DepED

It's over a year since I first highlighted DepEd, an online resource for understanding and managing depression from the Black Dog Institute. As several people have since mentioned to me how useful they found DepEd to be, I thought it worth mentioning again.

There are seven modules in total, from depression in general through to specific types of depression through to getting help and keeping well.

This part of the Black Dog site also include a link to a set of modules for bipolar disorder education, personal stories from people who have experienced various types of depression, links to an extensive set of fact and hint sheets, and to various books available for purchase.

A great set of resources. Let me know what you like (or even don't like)?

A Balanced Life

I often get offered books to review. Most I don't accept but this one interested me because of the different perspective on mental health that it offered.

A Balanced Life is written by Tom Smith. Based partly on research and, more importantly I think, on Tom's experiences with his daughter who had bipolar and subsequently committed sucide, the book provides a useful insight into what family members and friends can expect when someone in their life suffers from a mental illness.

The book outlines nine key strategies for coping with the mental illness of a loved one. These strategies cover medication, therapist, self-esteem and support issues among others. All of these are well-illustrated by the author's and others' personal experiences but, what I really liked, was the inclusion of a number of questions in each section to stimulate personal reflection.

The only minor issue I might have with recommending the book is the ninth strategy which references to dependence on a Higher Power, akin to some of the 12 step programs. Why? Simply because this can alienate some people, even though by talking of a Higher Power, the author attempts to take a spiritual as opposed to religious approach.

I found the book to be extremely readable, well-structured and a useful for resource for anyone finding themselves in this position.

If you want to learn more about Tom Smith and the Karla Smith Foundation, named for his daughter, which supports parents and loved ones of mentally ill people, please follow the links.

My favourite Black Dog again.

Online learning resources for depression and bipolar disorder can be found here.

You don't have to be famous....

I was a woman on a mission. The idea was to coast the local library, succumb to an hour's reading of trashy magazines accompanied by a good latte and something naughty to eat and then to trawl the shelves for some light, fun (and non-psychological) reading. I'm psych-booked out, what can I say?

First part went according to plan. All those things I never knew about Oprah, Britney, Diana and didn't need to. Coffee was perfect, naughty treat, yum. My hips aren't thanking me though.

Second part, not so good. Had a few titles in mind I wanted to get. I need to get back to reading for pleasure. It's an art that's all too easily lost. All were out. So I ended up browsing and finally end up in the Psychology section.

I did find the book pictured above though. Titled 'You don't have to be famous to have manic depression' (yet featuring a foreword by Stephen Fry ironically), it's written by Jeremy Thomas and Dr. Tony Hughes. Jeremy was diagnosed with manic depression, now renamed bipolar disease, over twenty years ago. Although not ground-breaking in any sense, it's nonetheless proving to be an interesting read. The first section is a series of conversations between Jeremy and Tony, detailing Jeremy's experiences with this condition. If you've ever read the fabulous book by John Cleese and Robin Cook (Families and How to Survive Them), you'll get an idea of what the book is like. The second part of the book is more practical with resources for understanding mental health and getting life back on track. In any case, worth a read.

And, just to point out, I didn't receive anything to mention the book.....not even the yummy treat.

Taking control of bipolar disorder

The Black Dog Institute is an Australian organisation involved in clinical research and education in relation to improving understanding and treatment of both depression and bipolar disorder.

Today, many more people use the internet to research medical conditions and treatments. In view of this trend, the Institute has launched the world's first online bipolar study to see if it is possible to provide better help via the internet for people with bipolar disorder.

The program combines psychoeducation with specific therapeutic techniques to help reduce symptoms and rates of relapse. Participants will be able to monitor their condition using state-of-the-art technology.

"The concept has wide implications for the management of

mental health in the Australian and international populations.

Potentially, this type of online help can supplement traditional health care which is already stretched to meet community needs."
Dr. Carol Barnes

Consultant Psychiatrist with the Black Dog Institute

Chief Investigator for the study

The program is intended to run for a year. It will certainly be interesting to see whether such a program will prove to be beneficial.

You can read more about the study and complete an eligibility questionnaire, if interested, here.

Resources:

Black Dog Institute press release
.