"Babies have "mental health" -- they are deeply feeling beings who are developing a sense of who they are, their value and worth, from day one. This process begins with the dance that takes place during everyday moments, like feeding, which are actually quite extraordinary when you look at them through the eyes of a young child."
During Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, attention often focuses on school-age children and teens, and the age-associated behavioural, developmental, and mental health conditions that can affect these young people. But what about newborn babies and infants ... should we be concerned with their mental health? And at what age exactly does mental health truly begin? Advocate and executive director of ZERO TO THREE explores this concept of infant mental health in the article "Babies' Mental Health Matters".
"Babies have "mental health" -- they are deeply feeling beings who are developing a sense of who they are, their value and worth, from day one. This process begins with the dance that takes place during everyday moments, like feeding, which are actually quite extraordinary when you look at them through the eyes of a young child."
0 Comments
We often rely on journalists and news stations to keep us updated on news and events happening around the globe, whether that be surrounding mental health topics or more commonly disasters, wars, and terrible tragedies. Though many of us constantly read the headlines, scroll through Twitter for news updates, and browse our favourite sections of the local paper, not many of us take a moment to stop and consider how these individuals' exposures on the job may be affecting them and in some cases leading to the development of emotional turmoil and mental illness. "As much as journalists may fancy themselves superhuman observers of history, the truth is that we are as susceptible to trauma as the victims whose stories we tell. Those covering natural disasters or war are not the only ones who suffer. “It turns out that almost all journalists are exposed to traumatic-stress experiences,” said Elana Newman, a professor of psychology at the University of Tulsa who studies journalism and trauma... A 2001 study found that upwards of 85 percent experience work-related trauma. Other research shows that 4 to 28 percent suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder over the course of their careers, and up to 20 percent experience depression. Even when psychological symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia and anxiety don’t rise to the level of a disorder, they still take a toll." For Part 1 of 5 of this article series, check out: "A Mental-Health Epidemic In The Newsroom" by Gabriel Arana (Huffington Post) Cognitive and physical decline often go hand-in-hand. Although there are no drugs that can be prescribed to prevent cognitive decline, a prescription for physical activity might help to stave it off. "In just 20 years, it’s estimated that people over 65 years of age will make up one-quarter of Canada’s population. Whether those boomers will, in fact, be living out their “golden years” will depend largely on their ability to live independently. Their old age will be healthy and happy only if they conquer the geriatric challenges of cognitive impairment and decreased mobility...Research on seniors with mild cognitive impairments shows that exercise has positive results on cognition and reduces the number of falls. Conversely, cognitive brain training exercises increase mobility and the ability to exercise." To read more about one author's view of the importance of physical activity on a person's cognitive and physical wellbeing, check out this opinion piece recently appearing in the Montreal Gazette: http://montrealgazette.com/health/seniors/opinion-physical-and-mental-exercise-contribute-to-a-happy-and-healthy-old-age Though substance use is beginning to receive increased attention in politics and the media, in research, and in advocacy efforts, addiction still seems to be largely misunderstood. Similar to other aspects of mental health, the language we use to describe the use of alcohol and other drugs may be to blame for the persistent perpetuation of stigma and negative perspectives that promote shame among those affected by these disorders rather than help-seeking behaviours. In the article "To Address Addiction, Start With Words", the author (an addictions medicine physician) delves into this subject and encourages us to reconsider the use of terms like "clean" vs "dirty" and "addicts", as how we portray substance use and those affected can have a powerful impact. "Elsewhere in medicine, people with chronic conditions also are not defined by their disease, especially when being seen for care. For example, patients admitted to a hospital for depression are not called "depressives" even if they are involuntarily committed after a suicide attempt. Yet individuals with substance use disorders are called "addicts" far more than "patients." "Addict" conjures up a bad person who belongs in a jail cell, not someone worthy of receiving high quality medical care. " In many long-term care facilities resources to address residents' mental health are limited. A new program in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is working to address this gap in care. Seeds of Success is scheduled to debut at Northwood, a long-term care facility in Halifax, this month. It's initial focus is on group horticultural therapy. "Research shows gardening is effective in helping mood disorders. At Northwood Care, it will be done in small sessions of up to 10 people. They can refer themselves or be referred by a doctor or family member. The sessions aim to end depression and anxiety, which are common among people in long-term care says resident Trudie Helmke [member of Northwood's Mental Health Committee]. The program will begin with gardening and creative expression, then progress to work in greenhouses, relaxation and mindfulness training." To read more about this new endeavor, visit http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/halifax-care-home-develops-mental-health-treatment-plan-for-residents-1.3032012 In many parts of the world, accessible and affordable mental healthcare is hard to find. When combined with cultural barriers and strong negative perceptions of mental illness found in places such as Beirut, Lebanon, too many individuals end up struggling in silence. However, a newly formed group in Lebanon, WA3I ("awareness" in Arabic), is working hard to try and break through these societal barriers. In addition to increasing the population's understanding of mental health and encouraging acceptance of therapy and medications, the group has also been focusing their attention on the young generations, hoping to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Recently, WA3I held a storytelling event where university students and graduates shared their own personal accounts of enduring and overcoming mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and trichotillomania. "Something extraordinary happened Tuesday in Beirut. For the first time ever in Lebanon -- and possibly the Middle East -- several young people living with mental illness came forward before an audience of hundreds to tell their stories and raise awareness about mental illness. In a culture where mental illness is treated with silence and shame, these young trailblazers bravely shared their struggles and healing journeys to open minds and save lives. It was nothing short of revolutionary." For more information about this story, check out "Unmasking Mental Illness in Beirut" by Emily O'Dell (Huffington Post). Put your knowledge and skills to the test with a case of a 26 year old man who presents to the ED with intermittent confusion, weakness, lethargy, abdominal pain and jaundice. With regards to his past medical and psychiatric history, the patient has an alcohol use disorder, and drinks up to 1L of vodka a day. He was recently hospitalized 6 months ago for alcoholic hepatitis and severe hyponatremia. Blood alcohol and urine drug screens are negative, and a head CT is done to rule out an acute intracranial pathology. What is causing this patient's symptoms? How would you manage this patient? "Sober Today, But Lethargic and Confused" by Kathryn Faloba, Viwek S. Bisen, Anthony M. Tobia, Adam J. Trenton, and Aphrodite M. Zimmerman (Current Psychiatry) |
Description
Supporting and enhancing students' and health professionals' knowledge and understanding of mental health and psychiatry
Archives
June 2017
Categories
All
|