Fall 2010 Newsletter

Community Member Forum

When I came to Hanbleceya I had been seriously depressed for 3 years and had 2 suicide attempts. I had spent 2 years in and out of hospital- based therapy. Clearly that therapy was not working for me.

Hanbleceya is a therapy-based treatment program with a large social component. Each peer lives in a house with 1-3 housemates. The peers alternate between cooking and cleaning the dishes. In addition each peer is assigned chores to keep the house clean. The staff monitor these chores on a daily basis. Each peer must participate in a work development program. This usually involves volunteering at organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.

During the week, peers meet at the Center for a variety of treatment groups. These groups range from Poetry and Improvisational Theater to Anger Management to Addictions. A typical weekend consists of socials with peers and outings or activity trips. While using Public Transportation, groups of staff and peers visit various locations in the San Diego area.

The busy schedule was good for me. In my depression I simply wanted to exist. At Hanbleceya I was forced to participate. My groups, therapy sessions, work development, socials, and house chores kept me busy. My state of deep depression lasted about 2 months. Then I gradually realized that I wanted to get better for myself, not for others. I started to open up to staff and peers. I learned to listen to others and consider their feelings. I learned how to restructure my thoughts, turning negative thoughts into positive ones.

Gradually I started to improve and the depression lifted. However, I became combative in therapy and groups. Fortunately, Hanbleceya would not tolerate this. I was put into Anger Management and Assertiveness Groups. My therapists repeatedly brought this to my attention. For a while I stewed over what I thought was unfairness of staff toward me. Then I realized that I was sabotaging my own recovery. I quickly got with the program and realized that the staff was there to support me.

During my stay at Hanbleceya I was often with my fellow peers. I developed a strong bond with many of these peers. We would go for a coffee, yogurt, or lunch and talk about our lives. This allowed me to open up and talk about my feelings and problems, and to listen to other’s problems. While no single “social” changed my life, the cumulative effect was quite profound. This produced a sense of community and security in which I was able to work on my depression.

The last two months of my stay I was given increased liberties. I was gradually weaned off many of Hanbleceya’s structures and eased back into the world of independence. I was allowed the use of a car. My groups were reduced so that I had more free time. I was able to visit my family during week long “vacations”. These “vacations” gave me more confidence in myself, and gave my family assurances that I was ready to come home.

I am very grateful to Hanbleceya for giving me my life back. During the 3 years of darkness I often felt that I would never see the sunlight. Now sometimes I need to apply sunscreen.

Postscript. I have been home for about six months and am doing very well. Part of my well being I attribute to skills I learned at Hanbleceya. Part of my well being is simply getting back to the person that I used to be. The major skill I learned is thought restructuring – so simple yet so powerful. If something bothers me I consider the thought process that is causing me to be sad. Then I reconsider that thought process and restructure it in a more positive manner. For example, if a friend cancels on a luncheon date, I could think the friend no longer likes me. Then I stop and realize he just has something else to do. It takes time to be able to apply thought restructuring in the moment but it’s worth it.

Another area in which I have changed is that I am now more assertive than aggressive. I spent my life being a Type A person, usually getting my way. This had negative consequences in the relationships with my family and friends. Actively being aware of my tendency towards aggressiveness has allowed me to have better relationships with others. It is very reassuring to know that other people love and care about you. Staying away from aggressive behavior makes relationships much better.

A related topic is empathy towards others. Being more aware of how others are feeling allows me to act in a more appropriate manner. This is especially true of my immediate family. Realizing that the family has suffered during my depression allows me to act in ways that will not continue to hurt them. For example, if I take a nap, I need to explain that I am not depressed, but simply tired from a wonderful day.

Poetry has amazingly helped my depression. Two years ago if you told me I would become a poet, I would have ignored you. But at Hanbleceya I got introduced to poetry. Since coming home, I have continued my poetry and have enrolled in two classes thus far. When backpacking in the mountains, I bring along paper and pencil to start new poems. I write poems to my grandchildren and they really enjoy them. In addition to photography, I find poetry as a good outlet to express my feelings.

Each person gets their own insights into their depression while at Hanbleceya. I have listed a few techniques that have stayed with me. Others will get different approaches to get their life back to normal. This process is not quick and can take several months, however, I am living proof that depression is not only treatable and manageable but beatable!

Paul P., a member of the Hanbleceya Community from Aug 2009 through Mar 2010.

Depression Self-Quiz

Over the past 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Review your answers.

• If you checked “several days” or higher for feelings that you would be better off dead or wanting to hurt yourself, then make an appointment to see your doctor.
• If you are thinking of harming yourself, get help immediately: make your feelings known to someone who can help you. Your doctor is an excellent person to tell.
• If you checked “several days” or higher for more than 4 questions then discuss the answers with a doctor. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis of depression.
• Having repeated thoughts of death or suicide is the most serious symptom of depression. Tell someone who can help you – your doctor. Don’t delay – do it now.

Reprinted with permission from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), www.nami.org

Chemical Dependency Corner

There is a close relationship between depression and addiction in adult individuals. The two conditions are often comorbid, meaning they occur together at a high percentage. Depression can lead to substance abuse for a variety of different reasons. Usually the depressed individual suffers from any number of symptoms including negative self-image, decreased motivation, irritability, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in things they once enjoyed. Substance abuse tends to begin when the individual attempts to self-medicate, trying to alleviate their depressive symptoms. Frequently, this is due to not realizing what they suffer from is depression or in an effort to avoid facing their depression. In the short term, self-medicating through substance abuse seems effective, but in reality it can lead to addiction which is likely to cause a greater depression.

On the other hand, the abuse of a substance can lead to depression. However, in the case of the substance abuser, initial drug use is less about alleviating symptoms and more about inducing a sense of euphoria. Depression caused by substance abuse can come from one of three areas: Depression induced by a depressant drug such as alcohol; Depression from withdrawal of a stimulant drug such as methamphetamine; or depression from the negative effects drug use has on an individual’s life, i.e. job loss, lack of money, relationship problems, legal issues, etc. Now that we better understand the relationship between substance abuse and depression, we are able to treat them more effectively. Since the two are often comorbid, occuring together, they should be treated together with a combination of positive actions such as psychotherapy, 12-Step based recovery, and medications (if necessary). All these methods of treatment have shown to be effective in helping millions of people suffering from depression, addiction, or both.

Chris Wilson, C.A.T.C., Chemical Dependency Coordinator, a member of the Hanbleceya Community since 2009.

 

September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

About Recovery Month

Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September.

The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Each year a new theme, or emphasis, is selected for the observance.

Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them. Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why. Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.

Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment. Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.

You can find more information on this national observance and ways you can help individuals on the pathway to recovery at http://www.recoverymonth.gov/.

Major Depressive Disorder

What is major depression

Major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 15 million American adults or approximately 5-8 percent of the adult population in a given year. Unlike normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss or passing mood states, major depression is persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, activity and physical health. Among all medical illnesses, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and many other developed countries.

Depression occurs twice as frequently in women as in men for reasons that are not fully understood. More than one-half of those who experience a single episode of depression will continue to have episodes that occur as frequently as once or even twice a year. Without treatment, the frequency of depressive illness as well as the severity of symptoms tends to increase over time. Left untreated, depression can lead to suicide.

Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is only one type of depressive disorder. Other depressive disorders include dysthymia (chronic, less severe depression) and bipolar depression (the depressed phase of bipolar disorder). People who have bipolar disorder experience both depression and mania. Mania involves unusually and persistently elevated mood or irritability, elevated self-esteem and excessive energy, thoughts and talking.

What are the symptoms of major depression?

The onset of the first episode of major depression may not be obvious if it is gradual or mild. The symptoms of major depression characteristically represent a significant change from how a person functioned before the illness. The symptoms of depression include:

• persistently sad or irritable mood
• pronounced changes in sleep, appetite and energy
• difficulty thinking, concentrating and remembering
• physical slowing or agitation
• lack of interest in or pleasure from activities that were once enjoyed
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and emptiness
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

When several of these symptoms of depressive illness occur at the same time, last longer than two weeks and interfere with ordinary functioning, professional treatment is needed.

What are the causes of major depression?

There is no single cause of major depression. Psychological, biological and environmental factors may all contribute to its development. Whatever the specific causes of depression, scientific research has firmly established that major depression is a biological, medical illness.

Norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine are three neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that transmit electrical signals between brain cells) thought to be involved with major depression. Scientists believe that if there is a chemical imbalance in these neurotransmitters, then clinical states of depression result. Antidepressant medications work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters or by changing the sensitivity of the receptors for these chemical messengers.

Scientists have also found evidence of a genetic predisposition to major depression. There is an increased risk for developing depression when there is a family history of the illness. Not everyone with a genetic predisposition develops depression, but some people probably have a biological make-up that leaves them particularly vulnerable to developing depression. Life events, such as the death of a loved one, a major loss or change, chronic stress and alcohol and drug abuse, may trigger episodes of depression. Some illnesses such as heart disease and cancer and some medications may also trigger depressive episodes. It is also important to note that many depressive episodes occur spontaneously and are not triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or other risks.

How is major depression treated?

Although major depression can be a devastating illness, it is highly treatable. Between 80-90 percent of those diagnosed with major depression can be effectively treated and return to their usual daily activities and feelings. Many types of treatment are available and the type chosen depends on the individual and the severity and patterns of his or her illness. There are three well-established types of treatment for depression: medications, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). For some people who have a seasonal component to their depression, light therapy may be useful. These treatments may be used alone or in combination. Additionally, peer education and support can promote recovery. Attention to lifestyle, including diet, exercise and smoking cessation, can result in better health, including mental health.

Reprinted with permission from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), www.nami.org

Common Misconceptions About Depression . . .

Depression and bipolar disorder are just states of mind. A person just needs to “think positive” and they will go away.

Depression and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) are real, treatable illnesses that affect the brain. They can’t be overcome by “snapping out of it.” Asking someone to “think positive” is like asking someone with diabetes to change his or her blood sugar level by thinking about it. People with mood disorders can feel better with the right treatment.

Treatment is a cop-out for people who are too weak to cope with day-to-day life.

Seeking treatment is a smart choice that takes strength. Mood disorders are not flaws or weaknesses. Seeking treatment means a person has the courage to look for a way to feel better.

People with mood disorders can’t get better.

When correctly diagnosed and treated, a person with depression or bipolar disorder can live a stable and healthy life. Millions of people already do.

People with bipolar disorder or depression are dangerous.

Research shows that people with mental illness do not commit significantly more violent acts than people in the general population. However, people with mental illness are twice as likely to be victims of violence.

People with depression or bipolar disorder are not stable enough to hold positions of authority in fields like law enforcement or government.

People with mood disorders can and do hold positions of authority everywhere. When properly treated, a person’s mood disorder does not have to affect job performance.

Resources:

• NAMI Multicultural Action Center - www.nami.org

This Center works to focus attention on system reform to ensure access to culturally competent services and treatment for all Americans and to help and support families of color who are dealing with mental illness.

• STAR Center – www.consumerstar.org

(Support Technical Assistance Resource Center) - funded by CMHS, this center provides support, technical assistance, and resources to help improve and increase the capacity of consumer operated programs to meet the needs of persons living with mental illnesses from diverse communities.

• National Mental Health America (NMHA) - www.nmha.org

Mental Health America is the nation’s largest and oldest community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 300 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; & delivering urgently needed Programs and Services.