Marriage and Family Therapist
Julie Cohen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist MFT and a Child Mental Health Specialist with a private practice in Los Angeles Her areas of focus include depression anxiety panic post-traumatic stress bipolar…
Everyminute.org
Posted in Anxiety by Julie Cohen on Nov 13, 2008

 


 


Daily Strength is a wonderful place to get peer support if you are struggling with mental health issues.  But, in order to accelerate healing and find cures research is essential and often overlooked when it comes to mental illness.  Although I don't usually endorse any organizations, there is one grassroots group that is doing a lot to promote research for mental health.  And, they are also active members here at Daily Strength.


Everyminute.org is an organization dedicated to promoting research for mental health issues.  Jace, the Communications Director at Everyminute.org wanted me to pass on the following information:


"I want DS members that struggle with mental health problems to know that there is hope in accelerating mental health research. I want them to know that they have a role to play in making sure our mental health is properly funded. If the 57 millions with mental health problems do not stand up and voice their concern then thousands more will die from suicide due to poor treatment and diagnosis. The Director of the National Institute of Mental Health promises a better tomorrow, but only if we demand it today, "We now have the research tools necessary. Now is the time for research to set an ambitious goal of finding cures and preventive interventions for these disabling illnesses."


Public funding has flat lined, and I would love to have your and the DS community's help in supporting research. The two action steps would be to 1) Sign our declaration at everyminute.org 2) join the everyminute.org community on DS."


Another very valuable resource on their website is their list of referrals to local service providers.  Check them out both at their website as well as their group here on Daily Strength.


 


 



Displaying comments 10-1 of 10
10
done...thankyou
By toria53  Dec 12, 2008
9
I have a daughter who seems to go from one extreme to another with her moods.. she talks to me at one moment continously and extremely friendly and loving and then the slightest thing said wrong she can go on a cold distant hateful state that can last for days. I remember when she went into a crying thing for 3 whole days over a guy who she ended up marrying and then divorcing a couple of months later cause she said he was abusive. She already had been in an abusive relationship her senior year in high school but when I saw bruises I took action but I believe she dislikes me passionately for it but knows it was the right thing to do. She tells me I don't love her when I spend most of my life trying to deal with her many dramas and help her... she is a beautiful girl with a very sharp mind but her emotions are really out of whack. When I think back she was always very emotional but it is really bad now. What is this? I finally convinced her to see a psychologist but I don't think he is helping her much. He does the REM movement thing and it will help a little but she is still going in and out of these mood swings. If anything I just vented but do hope someone has some suggestions... thanks Liz
By lizjohn  Nov 19, 2008
8
Well probably so. It is a complex story however I was not diagnosed until 40 with bipolar and a seizure disorder by neurologist and psychiatrist. The seizure disorder can mimic bipolar. So I guess they are assuming both. Antidepressants can bring on seizures and obviously manic episodes. My psychologist does not think I really am so for me it would be nice if there was a scientific test just to know. I have an MA in psychology and I see some of it. Whatever it is it has been a rough ride.

We need drugs with a higher rate of efficacy also.



Jen
By jenjengenx  Nov 17, 2008
7
As a mental health counselor, I agree with your recommendations. I also have a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition and am very interested in natural things that can help overcome depression and help Bipolar Disorder. I really like Dr. Andrew Stoll's (a research psychiatrist) book, "The Omega 3 Connection." His research shows that fish oil can help both depression, Post Partum Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Another book I like is "Depression-Free Naturally," by Joan Mathews Larsen,Ph.D. I have also been doing research that indicates that candida may have a significatn role in Bipolar Disorder and depression. A candida questionnaire may be pulled up at this site: http://cassia.org.candida.htm. Another factor may be the pH of your blood and tissues. Dr. Jay Golstein, a research psychiatrist and author of the book, "Tuning the Brain," writes that when the pH of the blood and tissues in the brain is at a 6.0 (normal is 7.3) some of the neurotransmitters do not connect. I have seen people improve on an alkaline diet and more information is available on my blog://http://healingbodyspirit.blogspot.com.
Kindest regards,
Patty Butts, Ph.D., LPC
By patty765  Nov 17, 2008
6
This is a great site for help and support
thanks
By Kellie58  Nov 16, 2008
5
I dont know if I have come to the right place, but its my sister. Shes the 2nd oldest in the family and for the last couple of years, her attidude and personality has changed alot. The last year or so she seems to have got alot worse in her actions. I'm just worried as she was once close to my other sister, and they use to go everywhere with each other, my sister Heidi never did anything to hurt my other sister, yet she doesnt want to know Heidi anymore! Then the last few months she looked after my little boy, and a couple of weeks ago said she didnt want to do it anymore, and for us all to go to hell!

We havent done anything for this kind of attention. She used to cry alot and still does though I havent talked to her for a while, cos she dosent want anything to do with us anymore!

She shuts herself in her bedroom all the time, Is obsessed about makeup, Is very paranoid! and also said the Devil was talking to her on the T.V... When she looked after josh my son it was dark, as she had all the blinds closed!

What is wrong with her, Im really scared for her!
By joanne1976  Nov 16, 2008
4
This article gave me new found hope. Thanks!

One bright spot in our horizon is the new law to give the same benefits to a mental health diagnosis as other medical diagnoses. Maybe the next time I need hospitalisation they won't throw me out with a fistful of scripts after 7 days! If they do - I'll call my lawyer.

It is a comfort and a concern to learn there are 57 million Americans suffering from diseases of the brain.

Lastly, may I refer Ms. Cohen to the Mayo Clinic website. They are a research organization as much as a treatment clinic. I had over 5 days of testing there to assist in my diagnosis - which was developed by a team of doctors (Psychiatrist, Internist, Gastro doctor and GYN). I recommend Mayo to anyone and everyone - including other health organizations and doctors.

To USVeteran, Thank you for serving! I sorry to hear that you feel so bad. I'll pray for God to give you relief. He's gotten me through much suffering. Try to distract your mind with anything that fascinates you, music, comedy, C-Span, and sport. By engaging your "logical" mind you diminish the power of your "emotional" symptoms. Ever hear the expression, "burry yourself in your work"?

Something small you can do for yourself to feel better is get some touch. Family, friends, co-workers, pets all can provide physical contact. Even a handshake creates chemicals to be released that are a kind of pain killer. All alone today? Spend 5 minutes rubbing lotion from head to toe and make your own contact.
By katiescarlett  Nov 16, 2008
3
Thank you, Julie. Here is the link to the everyminute.org DS Group: http://dailystrength.org/groups/ev...
By everyminute  Nov 15, 2008
2
I am a disabled American Vet suffering from Hep C and PTSD
My Liver and Spleen are enlarged and I feel like crap 24/7
I use a website www.lakewinnipesaukee.net as therapy which everybody ignores

Thanks and take Care
By USVeteran  Nov 13, 2008
1
Do you have any information regarding mental health coverage for meds and treatment, when one is let out of prison?
By rfc  Nov 13, 2008
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