My Support - September 6, 2009
CBF's Wish List :-)
Can you help with a tax deductible donation? CBF is in need of the following:
- office space (office large enough for desk, chair, & book shelves)
- copy machine
- fax machine
We are also looking for pro bono services including:
- Public Relations work
- Web Master
- Writer; press releases, newspaper articles
Thank you!
New Sibling Support Groups Forming Now - FREE
Two new Sibling Support Groups are forming now. If you are interested in having your son or daughter join a support group, please contact us. Two groups forming in October; grades 3-5 and 6-10. Groups meet once a month and are facilitated by a licensed clinician.
Reply to Tom Kelly.
Bodin Group Reduces Fees
The economy continues to create additional obstacles for families already in crisis!
2009 marks the 30th year that Bodin has been working with families to develop successful plans for their children, adolescents and young adults in crisis or who otherwise may not be thriving. Never before have we seen so many families who are deferring services due to the costs involved.
In response, Bodin is extending and flexing our service options in order to better serve our clients during these difficult times. We are offering discounts on our published rates. We have also launched Bodin Transitional Services, a comprehensive, in home program designed to support families who might otherwise defer due to cost.
Additionally, several schools, programs and professionals have provided financial assistance to our clients, and we greatly appreciate their generosity.
If you have a family that needs our help, please call us and we can discuss the options. We are always available to speak with families directly who wish to learn more about our services. Callers are not charged for this initial time with an expert consultant.
We can be reached at 800.874.2124 or visit our website at www.thebodingroup.com
Sincerely, Brenda Loringer
County of San Diego Children's Mental Health Services Provider Resource Manual.
If you would like a copy of the July, 2009 electronic version of the County of San Diego Children's Mental Health Services Provider Resource Manual. Please contact Tom Kelly. He will forward you a copy.
Schering-Plough Announces FDA Approval Of SAPHRIS(R) (asenapine) For Acute Treatment Of Schizophrenia In Adults And Manic Or Mixed Episodes Of Bipolar
Schering-Plough Announces FDA Approval Of SAPHRIS(R) (asenapine) For Acute Treatment Of Schizophrenia In Adults And Manic Or Mixed Episodes Of Bipolar
Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SAPHRIS((R)) (asenapine) sublingual tablets for acute treatment of schizophrenia in adults and acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder with or without psychotic features in adults.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160755.php
Back to School info regarding IEP and disputes
The CADRE Caucus ~ Back to School Special Edition
News from the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
Volume 11, Number 2 August 2009
Welcome to The CADRE Caucus. The Caucus periodically updates you on new features and resources found at the CADRE web site and in the world of special education conflict resolution. CADRE encourages you to inform us of resources that may be helpful to those interested in mediation and special education conflict resolution. This edition of The CADRE Caucus highlights three of our most popular resources that help family members, educators, service providers and others have the best conversations possible.
Steps to Success: Communicating with Your Child's School
This resource offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school.
To review this publication, click here:
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/success.cfm
Listening
This new flash video introduces the critical skill of listening and helps viewers recognize its importance and value. Viewers will better understand the skills involved in effective listening and its role in communication and problem solving.
To view the video, click here:
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/listening.cfm
To view CADRE's video on Understanding "Positions" and "Interests", click here:
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/understanding_p os.cfm
Educating Our Children Together: A Sourcebook for Effective Family-School-Community Partnerships
This comprehensive publication offers a variety of practical ideas that families and schools can use to enhance and support family, school and community partnerships. The sourcebook includes guiding principles for family-school-community involvement, tips for getting started, a self-assessment tool to determine current practices, and program descriptions that have been organized around eight interrelated.
To review this publication, click here:
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/EducatingOurChi ldren_01.cfm
Effective IEP Meetings: Tested Tips
This brief document offers suggestions for convening successful IEP meetings. It includes preparation tips for parents and educators.
To review the publication, click here:
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/testedtips.cfm
Mothers of Special Needs Children Tea
Dear Friends,
I just wanted you to know about a wonderful opportunity for Mothers of Special Needs Children. The women's ministry department of Shadow Mountain Church along with a group called Tea Givers is organizing a Tea for Special Mothers on October 17 at 11:00am. This event is open to all mothers of special children regardless of what church they attend or perhaps don't attend at all.
It will be a lovely catered event featuring real tea settings and authentic tea and goodies. There will be a guest speaker, Jolene Philo who is a speaker and writer with a huge heart for Parents of Special Needs and critically ill children. You can find more info on her here: http://www.jolenephilo.com/Jolene_Philo__/Home_.html
Additional information and online registration is available online at the Shadow Mt. website here: http://www.shadowmountain.org/default.aspx?page=3060&promotionId=94
Scholarships are available for those who may need financial assistance to attend. Tickets are $15 each. Any questions can be directed to: Joyce Tepfer at jtepfer@shadowmountain.org
Please pass this information along to any other moms you know. I would entertain the notion of driving down there together if any of you are interested.
Andrea Moriarty
858-518-1418
A Mother's Reflective Voice in the Hullabaloo
Mental Health Ministries e-Spotlight - Fall 2009
Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 5-11
National Day of Prayer is Tuesday, October 6
National Depression Screening Day is October 8
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK
Mental Illness Awareness Week is the first week in October. This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with community groups in your area to raise awareness about mental illness. This e-Spotlight will include information and resources to help you make the most of this educational opportunity.
THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS RECOVERY AND UNDERSTANDING
The National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Awareness Recovery and Understanding is Tuesday, October 6. This day of prayer was initiated by Angela Vickers, JD of NAMI Florida and Gunnar Christiansen, MD of NAMI California in 2004. It has had widespread support by individual congregations and National Faith Community Mental Illness Networks.The prayers and actions of both faith communities and secular organizations (e.g. NAMI, NMHA, DBSA, OCF, ADAA, etc.) are needed to restore mental wellness in America. In seeking God's guidance, we can recommit ourselves to replacing misinformation, blame, fear and prejudice with truth and love in order to offer hope to all who are touched by mental illness.
You can download a resource with liturgies to use for the National Day of Prayer on the Home page of the Mental Health Ministries website. This resource is available in English and Spanish. Many faith communities have sponsored an interfaith candle lighting service using a liturgy written by Carole J. Wills that is included in this resource. These prayers and liturgies, however, can be used at any time during the year.
NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY (NDSD)
We know that persons are more likely to go to their faith leader first with mental health problems than to mental health professionals. Yet studies show that most clergy are not effective in providing appropriate support or referrals. There are many reasons for this. Much of the work of Mental Health Ministries is to provide resources to educate faith leaders and congregations about mental illness and how they can support persons and families living with these "no fault" illnesses.
The National Depression Screening Day will be held on Thursday, October 8th, 2009. NDSD screening sites are sponsored by hospitals, mental health centers, government agencies, social service agencies, advocacy organizations, colleges, primary care clinics, workplaces, healthcare companies AND some faith communities. These screening programs now include both in-person and online programs for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems and suicide prevention. There is a special link for persons in the military.
It is important to let members of your congregation know about screening sites in your area. If we can reach persons with undetected and untreated mental disorders, we can encourage them to seek appropriate treatment. If we talk about mental illness like any other illness, we will help to reduce the stigma and shame associated with these brain disorders. It is also helpful if faith leaders have the names of local mental health professionals and organizations in order to provide appropriate referral information at any time of the year.
For more information, visit http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/ and click on "For the Public" to the link "find a screening site in your area" tab.
DEPRESSION SELF TEST
Approximately 19 million Americans experience depression. We have included the Zung Self Rating Depression Scale on the Home page of our website. Another simple 20-question quiz that can help identify common symptoms of depression and their severity is available at http://www.lexapro.com/check_symptoms/dep_screener.aspx. This quick inventory was developed by A. John Rush, MD, a leading psychiatrist and author from the University of Texas Medical Center. It is adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.
Remember-depression is more than just feeling down. It is a real medical condition that can be effectively treated, but first you must seek help. These tools can be used for you or given to others.
SPIRITUAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS
We have also added two spiritual assessment tools to the website to help mental health professionals find ways to include a person's faith and spirituality in the treatment and recovery process. Included on the Home page and under Resources and Links you can download the following tools for spiritual assessment.
FICA: Personal Spiritual Assessment
FICA: Taking a Spiritual History
VETERAN'S DAY BULLETIN
Veteran's Day is Wednesday, November 11. It is a time to honor and remember our military veterans...past and present. We can make a difference in the lives of millions of people if we not only remember, but also reach out to support the troops returning from combat service.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a major mental health issue as our veterans return from serving in the war. The Rand Corporation recently released a study estimating that one in five U.S. service members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffers from major depression or combat stress. We are seeing an increase in combat stress, addiction, domestic violence and suicide. Too often the ethic is to be silent about combat related mental health problems. Only half of those with mental health problems seek treatment.
Mental Health Ministries is offering an interfaith Veteran's Day resource that can be used as a bulletin insert or flyer. It can be printed on both sides and cut in half to save paper. We hope this will raise the important issues faced by our returning troops and give your faith community some ideas on how to be supportive. This resource is available in English and in Spanish. We also have an article, How Faith Communities Can Help Veteran's and Their Families Readjust by VA Chaplain, David Lundell.
YOUR IDEAS WEBSITE PAGE
The first step in creating "caring congregations" is education. Once mental illness is a "safe" topic to talk about, your congregation can begin to find ways to minister to and with persons with a mental illness and their families. Each congregation is unique. We are gratified that some of our resources have been helpful in breaking down the barriers of fear, ignorance and stigma associated with illnesses of the brain.
Many of you have found your own creative and effective ways of raising awareness about mental illness. You can read some of the ideas that have worked for other communities in the Your Ideas section of our website. We encourage you to submit your own ideas for inclusion in this section.
MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRIES DVD SET
We have put the best of our educational videos on our two DVD set to help educate faith communities about various mental health issues. The shows on the set, Mental Illness and Families of Faith: How Congregations Can Respond, are "user-friendly" and short enough to be used in a variety of settings including classes and small groups. Each segment has a discussion guide with background information, questions for discussion and where to find additional resources.
These eight shows cover a variety of mental health issues. Professionals provide important information about each illness. But mostly you will hear from real people who live with these brain disorders. Each segment presents an issue related to the experience of mental illness, puts a face to the issue and offers a message of hope.
LIST OF SHOWS
Disc 1
Coming Out of the Dark (Interfaith Introduction, (Length: 53 seconds)
Mental Illness in Different Age Groups (Length: 17:39 minutes)
Mental Illness and Families of Faith (Length: 20:50 minutes)
Understanding Depression (Length: 16:31 minutes)
Overcoming Stigma: Finding Hope (Length: 13:13 minutes)
Disc 2
Addiction and Depression (Length: 16:42 minutes)
Anxiety: Overcoming the Fear (Length: 18:49 minutes)
Teenage Depression and Suicide (Length: 14:39 minutes)
Eating Disorders: Wasting Away (Length: 12:58 minutes)
Creating Caring Congregations (Length: 10:39 minutes)
This 2 DVD set is closed captioned. This resource can be ordered on our
COMFORT MY PEOPLE
Comfort My People is a new resource on mental illness just released by The Presbyterian Church USA. You can download this resource or purchase copies through the Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS) at http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09726.htm. Additional Copies are available at $4.00 each from the Presbyterian Distribution Service (PDS), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396, or by calling 1-800-524-2612. The PDS order number is #02-052-09-003
COMING SOON - MENTALL ILLNESS AND FAMILIES OF FAITH: THE CHALLENGE AND THE VISION
I have written a four session discussion/resource guide for clergy and communities of faith in response to the many questions and requests for information that I receive from persons want to include spirituality as an important part of the treatment and recovery process. This will be a free resource that can be downloaded on the Mental Health Ministries website. The four sections include, Understanding Mental Illness, The Unique Role of Faith Communities, Creating Caring Congregations and Help for Faith Leaders.
A preview of the Table of Contents will provide a more detailed description of the topics this resource will cover.
SNIPPETS FROM SUSAN
The Ark
I've always loved the story of Noah's ark. I even have a little wooden ark in my office. Noah's ark is, after all, the story of God's grace and the promise of God's covenant with us. Each of us enters the ark in faith that God will see us through the storms, winds and floods of our lives. And while we are on the ark, we are aware of the delicate balance and interdependence that exists between all living things, as well as with the created world. The inhabitants of Noah's ark might well have become discouraged if they had not had one another to depend on. Through the difficult times in my life, I've had to learn how to hang on to others, and to God, in trust and faith.
As we ride through the flood of sorrow or loneliness or discouragement, often we feel abandoned or forgotten by God. But we stick together in the hope that one day we will open a window of our ark and send out a dove. The dove will return with a single leaf...a sign of hope and promise for us all.
Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder
Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries
6707 Monte Verde Dr.
San Diego, CA 92119
http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/
Date Night!
Overwhelmed & consumed with your BPD child? Take some time to be with your partner;
9/26/09
SOLANA BEACH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - DEBIN HALL
5:30-9PM
The Date Night evening begins at 5:30pm with appetizers, followed by a talk by Jim Burns on "Creating an Intimate Relationship". Grab your partner and enjoy an evening out after the speaker.
Childcare will be available from 5:30pm until 9pm. Special needs children will have a designated room as well to give parents a well-deserved break!
Register online: www.solanapres.org
$20 Per couple
Author Event - Blaze Ginsberg on "Episodes: My Life as I See it" at The Book Works
Host: The Book Works
Price: Free! Refreshments will be served!
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: The Book Works in the Flower Hill Mall
Street: 2670 Via de la Valle, Suite A230
City/Town: Del Mar, CA
Episodes: My Life as I See It
I love this book. Disclaimer: I have known Blaze Ginsberg for many years. In fact, he used to ride the special education school bus with my son, Jeremy. Blaze has always had a special place in my heart because of his unique personality, and because of my friendship with his mom, best- selling author Debra Ginsberg, (she chronicled Blaze's early years in Raising Blaze). Debra and I used to meet once a week for coffee and discuss our trials and tribulations about our mutual ongoing struggles with the school district. Now we get together and discuss our trials and tribulations about our mutual ongoing struggles with life as a parent of a young adult on the spectrum.
But it is not just because of our friendship that I love this book. I love it because I have seen where Blaze was before, and how he has grown to be the wonderful, thoughtful, constructive person he is today. His memoir not only offers his unique perspective, but is an inspirational testimony to the necessity of advocating for your child and the importance of a close-knit group of extended family members and friends. More importantly, Blaze's memoir offers a unique insight into what life and school is like for a teen on the spectrum, and we rarely get to hear that perspective. Chantal Sicile-Kira
Join us on Thursday, September 10th at 7pm, for an interview with debut writer Blaze Ginsberg and Debra Ginsberg (author of Raising Blaze). They will discuss Episodes: My Life as I See It, a stunning new memoir written by Blaze about his freshman through senior year of high school. Inspired by the Internet Movie Database and TV.com, the book is written in episodes about his quest for the perfect trio of friends, his crush on Hilary Duff, and his never-ending search for a girlfriend. There will be time for Q&A and a book signing will follow. This event is free to the public.
"Blaze is BRAVE. Blaze is BOLD. Blaze blazes his own literary path with humor and pathos. Blaze has a capacity to translate the often untranslatab le differences of human beings...A triumph!" -- Jamie Lee Curtis
For additonal information, please visit:
http://www.blazeginsberg.com
http://us.macmillan.com/episodes
Understanding the Recent IHSS Cuts
Disability Rights California Presents:
Understanding the Recent IHSS Cuts
September 23, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
TMI Conference Center
4740 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
(If you are attending this training, please park on the street)
October 6, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Community Interface Services
2621 Roosevelt Street, Suite# 102
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Contact Person: Debbie Marshall
Telephone: (619) 645-3024
(Limited to 35 people. Please RSVP with Debbie Marshall)
September 12, 2009, 12:30 to 2:00 PM
Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Way
San Diego CA 92101
These are a scent-free trainings. Please refrain from wearing scented products.
FACCT Conference in October
The conference is scheduled for October 24, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year's conference theme is "Navigating Transitions". The conference will be divided into three tracks and all workshops will be available to parents, students and professionals. The tracks are: 1) Receiving the Diagnosis: Transitioning into the World of Special Needs 2) The School Age Years: Transitioning through Adolescence and 3) Adulthood: Transitioning to Adult Life.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here http://www.compassfamilycenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
Swivel to Success Bipolar Disorder in the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide to Helping Students Succeed
by Tracy Anglada
swivel Swivel to Success is based on a teacher workshop developed by BPChildren to help educators understand and assist students with bipolar disorder. This 132 page book will give teachers a new perspective. The book presents information regarding the symptoms and treatment of bipolar disorder but more importantly it helps teachers understand the internal experience, how symptoms translate in the classroom and how assistance can be given. Swivel to Success tackles tough topics and illustrates practical application of the information through scenarios.
Table of Contents
Ch 1: The Sharpie
Ch 2: Understand Symptoms
Ch 3: A Look at the Brain
Ch 4: Effects in the Classroom
Ch 5: Treatment
Ch 6: Help at School
Ch 7: Your Classroom
Ch 8: Tough Questions
Reserve Your Copy Today!
http://bpchildren.org/store/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=27&zenid...
Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:00-7:00pm
Open House
Patient Advocates work throughout San Diego County advocating for the rights of mentally ill individuals at psychiatric hospitals, Board and Care Facilities, legal hearings, and more. Come to the Open House to learn more about Jewish Family Service's Patient Advocacy Program!
Community Art Show -- "Therapeutic Outcomes"
Featuring paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and clothing created by clients and professionals from the advocacy and mental health communities.
Patient Rights Advocacy Award
Awarded to Christopher Morache, MD, a psychiatrist at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, in recognition of his service and dedication to the rights and dignity of mental health clients.
Located at:
Jewish Family Service
Patient Advocacy Office
2710 Adams Ave.
San Diego, 92116
Refreshments Will Be Served
This Event is Free. RSVP Required.
FDA Approves Saphris Tablets (asenapine) To Treat Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Saphris tablets (asenapine) to treat adults with schizophrenia, a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder, and to treat bipolar I disorder in adults, a serious psychiatric disorder that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160782.php
Father and son authors write about drugs and bipolar disorder
By Catherine Kolonko, Rancho Santa Fe Review
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 2 comments | read comments | post a comment
Speaking at a recent forum on bipolar disorder, an addicted son and his father, whose separate books address the perils of addiction, told a story of a youth spent alternately high on drugs and striving for sobriety.
David Sheff, 53, is a well established journalist whose book on the subject was a result of his experiences with his oldest son Nic. That book, Beautiful Boy, A Father's Journey through his Son's Addiction, describes his son's battle with drugs through his teenage years to young adulthood. Nic's first person account published around the same time is called Tweak: Growing up on Methamphetamines.
Since the pair began exploring the effects of drug addiction and speaking about the experience, they've noticed that their lives often run parallel, writing about and coping with mental illness.
Nic, 27, is working on his second book, an autobiographical exploration of living with mental illness. His father is also writing another book that will provide a way for addicts and their families to navigate the treatment system.
The pair spoke recently at a forum on bipolar disorder in La Jolla sponsored by Vista Hill Women's Council on Mental Health and California Bipolar Foundation. Their work and subject material are connected by family ties and a mental illness that David only recently realized he shares with his son. The stigma of mental illness often keeps families from seeking help, David said.
"We keep it a secret and we keep it secret for too long," he said.
David said his awareness of his own bipolar disorder was discovered as result of his son's struggles and the same diagnosis. In retrospect, he recalled what he now realizes were likely manic episodes but at the time just felt like "crazy energy" that he experienced without a drop of morning coffee.
David now takes medication and sometimes wonders if he might have helped his son avoid the perils of drug abuse had he known about his own illness earlier in Nic's life.
"There's no way to know but it may have made a huge difference," David said. Nic agrees.
"It helps to put a name on it as opposed to just feeling out of control," Nic said.
Nic grapples with discomfort and anxiety in social situations, worrying that he won't be viewed as smart enough or charming or funny. Ironically, he feels very little anxiety when writing about his struggles with drugs and mental illness, he said. He's much more at ease writing about his inner most feelings than he is sitting face to face with another person and talking.
For him, life seems manageable when he can see it as a story, he said. "I feel like writing is sort of safe," he said.
As a teenager Nic was "super, super into Nirvana," the grunge rock band, and identified with its lead singer Kurt Cobain who committed suicide. He too harbored thoughts of suicide, he said.
"I always felt like I didn't belong," Nic told the audience. It was like everybody had a secret handbook about how to live but him. "I was terrified of the world," he said.
At age 11 he started smoking pot and gained instant relief. "I smoked pot and felt more normal," he admitted. But dependency came quick and by high school he couldn't go to school or even get out of bed without feeling the need to get high. At 17 he started experimenting with ecstasy, mushrooms and other harder drugs. After he tried methamphetamine for the first time - it became his chosen high for the next six years.
"Life started to unravel," Nic said.
The instant peace and invincibility he felt from using meth came with a high price. The yearning for more led him to steal to get high and eventually homelessness, interspersed with a few attempts to shake his habit with stints in drug rehab.
"There's something in me that acts differently to drugs and alcohol than most people," Nic said. "It was really important for me to learn that."
Knowing didn't make getting sober any easier, however.
"I was trying so hard," Nic said. "I couldn't get it. It was just so hard."
Nic recalled often thinking, "Why can't I just enjoy life like normal people do?"
Antidepressants didn't seem to help Nic. He stayed sober for 18 months while training for a triathlon, living in constant motion that distracted him from drugs. Then he started shooting up methamphetamine again with an older woman he kept company with 24 hours a day. He continued to battle depression and worried about the article his father was writing before publication of the books about dealing with his son's drug abuse.
David had already discussed the article with Nic, who gave his blessing, but Nic still felt some anxiety about it, he said. During the most difficult years of Nic's addiction, David too dealt with frequent anxiety about what would happen to his son if he continued his path of destructive behavior. Fear tightened its grip on him if more than a day passed without hearing from Nic, he said.
Nevertheless, there is hope and it is possible to overcome that constant dread when the one you love finally turns the corner and begins to put the pieces of his life back together, David said.
Through experience Nic has learned to stay vigilant about taking medication prescribed for bipolar disorder.
"For the first time in my life I've made therapy and psychiatry a priority for me."
Through his struggle with mental illness, Nic said he "had to let a lot of things go and come to a place of peace." His road to recovery was difficult and humbling but now Nic is starting to reap the benefits, he said.
"I have this amazing life...and I never thought that was possible. It's taken a big team to be able to help me just stand here," Nic said.
For more information on the California Bipolar Foundation, visit www.californiabipolarfoundation.org.
Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-08-12/news/local-county-news/father-an...
Special Needs Planning on Twitter
People who want little bite-sized news and tips about special needs planning and conservatorships and estate planning more generally, and who are on twitter, can follow me (I'm a special needs planning and conservatorship attorney) by going to www.twitter.com/DiedreBraverman and clicking follow. (Many people still remember me as Diedre Wachbrit -- I got married in May.) By the time you read this, our new and improved special needs blog should also be up and seeing 2-3 posts per week at http://snblog.wachbrit.com. Folks can subscribe to the blog by sending me an email at diedre@wachbrit.com. We don't share email addresses with anyone and we don't spam.
Thanks,
Diedre
YMCA Free swimming
The Ecke YMCA (Encinitas) offers a free "Special Olympic Swim" program for physically and mentally challenged participants 8 years and older where they are coached through a swim workout to promote physical fitness and confidence.
Saturdays 11 am to Noon
YMCA # 760-635-3050 (Registration)
Address: 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024.
2009's STAR Awards Event "A Night Under the STARs"
Thursday, September 17th, 2009
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Mother Rosalie Hill Hall - Sala and Living Room,
University of San Diego
Free parking in designated lots on campus or valet parking for $5.
Honoring STAR Awardee: Sarita Doyle-Eastman, M.D.
Dr. Sarita Eastman is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician with a private practice in Carmel Valley. Sarita currently limits her practice to youth with attention disorders and related problems, including learning differences. Dr. Eastman is a co-author of the San Diego ADHD Project protocols for the management of ADHD in pediatric practice and has lectured widely for 20 years to parents' groups, to schools and teachers, and to other professionals about the diagnosis and treatment of behavior and learning challenges. In 1988, Dr. Eastman was a founder of The Winston School for children with learning differences in Del Mar. Dr. Eastman and her husband are the parents of three children, including two grown sons with ADHD who were her primary teachers about this common and challenging disorder. She is also a writer, and the author of A Trail of Light, the biography of her surgeon-mother, published in 2009.
About the STAR Awards Event
The STAR Awards Event is held on an evening in the fall, and is COMPASS' annual fundraising event. Additionally, community members nominate an outstanding individual who has served the special needs community to receive the STAR Award for their hard work and achievements. The STAR Committee works tirelessly each year to ensure a night that highlights the amazing work being done to serve special needs families.
Are Psychostimulants a Treatment Option in Mania?
U. Hegerl1, C. Sander1, S. Olbrich1, P. Schoenknecht1
1 Department of Psychiatry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Abstract
Mania and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show a high degree of symptom overlap and comorbidity. Clinical trials and case reports indicate that psychostimulants do not or only rarely trigger or aggravate manic episodes but can even produce rapid and pronounced antimanic effects. An explanatory model is presented here in which the sensation seeking, hyperactive behaviour observed in mania and ADHD is interpreted as an autoregulatory attempt to stabilize vigilance by increasing external stimulation. Accordingly, patients with both mania and ADHD show rapid declines to lower vigilance levels (e.g., sleep spindles in EEG) under resting conditions with low external stimulation. The "paradoxical" antimanic effect of psychostimulants possibly results from their vigilance stabilizing properties.
Bipolar Disorder Q&A: Can Some Combination of Herbs Cure Bipolar Disorder?
By Candida Fink MD
August 28, 2009
Robert Asks...
Do you think a combination of different herbs can cure any form of bipolar disorder and if so what are those herbs?
Dr. Fink Answers...
In Chapter 9 of Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, we discuss a host of alternative treatments for bipolar disorder, including ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), light therapy, vitamins & minerals, and herbs, used alone and in conjunction with traditional forms of medicines and therapies. For example, some people claim that St. John's Wort is useful for treating the depressive pole in bipolar disorder. (Of course, unfortunately, like most other antidepressants, St. John's Wort also increases the risk of triggering mania, especially in someone who has bipolar disorder.)
However, there is no magic herbal brew that cures bipolar disorder. Substances like omega-3 fatty acids may have some benefit for some people; vitamins, minerals, and herbs may be effective in reducing symptoms of bipolar, mania, or both in some people; but potentially serious risks may accompany some of these alternative treatments.
I posted an entry some time ago entitled "Alternative and Complementary Treatments for Bipolar Disorder," in which I discuss the most popular vitamins, minerals, oils, herbs, and supplements thought by some to help in the treatment of bipolar disorder. I highlight which ones are more likely to deliver on their promise and which carry the most risk. You may find that information helpful.
Share Your Story
California Bipolar Foundation would like to share your story with our readers. If you are interested, please send your personal story; one - two paragraphs about how bipolar has affected you and your family. If you prefer to use a ficticious name, please don't hesitate.
Send stories to Tom Kelly.
AstraZeneca Traveling Exhibit Helps Americans Understand And Manage Bipolar Depression
As part of its ongoing effort to support bipolar depression awareness and education, AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) is bringing The Bipolar Journey: Living With Bipolar Depression interactive exhibit to patients and caregivers across America.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162164.php
Amber Alert GPS for Your Purse!
Maybe the best protection system for children ever?
Have you ever frantically tried to find your child, who may have wandered off?
As the mother of both a child with autism and another with special needs, I know I have.
I remember the time my own son, Jonathan, who was only 7 at the time, vanished from sight during his evening swimming lessons. My heart still races when I remember the police searching the whole area around the Swimming Centre.
They finally convinced me to look for him at home, so I quickly drove the two miles. Thankfully, Jonathan was there and his only comment was, "Don't worry Mom. I took the back roads so a stranger wouldn't get me."
Now I have peace of mind and you can too with the Amber Alert GPS locator system you'll read about below.
What I would have given in those days to have such a convenient gps device to find my son. So, I highly encourage you to take a very close look at this tiny, post-it size device, and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve.
http://www.autismtoday.com/amberalert-gps.html
Be sure to use AMBER as the Promo Code for an instant significant savings,
CABF E-News August: Back to School
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation improves the lives of parents raising children, teens, and young adults with bipolar disorder and related conditions.
Susan Resko, M.M.
CABF Executive Director
Note from the Director
It's back to school time. This is a time of year that brings joy, anticipation, and excitement to many families. But for a CABF family, back to school can be a stressful, angst-ridden time of year. "Will my child survive the day without a meltdown? How many phone calls from school will I receive today?" These thoughts can cloud what is usually an exciting time.
In this issue we will provide some helpful tips and resources for back-to-school for a child or teen living with a mood disorder.
Read About 4 Essential Educational Resources Flipswitch
Back to College Information On the Go!
http://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_Aug_Director
Flipswitch: the Bipolar and Depression Connection, has got your 'back to school' covered!
CABF's downloadable audio series focuses on mental health awareness on campus, in the latest episode, to be released this Monday. Featuring an interview with Alison Malmon, founder of Active Minds, a group utilizing the student voice to remove the stigma of mental illness on college campuses nationwide, this is one you're not going to want to miss; subscribe now!!
Listen to Flipswitch: the Bipolar and Depression Connection In the Media
Education Secretary Asks School Chiefs for Seclusion, Restraint Policies
http://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_Aug_Flipswitch
A lesson about swine flu
bp Magazine
This school year, your children may have more to worry about than homework and teasing. Kids and young adults are especially susceptible to the deadly H1N1 virus-better known as swine flu-and the highly contagious disease spreads especially easily in crowded quarters like classrooms.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and U.S. government agencies have issued guidelines to schools and day cares, such as isolating sick children and sanitizing shared equipment like computer keyboards and doorknobs. Parents, however, have a role to play, too. We at bp Magazine and bp Canada urge you to keep your kids and communities safer by following these steps:
- Keep children home who show flulike symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Recommended quarantine period is at least a week, so it's wise to have a child-care plan prepared in advance.
- Make sure children clean their hands frequently, scrubbing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or rubbing with an alcohol-based sanitizer gel.
- Teach children to cough into their elbows rather than their hands.
- Consider vaccinating your children against H1N1. Canada expects to have an ample supply of swine flu vaccine available by late October. The U.S. has announced delays in vaccine delivery, but children and young adults are among priority groups to receive the two-dose vaccine starting in mid-October.
If swine flu strikes
Treatment for swine flu is similar to any viral disease: rest, plenty of fluids and fever-reducing medications. (Remember, however, that children should never be given aspirin for a fever.) A trip to the doctor probably won't be necessary-but there are certain warning signs that require urgent medical care.
They are: fast or troubled breathing, bluish or gray skin color, dehydration, severe vomiting, not waking up or not interacting, extreme irritability and not wanting to be held, or a fever and cough that return after flu symptoms improve.
Radically Different Perspective of Bipolar Unveiled in New Title
Author's new book shows how to use the disorder to succeed in life.
Longwood, FL (PRWEB) August 7, 2009 -- Three weeks short of completing his master's degree in 1988, Xulon Press author Richard H. Jarzynka (Ya' Zhynka) suffered what psyche ward doctors called a nervous breakdown. To the author, however, it was something entirely different: he saw how evil his sin was in the eyes of God, and he lost his mind, never to be the same again. In Jarzynka's new Xulon Press release, Blessed with Bipolar: 36 God-Given Gifts of Manic-Depression ($20.99, paperback, 978-1-60791-888-2), the author uses his experience with bipolar disorder--the extreme emotions, the agony of depression, and the exhilaration of mania--to show the reader a radically different perspective.
Says Jarzynka, "I want readers to know that although bipolar can be agony, they can also use it to help them succeed. When they give their lives to Christ, God will constantly be with them in their experience of bipolar and He will use it for their absolute best. Impulsivity can turn into initiative. Grandiosity can become goal-setting. Racing thoughts, a brainstorming session. And manic elation, the energy and enthusiasm to get things done."
After completing his master's degree in psychology while an in-patient in a psych hospital, Jarzynka was later expelled from law school after the dean learned that he had bipolar disorder. The author then represented himself in a federal lawsuit against the school and found a blessing even greater than a law degree--all with the help of bipolar, he says. He hopes this book will demonstrate that no matter how much readers may suffer with bipolar disorder, God will use it to empower them.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 5,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Blessed with Bipolar through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.
Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness Remains Despite Abundant Pharmaceutical Ads
The medicalization of such mental illnesses as depression and bipolar disorder, which have seen prescription drug advertisements on TV skyrocket since such advertising became permissible in 1997, has done nothing to remove the harmful stigma attached to the illnesses, according to sociologists from Indiana University and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
"The findings fly in the face of current thinking about ways that stigma can be reduced," said Peggy Thoits, Virginia L. Roberts Professor of Sociology in IU's College of Arts and Sciences.
Stigma has posed a steadfast obstacle to the treatment of many mental health illnesses. Negative perceptions of mental illness color the support and advice people get from their friends, family and even their physicians and can create a reluctance to seek help.
The study by Thoits and lead author Andrew R. Payton, graduate student at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, sought to see if attitudes toward mental illness have changed since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued new guidelines allowing pharmaceutical companies to air TV ads.
Theoretically, when a condition such as depression comes to be viewed as a treatable medical condition instead of a moral failing or spiritual condition, this should reduce the blame and stigma attached to depression. The researchers examined the Mental Health Modules in the General Social Survey during these intervening years and saw no change in attitudes toward people with mental illness, specifically when they compared depression, which was a focus of many TV commercials, to schizophrenia, for which no drugs have been advertised.
"We're making a big assumption, that marketing drugs to treat some these conditions is actually penetrating the consciousness of viewers, giving them the ability to recognize symptoms and conceptualize them as disorders and to see that these disorders can be relieved essentially with drugs," Thoits said.
The study was presented in the session Medical Institutions and Mental Health at the American Sociological Association meeting.
Source:
Tracy James
Indiana University
VOICE AWARDS; October 14
About the Voice Awards
The Voice Awards are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services. The Voice Awards recognize writers and producers of entertainment programming-television and film-who have given voice to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses into their scripts, programs, and productions. The highest ratings are reserved for those productions that emphasize the positive journey of recovery from mental health problems.
The Voice Awards also recognize the tireless efforts of mental health consumer leaders and advocates who have been instrumental in both raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues and promoting the social inclusion of people with mental health problems. Through their leadership and advocacy, they demonstrate that recovery is real and that people with mental health problems are valuable, contributing members of their schools, workplaces, and communities.
In 2009, an individual will also be honored with a SAMHSA Spotlight Voice Award for their efforts to educate the public about suicide and its prevention.
The Voice Awards are part of the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery, a multi-year public service advertising program of SAMHSA and the Ad Council to promote understanding and support for young adults and others with mental illnesses.
