Category Archives: Depression

Vulnerability and Boundaries

06 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by in Bi-Polar, Brain Imaging and Counseling, Creativity, Depression, Discrimination, mental illness, Mood Disorder, Psychiatry, Recovery, Schizophrenia, Self Esteem, Shame, vulnerability

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I so appreciate people like Kay Redfield Jameson and Elen Saks for having the courage and the leverage in their life and position in order to share about their success, mental illness, and stigma they have overcome. I think that society’s attitude has changed even in the last 5 years. I have read case law on a slander law suit even for calling someone ‘bipolar’ when this was their diagnosis by a doctor, because it was used to refer to them as though that is all of who they were. Many people who have mental illness are also very skilled and successful in professional jobs but even if they were not, the assumptions and defamation that people incur with labels may be slanderous and incriminating.

Though I love Brene Brown and what she has shared many people’s ‘vulnerabilities’ publicly pale in comparison to these two women- Dr. Jameson and Dr. Saks. We may feel extreme shame regarding issues that may not incur nearly the consequences of stigma and shame, or rather ‘discrimination’, that mental illnesses have across centuries. Some issues are more taboo. Brene says, “They have to earn the right to hear our story.” Conversely, these women paid out for skeptics and critics to benefit from hearing their stories backed up with their credentials. I am certain there were some worthy friends who earned the right to hear their stories and saw them through. When statistics show nearly one in five people suffer with mental illness we must know we all have family members and friends also suffering in silence. Clearly society is not ready for many people to share about the mental illness they have suffered and even overcome, publicly.  I love what Dr. Brown has to say about shame and vulnerability being the birth place of innovation and the man in the arena.


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What can you do about this in Gainesville, FL this month?

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Gainesville, FL Annual Mental Illness Awareness Walk to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. NAMI Gainesville (National Allinance on Mental Illness) provides education, advocacy and support for family members and individuals dealing with a mental illness. All services offered are free. Help NAMI by showing support and donating funds if you can. T-Shirts to anyone donating at least $10

https://www.facebook.com/events/271164809934041/

 

http://www.lovingtherapy.com

Rachel Hofer, MS

 

Canine Assisted Therapy

07 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by in animal assisted therapy, Anxiety, at risk, community involvement, Depression, Disability, volunteering

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Love just graduated from the Bay County ‘Lifeline’ Program and was trained to obey over five commands by women in the Bay County Jail. She is in training as a Service and Therapy dog.

Shakira

Rachel Hofer did a training with Elizabeth Hollingsworth, LMHC and Keba the Human Whisperer in 2010 and is helping to train Love!

Resources on Canine Assisted Therapy:

http://hopecanheal.com/elizabeth.html

http://tandfbis.s3.amazonaws.com/rt-media/pp/common/sample-chapters/9780415888332.pdf

canine-assisted-therapy-training-certificate

Creativity and Mental Illness

06 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by in Bi-Polar, Creativity, Depression, Mood Disorder

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Dr. Kay Redfield Jameson lives with bi-polar illness. She has been a very successful psychologist and writer. She believes that the research shows and the truth of the matter is that there is a correlation between mood disorders and highly creative artwork.  However, she says not to romanticize mental illness. Though many creatives and famous creative artists had mental illnesses that had an affect on their artwork, this did not come without its price. Byron and Van Gough, for example, wanted treatment for their illnesses. Many wanted to be treated and to get help, and some committed suicide at a young age. She makes the point that it is not a choice between being creative and taking medication.

Dr. Shelley Carson has a focus in her studies on psychopathology and creativity and teaches at Harvard. She says that most people who are creative do not have mental illness. She says people who have bi-polar and are creative are most creative right around the up and down from normal ranges of mood. She says the flight of ideas in mania and the feeling of ‘greater clarity’ may be part of what improves creativity in mental illness. She says anyone can become more creative by following the steps in her book. So you do not need to have mental illness to be creative.

Rachel Hofer

http://www.lovingtherapy.com

Body Image

02 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in Body Image, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Depression, Eating Disorders, Self Esteem

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Men and women make jokes about our sensitivity regarding body image. Do I look fat in this? However, body image is a serious issue. On the far end of this continuum this issue may lead to eating disorders and depression. Eating Disorders affect  millions of people, are the most common of mental disorders among women and girls, are often chronic, associated with limited functioning in everyday life, suicidal thoughts, may result in severe medical problems, and even death (Seligman, 333).

Unfortunately, less than one third of people who live with an eating disorder ever enter into treatment (Seligman, 341).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is better than no treatment, medication alone, and other forms of therapy for Eating Disorders (Seligman, 341). Changes in thinking, identifying triggers, and working with a therapist who cares and can listen works not just to manage symptoms but to get to the root of the problems underlying the cycle. Body image is often a huge component. Often a nutritionist can be a helpful member of the team and consulting with a doctor for medical examination and treatment is a must. Although, some people do not ever live completely free of the symptoms, many do. They learn to function and enjoy their lives more fully. A therapist can help to deal with the stress of living with the disorder as well as to tackle the underlying issues and changes in thinking and behavior that need to occur to live free of the disorder.

The first step is to come out of the denial. A friend or family member can have a huge impact on a person taking that first step. A healthy community encourages one another and the relationships among our friends, family, and neighbors are essential to the healing that takes place (Crabb, xii). Be a friend. Be a listener. Be understanding. Show respect. Hold up and bear the weight of others weaknesses where you can and you will experience so much joy in being a part of the process of connecting and healing!


Someone also made a spoof of how men all think they are good looking. Now though it is funny, men also struggle with body image and it is no joke. The female to male difference in prevalence is about three to one. Body image concerns have increased dramatically over the last three decades for men also.

Crabb, Larry. (1997). Connecting. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing.

Seligman, Linda & Reichenberg, Lourie W. (2007). Selecting Effective Treatments, Third Edition. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Rachel Hofer

http://www.lovingtherapy.com