Advocate Support Blog

Depression

To learn more about depression and bipolar, check out the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

If you need immediate help or if you are having thoughts of death or suicide, call
1-800-273-TALK or if you need immediate assistance call 911
or go to a hospital emergency room.

Homeless People Using Drugs?

I just read a post on Mental Health Update, "Homelessness and drug use", which was posted by John Gale this morning.

Here's an excerpt:

"Homelessness and drug and/or alcohol abuse often go hand-in-hand. Homeless people who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to demonstrate ineffective coping skills, low levels of self-efficacy and to end up in prison. They are also vulnerable to hepatitis and HIV, victimization, sexually-transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, depression and suicidality. A focus-group study of 54 homeless and drug-using people between the ages of 18 and 24 looked into their attitudes to drugs and what they saw as the facilitators of and barriers to good-quality health care. Participants saw substance abuse as a health risk and a barrier to care but also as an adaptive response to psychological pain and survival on the streets."

I am glad that people are studying these issues because they need attention.

It is more than apparent to me that someone who is homeless would abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Homeless people are worried about shelter, the weather, food, bathing, clothes, what little belongings they have, the police, people they encounter, and many other issues. It is extremely stressful to be homeless. They become stuck in poverty and can not see a way out. They begin living moment by moment. Their future prospects, hopes and aspirations begin to fade as the pressures of their situation bear down upon them and eventually they loose hope as they begin the process of acceptance and survival.

Homeless people, like most people, use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stress, escape and to feel better or different.

Why wouldn't they?

Can you honestly say that you wouldn't?

Recent Jail Suicides Make The Capital Newspaper

Today I read an article by Scott Daugherty, Staff Writer for The Capital Newspaper, Annapolis, Maryland, entitled, "RECENT JAIL SUICIDES PROMPT REVIEW".

I was surprised to hear about the two recent suicides in our local detention center and even more surprised about the statistics Mr. Daugherty reported.

"According a report by the U.S. Department of Justice, 47 of every 100,000 inmates in local jails across the country in 2002 committed suicide. That is down from 129 of every 100,000 inmates in 1983."

However, the most interesting thing I read was regarding their screening process, "...the county currently screens inmates like most other jurisdictions in Maryland. She said a medical professional on staff at the jail - usually a nurse - questions the inmates about their physical and mental health within four hours of being booked into the detention facility.
The nurse asks an inmate 29 questions from a special questionnaire during the mental health screening to determine whether he should be placed on suicide watch or another form of segregation. The questions revolve primarily around the inmate's medical history, including whether they are on psychiatric medications, have attempted suicide before or spent time in a mental hospital. The nurse also asks questions about the inmate's feelings and looks to see if he is showing any signs of depression or anxiety, Ms. Harting said."

Conducting an assessment within fours of being booked into the detention center seems like they are being pretty pro-active and efficient, and having a protocol of questions that must be asked also seems like a prudent step.

Because they didn't elaborate more about the screening process, I couldn't tell why these two individuals weren't identified, or if they were, what went wrong.

Maybe the nurse doesn't have enough time for each assessment, maybe the nurse wasn't performing optimally during these two interviews, or maybe the "special questionnaire" is lacking. In all fairness, maybe everything was done perfectly, and sometimes, no matter how much expertise and effort is expended, someone determined to commit suicide will do so.

Hopefully the Superintendent will investigate and find more effective solutions.

We are very fortunate to live in the United States and I hope we can find solutions for the problems we have with our correctional facilities because they are a reflection of our society.

Financial Stress?

A lot of the recent news has included stories about rising gas prices, increased energy costs, home foreclosures, falling stock prices, failing banks, and the list goes on, and on, and on.

For many months, people were afraid to use the "R" word, recession, but I think most "normal" people, meaning not a member of the wealthy, or ruling class, believe that the U.S. is now in a recession.

If our economy gets much worse, we may be headed for a DEPRESSION. I don't think that is going to happen, but it makes me wonder. If the U.S. were to experience another depression, would everyone technically be diagnosed with depression? Would our health care system have the capacity to provide all of the therapy sessions we would need to treat our depression. Would depression continue to be a disorder if everyone had it? Would the pharmaceutical company's have enough Prozac for everyone. If not, I could probably make my own Prozac in my bathtub, sell it on the streets, and make a fortune. So, a depression might be a good thing for me. But what if I was the only one who was not depressed?

Any way, the recent bombardment of bad financial and economic news made remember an episode of The Office I once watched, in which the main character Michael Scott, was having financial difficulties and was advised that he may have to "Declare Bankruptcy" by an office accountant. Michael didn't quite understand what his advisor meant. Take a look at the clip below. Hope it takes your mind off any financial stress you have and makes you smile.

Please don't take any advice from me or this blog without consulting a professional, but I can't stop you from "Declaring Bankruptcy" like Michael Scott.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you need help, please call.

Each month, the Lifeline Network serves over 45,000 callers who are in emotional distress. You can reach the Lifeline by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Although suicide prevention is our primary mission, people call the Lifeline for many reasons:
Suicidal thoughts
Abuse/violence
Information on suicide
Economic problems
Information on mental health/ illness
Sexual orientation issues
Post-disaster needs
Homelessness issues
Substance abuse/addiction
Physical illness
To help a friend or loved one
Loneliness
Relationship problems
Family problems

Who Should Call?
• Anyone, but especially those who feel sad, hopeless, or suicidal
• Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings
• Anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals

Details About the Lifeline
• The service is free and confidential
• The hotline is staffed by trained counselors
• We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• We have information about support services that can help you

TTY Users
If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

For more detailed information visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Understanding Depression

People sometimes have a hard time understanding the difference between depression and normal sadness. Dr. Eredlyi discusses the different kinds of depression, and how to recognize them.