Taking Courage in the Home of the Brave

The Land of Opportunity, The Land of Freedom, and The Land of Milk and Honey are all common nicknames for the United States of America; however this promising nation of 313.9 million people [1] is also a nation with one of the highest rates of major depressive disorder in the world [2]. As many as 1 in 10 people in the United States suffer from depression [2], yet not much is being done to eradicate the stigma that surrounds this illness.

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http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/statistics-infographic

So what is depression? It’s much more than the context we are used to hearing it in and goes far beyond just being sad or upset. There are many different types of depression, but the most common symptoms of depression are a sudden loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, thoughts of suicide, and prolonged feelings of desolation, hopelessness, and worthlessness [3].  The effects of depression do not end with its symptoms, and in many states there are strong correlations between rates of depression and rates of obesity, heart disease, stroke, sleeping disorders, lack of education, and less access to medical insurance [2]. 

60-80% of all cases of depression can easily be treated with brief psychotherapy and antidepressants. But the worst part is that over 80% of the people who suffer from symptoms of depression are not even receiving treatment for it [2]! You may be wondering why this is. Many times it is because of the label they are given by society; the stigma surrounding this illness.  The unfortunate reality is that this stigma, this disgrace associated with a particular aspect of a one’s very being is far too prevalent in today’s society. Those who suffer from clinical depression, have to deal not only with the hardships associated with their ailment, but also the stigma and labels given to them by an ignorant society. For those who suffer from depression and the stigma associated with it, although they are living in this world with 7 billion other human beings, they feel absolutely alone and therefore suffer alone. Many times people tend to disregard those who may be suffering from clinical depression as just "a negative person" and because such a stigma exists towards, those who are actually suffering from it, avoid seeking the help they need in order to avoid being associated with these labels.

This stigma becomes a very heavy burden on the individual, and in many cases pushes a person to avoid treating their ailment--- either through medication, or through therapy-- altogether.  To those who suffer from depression, and to the society at large, I urge you to take courage in this Home of the Brave, maintain a positive outlook, and eradicate these stigmas once and for all.

[1] "Population (Total) Data | Table." The World Bank. The World Bank Group, n.d. Web. 6 Feb 2014. <http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL>.

[2] "Unhappiness by the Numbers." Healthline. Healthline, n.d. Web. 6 Feb 2014. <http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/statistics-infographic>.

[3] "Depression and College Students." NIMH. National Institutes of Health, n.d. Web. 6 Feb 2014. <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-and-college-students/index.shtml>.

[4] Image: 2012. Graphic. BioQuick NewsWeb. 18 Feb 2014. <http://www.bioquicknews.com/node/885>.

In the Genes: Study shows significant genetic overlap between five major mental illnesses

by: Danling Chen

A recent study conducted by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium has shown that the five most common mental illnesses share many of the same genetic variations. The study, funded by the National Institute for Mental Health, was carried out by more than 300 scientists at 80 research centers in 20 countries. It provided evidence that people with the disorders are more likely to display a characteristic variation at the same four chromosomal sites, thus suggesting a genetic relation between five of the major mental illnesses.

It has long been established that the five major mental illnesses (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, and depression) feature inherited components. The findings of this study established a common genetic basis for the illnesses. Researchers found that the genetic overlap between the illnesses “is likely higher” as compared to a control. They looked at single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers for the presence of the mental disorder. (SNPs are DNA sequence variations at a single point in the genome.) There was less SNP variation within the five mental disorder genomes, and greater SNP variation between the mental disorder genomes and the control (non-disorder genomes). This positive SNP association among the disorders suggests a shared genetic basis for several mental disorders, including depression.  

Genetic overlap was moderate for bipolar disorder and depression, and for ADHD and depression, signifying that long-established incidence of comorbidity of depression and other mental illnesses does indeed feature a genetic underpinning. The overlap in heritability was about 10% in bipolar disorder and depression and about 9% in schizophrenia and depression.

The study results also pinpointed a confounding phenomenon. While previous twin and family studies have shown that genetic heritability is 81% for schizophrenia and 37% for depression, evidence from the study placed genetic heritability at only 23% and 21% for the diseases, respectively. This suggests that non-inherited genetic factors or environmental factors may play just as a large a part in manifesting mental illness.

This newfound evidence may have significant implications for how mental illnesses are classified and diagnosed. Currently, mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated solely according to their symptoms—in other words, focusing on the consequence, and not on the cause. Emerging data from genomic research is increasingly illuminating the genetic commonalities shared by most, if not all, mental illnesses. This study may call for a new holistic approach to diagnosing and treating mental illness, especially for disorders that demonstrate a significant genetic contribution, such as depression.

Reference:

Cross-Disorder Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. "Genetic relationship between five psychiatric disorders estimated from genome-wide SNPs." Nature Genetics 45.9 (2013): 984-994. doi:10.1038/ng.2711. http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v45/n9/full/ng.2711.html.

Hypericum Perforatum! : The Clinical Uses and Limitations of St. Johns Wort

By: Samantha Mahabeer

Hypericum perforatum!

No, this is not a spell recited by the infamous Harry Potter, but rather a five petal yellow flower that has been used to treat mental disorders for centuries. Ever thought a plant once used against demonic possession and “evil spirits” could have actual clinical uses? Well many scientists seem to agree that this is the case for Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John’s Wort. This herb has been used mostly as an antidepressant, however it is also utilized for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing qualities. It has been used widely throughout Europe as treatment for mild to moderate depression

However, don’t be so quick to run to your local store to buy a bottle of this magical herb if you’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. While clinical trials have shown that St. John’s Wort can have antidepressant-like effects, this is only fully proven for mild to moderate depression. For major depressive disorder, recent studies have found that this form of alternative medicine can have serious side effects. It has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States as a prescription or over-the-counter medicine. Research has proven that St. John’s Wort can interact negatively with many medications in individuals with major depressive disorder. For example, its combination with certain antidepressants can actually lead to a potentially dangerous increase in serotonin, the chemical associated with depression. This condition is called serotonin syndrome, and can cause diarrhea, tremor, confusion, muscle stiffness and even death.

Another rare but possible side effect of using this medication is the onset of psychosis, a disorder which causes an individual to lose touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations and delusions. This plant has also been shown to decrease the efficiency of many prescription medications when used simultaneously, including antidepressants.

                Individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder should continue using prescription medications. Because unlike a Harry Potter spell that it sounds like, Hypericum perforatum cannot be used to defeat mythical creatures, disarm an opponent, or defend oneself against Dementors. While it is significantly powerful in fighting mild to moderately severe depressive disorder, it is not proven to be fully effective against all forms of depression, particularly major depressive disorder. While it would have been cool to have an all-natural, all-powerful remedy for depression, St. John’s Wort is not exactly the universal source of healing we are looking for.

References:

Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;287(14):1807–1814.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John's Wort and Depression. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htm on October 23, 2013.

Ditch the Happy Juice: Treatment for Depression

By: Samantha Mahabeer

“In terms of emotional comfort, it was our belief that no amount of physical contact could match the healing powers of a well-made cocktail.” -David Sedaris, Naked

Why is it that throughout the ages, individuals have chosen to consume alcohol when they feel depressed? Alcohol has been taken by many as a source of “healing” for the blues, or what they may not have formally recognized as clinical depression. For some, alcohol has acquired the status of pharmaceutical treatments, revered as a source of healing, a magical potion that makes the dark feelings of depression vanish with just one shot, or in some cases, many. Could it be that the chemicals present in this “quasi-pharmaceutical poison” do indeed bring relief to depression? Does drowning yourself in a bottle of this “happy juice” instantly bring forth feelings of euphoria and peace by targeting the biological source of depression?

In reality, alcohol does none of this. Although many look to this mysterious mood-altering liquid like it’s a detective, capable of finding the solution to all of life’s mysterious problems, it is actually not an antidepressant, but rather a depressant. Individuals suffering from depression are typically treated with antidepressants, which target neurotransmitters that regulate mood like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Alcohol is a depressant, which basically means that it slows down, the central nervous system.

The common modes of attack for battling a diagnosis of clinical depression are medication and psychotherapy. Mental health specialists treat patients who have depression with the appropriate form of antidepressant. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the newest and most popular antidepressants. Some of the most frequently prescribed SSRIs are Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Zoloft. Similar to SSRIs are norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Effexor and Cymbalta. Although SSRIs and SNRIs have fewer side effects than older antidepressants, they sometimes can cause sexual problems, headaches, jitters, nausea and insomnia. These side effects are significantly less harmful than those of older antidepressants, which were known to cause heart problems, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and weight gain. Abrupt interruption from taking these medications can lead to relapse into depression.

Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” is also effective in treating depression. The two main forms of psychotherapy are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). IPT enables the individual to examine the relationships in their life that may be causing their depression and evaluate how to eliminate that factor. CBT requires that the individual change their negative thought patterns by looking at their environment and relationships positively.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has also been a treatment option for severe and treatment-resistant depression. A pacemaker-like stimulator is placed in a brain region called area 25 that provides constant electrical jolts to activate local and downstream circuitries. Since it is invasive and effective for about 60% of patients, it has been a last resort. However, severely depressed patients would rather take this chance since this illness can be so debilitating.

References:

NIMH  Depression. (n.d.). NIMH  Home. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml.

Strenk, Th. (2010). Alcohol. Restaurant Business. Feb2010, Vol. 109 Issue 2, p.66-66.

Taibbi, R. (1994). How alcohol affects you. Current Health, 2, p. 16-19.

Underwood, Emily. “Short-Circuiting Depression. Science, Nov 2013, Vol. 342, p. 548-551.

The Myths about Depression

By: Samantha Mahabeer

“People really shouldn’t talk about being depressed. Talking about it just makes it worse.”

False.

Most people believe that talking about having a disorder like depression is only dwelling on the problem and change the subject altogether. However, talking about being depressed is an important step towards recovery. While talking about it does not pose a clear solution or cure to an individual’s depression, it does allow the individual to get their feelings off their chest.

“Only girls get depressed.”

False.

While it is true that more females openly admit to being depressed and are twice more likely to suffer from depression than males, there are more males struggling with this disorder than we even realize. Males, especially ages 17 to 22, are not willing to share their experiences with clinical depression. While this reflects the common gender schema in society that girls are more emotional and ready to share their feelings, it illuminates a severe medical problem. Males suffer with depression just as often as females but are less likely to receive the necessary treatment and support needed for recovery because we are simply unaware that they are living with the disorder. Although sex-based differences in brain chemistry do account for part of the reason females are more likely to suffer from depression, in North America the probability of having a major depressive episode within a year-long period is 3–5% for males.

“Depression is no big deal—Its really not even that serious. Just think happier thoughts!“

False. False. False.

Stumbling upon the various myths and misconceptions about depression, this one struck me like lightning, as I came to the realization that it is myths like these that make depression such an unnoticed evil in our culture. While it is normal for everyone to feel sad or under the weather every now and then, clinical depression is a very real and severe illness, that can have a wide range of devastating effects on an individual’s life, especially their future.

Needless to say, I won’t be knocking on the door of my therapist the next time I see my mother shed a tear or my brother frown, but like always, I keep an ongoing record in my head of strange behavior. The problem is not seeing my mother cry, but noticing tears pouring from her eyes consistently. My mother has always been an unexpressive individual, keeping her emotions to herself, and so red flags shoot up when I begin to notice her weeping every other day, or even every week. One of the clearest signs of depression are persistent sad, empty or anxious feelings.

Individuals struggling with this life-altering illness often lose interest in things they once held close to their heart. They appear uninterested and lack motivation. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt overwhelm them. In various daily tasks, they have difficulty concentrating, remembering specific details and often become indecisive. Changes in diet combined with other symptoms of depression can be another clue revealing someone battling this illness. It is also not unusual to find someone suffering from depression awake at absurd hours of the morning, as insomnia is another common symptom.

When is it safe to conclude that a friend or loved one is indeed suffering from depression? Unfortunately, there is not one clear-cut sign pointing towards the illness but rather a myriad of warnings and symptoms that can be evaluated based on the individual’s normal behavior. Being able to separate the myths about depression from the facts is an important step in diagnosing those around you.

References:

NIMH  Depression. (n.d.). NIMH  Home. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml

West Virginia University. Well WVU: The Students’ Center of Health. Eight Common Myths About Depression. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://well.wvu.edu/articles/eight_myths_depression

Signs and Symptoms of Depression: Not Just Sadness

by: Danling Chen 

It is a common misassumption that being depressed is simply “feeling sad all of the time.” This misconception, in turn, often spurs the question: Everyone feels unhappy once in a while, won’t depressed people “snap out of it” eventually?  

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is different. Depression is a mood disorder featuring a variety of symptoms, and it is a vast oversimplification to equate it to mere sadness. There are two major classes of depression: unipolar depression, which is identified by continuous low mood, and manic depression or bipolar disorder, which is characterized by dramatic lows and highs in mood.

Normally, life is characterized by a range of emotions cycling through at a steady pace. But for clinically depressed individuals, life does not smoothly transition from one emotional state to another, as it does for most people.

In unipolar depression, there are no blissful highs to counterbalance sad lows, no periods of euphoria followed by episodes of melancholy. This type of depression, is, to say, a “one-sided coin”: one low mood, one depressed emotion, almost all of the time.

In manic depression or bipolar disorder, states of mania and depression alternate. Individuals will experience periods of manic mood (signaled by elevated energy, intense elation, delusions of grandiosity, and racing speech and thinking), followed by periods of depression and low mood.

In both types of depression, the perpetual “sadness” of the depressed individual is patently distinct from regular sadness. The sadness of depression is more aptly illustrated as an unyielding funk of demotivation, listlessness, and lethargy.

This is the main distinguishing symptom of depression: a perpetual or prolonged period of negative mood. People with depression will often describe themselves as feeling “empty,” as if they are devoid of passion, purpose, and motivation. This state of “hopelessness” will manifest in their speech and behavior, and inevitably go on to interfere with their daily living.

Other symptoms of depression will vary according to the individual. Due to the social stigma surrounding the illness, many people will feel guilt or self-loathing for their self-perceived weakness or for their unrealized potential of achievement in life. They may feel overwhelmingly pessimistic at their chances for recovery, or they may become largely indifferent to their health. They may feel consistently numb and display no exterior emotion, or they may experience occasional bouts of unhappiness, accompanied by crying spells.

In general, individuals with depression will exhibit some common social behaviors. They may lose interest in hobbies which previously brought them pleasure, and stop taking the initiative in their career or family life. They may cease to maintain their appearance or cleanliness. They may withdraw from social settings, and grow increasingly isolated. They may have trouble concentrating at school or at work, and their grades or job performance may suffer as a result.

Depression and anxiety, furthermore, go hand in hand. According to Cameron (2002), the prevalence of comorbid, or simultaneous, anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder may be as high as 60%. This may explain why in addition to sad mood, some depressed individuals will also display irritability, agitation, shortened temper, and persistent worry.

While depression is regarded as a mental illness, it is often accompanied by physical symptoms. Individuals with depression may experience changes in appetite and body weight, and changes in sleep (such as insomnia or excessive sleeping). Loss of energy and chronic fatigue is extremely common. In non-Western nations particularly, depressed patients may also report somatic symptoms like back pain, headache, and constipation, which have no discernible physical root.

The most critical and dangerous symptom of clinical depression is recurrent suicidal thinking. Sometimes, individuals with severe depression will contemplate taking their own life to end their pain. They are often conflicted about suicide, and do not seek death, but rather a means of relieving their overwhelming suffering. These individuals require immediate support from their loved ones and treatment from medical professionals.

It is important to note that there are different intensities and durations of depression, and that there is no “one size fits all” set of symptoms. The internal turmoil of the depressed mind may not always manifest in external behavior, which only emphasizes the necessity for approaching all people with compassion and sensitivity. While the symptoms of depression are not lethal in and of themselves, if left untreated, they may have devastating consequences.

References:

Cameron, O. G. (n.d.). Understanding Comorbid Depression and Anxiety | Psychiatric Times. Psychiatric Times | Psychiatric Times. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/understanding-comorbid-depression-and-anxiety

Major depression - National Library of Medicine - PubMed Health. (n.d.). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001941/

Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Depression (major depression): Symptoms - MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms

NIMH · Signs and Symptoms of Depression. (n.d.). NIMH. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/men-and-depression/signs-and-symptoms-of-depression/index.shtml

Simon, G. E., VonKorff, M., Piccinelli, M., Fullerton, C., & Ormel, J. (1999). An International Study Of The Relation Between Somatic Symptoms And Depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 341(18), 1329-1335. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199910283

Image: http://i.ehow.com/images/a05/9g/op/identify-clinical-depression-800X800.jpg

Confessions of a Depressed Comic

All too often, we perceive those with depression as just someone who is having an off day. We need to shift this perspective. In the spirit of "Mental Health Awareness Week" and TED talks, here is an incredibly moving talk, by Kevin Breel, and his struggle with depression. All it takes is four words...

The Causes of Depression: "My Own Silence"

By Danling Chen

“The silence depressed me. It wasn't the silence of silence. It was my own silence.”
― Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

Like many of her literary peers, twentieth-century American poet Sylvia Plath battled recurring stretches of severe depression, which were punctuated by intense spurts of creative activity. From darkly luminous poetry that spoke of heartrending loneliness, to semi-autobiographical accounts of young women in harrowing downward spirals, Plath’s depression deeply inspired and informed her works.

And yet, at a superficial glance, nothing in Plath’s life appeared to explain the profoundly agonized soul which emerged on paper. She was an ambitious and vivacious personality, who enjoyed critical acclaim and high social standing.

What, then, drove this gifted young writer into the dark depths of her mind; in her own words, “enclosed in a wall of glass”? Was it the stifling confines of society, which prohibited open self-expression, especially for a bright young woman? Was it a biological predisposition carried down through generations of depressed individuals? Or was it a glitch at some fundamental level of the brain?

Modern scientists agree that a variety of factors—social, genetic, biological, psychological—contribute to the complex disorder of depression. However, much like the brain itself, the illness is still shrouded in heavy mystery. There is no single physical attributable cause, only a set of predictive conditions that may predispose some individuals to become depressed.

It is widely agreed that depression stems from differences in neural functioning in the brain. Brain-imaging technologies have implicated several specific brain regions: the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, the anterior cingulate and the nucleus accumbens. Depressed individuals perform poorer on tests of executive functions, pointing to abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex, which governs emotional responses through the limbic system. The hippocampus, which stores long-term memory, has been observed to be smaller in depressed patients. The anterior cingulate and nucleus accumbens are involved in the brain’s reward system, regulating pleasure, motivation, and interest in activities. Furthermore, depression is also associated with: changes to the amygdala, which is associated with negative emotions; and changes to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which are responsible for hormone secretion. Scientists have pinpointed five key neurotransmitters—acetylcholine, GABA, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate—which regulate mood and may play a role in depression. However, it remains to be determined whether these brain abnormalities actually trigger depression, or are merely an accompanying symptom of the illness.

Depression may also follow from difficult life events, such as: the death of a loved one, a significant career setback, health issues, drug use, childhood abuse, or intense daily stress. In addition, gender may contribute to depression, as women are more likely than men to be depressed as a result of hormonal fluctuations. The greatest risk period for depression is immediately after puberty, when sex differences also emerge. Furthermore, studies have shown that depression is strongly linked to genetic heritage and tends to run in families: when one twin is depressed, the other twin is almost four times as likely to be also depressed if the twins are identical twins (as opposed to fraternal twins).

Unfortunately, there is no single established cause, or even trigger, of depression. Instead, depression likely arises from a complex interaction of many causative influences, and it may develop spontaneously at any point in an individual’s lifetime. In the sixty years since Sylvia Plath was diagnosed and began penning her eloquent reflections on depression, understanding of the illness remains limited, and major depressive disorder continues to be stigmatized. Until this aura of fear and suspicion lifts, depressed individuals will be forced to remain in their own silence, quieted by the heavy hand of a misinformed and misunderstanding society.

Cooper, B. (2003). Sylvia Plath And The Depression Continuum. Journal of The Royal Society of Medicine, 96(>6), 296-301. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539515/

NAMI | Mental Illnesses: Depression Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis. (n.d.). NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness - Mental Health Support, Education and Advocacy. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Depression&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=89096

NIMH  Depression. (n.d.). NIMH  Home. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml

Schatzberg, A. F. (2002). Major Depression: Causes or Effects?. The American Journal of Psychology, 159(7). Retrieved September 19, 2013, from http://journals.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?Volume=159&page=1077&journalID=13

What causes depression? - Harvard Health Publications. (n.d.). Health Information and Medical Information - Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/what-causes-depression.htm

I'm not crazy, I don't need to see a "shrink"!

By: Janki Shah  

This denial and embarrassment permeates the thoughts of many individuals. Many people do not know what psychotherapy entails but they usually associate it with seeing the “shrink” or being weak because of the need to seek help from others, or the fear of bringing up painful memories.  Some clients have made the decision to go to therapy but actively try to hide this fact from their social support system such as their friends or family fearing their opinions and judgments. Unfortunately they are not wrong to fear this because it happens more often than we can imagine. The major obstacle hindering individuals to seek therapy is due to self-stigma, or the internalization of an already existing public stigma influencing their actions and their emotions.

Patients and physicians would rather have a quick fix through medications rather than the long term benefits that they might receive from psychotherapy, such as an increased sense of well-being and a better understanding of feelings and behaviors. [1] Sounds much better than pills to me! According to a recent NY Times article, the number of patients receiving medications alone has increased by 23% whereas those receiving psychotherapy along declined by 34%, making it drastically underutilized. [2] However this is not to say medications are not required, because the case varies depending on the individual. But research has shown that the use of medication for mental health illnesses works best in conjunction with some type of therapy or counseling [2]. So not only is there a stigma surrounding depression as an illness but also its potential therapies. Studies have shown that psychotherapy is not only safe but also effective in patients who have depression and anxiety. [2] But sadly, patients underestimate the effectiveness of these therapy techniques but so do physicians, insurers, and the rest of the public. Unfortunately big pharmaceutical companies have the upper hand here, because they are able to provide scientific evidence of their drugs and have the financial backup to control the market, neither which are actually helping those with depression and anxiety.

Unfortunately many refuse to accept the enrichment and relief one can gain from psychotherapy. The words "weak", "failure", and "sensitive" need to stop being associated with therapy and treatment options because only then can we correlate therapy to individuals that are strong and courageous to do what is best for them, even if it means bringing up painful feelings. We can slowly eliminate the stigma by having the right attitude and mind set, by first eliminating the stereotypes surrounding those individuals, whether they be psychologists, therapists, counselors, who are dedicating their lives to empowering and improving the quality of life of others. We also need work on advertising the efficacy of therapy to clients, physicians, policy makers and insurers. Therapy is a way to disentangle our thoughts, have a better understanding of our feelings and beliefs, and reminisce and reflect on your actions, something that we should all gravitate towards, whether we have a mental illness or not.

References.

[1] Schniederman, N. (2007). Mental and Physical Health Influence Each Other. The Great Ideas of Clinical Science: 17 Principles that Every Mental Health Professional Should Understand. (329-336).

[2] Gaudiano, Brandon A. (2013, September 29). Psychotherapy’s Image Problem. The New York Times. Retrieved October 4, 2013. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/opinion/psychotherapys-image-problem.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0)

Pills for Thought

By: Olivia Cheng

You hear that we are becoming a more accepting nation, that there is greater equality being built around the foundations of (wo)mankind and that more and more bridges are being constructed each day. Whether it’s the issue of nature or nurture, there are some things that are beyond control, and so intuitively it makes sense that these people not be judged for these differences. There are a myriad of stigmas associated with these different qualities of people, but there is so much under the surface – and this is becoming more recognized by colleges, corporations, and the media as well. And that regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, etc. people are becoming more accepting than in years prior. The country is making a slow progress to a rainbow-colored coalition of cultural diversity. It’s not perfect, but the key word is progress.

Yet there is one phrase that isn’t often thrown into this mix of diversity and that phrase is “mental disorder.” And maybe that’s a good thing, because disorders like depression are merely that: disorders. Regarding depression, like several disorders, there are medications that be taken to alleviate the symptoms and help that can be sought to treat it. There is no reason to hold a stigma against someone who is facing a medical condition like this, for something that was not asked for but given, for something that is merely the work of circumstances beyond control. (Sound familiar?) The difference with depression is that unlike the other values that add culture to a crowd, depression can really only add burden. But there are routes that can be taken to soothe the mind of it and help create a better lifestyle. There are pills and medication available - as for most treatable disorders and diseases, like lactose intolerance or hypertension. And so it makes sense not to be grouped in the same category as say race or gender. 

But somehow it still is. It may not be labeled as a diverse quality, which is indeed becoming more stressed over the years – but it is placed under the label of stigmatized, and that group as a whole still has a long way to go.