to appreciate the differences and uniqueness of problems in the mind, and learn how to capitalize on them instead of running away in terror or hanging our head in shame.
So not only do I apologize to the little boy that was murdered by his father for not protecting him, I also apologize to the neighbors for not giving them the skills to manage the conflict, to the mother who obviously lacked the self confidence to stay away from drugs and believe she was worthy of greatness, and yes, even to the killer, for not making it OK in society to talk about how very, very bad you are feeling, for not providing resources and tools to get you help, and for not helping you when you were a child suffering that same abuse and neglect. It will be a great day, when our leaders stop putting anger, fear, and intimidation above love, hope, and faith.
When are we going to stop associating this photo with depression and mental health, depicting hopelessness, despair, shame and disgust?
And instead use photos that focus on treatment, hope, courage, and the light at the end of the tunnel:
When will we have a public outcry of love for all of the people in Africa that are chained to trees, being starved and taunted to 'ward off the devils' when the real problem is that they are depressed and need medical treatment?
And demand pass legislation that demands they be treated them with dignity and respect
 |
| Field of Hope in Ghana, Africa |
- Not to judge, condemn, shame, or ridicule them for getting help when their head feels lost and they feel hopeless and confused.
- To support them and comfort them to the best of your ability until they are well.
- To encourage them to seek help if needed to prevent their mind from getting so agitated that they act out in any way that harms another person.
- To listen to people (especially children), to treat their thoughts and feelings with respect, and to give them the help, support, and guidance they need to effectively manage them.
- To work hard each and every day to speak and create actions from love, hope and faith, instead of anger, malice and fear.
- To understand and forgive yourself for not being perfect, even at the things listed above, but to continue trying to be a better human being.
Who cares? Why does it matter? Why do we spend all of our energy proving one way or the other - all the while missing the main point? It is today and the future that matters.
What can you do today? Sign our petition and take the first step in showing you care and proving to the world that each and every individuals mental mental health is a priority and matters. You never know, it could just save the life of a child.
Bless You All.
Join our online depression and anxiety support and mentoring community
It is always easier to get through something if you have someone to talk to, and if you are in a good place consider giving back to help someone else. Join our online community today.
-Kathryn
Want to get our news? Subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.
1-866-353-MOOD (6663)
www.GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause (iFred!)! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble so please download the search bar and shop icon and choose iFred as your charity!
Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter iFred as the charity you want to support. Be sure to spread the word!
Posted via email from iFred
Can we really stay connected with cell phones? Voice your opinion!
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/adhd/2010/04/can-we-stay-intimately-connected-with-the-invention-of-cell-phones/
-Kathryn
Want to get our news? Subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.
1-866-353-MOOD (6663)
www.GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause (iFred!)! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble so please download the search bar and shop icon and choose iFred as your charity!
Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter iFred as the charity you want to support. Be sure to spread the word!
Posted via email from iFred
Monday, April 19, 2010
Happiness in the entry way!
This is an example of how you can shine Happiness on Depression. Simply put a yellow light bulb on your front porch or right inside the door, and show others you care about eradicating the stigma associated with depression.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Funny photo on the healing power of animals
People really have no idea how good animals are for our mental health. Delta Society does fantastic work on this- and teaches how you can use animals in therapy practice to heal others. I don't suggest replacing anti-depressants with animals, of course, but you get the message with the cartoon. Bring positive things into your life to heal!
Posted via web from iFred
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Text messaging, addiction, mental illness, or fun? You tell me!
Check out the new blog entry on psychcentral / let us know what you think!
Posted via web from iFred
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
New online community launched! Join Today! Help yourself, help another! http://ifred.inspire.com
-Kathryn
Want to get our news? Subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.
1-866-353-MOOD (6663)
www.GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause (iFred!)! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble so please download the search bar and shop icon and choose iFred as your charity!
Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter iFred as the charity you want to support. Be sure to spread the word!
Posted via email from iFred
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Please sign our petition to help change the face of depression forever! http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/431
-Kathryn
Want to get our news? Subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.
1-866-353-MOOD (6663)
www.GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause (iFred!)! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble so please download the search bar and shop icon and choose iFred as your charity!
Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter iFred as the charity you want to support. Be sure to spread the word!
Posted via email from iFred
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Celebrating the Global Month of Hope
Be sure to check out our newsletter with all of the details!
http://community.icontact.com/p/wwwmoodfactory/newsletters/ifred/posts/545522...
Posted via web from iFred
Celebrating the Global Month of Hope
Be sure to check out our newsletter with all of the details!
http://community.icontact.com/p/wwwmoodfactory/newsletters/ifred/posts/545522...
Posted via web from iFred
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Why I am passionate about depression
People often ask me why I fight so hard for this disease. Why I continue to work so much, even when it appears to be draining all of my energy and resources. Why I am not off doing what I love - traveling, running a business, having kids, and living like a normal person.
They are right. Establishing a nonprofit might have cost me my for profit, something that I cared deeply, passionately about and gave up my life savings and then some to start. It has taken a tremendous amount of time and energy away from people I care about, and kept in front of me some things many have long wished to have put in the past. It has come between many living relationships, because most people do not understand why I would want to be constantly reminded of something that has caused me so much pain - something that caused my family so much pain and everyone would long wish to forget.
They are right. Establishing a nonprofit might have cost me my for profit, something that I cared deeply, passionately about and gave up my life savings and then some to start. It has taken a tremendous amount of time and energy away from people I care about, and kept in front of me some things many have long wished to have put in the past. It has come between many living relationships, because most people do not understand why I would want to be constantly reminded of something that has caused me so much pain - something that caused my family so much pain and everyone would long wish to forget.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Beware of depression screening tools, consult a doctor
As you have seen online, there are many, many online screening tools for depression and not all are equally reliable. One was found recently on WebMd - sponsored by a pharmaceutical company - that was incredibly misleading. If you think you may have depression, feel free to test out the free screening tools but don't jump to any conclusions - talk to your doctor!
Read more about what happened on WebMD.
Read more about what happened on WebMD.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ADHD and Depression
http://www.russellbarkley.org/adhd-facts.htm#prevalence
I found this article to be quite helpful on ADHD (also ADD) and depression. I actually was not diagnosed with ADD until I was in my late 30's- how this diagnosis was missed I do not fully understand other than we simply just don't know a lot about the brain. And quite frankly, there are debates over whether or not diagnosing / labeling the patient is important and some therapists I have seen do not agree that it is a good thing.
I guess I both hate and love the fact that we diagnose - hate it because it 'labels' us and there is so much about the brain we don't know - how can we really correctly understand how individuals specific brains malfunction and love it because it gives us a name / a start at treatment and a focus on how to get better.
Back to ADD / ADHD, it can be quite disabling if not caught early as when we can't focus it freaks us out! How can we accomplish anything? So with constant failure and inability to focus we fail / beat ourselves up more / people put us down and the cycle continues. It is easy to understand how this can lead to a cycle of depression.
I strongly suggest if you are in your late teens / early 20's and have attention / impulsive / addiction issues that you check out ADHD / ADD and see if it 'fits'. Talk to your doctors. Get help and learn ways that you can help yourself cope / get help.
I found this article to be quite helpful on ADHD (also ADD) and depression. I actually was not diagnosed with ADD until I was in my late 30's- how this diagnosis was missed I do not fully understand other than we simply just don't know a lot about the brain. And quite frankly, there are debates over whether or not diagnosing / labeling the patient is important and some therapists I have seen do not agree that it is a good thing.
I guess I both hate and love the fact that we diagnose - hate it because it 'labels' us and there is so much about the brain we don't know - how can we really correctly understand how individuals specific brains malfunction and love it because it gives us a name / a start at treatment and a focus on how to get better.
Back to ADD / ADHD, it can be quite disabling if not caught early as when we can't focus it freaks us out! How can we accomplish anything? So with constant failure and inability to focus we fail / beat ourselves up more / people put us down and the cycle continues. It is easy to understand how this can lead to a cycle of depression.
I strongly suggest if you are in your late teens / early 20's and have attention / impulsive / addiction issues that you check out ADHD / ADD and see if it 'fits'. Talk to your doctors. Get help and learn ways that you can help yourself cope / get help.
Depression and PMS
Hormones play a significant role in our moods, and the fluctuation of these hormones can cause remarked shifts. I did not understand how profound this was for me until I was in my late 30's, and had I known earlier I think it would have saved me a lot of grief.
I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but about a week before my period i get agitated, restless, upset, and NOTHING anyone says to me that is super close to me is right. Nothing. It is a change in my complete perception of reality, and it amazes me every month.
I do a number of things to help this - and you can look online and try different options / see what works best for you. They could include therapy, meditation, exercise, medications, diuretic pills, vitamins, and more. I say read about it and explore - find out what works for you.
The BEST advice I never got but wish I did - is write down when your period is every month regardless of if you think you have PMS or not and ride the wave. Watch yourself, your brain, your thoughts. See if you notice any different during the time leading up to your menstrual cycle.
I have strong feelings of suicide during this time - for whatever reason everything gets terrible terrible terrible. I am not talking about this stinks, I am talking about a feeling deep in the pit of my stomach of dread that everything is wrong. My faith and hope seem to fly right out the window.
But now instead of reacting to those thoughts (ok, I am certainly not perfect) I experience them. Deeply. Feel these terrible feelings and try to stay away from any addictive / destructive behaviors during this time. I focus on just getting through it and caring for myself along the way - and while I haven't really been able to get rid of the feelings I HAVE learned how to ride them out.
I wonder what my life would be like without them - I mean, it s a week out of the month! It is disabling at times. But I stop myself from thinking this and try to do something to get that energy out (i.e. write and exercise and paint) and by the time the period starts I wonder why again did I put myself through that mental misery - of course the world will not end.
There is always hope and this too, shall pass.
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder
I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but about a week before my period i get agitated, restless, upset, and NOTHING anyone says to me that is super close to me is right. Nothing. It is a change in my complete perception of reality, and it amazes me every month.
I do a number of things to help this - and you can look online and try different options / see what works best for you. They could include therapy, meditation, exercise, medications, diuretic pills, vitamins, and more. I say read about it and explore - find out what works for you.
The BEST advice I never got but wish I did - is write down when your period is every month regardless of if you think you have PMS or not and ride the wave. Watch yourself, your brain, your thoughts. See if you notice any different during the time leading up to your menstrual cycle.
I have strong feelings of suicide during this time - for whatever reason everything gets terrible terrible terrible. I am not talking about this stinks, I am talking about a feeling deep in the pit of my stomach of dread that everything is wrong. My faith and hope seem to fly right out the window.
But now instead of reacting to those thoughts (ok, I am certainly not perfect) I experience them. Deeply. Feel these terrible feelings and try to stay away from any addictive / destructive behaviors during this time. I focus on just getting through it and caring for myself along the way - and while I haven't really been able to get rid of the feelings I HAVE learned how to ride them out.
I wonder what my life would be like without them - I mean, it s a week out of the month! It is disabling at times. But I stop myself from thinking this and try to do something to get that energy out (i.e. write and exercise and paint) and by the time the period starts I wonder why again did I put myself through that mental misery - of course the world will not end.
There is always hope and this too, shall pass.
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder
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