How to Deal with a Mental Illness Diagnosis

The month of October houses Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct 3-7) and International Mental Health Day (Oct 10). In the interest of breaking down stigma, this month’s blog post features tips on how to deal with a mental illness diagnosis.

If you have recently been diagnosed with a mental illness, chances are you have had a long and hard road to get to where you are today. You may have started to notice symptoms in yourself, your moods, your behaviours, your thinking, or maybe a friend or family member noticed signs of your mental health slipping.  Like many, it might have taken you a while to reach out for help because you didn’t quite know what was happening, where to turn or who to talk to or even what to say. It’s quite unsettling to not only begin to experience signs of mental illness and then also not have anywhere to turn to for support. 

After you reached out and confided in someone, you likely saw your doctor who may have been able to help or might have referred you elsewhere for specialized help. It took time to get these appointments, have assessments done and wait for the results to come back.

Now that you’ve been down the long road to a diagnosis, the road ahead of you likely looks foreign, scary and maybe you’re feeling confused, unprepared, or angry. You could also be feeling a little bit of relief that what you’re feeling has been validated by a name. Maybe you’re even feeling hopeful that there is specialized help available for you, now that you know what you are dealing with.

If you’re wondering if this is your fault – it isn’t. Like physical health, there are many factors that contribute to mental illness and no one is immune from mental illness, nor is it entirely predictable who will suffer from mental illness in their life. Different factors like genetics, traumatic events, socioeconomic status, the environment, etc. all play a part in affecting our mental health. In time and with help, you will learn how best to cope with your mental illness and the strategies that do and don’t work for you. Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental illness in their life and there are many options of support available to you.

Now that you’ve received your diagnosis – you are probably wondering what comes next.  You will probably want to think about how this mental illness is going to affect your life. Also, what treatments are available (medication, therapy, counselling) and what can you expect through treatment and your recovery. Knowledge is power so you will want to learn the most you can about your illness in order to understand what’s happening and how you can deal with things that arise. Two ways you can gain information are through formal education (lectures, books, credible websites) as well as lived experience of others. It can be really helpful to know that other people have experienced what you are going through and this can give you some ideas on how to go about your own recovery.

As always, no matter what part of your journey you are on, we are here to offer a supportive and non-judgemental ear. Whether you have been experiencing symptoms for a while or have just starting to notice something is off, if you have just been diagnosed or are still waiting or trying to get the help you need, we are here, always.

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Right Round

Life isn't always easy.  

You get pulled in 100 different directions at once, between work, family, friends, you're jumping over life's hurdles, you're trying to make ends meet, do the groceries, fold laundry, answer the 10 emails that came in late after you've already left the office.

You keep running in circles, around and around and around and around and....

You fall down.  Hard.

You've burnt yourself out.  You're sick, you're run down, you're physically, mentally and emotionally unable to do ANYTHING else.

Guess what?  You're not alone.

Studies have shown that at least once a year, each and every one of us has that moment, where our bodies just say "hey now, I can't keep going at warp speed".  Then we have what is known as a "nervous breakdown".

A breakdown will vary from person to person, and mean different things to each of us.  Some people may experience severe breakdowns, while others just may need a day to recoup.

___________________________________________________________

Take "Jamie" for example.  

Jamie is 38 years old.  He works for a retail store that he loves, and does very well with customer service.  Today he's learned that he's been promoted to Store Manager, which includes new responsibilities, like opening & closing, balancing cash, doing deposits, scheduling employees, holding staff meetings, and on top of all of this, he is expected to meet a higher sales quota.  Oh and they're planning a store invite only party that Jamie's boss wants him to take on.  Jamie's grateful for the opportunity, but notices he's a bit more fatigued and has a lingering headache.

Jamie also has a family - his partner of 10 years, and their 2 children.  Jamie's partner, we'll call him Henry, and the kids have a surprise waiting when Jamie gets home from work - a puppy!  A sweet, 8 week old puppy.  Jamie & Henry had discussed waiting until their children were a bit older and more responsible, but he falls in love with the little puppy.  He feels a bit overwhelmed with having two young kids and a puppy, but he figures it will be okay, especially since Henry is a stay-at-home Dad and can train the puppy.  He shakes off the feelings of doubt as just being nervous.

Jamie & family sit down for dinner, and learn that their eldest daughter has a project due for school...tomorrow.  Clear the table, work with the kids to get the project and other homework done.  Jamie's head starts to ache a bit more, so he takes an Advil.

Henry is paying some bills, and sighs, and says to Jamie "I got the quote for the water heater today, and it's going to be about $1000."  Jamie calculates how much he'll have to sell at work to meet his commission to offset the cost, and oh wait, there's the family vacation they wanted to take the kids on when school let out for the summer.  Henry takes little puppy out for a walk while Jamie looks over the numbers, while his head continues to ache.  He's also noticing his eyes are strained.  Maybe he's catching a cold.

Jamie ponders all of this as he tucks his kids into bed, and he and Henry start the housecleaning - laundry, bathrooms, dishes, tend to the gardens.  

As Jamie settles into bed for the night, he starts feeling heavy in the chest, like someone is sitting on top of him.  He didn't even have the strength to shower tonight.  Then one by one, as if he somehow summoned them, the children and the puppy all need his attention.  Jamie's headache is now a full blown migrane and he doesn't think he'll be able to work tomorrow.

Jamie's family all fall asleep, puppy included, for the night, while Jamie struggles to fall asleep, tossing & turning, fighting against the heavy feeling & migrane.  He just can't seem to shake these feelings he's having.  

Jamie's next day starts off even worse.  He wakes up feeling like he's going to cry, and he can't figure out why.  

__________________________________________________________

Do parts of Jamie's story sound familiar to you?  This is a completely fabricated story that I just made up on the spot.  However made up it is though, this is easily comparable to many people in how a breakdown can begin.

What's disturbing is, many of us don't recognize the signs of a nervous breakdown coming, until it hits us full speed.

If you're experiencing signs of a breakdown, please take the time to assess yourself.  You only have one "You" and you need to take of yourself as well.

How do you ensure that you don't have a nervous breakdown?  Every person is different, but here are some key ways to help avoid a breakdown

• Exercise & eat well
• Get plenty of sleep
• Learn to say no, if you can't handle any additional responsibilities
• Delegate tasks - employees & family members alike
• Use a "To-Do" list & cross things off one by one
• Talk to your doctor if you're having troubles with sleeping, eating, or are concerned for your mental well-being
• TALK.  This is one of the best things you can do for yourself.  Talk about how you are feeling, what you are experiencing, and know that you aren't alone, just as "Jamie" has shown us above.

Finally, know that our volunteers are always here, 24/7, if you need someone to talk to who is unbiased and non-judgmental.  613-238-3311.  Call us anytime.

Life isn't always easy, but it can get easier, starting with a call to the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region.

Battling Substance Abuse

This past weekend, I heard some terrible news.  A friend and co-worker from a previous job had passed from the effects of substance abuse.  Her heart became too weak to do its job, and she was gone.  A sweet, vibrant, funny girl, who always had a smile for you when you were talking to her, a hug for when you were down or got great news, and someone you could always talk to, no matter what.

But she, like many others, had a problem with substance abuse, and while she was trying to clean herself up, they overcame her and took her life.

My heart is heavy, as I think of her family, friends, co-workers, and her two little pups who she loved to the moon and back.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have someone in your life who is dealing with a substance abuse problem, there is help out there for them, and for yourself.

But, how do you know if someone is dealing with substance abuse?  Sometimes, it can be more difficult to spot than on someone else.

Physical Signs Can Include:

• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming
• Unusal smells on breath, body or clothing
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral Signs Can Include:

• Drop in attendance & performance at work or school
• Unexplained need for money or financial problems
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Sudden change in friends, interest, activities

Psychological Signs Can Include:

• Change in personality or attitude
• Mood swings, irritability or outbursts
• Unusual hyperactivity, agitation or giddiness
• Lack of motivation, lethargy or lack of concentration
• Appears fearful, anxious, paranoid or becomes panicky for no reason

Not everyone will have these symptoms, and someone else may have all of them.  Substance abuse targets each individual differently.

How can you help someone who has fallen into the substance abuse trap?

• Talk to the person.  If you are comfortable talking to this person, do so.  Talk about your concerns, offer your help and support, and be non-judgmental and unbiased.  
• Don't attempt threats or bribes
• Provide resources, like the Distress Centre's phone number 613-238-3311 and information about rehabilitation for the person, but be prepared to hear that they don't want or need help.  This happens more often than not, but it's not your fault for offering.
• Research substance abuse rehabilitation programs in your area for them to help take the pressure off of them finding one.  Keep it to 3-5 choices, max.  
• Listen to them.  There is a reason that the substance has taken over the person's life.
• Don't hide, throw away or do the drugs or alcohol with the person.  
• Don't argue with the person when they are under the influence
• Do let them know that you are there to help them (if that is the case) when they are ready and willing.

Also, be sure to take care of yourself during this time - ensure that you too have support.

All of this being said, substance abuse comes from somewhere.  It is the age old question of "What came first, the chicken or the egg?".  Did the person start abusing because he/she is dealing with something in their lives they wanted to escape from?  Did she/he start abusing and then with the effects of abusing, came depression, anxiety, etc when they weren't using, so they had to use to "stay normal"?  Only the person abusing knows for sure.

While getting clean and sober is a scary feat for so many, there are hundreds of thousands - possibly millions who have done it, and stayed clean and sober for a very long time.

If you or someone you know needs to talk about their lives, their substance abuse, or are looking for community resources, we are here to listen and provide support.  You can call us at anytime of day or night at 613-238-3311.

I'd like to close this post off with a simple Rest In Peace for my friend whose smile and warm heart I will remember for a very long time.

(Name of deceased is withheld from this post)

Guest Post - Yoga for Depression

Yoga for … Depression?

Wherever you are. Whatever you’re doing. Just for a moment, be right here. Put down the cell phone. Turn off the music. Close your door. Open a window.

Breathe with me.

No really, I mean it.

Start tuning into your breath. Just notice. Gradually start to slow down your breath. Begin breathing through your nose. Gently deepen your inhale, and lengthen your exhale. Close your eyes. Stay here for a while.

Place your hand on your belly. Feel your belly expand on the inhale and draw in on the exhale. Nice. And. Slow. In 2-3-4. Out 2-3-4-5. Whatever feels comfortable and natural, do that. Try five more rounds of inhales and exhales.

Pause. Notice. How do you feel?

This is the power of Yoga. And this is just the beginning.

I know yoga. I also know depression. I have faced it. I have lived in the fog. I have stared up from the bottom of that dark, empty, seemingly endless black hole. And I’ve climbed back up, towards that tiny crack that lets the light in.

Depression is not a straight line. Life is not a straight line. The honest truth: if life was a straight line (think ‘flat line’), we’d be dead.

So what can we do? Find peace in our minds and our lives? Accept the ups and downs? Learn to truly live through them, even thrive through them? Sounds about right. Easy? No. Worth it? YES.

One thing I know for sure is that nothing, nothing is permanent … the good stuff, the bad stuff, the in between stuff. We are inherently resilient. We have great capacity to rewire, change, adapt and grow. It’s never too late. The best part? We have so much more power than we think, and we already have everything we need. Yoga simply serves as a powerful tool that can help us access this.

Pain x Resistance = Suffering

Depression (and anxiety) is more than a mood disorder. It’s a universal human experience and more common than we’d like to admit, let alone talk about. Sometimes life is too much, too big, too difficult, too painful to bear. Pain, it’s inevitable. Even those who do not claim to be depressed still find countless ways to tune out, numb out, and shut out. Pick your poison. We all do it, to varying degrees. Suffering, though, this can be optional.

Yoga heals.

This mantra found it’s way into my life following a Traumatic Brain Injury, and helps me to navigate the tumultuous journey through recovery, rehab, and acceptance. It’s an ongoing journey (life is not a straight line!), but one that is hardly recognizable from that day yoga found its way into my life. Yoga awakened an ability to heal … myself. A capacity we all share.

It’s the connection of mind AND body. This is our way through.

Yoga is much more than a series of physical postures and pretty poses. You do not have to be bendy, strong, or in perfect health to do yoga. Quite the opposite! However, for most of us (myself included), this is how we first see yoga.

Equally important as physical yoga (and some would argue more so), are the breathing practices, mindfulness, restorative postures, and meditative elements of yoga.

Time. Practice. Awareness. Possibility.

While I was in the Rehab Hospital following my TBI in 2011, yoga called to me. I got permission to leave the hospital a few mornings a week and attend a yoga class before my various daily therapies. This was a critical turning point. In a place where I felt surrounded by closed doors, a window of possibility opened.

Awareness. This makes all the difference.

The obvious initial benefit was that yoga helped me to manage my pain, my mood, my sleep. The benefits began to compound. I started to see many other powerful changes as a result of my practice.

The easy AND the hard part: No pressure. Just practice.

I made a personal commitment to practice in any way, for any length of time, at least 3x a week. I scheduled it in my calendar. I had my therapists hold me accountable. I dragged myself out of bed or off the couch to practice. I stumbled. I fell off the wagon. I found my way back. Remember: it’s never a straight line. It takes time to build new pathways, new habits.

Want to see for yourself? I hope so. Experiencing this in your own body, your own mind, is truly the only way to really get it. To feel it for yourself.

And. It. Takes. Practice.

No pill or treatment of any kind will result in lasting change if it isn’t taken or            done regularly.

I want to help.

The yoga community is filled with incredible people who want to be of service, to guide you into a practice, to be part of your healing journey. If introducing yoga into your life seems overwhelming, confusing, intimidating. You are not alone. If going to a public yoga class doesn’t feel quite right, quite yet, you are not alone. I’m here to tell you there are so many options!

In my next post, I will provide you with four foundational practices that you can incorporate into your life, immediately.

Get curious. Trust me. You will not regret it.

xo Kate

----

Kate Durie
Registered Yoga Teacher, Blissologist, Yoga Therapist (in progress)

Kate is a Registered Yoga Teacher, and has trained under renowned yogi and Blissologist, Eoin Finn. Kate is currently in training to become a Yoga Therapist, specializing in yoga for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other various conditions. As a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor, Kate understands first hand how Yoga is more than a series of asanas. Yoga heals. With every breath, every movement, every intention, yoga is transformative.

Connect with Kate on...
Twitter & Instagram: @kateudurie

Facebook: /kateunderhilldurie

www.kateandsuz.com

www.katedurie.com (coming soon)

Email me: kateudurie@gmail.com

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

"Tap three times on the right, tap three times on the left."

 

"I have to check to make sure the oven is off, the lights are out, the door has been locked.  Okay, check again.  The oven is off..."

 

"My hands are still dirty from that germ-infested bus ride home from work, I'll keep washing them."

 

"If I change my morning routine even the slightest bit, my family will all get sick and die."

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

What is it?  OCD (as most commonly used) is an anxiety disorder in that people who are affected by it, have both obessive and compulsive tendancies.  OCD affects 1-2% of the population, and usually becomes present in late teens-mid twenties, although some people say they noticed

What is the difference between an obession and a compulsion?  An obsession is generally a thought that is disturbing and unwanted, unprovked, that come to mind that are either in the form of an image or an impulse that cause a great deal of anxiety or distress.  A compulsion is a behavior that is deliberate, needed, like washing something, checking something, ordering something, or a mental act like counting & repeating.  Compulsions are acted upon by the person affected to "help to reduce the anxiety" caused by the obession, when in turn can cause additional anxiety.

How is OCD diagnosed?  Well first, the person must be willing to see a doctor.  A doctor will run a series of physical, labratory and pyschological exams.  The doctor will talk to you regarding your thoughts, feelings, how you are physically feeling, how you cope, and what triggers set your obsession and compulsions off.  You may also be asked about thoughts of self-harm, harming others, or suicide ideations.   It is so important to be honest with your doctor about all of the above so that a proper testing and a diagnosis can be made.

What kind of treatment is available for OCD sufferers?  There are a couple options, and depending on what your doctor thinks is best, there may be a combination of the variety.  A type of psychotherapy called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" (CBT) may be used - it's an exposure and response therapy.  It involves the person becoming gradually exposed to their obession, and learning healthy ways to cope.  You may do this therapy alone, or your doctor may invite your loved ones who are closest with you to participate as well.

There are also antidepressants and antianxiety medications that may be prescribed, which can elevate levels of seretonin, which with OCD, can be lacking.  There are a few to choose from, and once prescribed, and the person has been taking them for a minimum of 2 weeks, it's ideal to note how you're feeling, how you are coping with the OCD, and what is and is not working for you.  Your doctor will be able to make adjustments of the medication if you find it's not working out. 

Above all, know that you're not alone.  Our volunteers here at the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region are ALWAYS here for you, no matter what.  613-238-3311 anytime of day or night.

Spring Cleaning Your Mental Health

Spring has sprung here in Ottawa, but you'd never be able to tell with all the snow we've gotten this week!

While the Spring represents a breath of fresh air, closet cleaning, opening windows, and planting gardens, it's an excellent time to think about "spring cleaning your mental health".

What are some ways that you can get started? 

Money

With it being tax season, it's a great way to look at your finances.  Are you in the place where you want to be financially, or does like cause you stress?  Sitting down to revisit, or come up with a budget is a great way to get started on your goal.  If this is a scary adventure for you, look at speaking to a Financial Advisor, or a trusted friend or relative to help you.  There is no harm in asking for help!

Work

The dreaded 9-5 job is a big stressor in many lives.  Or lack thereof even.  Spring is a great time to rework your resume if you're looking for a new job, or to re-energize yourself in your current work.  Are you happy, but a little bored at work?  Consider asking your boss if there is any new project you can dive into.  Are you between jobs, or simply out of work?  There are many career opportunities online, and headhunters will be able to target your strengths to help you find an amazing job.

Relationships

Are you feeling lost in your relationship?  Winter can play a factor in this, with being in hibernation and snowed in during the colder months.  As we start getting warmer outside, it's a great way to reconnect with the ones you love.  A walk, run, a new activity such as soccer or something fun could reignite a spark in your relationship.  If you're in a relationship that is physically, mentally or emotionally abusve, we are here for you, and there are many places that can help you.  For more resources, you can call us at 613-238-3311. 

Family

After being cooped up with hot chocolate, movies, and indoor activities during the winter months, your kids may be bouncing off the walls waiting for the warmer weather.  The City of Ottawa has excellent day & sleep away camps, outdoor activities that are light on the wallet, and more.  As a family, if a vacation is in dire need, now is a great time to sit down together, and decide where to go.  If you have a budget, give your kids options (one for each kid) and put them into a bucket, and pull one of those options out.  This way, it's a family choice, and everyone is happy in the end!  Have fun planning, and take lots of amazing pictures to remember your getaway.  If a "stay-cation" in the plans, there are so many fun things to do in our beautiful city!

Time for YOU

You're busy.  Whether it's work, family, friends....sometimes all you want to do is relax.  Remember that being too available sometimes can wreak havic on your body.  Make sure that you are taking care of yourself with proper vitamins (ask your doctor), getting regular check ups at your family doctor, exercising, eating well, and sleeping at least 6-8 hours a night.  You are just as important as everyone else, so make sure to treat yourself well!

As always, we are here for you, regardless of what you're going through.  Give us a call at 613-238-3311 to speak with one of our amazing volunteers, and we'll listen to everything you have to say.

Happy Springtime!

Guest Post - Laura

As we continue to post our own blog posts, we have been reaching out to those dealing with a mental health illness or disorder to talk about how they deal and cope.  Today's post comes from Laura, who has suffered from depression most of her adult life. 
___________________________________________________________________

This month I moved.  I have two major deadlines at work.  By March 31 I will have travelled to New York, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa.  I have a workshop that I have to participate in and will be evaluated on and I’m nervous.  I’m the maid of honor in two weddings this summer and my duties for those wedding have ramped up.

Needless to say, I’m a little stressed.

As someone who has suffered from depression for most of my adult life, stress and I don’t always get a long.  There are some people that are incredibly productive and resilient during the most difficult times.  Their able to turn stress and anxiety over something into fuel and drive.  For me stress can upset all sorts of things and impact my sleep, my weight, and my general emotional well-being.  There was a time in my early twenties where any stressful situation paralyzed me.  It made navigating the ups and downs of life extremely difficult.

For people that suffer from a mental illness of any sort - scratch that - for ANYONE – learning how to deal with stress in a healthy way can be difficult.  I’m no expert, but in this post I’d like to share a few things with you that I have learned to be incredibly helpful in dealing with stressful times and have helped kept my physically and mentally well.

Reach Out

The first and most important lesson I have learned is that I need emotional support during times of stress.  When I have a lot going on in my life, I know that I have the tendency to feel the weight of it all emotionally.  I get teary, maybe I’m not sleeping as well and in order to build my resilience I need to have an outlet.  For me that outlet comes in the form of a professional with whom I speak twice a month.  Its important that I have someone that helps me to reflect on what’s going on for me and suggest helpful strategies to work through times of difficulty.  A really good friend, family member, coach or mentor can also be a good person to reach out to if speaking to a professional isn’t your thing.  Sharing our challenges can be a good outlet and can go far in helping us unload some of the emotional weight that stress can cause.

Eat well

Pass the peanut butter chocolate ice cream.  Seriously.  Give it to me. 

I have been known to eat my feeling in times of stress.  Anything delicious gives me temporary comfort.  Unfortunately it ultimately it makes me feel a whole lot worse. In order to get through times that are challenging mentally our body needs the proper fuel.  The best thing that you can do is to show yourself some love by taking time out to eat healthy and nutritious foods.  You’ll feel better, operate better and chances are you’ll sleep better if you’re filling your body with whole, nutritious foods instead of a pint of ice cream.

Exercise

When I’m busy with work or travelling I get tired.  Really tired.  As a result, exercise is usually the first thing that gets eliminated from the schedule – I make excuses because I think I just don’t have the energy.  I have learned again recently that this is probably the worst thing I can do.  During times of stress I need to carve out time to sweat.  It helps me shake my sillies out and re-focus.  It also helps me have more energy to keep on keeping on and to do the other things on this list - like making healthy meals and reaching out when I need to.  Endorphins are powerful things!

Theme Music

There are all sorts of studies that connect listening to upbeat or soothing music to improving one’s mood.  For me, a great song can help to distract me and ease tension and anxiety.  Over the past month I have made a conscious effort to turn music on when I’m at home or listen to my iPod more on the way to work to get the positive vibes flowing.  Right now I’m loving Lykke Li’s “I follow” – its upbeat and makes me feel like I can take on the world!

Sleep

I’m not a great sleeper on a good day – ask anyone that has ever shared a bed with me!  I toss, I turn, I sleep walk, I talk – it’s a full day’s work in one night.  So when times get tough my sleep really suffers.  I have found that the best thing I can do during times of stress or just to ensure my resilience is listening to my body and trying to get as much sleep as I can.  I’ve read that turning off electronics (phone, TV, computer) and being conscious of what you’re reading before bed (nothing too heavy) can also have a positive impact your ability to get to sleep and have a restful sleep so these are some strategies I use as well.  Everything seems easier when you are well rested.

This too shall pass

I try to remember when times are tough that this too shall pass and I will get through those things that are challenging for me.   We need to remember to be kind to ourselves and do those things that make us feel good when work or our personal lives seem crazy stressful.  So this month I plan to listen to upbeat music on repeat, get good sleep, eat well and not sacrifice exercise in favour of work.  Maybe doing some of these things will be helpful for you too?

 _________________________________________________________________

 

If you or someone you know, needs to talk, we're here 613-238-3311

 

 

Guest Blog: Dysthymic Dad

In an effort to reach out to those dealing with mental health illnesses, now & then we will be featuring a guest blog post.  These people are dealing with anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, stress, and other disturbances to their mental health.

Everyone featured has granted us permission to post on their behalf, to share their stories, their blogs, and hope that you will find solace and comfort in that you are not alone.

Today's post comes from Dysthymic Dad on Twitter.  This man has been very brave in battling his Depression and Dysthymia.  This blog post comes on a snowy day in Ottawa, which makes the analogy he writes about understandable.

Visit http://dysthymicdad.wordpress.com/ for more blog posts from Dysthymic Dad. 

______________________________________________________________________________

Depression: Driving Stick-shift, Uphill in Wintry Conditions
   

My mental health muse must’ve taken a holiday, what with over a month since updating this blog. I kept telling myself I should write another entry, but the motivation / inspiration simply would not materialize. Symptoms of my condition? Mayhaps… Meanwhile, I’ve been filling the “creative” void, 140-characters (or less) at a time… hence why you should follow @DysthymicDad!

But I have been giving some thought as to how I could explain what I’m going through, to those I choose to disclose my condition…to come up with an analogy, a “story”, to explain what Depression feels like. Or at least, what it feels like for me. Being Canadian, you know weather had to factor into the story, somehow!

When first diagnosed with Major Depression and likely dysthymia, I’d been stuck at the bottom of the hill for so long, spinning my wheels in 5^th gear, I’d no clue what might lie on the road ahead. At first, the blizzard-like conditions of my depression swirled around me, blinding me to my surroundings. Complete white-out conditions.

What revealed itself to lie ahead was one very steep hill to climb, riddled with unavoidable icy patches. I felt overwhelmed, ill-equipped to weather the wintry storm and topography ahead; I was an old beat-up clunker with balding summer tires, no map and no GPS device. I wasn’t even sure anymore what destination I was trying to reach. My internal On*Star navigation system had completely failed me.

Extended sick leave from a supportive employer allowed me to put some gas in the tank and recharge the battery. With the help of my GP, I equipped myself with winter tires – an anti-depressant called Cipralex – to gain traction on the road to recovery. Both my GP and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Counsellor were of great assistance in pointing out the destinations that are open to me. 
 And my Mindfulness practices are the polarized lenses that allow me to notice the individual snowflakes, and see through them as I plod ahead.

I have no illusions that conquering this hill will take time. There are still days where I feel stuck in neutral, all traction lost on an icy patch as I slide backwards. Sometimes my GPS acts up when I hit a pothole. Loosening my white-knuckled death-grip on the steering wheel of anxiety doesn’t always come easy. And there will be times when I may need to call out a tow truck to get me out of the ditch.
But progress is being made, one gear shift at a time. Sometimes I do need to downshift, and I’ve learned to accept that, if not outright welcome those opportunities. I’ve given up on *wishing* that the weather clear up, or a sand/salt truck magically appear ahead of me. The road and weather conditions are what they are.

What drives me now is knowing that I will reach the top of this hill. Maybe not tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But one day, I will reach the summit… and hopefully find a level parking lot where I can do doughnuts to my heart’s content.
_______________________________________________________________________________

As always, the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region is here for you, at any time, day or night.  You can call us at 613-238-3311 to talk about what you're experiencing.  We're here to support you.

 

Cracking Up the Capital

Some say that laughter is truly the best medicine, that your heart smiles when you laugh, that it can relieve even that little bit of stress you've been under.

Do you laugh with your kids?  Your friends?  Family?  Co-workers?

How do you laugh?  Are you the silent laugher?  Are you the one who snorts?  Do you giggle or huff?  Do you do the laugh-cry thing, where tears just roll down your face?

Are you easily amused, or does it take something extraordinarily funny to make you chuckle?

Laughter is one of the easiest ways to perk up your mood.  Watching Youtube videos can decrease your stress level significantly, making what you're facing seemingly better or disappear for an instant.

Here in Ottawa, supporting local mental health organizations, is your chance to laugh it up!

Cracking Up The Capital is an amazing comedy festival put on by a team of individuals who all care about the mental health of our community.  They come from all walks of life, with the same end goal of helping those in need who are dealing with a form of mental health.

From February 6-9th, you can see fantastic comedians preform their best material, all while supporting mental health.

Tickets are priced per event, but are set an amazing prices!

Check out www.crackingupthecapital.com for more information and to buy tickets!

Women of Comedy: An Intimate and Interactive Evening

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

---

Improv Games: Youth Comedy Evening

Thursday, February 7, 2013

---

Aboriginal Comedy Evening

Friday, February 8, 2013

---

Festival Finale

Saturday, February 9, 2013

We would like to thank the organizers at Cracking Up the Capital for donating tickets to our own volunteers, for the Festival Finale.  They'll appreciate the laughs!

#CHEOConnects - What We Learned

On Monday night this week, we attended the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)'s Mental Health Information Night for parents.

To say there were some interested folks out there would be an understatement.  Nearly 200 parents showed up to listen to a panel of experts talk about Mental Health issues that their children may be facing.

The information night was scheduled months ago, and by sheer coincidence, came less than a week after British Columbia teenage, Amanda Todd, took her own life.  Alex Munter, President of CHEO, acted as the moderator for the evening, asking experts Ian Manion, Phil Ritchie, Neil Gottheil (all Child Psychologists) and Clare Gray (Pediatric Psychiatrist) questions that were submitted by parents in the audience.  It proved to be very well received, as we noticed as the talks when on, more and more parents were handing in their questions.

It was amazing to see so many parents in one room, either there because they are worried about their own children, just wanting to educate themselves, or they have concerns for their children's social circle.  Either way, everyone was there for the same reason - to get answers.  There were lots of questions about anxiety, bullying and how to talk to your child/teenager about suicide - a topical question coinciding with the death of Amanda Todd, and previously, Jamie Hubley and Daron Richardson.

Before and after the session, we were on hand to talk to parents about our services for them.  Our focus was to tell parents that while we aren't able to give them advice, we are here to be a support system for them.  Sometimes, in situations with your children, you can find yourself embarrassed to talk to a friend, another family member or a co-worker, as you may feel like you're being judged for not being a good parent, or not paying close enough attention to your children.  That's not the case when you call the Distress Centre.  We're unbiased, non-judgmental, and just here to listen and provide support for you and your family.

All of the experts took their time in answering questions, and we were tweeting some of their answers & recommendations.  Knowledge is power and the more we are able to share with one another, the more we'll educate the world on Mental Health.  These are some of the tweets that we shared from the event:

• Don't be afraid to talk to your kids about suicide, keep the door open, emotions good, bad and in between #CHEOconnects #mentalhealth

• Physically healthier helps teens be mentally healthier #CHEOconnects

• Anxiety lives through avoidance. Skills can be implemented to help get through anxiety isssues. #CHEOconnects

• Kids that bully are defined as looking to take control and a level of power. Redirect kids to leadership rather than bully #CHEOconnects

• #CHEOconnects absolutely amazing answers to tough questions by parents here tonight #mentalhealth

• Parent should know that our phone line is an excellent way to talk to someone non-judgmental about their kids 613-238-3311 #CHEOconnects

• Bullying has been taken to another level than it was years ago with social media/cyber space. #CHEOconnects

• Boys bully very directly, and girls more indirectly #CHEO

• Beware of your children's technology and social media so that if they start to use in a dangerous way you can intervene

• From @CHEOhospital psychiatrist - no cells during family time, learn about each other, about their lives beyond what you see.

• Have your children unplug their electronics 30 minutes before bed - promotes healthy sleep and helps with depression symptoms.

• Medications are not the only treatment for depression - therapy is also needed #CHEOconnects

We were so fortunate to be able to attend this event, so thank you to CHEO for allowing us to be there, and put our information in the hands of all of the parents in attendance.

If you're a parent, reading this for the first time, and are wishing you knew about the event, contact CHEO, and put a request in for another session. If you feel as if you could benefit from speaking to one of our amazing volunteers, give us a call at 613-238-3311.

 

 Our information table at Sir Robert Borden High School, before #CHEOConnects

Alex Munter, President of CHEO (left) asks panel of experts, questions from the audience