Anxiety and distress during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby are often subjects that no one wants to talk about....... During pregnancy many women feel a sense of well-being during their pregnancy. Some women (about 15-30%) will feel depressed. With such an important event occurring, we could expect that coping with all the hopes and fears might be difficult - especially if you are not well supported. Society considers pregnancy a time of joy, so if depression or other problems occur then women may feel isolated and unable to reveal their true feelings. Talking to someone can often help. If other help is required, it can also be arranged. Some things you can do: Find a support person who will be able to help after baby is born. Talk to your partner about taking time off after baby is born. Join a group and talk to other mothers-to-be. Try not to move house or make any big changes for a while after baby is born (or late in your pregnancy). Be kind to yourself. It takes time and a lot of energy to adjust to becoming a mum. If you are returning to work try to allow as much time off as possible. As a Parent: Women respond to motherhood in many ways. Many feel a sense of joy and elation at the arrival of a new baby, while others may feel emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or grief, fear or despair, after the birth. Most mothers have a mixture of feelings. For some mothers the responsibility of caring for a new baby can be overwhelming. Mothers are often exhausted looking after a new baby (it is a 24 hour job), especially if they have the extra responsibility of other children. They can be so busy looking after everyone else that they have no time to look after themselves. For those having their first baby, changes in lifestyle, roles and relationships take place. It takes time to adjust and it often helps to talk to someone. Partners may be confused by what is happening and may even have similar problems adjusting. They, the partners, can also become depressed. Motherhood: Motherhood is a new role and one that has to be learned like all others. For you, this may be a new responsibility. Caring for someone who is totally dependent on you is an awesome experience, and can be a source of considerable worry as well as a special privilege. You may be working long hours within the household, you may also be back at work, you may not have a lot of support or be isolated. Stress and depression during pregnancy, and after the birth of the baby, are common. Many women experience symptoms such as those listed below:
low mood; loss of interests and pleasures; leep disturbance; appetite disturbance; exhaustion or over-activity; crying; irritability; confusion; anxiety; panic attacks; feeling negative about things; feeling inadequate; feeling guilty; loss of sexual interest; fear of being alone; fear of social contact; memory loss; loss of concentration. If you feel you are becoming overwhelmed by these feelings and you are worried about coping, or if you have little support, please speak to your doctor or nurse about them. Or you might like to contact your local Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service. This service has been set up to support women during both the antenatal and the postnatal period. Bowral contact number is: the Antenatal Service Midwife and/or Social Worker at the Bowral District Hospital on (02) 4861 0200 (Mon to Fri- 9am-5pm); or postnatally - Family and Childhood Community Health Nurses, at the Bowral Community Health Centre on (02)4861 8000
Friday, July 24, 2009
Domestic Violence
"I just want the violence to stop" It is hard to accept that someone your care about has deliberately hurt you. We are not just talking about physical abuse. Abuse can also include using force or fear to make you do things that you don't want to do. What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is an abuse of power perpetrated mainly (but not only) by men against women both in a relationship and after separation. It occurs when one partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate and control the other. Domestic Violence takes on a number of forms, the most commonly acknowledged forms are: Physical Assault - punching, hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, choking or use of weapons, spitting, raising fists, throwing objects at you. Sexual Assault - Being forced to have sex (rape), indecent assault, being forced to look at pornography. Emotional Abuse - Threats of violence or death, emotional and verbal abuse which threatens, degrades or insults you. Social Abuse - Being stopped from seeing friends and family. Your partner isolating you from people and controlling where you go. Economic Abuse - Having no access to, or control over money and other resources, being forced to live without money.
Effects of Domestic Violence: The effects of Domestic Violence have been well documented. Women in their child-bearing years appear to be more at risk than older women. Domestic Violence is likely to escalate during pregnancy. Domestic Violence can lead to substance misuse and abuse. Domestic Violence impacts adversely on the victim's physical and mental health. Effects of Domestic Violence include: Physical injury, disability and death. Stress related illnesses: - depression, anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, feelings of helplessness and inability to cope. Loss of self-esteem and ability to make decisions and exercise choice. Poverty and homelessness.
Effects of Domestic Violence on children: Greater anxiety, bed wetting, restlessness, and unmanageable behaviour. Verbally and physically aggressive, destructive with toys and property. Withdrawal and suicidal. Learning difficulties. Hyperactivity, running away from home. Disrespect for women.
Facts: Police respond to approximately 120,000 domestic violence incidents each year. 75% of victims are female and 80% of offenders are male. On average there are 77 domestic homicides in Australia each year. Aboriginal women are far more likely to experience domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.
Local Police Stations - Domestic Violence is a crime:
Bowral - 4862 9299; Mittagong - 4871 1222; Moss Vale - 4868 1222; Robertson - 4885 1244
In emergency or life-threatening situations always dial 000 and ask for urgent police response.
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs): Apprehended Violence Orders are preventative Orders to protect victims in the future. An AVO puts conditions on the offenders behaviour to protect the victim from future violence. Orders can be made if the victim is afraid the offender will assault, threaten, molest, harrass, intimidate or stalk them. Orders can be made whether or not the offender has been charged by the police. Making an Apprehended Violence Order does not give the offender a criminal record. However, breaking an Order is a criminal offence. Conditions on your AVO can be varied, if your circumstances change, by applying to the Local Court for a variation.
For further information contact: Yvonne at the YWCA Family Abuse Prevention Service situated at the Bowral Memorial Hall 24 Bendooley Street, Bowral 2576. Phone: (02) 4861 1911 or mobile: 0423 770 305. Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63
Effects of Domestic Violence: The effects of Domestic Violence have been well documented. Women in their child-bearing years appear to be more at risk than older women. Domestic Violence is likely to escalate during pregnancy. Domestic Violence can lead to substance misuse and abuse. Domestic Violence impacts adversely on the victim's physical and mental health. Effects of Domestic Violence include: Physical injury, disability and death. Stress related illnesses: - depression, anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, feelings of helplessness and inability to cope. Loss of self-esteem and ability to make decisions and exercise choice. Poverty and homelessness.
Effects of Domestic Violence on children: Greater anxiety, bed wetting, restlessness, and unmanageable behaviour. Verbally and physically aggressive, destructive with toys and property. Withdrawal and suicidal. Learning difficulties. Hyperactivity, running away from home. Disrespect for women.
Facts: Police respond to approximately 120,000 domestic violence incidents each year. 75% of victims are female and 80% of offenders are male. On average there are 77 domestic homicides in Australia each year. Aboriginal women are far more likely to experience domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.
Local Police Stations - Domestic Violence is a crime:
Bowral - 4862 9299; Mittagong - 4871 1222; Moss Vale - 4868 1222; Robertson - 4885 1244
In emergency or life-threatening situations always dial 000 and ask for urgent police response.
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs): Apprehended Violence Orders are preventative Orders to protect victims in the future. An AVO puts conditions on the offenders behaviour to protect the victim from future violence. Orders can be made if the victim is afraid the offender will assault, threaten, molest, harrass, intimidate or stalk them. Orders can be made whether or not the offender has been charged by the police. Making an Apprehended Violence Order does not give the offender a criminal record. However, breaking an Order is a criminal offence. Conditions on your AVO can be varied, if your circumstances change, by applying to the Local Court for a variation.
For further information contact: Yvonne at the YWCA Family Abuse Prevention Service situated at the Bowral Memorial Hall 24 Bendooley Street, Bowral 2576. Phone: (02) 4861 1911 or mobile: 0423 770 305. Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63
Myths, misunderstandings and facts about mental illness
Myths, misunderstandings, and negative stereotypes and attitudes surround mental illness. These result in stigma, discrimination and isolation of people with mental illness, as well as their families and carers.
Common questions about mental illness are: Are mental illnesses a form of intellectual disability or brain damage? No. They are illnesses just like any other, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Yet the traditions of sympathy, support, and flowers given to people with physical illnesses are often denied to those with a mental illness. Are mental illnesses incurable and lifelong? No. When treated appropriately and early, many people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness. For others, mental illness may recur throughout their lives and require ongoing treatment. This is the same as many physical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Like these other long-term health conditions, mental illness can be managed so that individuals live life to the fullest. Although some people become disabled as a result of ongoing mental illness, many who experience even very major episodes of illness live full and productive lives. Are people born with a mental illness? No. A vulnerability to some mental illnesses, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. But other people develop mental illness with no family history. Many factors contribute to the onset of a mental illness. These include stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, physical and sexual abuse, unemployment, social isolation, and major physical illness or disability. Our understanding of the causes of mental illness is growing. Can anyone develop a mental illness? Yes. In fact, as many as one in five Australians may develop a mental illness at some stage in their lives. Everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. Many people feel more comfortable with the notion of having 'a nervous breakdown' rather than a mental illness. However, it is important to talk openly about mental illness, as this reduces the stigma and helps people seek early treatment. Are people with mental illness usually dangerous? No. This false perception underlies some of the most damaging stereotypes. People with a mental illness are seldom dangerous. Even people with the most severe mental illness are rarely dangerous when receiving appropriate treatment and support. Should people with a mental illness be isolated from the community? No. Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not even need hospital care. Others have short admissions to hospital for treatment. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation that was commonly used in the past. A very small number of people with mental illness need hospital care, sometimes against their will. Improvements in treatment are making this less and less common, and fewer than one in 1000 people are treated this way. Is stigma one of the biggest problems for people with a mental illness? Yes. One of the biggest obstacles for people recovering from mental illness is confronting the negative attitudes of other people. These often mean that people with mental illness face isolation and discrimination just for having an illness. Positive and hopeful attitudes of family, friends, service providers, employers, and other members of the community toward people with a mental illness are critical to ensuring quality of life for people with mental illness and supporting recovery. What can be done about the stigma of mental illness? Think about mental illnesses like any other illness or health condition and bring them into the open. Talk about mental illness openly with everyone you meet - it is surprising how many people are affected by mental illness, particularly by the highly prevalent disorders of depression and anxiety. Educate the community to overcome negative stereotypes based on misconceptions. Promote mental health and healthy attitudes through childhood and adult life. Support the development of resilience: learn ways to deal with stress in relationships, situations and events. Assist friends and family with a mental illness to obtain care and treatment as early as possible. Ensure high quality support and treatment services are provided to people with mental illness to promote recovery. Actively support the families and carers of people who have a mental illness, who also experience the confusion, distress, and stigma that can accompany mental illness. Address discrimination in every area of life, including employment, education, and the provision of goods, services and facilities. Encourage research into mental illness to assist understanding of how these illnesses affect people and can be prevented and/or effectively treated.
Where to go for help: your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000);your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Useful Websites:
www.sane.org
www.mifa.org.au
www.ranzcp.org
www.auseinet.com
www.healthinsite.gov.au
Common questions about mental illness are: Are mental illnesses a form of intellectual disability or brain damage? No. They are illnesses just like any other, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Yet the traditions of sympathy, support, and flowers given to people with physical illnesses are often denied to those with a mental illness. Are mental illnesses incurable and lifelong? No. When treated appropriately and early, many people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness. For others, mental illness may recur throughout their lives and require ongoing treatment. This is the same as many physical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Like these other long-term health conditions, mental illness can be managed so that individuals live life to the fullest. Although some people become disabled as a result of ongoing mental illness, many who experience even very major episodes of illness live full and productive lives. Are people born with a mental illness? No. A vulnerability to some mental illnesses, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. But other people develop mental illness with no family history. Many factors contribute to the onset of a mental illness. These include stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, physical and sexual abuse, unemployment, social isolation, and major physical illness or disability. Our understanding of the causes of mental illness is growing. Can anyone develop a mental illness? Yes. In fact, as many as one in five Australians may develop a mental illness at some stage in their lives. Everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. Many people feel more comfortable with the notion of having 'a nervous breakdown' rather than a mental illness. However, it is important to talk openly about mental illness, as this reduces the stigma and helps people seek early treatment. Are people with mental illness usually dangerous? No. This false perception underlies some of the most damaging stereotypes. People with a mental illness are seldom dangerous. Even people with the most severe mental illness are rarely dangerous when receiving appropriate treatment and support. Should people with a mental illness be isolated from the community? No. Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not even need hospital care. Others have short admissions to hospital for treatment. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation that was commonly used in the past. A very small number of people with mental illness need hospital care, sometimes against their will. Improvements in treatment are making this less and less common, and fewer than one in 1000 people are treated this way. Is stigma one of the biggest problems for people with a mental illness? Yes. One of the biggest obstacles for people recovering from mental illness is confronting the negative attitudes of other people. These often mean that people with mental illness face isolation and discrimination just for having an illness. Positive and hopeful attitudes of family, friends, service providers, employers, and other members of the community toward people with a mental illness are critical to ensuring quality of life for people with mental illness and supporting recovery. What can be done about the stigma of mental illness? Think about mental illnesses like any other illness or health condition and bring them into the open. Talk about mental illness openly with everyone you meet - it is surprising how many people are affected by mental illness, particularly by the highly prevalent disorders of depression and anxiety. Educate the community to overcome negative stereotypes based on misconceptions. Promote mental health and healthy attitudes through childhood and adult life. Support the development of resilience: learn ways to deal with stress in relationships, situations and events. Assist friends and family with a mental illness to obtain care and treatment as early as possible. Ensure high quality support and treatment services are provided to people with mental illness to promote recovery. Actively support the families and carers of people who have a mental illness, who also experience the confusion, distress, and stigma that can accompany mental illness. Address discrimination in every area of life, including employment, education, and the provision of goods, services and facilities. Encourage research into mental illness to assist understanding of how these illnesses affect people and can be prevented and/or effectively treated.
Where to go for help: your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000);your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Useful Websites:
www.sane.org
www.mifa.org.au
www.ranzcp.org
www.auseinet.com
www.healthinsite.gov.au
What is mental illness?
About one in five Australians will experience a mental illness, and most of us will experience a mental health problem at some time in our lives. Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses in the same way that heart disease refers to a group of illnesses and disorders affecting the heart. A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems. A mental health problem also interferes with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness. Mental health problems are more common and include mental ill health that can be experienced temporarily as a reaction to the stresses of life. Mental health problems are less severe than mental illnesses, but may develop into a mental illness if they are not effectively dealt with. Mental illnesses cause a great deal of suffering to those experiencing them, as well as their families and friends. Furthermore, these problems appear to be increasing. According to the World Health Organisation, depression will be one of the biggest health problems worldwide by the year 2020. Types of mental illness: Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Some of the major types are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. The most common mental illnesses are anxiety and depressive disorders. While everyone experiences strong feelings of tension, fear, or sadness at times, a mental illness is present when these feelings become so disturbing and overwhelming that people have great difficulty coping with day-to-day activities, such as work, enjoying leisure time, and maintaining relationships. At their most extreme, people with a depressive disorder may not be able to get out of bed or care for themselves physically. People with certain types of anxiety disorder may not be able to leave the house, or may have compulsive rituals to help them alleviate their fears. Less common are mental illnesses that may involve psychosis. These include schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. People experiencing an acute episode of psychosis lose touch with reality and perceive their world differently from normal. Their ability to make sense of thoughts, feelings, and the world around them is seriously affected. A psychotic episode may involve delusions, such as false beliefs of persecution, guilt or grandeur. It may involve hallucinations, where the person sees, hears, tastes, or smells things that are not there. Psychotic episodes can be threatening and confusing to other people. Such behaviour is difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with it. Treatment of mental illness: Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and accessing effective treatment early is important. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome. Episodes of mental illness can come and go during different periods in people's lives. Some people experience only one episode of illness and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives. Effective treatments can include medication, cognitive and behavioural psychological therapies, psycho-social support, psychiatric disability rehabilitation, avoidance of risk factors such as harmful alcohol and other drug use, and learning self-management skills. It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will. To suggest this is not helpful in any way. People with a mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness. A mental illness is no different - it is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed. People with a mental illness may be at risk of harmful alcohol and other drug use. This makes treatment more complex, so that effectively managing alcohol and other drug use is important. Risk of suicide is heightened for people with some mental illnesses, particularly soon after diagnosis or release from hospital.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
What is mental illness?
About one in five Australians will experience a mental illness, and most of us will experience a mental health problem at some time in our lives. Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses in the same way that heart disease refers to a group of illnesses and disorders affecting the heart. A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems. A mental health problem also interferes with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness. Mental health problems are more common and include mental ill health that can be experienced temporarily as a reaction to the stresses of life. Mental health problems are less severe than mental illnesses, but may develop into a mental illness if they are not effectively dealt with. Mental illnesses cause a great deal of suffering to those experiencing them, as well as their families and friends. Furthermore, these problems appear to be increasing. According to the World Health Organisation, depression will be one of the biggest health problems worldwide by the year 2020. Types of mental illness: Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Some of the major types are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. The most common mental illnesses are anxiety and depressive disorders. While everyone experiences strong feelings of tension, fear, or sadness at times, a mental illness is present when these feelings become so disturbing and overwhelming that people have great difficulty coping with day-to-day activities, such as work, enjoying leisure time, and maintaining relationships. At their most extreme, people with a depressive disorder may not be able to get out of bed or care for themselves physically. People with certain types of anxiety disorder may not be able to leave the house, or may have compulsive rituals to help them alleviate their fears. Less common are mental illnesses that may involve psychosis. These include schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. People experiencing an acute episode of psychosis lose touch with reality and perceive their world differently from normal. Their ability to make sense of thoughts, feelings, and the world around them is seriously affected. A psychotic episode may involve delusions, such as false beliefs of persecution, guilt or grandeur. It may involve hallucinations, where the person sees, hears, tastes, or smells things that are not there.Psychotic episodes can be threatening and confusing to other people,. Such behaviour is difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with it. Treatment of mental illness: Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and accessing effective treatment early is important. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome. Episodes of mental illness can come and go during different periods in people's lives. Some people experience only one episode of illness and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives. Effective treatments can include medication, cognitive and behavioural psychological therapies, psycho-social support, psychiatric disability rehabilitation, avoidance of risk factors such as harmful alcohol and other drug use, and learning self-management skills. It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will. To suggest this is not helpful in any way.People with a mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness. A mental illness is no different - it is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed.People with a mental illness may be at risk of harmful alcohol and other drug use. This makes treatment more complex, so that effectively managing alcohol and other drug use is important. Risk of suicide is heightened for people with some mental illnesses, particularly soon after diagnosis or release from hospital.
What are anxiety disorders?
What is anxiety? Anxiety is a term which describes a normal feeling people experience when faced with threat or danger, or when stressed. When people become anxious, they typically feel upset, uncomfortable and tense. Feelings of anxiety are caused by experiences of life, such as job loss, relationship breakdown, serious illness, major accident or the death of someone close. Feeling anxious is appropriate in these situations and usually we feel anxious for only a limited time. These feelings are not regarded as clinical anxiety, but are a part of everyday life. What are the anxiety disorders? The anxiety disorders are a group of illnesses, each characterised by persistent feelings of high anxiety. There are feelings of continual or extreme discomfort and tension, with the fear of panic attacks, usually without discernible cause. People are likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when their level of anxiety and feelings of panic are so extreme that they significantly interfere with daily life and stop them doing what they want to do. This is what characterises an anxiety disorder as more than normal feelings of anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect the way the person thinks, feels and behaves and, if not treated, cause considerable suffering and distress. They often begin in early adulthood and are often triggered by a series of significant life events. Anxiety disorders are common and affect one in 20 people at any given time. What are the main types of anxiety disorders? Most types of anxiety disorder are characterised by heightened anxiety and fear of panic. Obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are considered types of anxiety disorder, as both feature high levels of anxiety, which people try to control. Generalised anxiety disorder People with this disorder worry constantly about harm affecting themselves or loved ones, for example, financial disaster, their health, work, or personal relationships. The irrational worry is accompanied by a feeling of constant apprehension.Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is a fear of being in places or situations from which it may be difficult or embarrassing to get away, or the fear that help might be unavailable if needed. Agoraphobia is the most common anxiety disorder and constitutes about half those with anxiety disorders who seek professional help. People with agoraphobia most commonly experience fear in a cluster of situations: in supermarkets and department stores, crowded places of all kinds, confined spaces, public transport, lifts, freeways and heights. People experiencing agoraphobia may find comfort in the company of a safe person or object. This may be a spouse, friend, pet or medicine carried with them.We do not understand why, but the onset of agoraphobia is common between the ages of 15 and 20, or between 30 and 40. many more women than men seek treatment. Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia):People with this disorder experience extreme panic attacks in situations where most people would not be afraid. The attacks are accompanied by all the unpleasant physical symptoms of anxiety, with a fear that the attack will lead to death or a total loss of control. It is because of this that some people start to experience a fear of going outside (agoraphobia) and being in places where help is not at hand. Specific phobia: Everyone has some irrational fears, but phobias are intense fears about particular objects or situations which interfere in our lives. These might include fear of heights, water, dogs, closed spaces, snakes or spiders. Someone with a specific phobia is fine when the feared object is not present. However, when faced with the feared object or situation, the person can become highly anxious and experience a panic attack. People affected by phobias can go to great lengths to avoid situations which would force them to confront the object or situation which they fear. Social phobia: People with social phobia fear that others will judge everything they do in a negative way. They believe they are permanently flawed and worthless if any sign of poor performance is detected. They cope by either trying to do everything perfectly, limiting what they do in front of others, especially eating, drinking, speaking or writing, or they withdraw gradually from contact with others. Obsessive compulsive disorder:This disorder involves constant unwanted thoughts, and often results in the performance of elaborate rituals in an attempt to control or banish persistent thoughts. The rituals are usually time consuming and seriously interfere with everyday life. For example, people may be constantly driven to wash their hands or continually returning home to check that the door is locked or the oven is turned off. People with this disorder are often acutely embarrassed and keep it a secret, even from their families. Post-traumatic stress disorder: Many people who have experienced major traumas such as war, torture, vehicle accidents, fires or personal violence continue to feel terror long after the event is over. They may experience nightmares or flashbacks for years. The flashbacks are often brought about by triggers related to the experience, but not necessarily central to it. What cause anxiety disorders? The causes of each disorder may vary and it is not always easy to determine the causes in every case.Personality: People with certain characteristics are more prone to anxiety disorders. Those who are easily aroused and upset, and are very sensitive and emotional, are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. People who, in childhood, were inhibited and shy may also be prone to develop certain anxiety disorders, such as social phobia. Learnt response: Some people exposed to situations, people or objects that are upsetting or anxiety-arousing may develop an anxiety response when faced with the same situation, person, or object again, or become anxious when thinking about the situation, person, or object. Heredity: The tendency to develop anxiety disorders may run in families or a person may also "learn" anxious responses from their family or parents. Biochemical processes: Although there is no clear evidence, it is possible that some anxiety disorders result from chemical processes in the brain. In all cases, there is a need for a thorough examination of the person to help determine the nature of the problem and how it may best be treated. What treatment is available? Anxiety disorders, if they are not managed, continue to interfere significantly with the person's thinking and behaviour, causing considerable suffering and distress. Many professionals such as your general practitioner, psychologists, social workers or counsellors can assist in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Treatment will often include education and counselling, to help the person understand their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. People develop new ways of thinking about their anxiety and how to deal more effectively with feelings of anxiety. Medication is sometimes used to help the person control their high anxiety levels, panic attacks or depression. The benzodiazepines (eg diazepam and valium), are used for the temporary relief of anxiety, but care has to be taken as these medications may cause dependence. Anti-depressants play an important role in the treatment of any associated or underlying depression. Contrary to common belief, antidepressants are not addictive. Where to go for help: your local general practitioner; your local community health centre. (Bowral (02) 4861 8000); your local community mental health service. (Bowral (02) 4861 8000)
Intimacy and mental illness
The social isolation experienced by people with a mental illness includes a lack of emotional and physical intimacy - action is needed by government at all levels to improve opportunities for those affected to be enabled to develop close relationships with others, and so improve their capacity for recovery. Social isolation and loneliness are a common experience for many people with a mental illness, especially those who have a psychiatric disability. This not only impedes recovery, it is also a known risk factor for physical and mental health. The SANE Research Bulletin #8, focuses on the lack of emotional and physical relationships among people living with a mental illness, the consequences of this for their lives, and what can be done about it. The survey was conducted between September and December 2008, using a convenience sample of 424 people who completed a questionnaire anonymously via the SANE website. The majority of respondents were female (75%) and predominantly 25-39 years old (42%). Nearly all (89%) had dependent children. The most common diagnoses reported were depression (47%), bipolar disorder (20%), anxiety disorders (11%), schizophrenia (10%), and personality disorders (5%). What is the impact of mental illness on personal relationships? About half of those surveyed (49%) had no close relationship with another person (compared to around 15% of the general population). Almost as many (43%) reported they did not have a close friend with whom they could discuss things. Being isolated from other people is known to damage mental health. It is even used as a punishment and torture technique in prisons - yet this is a situation many people with a mental illness have to endure, in addition to their symptoms and the poverty they commonly experience. What is the impact of mental illness on physical intimacy? Almost all respondents reported needing physical intimacy, yet this was rare for many, and a significant number (13%) had not even touched or been touched by another person for over 12 months. Physical intimacy includes hugging and touching others, whether a partner, friend or family member. It is an important aspect of feeling affection and of being valued. What is the impact of mental illness on sexual intimacy? Sexual pleasure is a basic human need, as well as being an important part of a loving relationship with another person. People with a mental illness, however, are far less likely to experience sexual intimacy than the general population. Over one third (35%) of those surveyed reported that they had not had a sexual relationship in the previous 12 months. Sexual desire and function may be affected by the side-effects of medication as well as by symptoms. What support is provided for sexual health? Despite the importance of intimacy in people's lives and the negative impact on it of mental illness, there is little support to overcome this challenge. Half of all respondents reported that they had not discussed the issue with their doctor or health worker, even though many (65%) said that medication affected sexual desire and function. A similar number (65%) reported that they felt that they did not know enough about sexual matters, and would welcome support in this important and highly personal area of their lives. A concerning finding in the survey was that almost half of those who took part (46%) were not receiving regular pap tests, breast screening or checks for prostate cancer. Around one third (32%) had never been tested for STDs. These figures reflect the general poor physical health care provided to people regarded all too often as solely "mental health patients". In summary: many people with a mental illness lead isolated, lonely lives, often having no partner or even friends to share their lives. For many people with a mental illness, loneliness is compounded by a lack of physical intimacy - signs of affection such as hugs and kisses. This is a particularly harsh aspect of social exclusion. People with a mental illness are far less likely to have sexual relationships than the general population, reflecting a more general difficulty in social relations. People with a mental illness report poor support regarding sexual health, with a high number not receiving regular health checks such as pap smears, breast screening or prostate checks. Recommendations
Promotion of social inclusion: Action is needed by all levels of government to ensure people with a mental illness are genuinely included in their local communities, and have opportunities to meet and socialise with others.
Recovery-focused rehabilitation programs also need to provide support to improve communication and social skills where necessary to to facilitate this social inclusion.
Support to develop relationships: Doctors and other health professionals need improved awareness of the effects of mental illness on social relations, and to understand the profound negative impact this has on quality of life and mental health.
Education and training is needed in how to discuss the effects of mental illness on emotional, physical and sexual intimacy, and how these issues can be addressed.
Improved sex education: The onset of mental illness often occurs in the late teens, disrupting acquisition of life skills as well as education. Health professionals and recovery-focused rehabilitation programs need to provide practical education for people affected by mental illness about sexuality and related issues.
Sexual health checks: People with a mental illness, are known to be at greater risk of physical health problems than the general population, yet most do not receive regular health checks. As this survey indicates, checks of sexual health are also sparsely provided. GPs and other health services need encouragement and incentives to provide regular health checks for people with a mental illness. These need to include pap smears, breast screening, prostate checks and testing for sexually-transmitted disease, as well as other routine tests.
SANE Australia - A national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness - through campaigning, education and research. www.sane.org Supported by the R E Ross Trust - Feb 2009.
Promotion of social inclusion: Action is needed by all levels of government to ensure people with a mental illness are genuinely included in their local communities, and have opportunities to meet and socialise with others.
Recovery-focused rehabilitation programs also need to provide support to improve communication and social skills where necessary to to facilitate this social inclusion.
Support to develop relationships: Doctors and other health professionals need improved awareness of the effects of mental illness on social relations, and to understand the profound negative impact this has on quality of life and mental health.
Education and training is needed in how to discuss the effects of mental illness on emotional, physical and sexual intimacy, and how these issues can be addressed.
Improved sex education: The onset of mental illness often occurs in the late teens, disrupting acquisition of life skills as well as education. Health professionals and recovery-focused rehabilitation programs need to provide practical education for people affected by mental illness about sexuality and related issues.
Sexual health checks: People with a mental illness, are known to be at greater risk of physical health problems than the general population, yet most do not receive regular health checks. As this survey indicates, checks of sexual health are also sparsely provided. GPs and other health services need encouragement and incentives to provide regular health checks for people with a mental illness. These need to include pap smears, breast screening, prostate checks and testing for sexually-transmitted disease, as well as other routine tests.
SANE Australia - A national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness - through campaigning, education and research. www.sane.org Supported by the R E Ross Trust - Feb 2009.
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