Posts filed under 'Mental Health'
February 25th, 2009
Most of us can relate to walking into a room and having no idea why we
are standing there. It’s usually humorous, frustrating and fleeting;
a few seconds later, we figure it out and go on with life. At other
times, we might literally not be able to recall the name of our best
friend; yet, in a few moments, the name comes to us & we have a good
laugh. For those with progressing dementia, the scene is much
different. Words and memory fail those with dementia with a much
different result: the words and memory don’t return.
That’s where the art materials come in.
Because I’m an art therapist working in an adult day care setting, I’m
unabashedly partial to the use of art materials by persons with
dementia. From crayons to clay, pre-made craft kits to found objects,
using art materials seem to help those who have “lost” something gain
it back. Some professionals think it’s the process of making art that
matters; others think it’s the product that’s the focus. The seniors
at the adult day care don’t care whether it’s product or process–they
care that they have found a way to express themselves without words,
to enjoy a few moments in time, to sense pride in the completion of
their work of art. Art therapy tends to be a non-threatening way for
the seniors to express emotions & thoughts. Artwork doesn’t have to
rely on lost words or on the inability to recall information. The use
of the art materials may build eye hand coordination/dexterity or
improve cognitive functioning. Some seniors literally seem to come to
life when making simple creations. You can sense pride and purpose as
they finish a work of art. For others, the beauty is in connecting
with others at their table–art is a social avenue. They smile, share
their art, create connections. Other seniors find respite from the
anxiety, confusion and fear they experience daily. Others find
comfort in creating something tangible, something permanent that says,
“I was here.”
Simple art materials, profound results.
Donna Addison, MS/ATR-BC/LCPC,Director, Brightside Adult Day Services
February 16th, 2009
I was talking to a senior who was feeling depressed. She had gone to her medical doctor last week. Her doctor told her, “What did you expect? You’re old.”
Time for a new doctor.
Depression in the elderly is not part of the “normal” aging process. Seniors with symptoms of depression should be taken seriously & offered help.
Signs of depression can include decreased ability or interest in completing activities of daily living; change in appetite & sleep pattern; increased medical & physical complaints; irritability, anger, anxiety or depressed mood; isolation; decreased concentration; decreased self esteem; feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness; and, in some cases, suicidal thinking, plan or action. For some, depression is a medical disorder they have been dealing with for a lifetime; for others, it’s a side effect of medications.
If ongoing symptoms of depression are noted, the primary care physician is usually a good place to start; however, if the doctor tells you that it’s just part of getting old, run–don’t walk!– to a different provider.
Medications for depression, review of prescribed medications (some meds seem to increase feelings of depression in the elderly), talk therapy, ruling out other medical conditions (i.e. underactive thyroid) or even getting involved in activities may be part of the healing process. Addressing stressors such as financial concerns or major loss is often beneficial.
While there is no magic pill or quick fix, there is help. Depression is not a normal part of aging. It’s not a weakness, in your head or something you have to live with.
Donna Addison, MS/ATR-BC/LCPC, Director Brightside Adult Day Services
January 23rd, 2009
Mikey’s Story
Mikey was brought to the emergency room following a temper tantrum that lasted 3 hours in which he screamed and beat his head on the wall until his mother had to restrain him.
Mikey is very active and having trouble in preschool and at home. He runs everywhere and even when made to stop and walk can hardly do it, running again 10 seconds later. He squirms and plays while eating at the table often being the last one done. He constantly makes noises with his mouth and instigates his 3-year-old sister by hitting her or telling her something that he knows will get a reaction. He does not appear to listen and often needs even short directions repeated numerous times before he can repeat them back. Even then he forgets again before he completes them. .
Mikey is also very moody being happy and friendly one minute and switching to anger and aggression with very little provocation. He has a difficult time complying with adult requests and becomes oppositional and disrespectful, yelling hurtful things like “I hate you, I’m going to kill you, I’m going to beat you down.” When this happens he is given a time out in the corner to calm down but often just escalates further pounding his head on the wall and saying, “I hate my daddy. I hate my mommy. I hate my sister. I hate my grandpa. I hate my grandma” and so on. When he beats his head hard, his mother or her boyfriend restrain him in a basket hold until he can calm down.
He often tries to hit and kick the adult working with him. He spits at them as well.
These behaviors have been present since he was about 2 years old but have gotten worse as he has gotten older. They are wearing on his mother and her boyfriend who feel like all they do when at home is try to manage Mikey. Due to his behaviors they have difficulty finding someone who will watch him to give them a break. They fear the three year old is being neglected and are also concerned because she is starting to copy Mikey’s behaviors.
At other times he is a polite and pleasant young boy that is charming and sociable, quick to comply and cooperate.
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Studies show that at least one in five children and adolescents have a diagnosable mental illness (www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov). A mental illness is a disorder in thought, mood or behavior that is abnormal for the developmental stage of the person and causes distress in her life and those around her. The widely accepted guide to diagnosing mental illness is the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (version IV-TR) which is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma and judgment surrounding mental illness. When it comes to children with social / emotional problems there is still a tendency to blame the parents. (In all of my years of practice, I have not found blaming the parents to be very helpful.)
In future columns, we will look at the causes of mental illness; signs and symptoms of mental illness in children and adolescents; and various treatments available. We will then look at some of the most common forms of mental illness found in young people
June 9th, 2008
Many of you have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and probably assumed that this happens only in the fall and winter. According to the Diagnositc and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), that is generally the case. The occurence of depressive symptoms during the short days of winter is influenced by latitude, gender and age. 60 - 90% of individuals with SAD are women and younger people are more impacted than older ones. However, it is probably surprising to hear the fact that for some people who older suffer from depression, summer time worsens their symptoms.
So, no matter what time of the year it is, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression that last for more than two weeks, please contact a licensed mental health professional. Help is available.
