Major Depression in the U.S.

The latest study by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported findings on substance use and mood disorders. The results indicate that 5% of individuals had major depressive disorder in the last 12 months and 13% had major depressive disorder within their lifetime. Those at risk for depression included women; Native Americans; people who were widowed; separated or divorced; and individuals who are of lower socioeconomic status. Belonging to the Asian, Hispanic, or Black racial groups decreased one's risk for major depression. The study found that the highest lifetime risk was among middle-aged adults. As have been known for years, women were twice as likely to suffer from depression and were significantly more likely to receive treatment in comparison to men. The mean age of onset for major depression was around 30 years of age. In addition, the mean age at which treatment was received is 34 years, which implies that treatment is sought approximately four years after onset of major depression. The study concluded that there was a high increase of major depression between ages 12 and 16. Following age 40, the risk for major depression declines. Sadly, only 60% of individuals with depression received treatment. Individuals with depression commonly have thoughts of self-harm and 10% of individuals made a suicide attempt. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun @ Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week

May 17 - 23 is Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW). SAW is an annual observance that educates the public regarding schizophrenia and how it affects individuals along with their families. The National Schizophrenia Foundation sponsors SAW and is concentrated on diminishing the fear and misunderstanding of schizophrenia and related disorders. Schizophrenia is a serious debilitating illness that affects individuals, families and communities. It is a brain disease in which a person loses touch with reality. An individual's speech can be affected, emotions and behaviors. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com.

May is National Trauma Awareness Month

The National Trauma Society (NTS) is raising awareness regarding the negative consequences of underage drinking. The NTS reported startling statistics in that more than 45% of students drank alcohol in the last 30 days; 26% of students engage in binge-drinking; and 11% of students drove after drinking. It is suggested that parents' ask the 4 W's:

1. Where will you be?
2. Who will you be with?
3. What will you be doing?
4. When will you be home?

It is suggested that parents keep an open line of communication with their children regarding substance use. Also, talk to your children about peer pressure and what are characteristics of a good friend. Listen to your children and model by example. Be patient, understanding and reasonable with your children. The intent is to teach children to act responsibly! For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com.

May 7, 2009 is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a day for SAMHSA and communities it supports to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. The theme for this year's national event is Thriving in the Community, with an emphasis on high school youth who receive effective services. These youth increase their chances to have successful outcomes such as good grades and are less likely to have negative outcomes such as juvenile delinquency. SAMHSA reports that in 2006, 21% of youth aged 12 to 17 received treatment or counseling for emotional or behavioral problems in the previous year. To help children and youth in San Diego, CA, Association for Compassionate Transformation offers psychotherapy, life-coaching and education services to assist children and their families. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us at our website at www.a4ct.com

May is Mental Health Month

Life in the modern world is characterized by many simultaneous demands that include family, friends, career and various other responsibilities. The economic climate has placed additional pressures upon the current work and family demands that individuals ordinarily face. According to Mental Health America, 58 million Americans reported struggling at the end of the year 2008. This finding represents an increase by more than 22 million Americans who were struggling earlier in the year. Regardless of the stress in people's lives, there are many tools individuals can utilize to buffer the effects of stress and cope with multitude of challenges that individuals face. The theme for Mental Health Month 2009 is, "Live Your Life Well." Researchers have identified 10 research-validated tools to combat stress and promote health and well-being.

1. Utilize your friendships. Research indicates that utilizing our social support network increases our happiness which improves our health and longevity.
2. Be optimistic. Staying positive fosters health. Practicing gratitude can assist anyone during challenging times.
3. Stay physically active. Maintaining a healthy activity level can prevent onset of illness, manage any physical conditions one may have, improve sleep, increase energy, balance our mental and emotional lives, boost your immunity and sustain your health!
4. Be pro-social. Helping others increases our happiness, self-worth and decreases levels of stress.
5. Get proper sleep. Often when individuals are stressed they lack enough sleep. Sleep affords many health benefits that include mental and emotional stability, it helps with learning and memory and it strengths our immune system.
6. Be joyful. Maintain a sense of gratitude and laugh often. Laughter is a great remedy for life's challenges and has many health benefits. Positive emotions creates health within the mind and body.
7. Eat well. Eat foods that will sustain your overall health. The foods you consume affect your mood and energy. Healthy foods fight disease and provide fuel to your brain.
8. Nurture your spirit. Spirituality can be understood as connecting to whatever you consider meaningful and holy. You can find it in God, yourself, other people, nature, love or kindness. Maintaining a sense of spirituality affords good mental health, a reduction in stress, gives you a sense of meaning and purpose, helps understand suffering and reminds one of what is positive in life.
9. Constructive coping. Utilize constructive coping strategies that are going to enhance mental, emotional and physical health. Coping tools can include writing, walking, exercising, talking to a trusted friend or professional.
10. Get professional help when needed. If you find that your stress levels are impairing your level of functioning at home, work, school or relationally you can benefit from professional help. If you find that your stress levels are overwhelming you mentally, emotionally or physically you can benefit from professional assistance. Professionals are trained to assist you in building your self-confidence, solving your problems and attain your goals.

For further assistance, please email Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com.