Dealing with Winter Blues

Some rights reserved by mysza831

The last few weeks of the winter holidays are upon us, as are the shortest days of the year.  What can we do to boost our mood and keep things merry and bright?

The article "Lighten up!  How to beat back winter blues" provides suggestions for deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is described as periods of depression that correspond with the seasons of the year, usually occurring in fall or winter.  The article advises exercise, healthy eating and sunlight exposure for dealing with symptoms commonly associated with SAD (depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, carbohydrate-craving and weight gain or loss).

For more information about mental health issues related to the winter season, read our recently posted holiday tips provided by the American Psychological Association (APA) and look over our post featuring a Mental Health America article about stress and depression during the holiday season. As always, visit our website for more information about mental health and wellness!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Maintaining Holiday Cheer: Tips from the APA

Some rights reserved by CaptPiper

We're right in the middle of the winter holiday season!  While this is the season "to be jolly," the winter holidays can also be a time when family and economic pressures increase and dim our holiday cheer. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) has a variety of online publications to help manage stress while navigating the holiday season.  Articles such as "Making the Most of the Holiday Season" and "How to Stay Calm During the Holidays" give tips for dealing with common as well as unique stresses during the holidays (family tension, breakups, time pressures and tragedies.)  Articles like "Tips for Parents on Managing Holiday Stress" and "Dollars and Sense: Talking to Your Children about the Economy" deal with helping children understand financial pressures in age-appropriate ways.  For more general information about building emotional resilience, read the APA's brochure, "The Road to Resilience."

For more information about mental health, visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Beets for Brains!

Some rights reserved by Darwin Bell

New research from Wake Forest University indicates that a daily serving of beet juice boosts blood flow to your brain, which can keep your mind sharp and can help protect against dementia and poor cognition as you age.  

Summarizing the research findings, an article on Medical News today discusses how nitrate-rich beets work to boost blood flow in areas of the brain that need it.  As nitrate is processed by the body, it is turned into nitrite, and this opens up blood vessels and thus improves blood flow.  Previous research has looked at how eating beets can lower blood pressure and improve exercise performance, but this is the first study that has examined how this super-food impacts the brain.

For more information about mental health and wellness,  be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Service Dogs Used to Treat PTSD

Some rights reserved by Beverly & Pack

According to the Time Magazine online article "Bringing Dogs to Heal: Care for Veterans with PTSD" by Mark Thompson, some 40,000 troops have been physically wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq, but 10 times as many exhibit symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Amid many high-tech treatments that are emerging to treat PTSD (such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers and virtual-reality exposure therapy), the use of service dogs may be a promising alternative treatment, providing friendly, healing support.   

Interested in learning more?  Read the full online article and watch the related video, "How Dogs Help Veterans Cope with PTSD".   

For more information about mental health be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Living With: WDUQ Interviews

In the month of November, WDUQ's Behavioral Health Reporter Erica Beras is presenting a new series, "Living With."  The series looks at the lives of individuals living with mental illness and behavioral health disorders.  

To hear their stories in their own words, visit WDUQ's "Living With" webpage.  To listen to Erica Beras discuss the series, click here.  For more information about mental health in southwestern Pa. be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Available

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of their 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) this past Thursday.  Some of the findings from the survey include:

- In 2009, 19.9 percent of American adults in the United States (45.1 million) experienced mental illness.  Nearly 20 percent (8.9 million) of these adults also had a substance use disorder.

- 11 million adults (4.8 percent) in the U.S. suffered serious mental illness in the past year (with serious mental illness defined as a diagnosable mental disorder that has substantially interfered with, or limited one or more major life activities).  25.7 percent of these adults had a substance use disorder, which is approximately four times the level experienced by people not suffering from serious mental illness (6.5 percent).

- In 2009, less than four in ten (37.9 percent) adults in the U.S. with mental illness received mental health services. Service use was higher for adults with serious mental illness (60.2 percent); however, 4.4 million adults with serious mental illness in the past year did not receive mental health services.

A copy of the full report is accessible here.  For more information about mental health be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

12th Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day: Saturday, November 20th

Some rights reserved by mell242

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) website,  National Survivors of Suicide Day is a day of healing for those who have lost someone to suicide. It was created by U.S. Senate resolution in 1999 through the efforts of Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who lost his father to suicide. Every year, AFSP sponsors an event to provide an opportunity for the survivor community to come together for support, healing, information and empowerment.

This year, the Pittsburgh Chapter of AFSP is sponsoring a National Survivor of Suicide Video Conference.  The broadcast will feature Dr. Chip Reynolds, and will discuss suicide bereavement and complicated grief. There is no charge to attend.

Video Conference Details:

When: Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: University of Pittsburgh, Scaife Hall, 3350 Terrace St., Oakland, PA 15213

(parking is available in UPMC Presbyterian parking lots)

Room: 11th Floor Scaife Hall, The Conference Center is on the 11th floor of Scaife, (close to UPMC Presbyterian Cafeteria)

Who: Survivors after suicide, friends, families, others

To RSVP, call 412-624-9005 or email afsppgh@gmail.com

For more information about mental health in southwestern Pa. be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Mindfulness, Health and Wellness

Some rights reserved by mindfulness

Mindfulness can be described in many ways. From a psychological standpoint, mindfulness can be defined as "a kind of nonelaborative, nonjudgmental, present-centered awareness in which each thought, feeling, or sensation is acknowledged and accepted as it is".

Mindfulness techniques are becoming more and more commonplace in psychotherapy settings, and there is evidence that mindfulness can be an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health complaints, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and depression and anxiety. 

Interested in learning more?  Read the CNN Health article, "Can mindfulness help manage pain and mental illness?" by Elizabeth Landau.  For more information about mental health and wellness be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

How Important is a Good Night's Sleep?

Some rights reserved by yarnivore

Getting a good night's sleep is important for everyone's overall health.  According to Helpguide, a good night's rest can increase productivity, help keep you mentally alert and impact your feeling of emotional balance. 

Interested in developing better sleep habits?  Read over the Helpguide article, "How to Sleep Better:  Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep." Unsure of how much sleep you need to be fully rested?  Check out the Helpguide article, "How Much Sleep Do You Need? Sleep Cycles & Stages, Lack of Sleep and Getting the Hours You Need."

For more information about mental health and wellness be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Friday Five: Facts About Veterans and Mental Health

Some rights reserved by US Army Africa

- Recent studies tell us that nearly a third of veterans who seek care through Veterans Administration (VA) health centers receive mental health diagnoses.

- Almost one in five veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq will experience mental illness.

- Approximately 30 percent of veterans treated in the veterans health system have depressive symptoms, two to three times the rate of the general population.

- More Vietnam veterans have now died from suicide than were killed directly during the war.

- Approximately 40 percent of homeless veterans live with mental illnesses.

After all our veterans have done for us, it is important that they be supported when dealing with mental illness. Visit NAMI National's Veterans Resource Center  for more information about resources for veterans and their families.

For more information about mental health in southwestern Pa. be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Happy Veterans Day

Some rights reserved by Templar1307

Happy Veterans Day from NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania!

Be sure to thank a veteran today for all they've done for our country and our freedoms.

A Soldier's Heart

Some rights reserved by Leo Reynolds

In time for Veterans Day, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has created a compelling four-part multimedia series titled "A Soldier's Heart".  The series discusses the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on soldiers and their families and loved ones.  The series features the stories of four soldiers (Derrick Earley, Carrie Kleeh, Mike Cranmer and Don Bankosh) dealing with PTSD and the impact it has had on their lives. 

For more information about PTSD and other mental health issues be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Veterans Resources

Some rights reserved by jcolman

On Thursday, Nov. 11 Americans all over the country will be celebrating Veterans Day to honor those that have served in our country's armed forces.

The people who are currently serving, those who have served and their families face unique stresses and need mental health information and treatment tailored to their needs.  NAMI National has created an online Veteran's Resource Center to consolidate the best and most useful online resources for veterans and their families. The Veterans Resource Center has current information on a variety of topics, including public policy resources, information for family members, information on issues specific to women veterans, resources for active duty service members as well as information on accessing mental health care and other health services. 

For more information about mental health in southwestern Pa. be sure to visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania online and keep up with our blog with a subscription to our RSS feed!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

NAMI Basics

Last weekend NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's Associate Director Debbie Ference and NAMI volunteer Denise Michaels attended a NAMI Basics training in Philadelphia.

NAMI Basics is the new signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is eager to bring NAMI Basics to the southwestern Pa. region in addition to its other education programs.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania volunteer Denise Michaels and Associate Director Debbie Ference (front row, far left) at the NAMI Basics training in Philadelphia

NAMI Basics instructor Teri Brister

Friday Five: Facts About Postpartum Depression

- Depression after pregnancy is called postpartum depression.

- Depression after pregnancy occurs more often than most people realize. Approximately 15 percent of women experience significant depression following childbirth. The percentages are even higher for women who are also dealing with poverty and can be twice as high for teen parents.

- It is hard to recognize or identify postpartum depression. A new mother might not recognize depression or anxiety because she is tired, overwhelmed or simply adjusting to life with a baby. It is common to think that these feelings are just part of being a new mother. Postpartum depression is temporary and treatable, so it's important to notice the symptoms and get professional help if necessary.

- Symptoms can start anytime during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. They differ for everyone, and might include the following:

• Feelings of anger or irritability

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Appetite and sleep disturbance

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

- Risk factors for postpartum depression can include:

• A personal or family history of depression, anxiety or postpartum depression

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD or PMS)

• Inadequate support in caring for the baby

• Financial stress

• Marital stress

• Complications in pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding

• A major recent life event: loss, house move, job loss

• Mothers of multiples

• Mothers whose infants are in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)

• Mothers who’ve gone through infertility treatments

• Women with a thyroid imbalance

• Women with any form of diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)

(This week's Friday Five information was taken from the Postpartum Support International website. For more information about mental health, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.)

Photo: Mom showers baby with kisses, Some rights reserved by by Lorena

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Coping with Stress and Depression During the Holidays

It's early November, and the holiday season is just around the corner! The holidays can be a time of joy and excitement, but for many, they can also contribute to stress and depression.

According to the Mental Health America (MHA) article, "Holiday Depression and Stress," many factors can contribute to the "holiday blues" including unrealistic expectations, fatigue, financial constraints and the demands of family. The article includes simple tips and reminders for dealing with holiday pressures before, during and after the festivities.

Looking to stay connected to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania on the web? Subscribe to our blog RSS feed and visit us at our website for more information about mental health and wellness.

Photo: Thanksgiving Dealies, Some rights reserved by Martin Cathrae

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

The Road to Resilience

Resilience is, in the words of the American Psychological Association (APA), "the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress -- such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. It means 'bouncing back' from difficult experiences." Everyone has the ability to be more resilient in the face of stress and difficulty, and can be learned and developed through simple tips and techniques.

Interested in learning more about resilience? Take a look at the APA's online brochure, "The Road to Resilience" for factors that impact your ability to rebound from difficulties, strategies for adapting to adversity and allies to help you foster resilience in your day-to-day life.

Looking to stay connected to NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania on the web? Subscribe to our blog RSS feed, and visit us at our website for more information about mental health and wellness.

The Road to Resilience Logo: © American Psychological Association, All Rights Reserved



Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Spotlight: LEAD Pittsburgh

Today, staff members at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania met with Toni Macpherson, the Executive Director of LEAD Pittsburgh. The LEAD Pittsburgh website describes the organization as

"a unique community initiative advocating for the recognition and acceptance of depression as a treatable medical condition and for the need to eliminate barriers to treatment. LEAD Pittsburgh addresses issues surrounding depression in a collaborative manner with the institutions in the community where change can be effected. The intent is to draw attention to the magnitude of the problems associated with untreated depression and to help identify each institution's role in overcoming the barriers that exist."

The LEAD Pittsburgh website offers a variety of information, including the signs and symptoms of clinical depression, information about depression for employers and a links page for related resources. For more information about LEAD, its mission and programs, email info@leadpittsburgh.org or call 412-444-3520.

Want to keep up with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania on the web? Subscribe to our blog RSS feed, and visit us at our website for more information about mental health.

LEAD Pittsburgh Logo: © LEAD Pittsburgh, All Rights Reserved


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference Alert: 27th Annual Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference

27th Annual Schizophrenia Conference
Friday, December 10, 2010

Sheraton Station Square Hotel

Pittsburgh, PA

Course Director:
K.N. Roy Chengappa, MD

The Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference is an annual meeting at which the advances in schizophrenia research are reviewed by leading international experts in the field. This year's meeting will cover a range of topics, including the associations between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia and impairments in the brain circuits that are associated with auditory processes relevant to schizophrenia. The concept of preventing schizophrenia has brought up several several controversial but innovative ideas, and the 2010 Schizophrenia Conference Award Lecturer will address this issue. A leading expert who will be awarded the Gerard E. Hogarty Research Excellence Award in Schizophrenia will present his research to the audience. The lecture will focus on the pharmacological treatment of cognitive impairments in people with schizophrenia. The patient and family perspective will also be presented in a panel format.

Who Should Attend:
The conference is designed to disseminate the latest research findings to a wide audience: psychiatrists and other mental health clinicians, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, service coordinators, researchers, patients and their relatives, mental health policy administrators and others who wish to keep abreast of etiologic and treatment research in schizophrenia.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of the program, participants should be able to:

• Describe the association between cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia.
  
• Consider impairments in brain circuits associated with the auditory cortex and how this relates to schizophrenia.
  
• Review the current knowledge on prevention and early intervention in schizophrenia.
• Discuss the effect of antipsychotic medications on cognitive function.
• Discuss the rationale for the selection of potential targets for the treatment of cognitive impairments.
  
• Consider a first-person account of schizophrenia from a patient and/or family perspective.
  

Presented by:
UPMC Health System Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic; Services and Research for Recovery in Serious Mental Illness; Mental Health Conference Planning; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences


Details and registration information can be found at the conference website. For additional information or to receive a brochure, please contact Kyessa Brian at briankl@upmc.edu or via phone at 412-802-6905.

Want to keep up with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania? Subscribe to our blog RSS feed, and visit us at our website for more information about mental health.

Photo: Pittsburgh Skyline from Station Square, Some rights reserved by jmd41280

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the staff of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

New Parity Implementation Toolkit Available

NAMI and our coalition partners working on implementation of the 2008 Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act have developed a new toolkit to assist people living with mental illness and their families in making sure their group health plan is in compliance with the new law. The toolkit provides resources on how to file a complaint and report noncompliance to appropriate regulatory authorities.

You can access the toolkit online at the NAMI Policy and Alerts webpage, or as a PDF file here. For more information about mental health issues in southwestern Pennsylvania, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

Photo: Sunshine & Happiness, Some rights reserved by Rishi Menon

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary