Community Magazine July 2009

70 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE WHEN NORMAL SUDDENLY ISN’T Mental health can be viewed as a continu- um of behavior from normal to abnormal. “Normal” means a range of actions that are considered acceptable by a given cul- ture. We must include the aspect of culture when judging normalcy because customs and practices of a given culture may look abnormal to those unfamiliar with that cul- ture. Anybody who has ever prayed with tefillin in a public place and gotten strange looks can easily relate to culture’s impact upon the definition of “normalcy.” We can then define abnormal behavior by its comparison to what is considered nor- mal. By nature, and for the sake of survival, human beings worry. Anxiety over a test, a new job interview, or when travelling to a foreign place serves to keep one mo- tivated, prepared and alert. But when that anxiety paralyzes a person, preventing him from getting up to go to school, work, or the airport, then an anxiety disorder is di- agnosed. A psychological disorder, by definition, is abnormal behavior exhibited over an extended period of time accompanied by long-term inability to function. Psychologi- cal disorders can be categorized as mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders, such as ob- sessive-compulsive disorder and panic dis- order. Keeping in mind that 70 percent of people who are depressed also have anxiety issues, diagnosing and treating a patient ac- curately is vital to restoring normal mental health. MOOD DISORDERS DEPRESSION Everyone, at various times in their life, feels sad or blue; and of course it’s normal to feel sad on occasion. Sometimes, sadness re- sults from life’s experiences, such as mov- ing to a different city and leaving friends behind, losing a job, or the death of a loved one. But “normal” feelings of sadness differ from the feelings caused by depression in several ways, including: Intensity: Depression is more intense • than a simple “bad mood.” Duration: A bad mood is usually gone • in a few days, but depression lasts two weeks or longer. Level of disruption: A bad mood • doesn’t keep you from going to work or school or spending time with friends, but depression can make it difficult to do these things and even to get out of bed. The following quotes from community members describing their experiences with depression can help us understand more clearly the difference between depression and an ordinary bad mood: “Depression is like being in a dark tunnel, with no end in sight. I had an overwhelm- ing sense of helplessness and hopelessness. I was in so much emotional pain, I felt like I couldn’t go on another day. I couldn’t even think about my children; I just wanted to end the sadness and pain.” Depression can take on different forms, like in bipolar disorder (see below), and surface at specific times, as in the case of postpar- tum depression experienced by some wom- en after childbirth, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which affects people dur- ing the winter months due to the scarcity of sunlight. “I was angry and frustrated all the time and I felt so guilty because I was taking it out on my family. I almost lost everything. My wife in- sisted I go to a doctor who diag- nosed me with depression. I thought depression made you sad, but not mine. It made me mean. Once I start- ed medication, I got my life back.” Has Mental Health GoneMainstream? MOZELLE MIMRAN, LCSW In last month’s article, we presented some important facts about mental health and community resources for obtaining mental health services. This month, we focus on symptoms of specific mental health disorders to help individuals determine when they need to reach out for help for themselves or a loved one.With accurate information about mood and anxiety disorders, our community can debunk the myths and stigmas associated with these disorders, thus ensuring that everyone seeks and receives the help he or she needs. Part II

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