Suicide Behavior in America

A National study was done on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the United States of America. It found that 8.3 million adults(1) had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. Of 8.3 million only 2.3 million of these adults had made a suicide plan and only 1.1 million of these adults actually attempted suicide.

This study also found this risk of thoughts and attempts is significantly different among age groups. Young adults(2) were far more likely to have considered suicide in the past year than those ages 26-49. These young adults were nearly three times more likely than those people 50 or older.

Another factor comes into play when considering risk of suicide and adults is substance disorders. People experiencing substance disorders were more than three times(3) more likely to have seriously considered suicide than those non-users. These people were also a shocking 7 times more likely to have attempted suicide.


1. Adults are 18 and older and residents of the United States. 8.3 million or 3.7 percent.
2. Young adults- 18-26. This age comparison is a ratio of 6.7% to 3.9%. 50 or older: 2.3%
3. Three times: 11% to 3%. Seven times: 2% to .3%.


"National Study Reveals Statistics on Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors SAMHSA NEWS." Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Website. Version 17. SAMHSA , 1 Nov. 2009. Web. 10 Dec. 2009.

Bridgehaven

From 1955-56 The Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women studied mental health needs in Kentucky. They identified a need for programs to assist people in the transition from hospital back to community. Bridgehaven was founded in 1958 as a direct result of this study, and was the first community program in Jefferson County. It started with three clients and now has over 500 members annually.

Their mission: “Bridgehaven provides the highest quality community-based psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. We enhance the lives of Bridgehaven members by encouraging them to achieve the skills to live, learn, work and socialize in their chosen environment. Through individual, person-centered rehab planning, we assist members in setting and achieving recovery and community integration goals.”

Some of the group therapies that are offered to the members of Bridgehaven are:
o Independent Living Skills
o Communication Skills
o Self-determination
o Recovery Awareness
o Stress Management
o Relationship Skills
o Health and Fitness
o Pet Therapy

The two programs providing activities designed to improve the ability to interact and function in the community are Bridge To Recovery and Opportunity House. They believe recovery is “a process in which individuals with severe mental illness are encouraged to take control of their lives, set goals, take advantage of opportunities and return to living, learning, working and socializing activities of their choosing.”

Along with these available programs they have Adult Day Training. This program is designed to combine person centered interventions for adults with an intellectual disability with a high quality community based psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery program. The goal is not only to allow these people to socialize in their environment, but to thrive as well.

Bridgehaven has achieved their goal of reducing the amount of hospitalizations. They have found of 137 members, 53 were hospitalized during the prior year. But, during treatment at Bridgehaven only 2 members were hospitalized during their first 6 months to a year. This is a 96% reduction in hospitalizations. This reduction represents a cost savings of at least $1.4 million.

"Bridgehaven - Home." Bridgehaven - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .

Words from Dr. Bracco

Collaboration and Common Sense

Virtually all of us in the course of our lives evolve or develop a world view. Our world view may be seen as a set of core beliefs that create a framework for us to understand the environment we find ourselves in. Our world view is shaped by our families, teachers and experiences. While individualism and competition appear to be prevailing values in American society I have learned to view my world from another vantage point.

One of the individuals that shaped my thinking was Alfred Adler, a contemporary of Sigmund Freud. Adler’s basic tenet was that humans experience a deep sense of inferiority given that they are exposed to a world filled with natural and man-made forces that are overwhelming. Consider what we must experience at the moment of birth. If we are to thrive we must overcome the challenges in this world that threaten our survival. Adler believed that the solution lay in “common sense.”

Common sense in Adler’s view consists of people coming together to share their talents and ideas in search of answers. Collaboration is common sense and common sense is collaboration.
A social model that supports Adler’s view involves having individuals solve a problem by themselves such as, ranking a list of items that they may need for survival on a deserted island, then they are to come up with the list as a group. Invariably the group solution proves to be synergistic, that is, it proves to be better than any one of the individual solutions. As the saying goes “The whole proves to be greater than the sum of its parts.”

In seeking to fulfill Seven Counties’ mission of building healthy communities; common sense, and consequently collaboration are necessities. While there are many ways to organize the community in which we live I use a model in which our community is composed of twelve systems ; 1) Health, 2) Social Welfare, 3) Government, 4) Criminal Justice, 5) Business & Industry, 6) Faith, 7) Education, 8) Housing, 9) Transportation, 10) Media, 11) Recreation and 12) General Public. Each of these systems affects the health of a community. To achieve its mission Seven Counties must work collaboratively with and across all of these systems.

In order to build a healthy community Seven Counties must create linkages with each of these systems. If we stand alone we will realize our inferiority and we will fail. We can only achieve our mission by collaborating and using our common sense.

Are Suicide Rates Higher at Christmas?

Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates decline during the holiday season. A study was done on 188,000 recorded suicides in the U.S. and they found on average there were 102 fewer suicides during the holiday season. There was a noted dip in suicide rates leading up to, and following the Christmas holiday. One group of researchers found on average there were about 34 suicides per million people. They also found Holiday rates were lower with Christmas and New Year’s Eve at 30/million, and Thanksgiving at a surprisingly low 26/million. The New Years day rate was very high at 41/million people. This group of researchers believes the large number is due to the end of a holiday season when people get depressed at the thought of returning to work and everyday life.

The researchers have some reasons why suicide rates decline during the holidays.

~ Gathering of friends and relatives gives off a secure vibe and creates a comfortable atmosphere.

~Christmas celebrations evoke positive memories.

~There is an increase in awareness of resources available during this period.

Many assumptions are made about suicide and the holidays, but the holidays have a more relevant connection with depression. Loneliness, depression, feelings of loss, financial burdens, family conflicts, and alcohol abuse has shown to increase during the holidays. Some of these stresses can be dealt with before they hit with several simple steps. Planning ahead by identifying your feelings about Christmas is a good place to start. Second of all, being realistic about what can be afforded to give is a good guideline to your shopping adventures. Lastly, choosing to celebrate with the people who make you feel positive and hopeful as well as letting go of expectations about the holidays and just having fun. These are wonderful ways of dealing with the stresses of the holiday season.

"Are Suicide Rates Higher at Christmas?." Centre for Suicide Prevention. Centre for Suicide Prevention, 16 Dec. 1995. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. . Ballas, Chris. "Depression - Suicide Rates and the Holidays." Healthcentral.com - Trusted, Reliable and Up To Date Health Information. My Depression Connection, 7 Jan. 2009. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. http://www.healthcentral.com/depression/c/49/54818/suicide-holidays.
Snopes. "snopes.com: Christmas Suicides." snopes.com: Urban Legends Reference Pages. Snopes.com, 30 July 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. .

People with Schizophrenia and Smoking

People with Schizophrenia have a three to four times higher rate of smoking than the general population. In a British study on 100 people with Schizophrenia, they found 92% of the men and 82% of the women were smokers, and they commonly smoke high-tar, unfiltered cigarettes. This type of cigarette is used by only 1% of the total smoking population. “People with mental illnesses have 30% more heart disease and 30% more respiratory disorders” says Ann Crocker about her research. Not only do an estimated 80% of the people with this disorder smoke, but those that are depressed and with anxiety disorders also smoke in great numbers. This can be compared to the 25% of the total adult population.


So, why do these people smoke more than the average adult? Initially people with this disorder smoke for the same reasons other people smoke; social pressure, peer influence, it’s “cool.” These reasons do come into play with smoking and Schizophrenia, but there may be a more compelling reason behind their smoking addiction. Nicotine causes an increase in synaptic dopamine so they may smoke to make up for the lack of dopamine production. This dopamine production causes stimulation to different areas of the brain responsible for mood, cognition, and appetite. By smoking they are improving the production of dopamine therefore improving their mood, sharpening cognition, and decreasing appetite.


“There is substantial evidence that nicotine could be used by patients as a self-medication to improve deficits in attention, cognition, and information processing, and to reduce side effects of antipsychotic drugs,” the German researchers concluded. In addition to these things “sensory gating” is also impacted by smoking. Receptors for nicotine are involved in sensory gating, and several studies have shown sensory gating is markedly improved after smoking, therefore lowering auditory hallucinations common in schizophrenia.

Norman L Keltner, & Joan S Grant. (2006). Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 42(4), 256-61. Retrieved November 17, 2009, from Health Module. (Document ID: 1182665371).
"Why Do Schizophrenics Smoke Cigarettes? Brain Blogger." Brain Blogger Topics from Multidimensional Biopsychosocial Perspectives. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.

"The world becomes our safety net."

ann-e
(click ann-e for a video)

"ann-e," the new application for the Apple iPhone, was created to connect people in recovery with a support network of peers in the 12-step community. "If it encourages one addict to come out of isolation into recovery, then the application has been a success" states ann-e. This anonymous network of people in recovery was developed to give addicts a network of people with similar problems and with people that are willing to help no matter the time. They developed this application with the simple concept- "Together we can do what we could never do alone." With this network of people it won't be long before the "world becomes our safety net."

This application is a peer-to-peer networking application that allows members of any 12 step program to ask each other for help and support. There are three main ways of communicating with this application:

• Anonymous peer-to-peer instant messaging between those seeking and offering help.
• Conference bridges where members are able to have a voice call anonymously.
• Facilitates face-to-face meetings between trusted peers by disclosing proximity and location.

ann-e allows users to register their affiliated 12-step program and their anonymous name for identification in the application. Also, it allows those offering help to log in and help members seeking help by chatting or setting themselves as "on call" during a set period. This application is also a safe way to exchange contact information of members that have met face-to-face. If you are a member seeking help it shows the location of your "helper" therefore it is easier to know if it is possible to set up a face-to-face meeting.

The top ten 12-step programs on the application are:

1. Alcoholics Anonymous
2. Narcotics Anonymous
3. Al-Anon
4. Overeaters Anonymous
5. Gamblers Anonymous
6. Cocaine Anonymous
7. Sex Addicts Anonymous
8. Recovering Food Addicts
9. Food Addicts Anonymous
10. Alateen

This is only a short list of the programs that are offered, there are these and so many more available for users. The main use/purpose of the ann-e application is as a tool for prevention to stay in contact with other recovering addicts to help find direction. A sign on in the morning is a good way to check in with other users and to make sure the day's path is heading toward recovery.

Step Twelve: "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

"Technical Attributes of iPhone App ann-e." Welcome to ann-e iPhone Application. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2009. .

"Of Mice and Mania"

There is a study being done to find the relationship of dopamine production to people with bipolar disorder in a manic episode. It is being conducted by manipulating a gene called the Clock gene in mice which is located in their brain and is associated with dopamine production. The purpose for altering this gene in mice is to find out which genes affect the neurochemical processes in humans related to dopamine.

Mice with the altered Clock gene seemed to respond more to the electric impulses sent to the pleasure pathways of their brain than the unaltered mice. These genetically altered mice kept coming back to the stimulus frequently, and the unaltered mice were not going back as often. When the Clock mice were given a dose of cocaine they were going back to the stimulus like the unaltered mice were, so their usage of the stimulus was reduced by the dose they were given.

Also, when mice were given a choice between water or sugar solution, this is something that mice find rewarding, the genetically altered mice chose the sugar solution more often than the normal unaltered mice. Genetically altered mice mimic symptoms of people in a manic bipolar state; hypersensitivity to rewards and euphoria, hyperactivity and nervous behavior, reduced anxiety and risk taking, mood stabilizing drug addiction.

Eitghty to ninety percent of people with bipolar disorder have a relative with a mood disorder. Clinicians have noted both depression and manic episodes increase substance abuse. This means these people tend to abuse stimulant drugs during manic phase and alcohol during depressive period. The lifetime rate of substance abuse for people with bipolar disorder is 38% where the rate is 10% for people without psychiatric illness. When bipolar patients abuse stimulating drugs their risks for hospitalization and suicide increase.

The genetically altered mice have different neurobiology than normal mice. Neurons in the starting point for brain dopamine pathways, including the reward circuit, fire more frequently and strongly resulting in greater dopamine release. Extra dopamine in the reward pathway is a critical factor in addiction and may influence vulnerability to both drug abuse and manic symptoms. This research is being done to find if the release of extra dopamine is also true in people with bipolar disorder in a manic episode. The findings may also provide clues to new treatments for people with bipolar disorder and drug abuse.

Whitten, Lori. "Manic Mice Show Heightened Sensitivity to Rewards." NIDA Notes Nov. 2009: 9-10. Print.

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Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as using force or threats to hurt and control family members. This violence can come in various forms and can harm children, partners, even the elderly:

1. Physical-shoving, shaking, kicking, punching, using a weapon



2. Emotional-threats, insults, demands, criticism, harassment.



3. Sexual-assault, rape, or attempted rape.



4. Neglect-failing to provide proper food, schooling, and medical care.
   

There is a circle progression of domestic violence; it starts out with tension building in the home. Secondly the abuser attacks when they are set off by something/someone. The next progression is that there is a period of remorse by the abuser where they buy gifts and do things to “fix” the damage they have done. And lastly they repeat once something/someone sets them off again.

Surprisingly in over half of all cases of domestic violence alcohol and drug usage has been used as an excuse. Alcohol and drugs ALWAYS increase the risk of domestic violence. People are more likely to act violently if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

So, why do people stay in abusive relationships we wonder?Fear of revenge by abuser.
-A sense of duty to keep the family together no matter what.
-A fear of losing children due to dangerous circumstances or surroundings.
-Children often don’t report abuse because they don’t want to “tell” on their parents OR they feel like they will get in trouble if they say anything.

This type of violence has several serious affects on the family involved in these individuals. Domestic violence results in the following:

-Emotional pain-family members may feel ashamed and guilty, worthless, depressed, and maybe even anxious.
-Physical injuries-bruises, head injuries, broken bones, and cuts or burns.
-Death-as violence continues it usually gets worse sometimes resulting in death from attacker.
-Other problems-job loss, school problems, unpaid bills, legal problems.

Domestic violence affects millions of families each year, these families are of all ethnicities, income level, and religion. Domestic Violence is a very serious crime and shouldn’t be taken lightly. This violence is never the fault of the victim, always is 100% the abusers fault.

Thoughts From Dr. Bracco

Not-for-profits As Investments

Too often, not-for-profit organizations are viewed as bottomless pits of expenses. They have us reaching in our pockets in order to do good or out of guilt. We do not seem to appreciate them as having a positive economic impact on our community. From an economic perspective we seem to place greater value on the for-profit sector. But, did you know that in our seven county region there are 5,201 not-for-profits who cumulatively have an income exceeding 10 Billion Dollars and assets of over 11 Billion Dollars? These organizations, aside from their humanitarian missions, have a significant impact on their local economies. They provide tens of thousands of jobs that contribute to both taxes and consumerism that spurs growth in our local communities.

Seven Counties Services has multiple major footprints in our community. We are the largest non-hospital not-for-profit and the 26th largest employer in our region. The programs that we provide have assisted many in our community, who would otherwise be disenfranchised, to engage in productive activities that add further value to their lives. Our First Steps Program saves $7 in special education expenses for every $1 that is expended. Where else can you get a 700% return on your investment? Jail diversion services enable us to redirect $1 million dollars a year to other purposes. Project Link allowed the redirection of $23.1 million dollars by insuring that 77 babies were born drug free to mothers who had been addicted to cocaine or alcohol. Family Preservation services kept 451 children at home with their families rather than requiring foster care that would have cost $3.7 million. In virtually every program operated by Seven Counties such results are actualized.

Given the economic challenges we face in our Commonwealth, perhaps an altered perception of not-for-profits is in order. Stimulus dollars have been targeted to “shovel ready” projects which conjure up images of bricks and mortar. We tend to invest in buildings rather than in people. When these buildings are institutions such as jails, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, we have taken a short term investment and turned them into a long term expenses. Serving people in these environments rather than through community based services and support for families is not sustainable, nor does it promote recovery and the opportunity for us to realize our potential.

Create the Future

Recovery from alcohol or other drug addictions can be hard but it can be done!! There are two main components of a good recovery:

1. Abstaining: This means no use of alcohol or drugs (excluding prescription medication).
   
2. New Approach to Life: This is creating new ways of thinking and acting as well as being willing to accept help.

Honor the past. Live in the present. Create the future.

Recovery happens in three stages; although there are set stages they are all formed differently by the individual in recovery. These stages are as follows:

1. Early Recovery: Consists of (1) building new habits through support from peers and specialists. (2) Finding a confidant that can be trusted with secrets and is sensitive you feelings. (3) Making informed decisions through further education. (4) Improving health by stopping use and through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest.


2. Middle Recovery: Consists of (1) changing values to more positive values. (2) Getting a job, improving quality of life by addressing problems from the past. (3) Forming new friends through things like volunteer work.


3. Late Recovery: Consists of (1) recognizing the change in self and accepting the new person. (2) Continual care of body, mind, and spirit. (3) Becoming aware of triggers such as old friends and hang outs.
   

Recovery can lead to a joyful and happy lifestyle!! Become more informed!

Scriptographic Products. About Recovery from alcohol or other drug addiction. South Deerfield, MA: Channing L. Bete Co., 2007. Print.

New Idea!!

If you were in recovery and were asked to create a picture of how it feels to be living a "secret life," aka the life inside your head or life as a person with a mental illness. What would it look like? What kinds of things would be in that picture? I have been an avid reader myself of PostSecret for several years now; PostSecret is a website that hosts a plethora of postcards that contain the deepest secrets of readers. As I was browsing this Sundays postcards I stumbled upon this card:

It says "Today I discovered that happiness is not something that we find, it's something that we create. This is my first step toward recovery." This made me think about our clients in recovery and I was wondering how they would feel if they had a chance to do something similar to this but through Seven Counties. I could create a blog with just their scanned postcards that answer the questions I have previously mentioned. I would love questions/comments/thoughts either on here or through email on this idea.

Courier Journal: Reject stereotypes about mental illness

Many individuals with mental illness have great difficulty being accepted by the larger community because they are being stereotyped, put down and stigmatized for having a mental health condition. The stigma sets in when society develops misconceptions based on misinformation of those with mental illness. Misinformation stems from three areas: the media, informal communication and society seeing those with mental illness.

1. The media play a big role in misguiding society about mental illness. They portray individuals with mental illness in characteristically inaccurate and unfavorable ways. Those with mental illness are depicted as being active, confused, aggressive, dangerous and unpredictable.
2. Informal communication hurts those with mental illness because people feel free to use words such as “loony,” “nuts,” “crazy,” “batty,” “wacko,” “psycho” and “mental case” in normal conversation.
3. Finally, stigma is formed by those in society who witness or interact with those who have a mental illness. Most mental illnesses are not visible to the public, but the mental illnesses that are visible are seen in individuals who are experiencing psychosis or mania. This is how society gets images of those with mental illness.

Those with mental illness have difficulty with employment, housing and receiving a sufficient amount of income to meet daily needs. This leads to loss of social opportunities and a poor quality of life. During this Mental Illness Awareness Week, may we be mindful of our bias and stereotypes and not contribute to the stigma associated with mental illness.

by: DENNIS CORNELL, Licensed Clinical, Social Worker/Psychotherapist, Louisville

Cornell, Dennis. "Reject stereotypes about mental illness." courier-journal.com. 13 Oct. 2009 .

Expect Recovery

Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. In other words recovery is a process of regaining one's life to a usable form; reclaiming one's personal power from one's illness.

For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms.

Both Consumers and Providers need to "Expect Recovery!" Meaning that both Providers and Consumers know that the Consumer can and has a right to walk out the door with a better quality of life, they have a right to recovery! To do this the Providers need to work with consumers as partners as they move through "The Stages of Recovery." The Five Stages in the Recovery Process are as follows:

1. Impact of Illness: "The shattering of one's world, hopes, and dreams." In this stage the Provider is to decrease the emotional distress by reducing the symptoms and communicating that there is life after diagnosis.
2. Life is Limited: "We both gave up. Giving up was a solution." In this stage the Provider is to instill hope, a sense of possibility, and to rebuild a positive self-image.
3. Change is Possible: "The fragile flame of hope and courage." In this stage the Provider is to help the Consumer to see that they are not so limited by the illness and in order to move on they will need to take some risks.
4. Commitment to Change: "I began in little ways with small triumphs and simple acts of courage." In this stage the Provider is to help the person take the initial steps by helping them identify their strengths and needs in terms of skills, resources and supports.
5. Actions for Change: "We rebuilt our lives on three corner stones of recovery- hope, willingness and responsible action." In this stage the Provider is to equip the Consumer with the necessary skills, resources and supports so that they can trust in their own decision-making ability and take more responsibility for their life.
   

Peer Support is one of the tools consumers use to "regain their lives to a usable form" (to recover), it is support that is provided by consumers to consumers in order to bring about a desired social or personal change. Peers help because they often have similar experiences; through these they can empathize well, make informed decisions, serve as role models, aid in problem solving, and help others navigate the "system." Recovery can grow in Kentucky! Your help is needed for recovery to thrive!

The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Illness "Achieving the Promise:Transforming Mental Health Care in America" July 2003. Adapted from Webster's II by: Molly Clouse June 2002. Taken from the work of Molly Clouse, Recovery Consultant for Seven Counties, Inc. Appalachian Consulting Group & Empowerment Partners, LLC- 2005.

Clients' Perceptions of a Counseling Relationship

In attempting to describe this relationship, researchers have focused on various qualities of caring, such as warmth, support, attention, understanding, and acceptance. Another important element of the client-counselor relationship is the way that significance is communicated through interpersonal exchange.

The term "mattering" was used by Rosenberg and McCullough (1981) to describe the feeling that people have when they sense that others are interested in them and value their contribution. When people believe that they matter, they feel that they belong and that others appreciate them. Rosenberg and McCullough's research indicated that adolescents who felt that they mattered were less likely to commit delinquent acts.

This research defined a series of dimensions associated with mattering. These four dimensions are summarized as folloes:

1. Attention: The feeling that someone notices or is interested in you. For example, when you enter a room, people acknowledge your presence and make you feel welcome.

2. Importance: The sense that people are interested in what you are thinking, feeling, and doing. This aspect is communicated when people inquire about your well-being and take the time to listen carefully to what you have to say.

3. Dependence: The feeling that your contribution is valued and needed. You may be a member of a team and feel that everyone is counting on your participation for the development of ideas.

4.Ego-Extension: The feeling, whether right or wrong, that others are interested in how you are doing (accomplishments as well as disappointments), even when there is no longer a professional relationship.

In any counseling situation, there is a parallel relationship as clients look to counselors for a sense of mattering and counselors look to their colleagues and supervisors for similar recognition.

Perceptions of the Ways of Mattering by People With Mental Illness Marc Corbière, Norman E Amundson. The Career Development Quarterly. Alexandria:Dec 2007. Vol. 56, Iss. 2, p. 141-149 (9 pp.)

Video

TalentFest 2008 is a test video that I have created using animoto.com. This is a very efficient web site to use when trying to create a short video. Click here to watch it!

Faculty Perceptions of University Students with Psychiatric Disabilities

I have been doing some research on stigmas for the video project that I am curently working on and have found some interesting information, this particular study caught my eye because I am a student at a university and thought it relevant information to possibly use down the road.

• "The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between information sources and university faculty members' perceptions of working with university students who have PDs."
• Faculty were asked a)What are your levels of comfort and feelings of confidence in working with university students who have PDs? and b)What is the relationship between your source of information about PD and their perceptions about working with students with PD's?
• Conclusion: "This study indicated that three experiential information sources were strong positive predictors of faculty perceptions of working with students with PDs: having a friend with a PD, knowing a student with a PD, and currently being treated oneself fora PD. Faculty viewed university students with PDs in a positive light and were comfortable having them on campus. Many faculty felt they did not have adequate knowledge or training to work with these students and would like to have more resources available."

Faculty Perceptions of University Students with Psychiatric Disabilities Karin F Brockelman, Janis G Chadsey, Jane W Loeb. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. Boston:Summer 2006. Vol. 30, Iss. 1, p. 23-30 (8 pp.)

Mental Health Facts

Here are some important facts about mental illness and recovery:

• Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence. Mental illness falls along a continuum of severity. Even though mental illness is widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion-about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 Americans-who live with a serious mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that One in four adults-approximately 57.7 million Americans-experience a mental health disorder in a given year
• The U.S. Surgeon General reports that 10 percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from serious emotional and mental disorders that cause significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers.
• The World Health Organization has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children.

-NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness/ About Mental Illness http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Inform_Yourself/About_Mental_Illness/About_Mental_Illness.htm

WHAS11

On Tuesday 9/22 a story broadcast on WHAS11 about a woman who has allegedly robbed several pharmacies for perscrition medication. Diane Hague comments on this addiction.
http://www.whas11.com/news/local/stories/whas11-crime-090922-pharmacy-robber.1a6ddba06.html

Blog

I will be updating this blog as often as possible and I will be emailing you once a week at least with the updates and any interesting information that I have found while researching. If you have any ideas, questions, comments feel free to either email me back or just post a comment on the blog site itself. http://www.blogbasics.com/blog-tutorial-1-1.php If you have any questions about a blog and what it does/what it's good for this is a very simple and very good summary of what it is.

Twitter

In my search to outreach through social media I have begun to test several means of communication. The first one being twitter, I have created a twitter for myself as a sort of experiment for SCS. I have been posting information on how to contact SCS itself and information on events that are upcoming for example the TalentFest 2009. I just got this twitter page about a week ago and already have 4 followers. To visit my twitter page go to this link and check it out!! http://twitter.com/7_Co_Services . Post any comments on here as I will be checking this daily!!

(This is a Picture that I took from the Seven Counties Services website itself.)