The Silent Wounds of War Please join General Peter Chiarelli, U.S. Army (Retired), former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and current CEO of One Mind for Research, and physicians and researchers from Greater Cincinnati on August 30 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to learn about traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress, what we’re doing to address these injuries, and the global mission of One Mind for Research. For more details about this free event, click here to view the invitation. Please feel free to share with your colleagues and staff. RSVP Required by August 28, due to limited seating. Contact Susan Snodgrass at: (513) 792-2165 [email protected]


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Sadness is a normal emotion that can be caused by negative or painful circumstances. Occasional periods of unhappiness are a part of life, and most people are able to eventually process their feelings of melancholy and forge ahead. But when sadness lingers or becomes a state in which there seems to be no escape, it is very likely that some type of depression exists.

The Symptoms of Depression

Depression can come in many forms, from relatively mild to severe. Some of the causes can be biological, environmental or genetic in nature. Grief, illness and addictions can be other factors.

On the mild side, symptoms can range from irritability, a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, disrupted sleep patterns and difficulty focusing and concentrating. More severe symptoms include hopelessness, despair, extreme fatigue and suicidal thoughts. Some depression symptoms are rather complex and can be a part of other mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse problems or some other mental health issue.

Depression Treatment

Everyone responds differently to various treatment methods. But treatment for clinical depression usually begins with some form of “talk therapy” with a mental health professional. From there, the best course of action may involve medications and additional levels of therapy such as cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies.

In some cases of major depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT therapy) or transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS therapy) are used where all other approaches to treatment have failed. Although depression treatment techniques continue to evolve, many of the methods in place today have proven to be successful in helping those suffering with this illness get back on their feet and live productive and satisfying lives.

 

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.

Chris Tuell, EdD, LPCC-S, LICDC, Lindner Center of HOPE Coordinator of Addiction Services, participated in the 2012 Addiction Professional Panel Series on Gambling Addiction and Related Co-Morbidities in Cleveland on Thursday, August 9. Approximately 50 guests were in attendance.

Gambling is one of the most ancient and universal aspects of human behavior. Games of chance have been with us throughout human civilization and in virtually every culture. For the majority of individuals, gambling behaviors do not become problematic. However, for those who become addicted they often find themselves caught in a serious behavioral disorder associated with job loss and unemployment, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, theft, dishonesty, family disruption, and suicide. Research indicates that when a casino is constructed, rates of pathological gambling increase. Recent advances in the understanding of the addictive brain, as well as the co-morbid aspects of gambling, have given rise to a more integrative approach towards treatment. Lindner Center of HOPE offers a clinical diagnostic assessment and treatment approach to pathological gambling, which is integrated and comprehensive. We believe the issue of pathological gambling is a serious disorder that is destroying lives every day, and requires a level of care which integrates the mind, body, and spirit.

Full coverage of the event, including podcasts, photos, and an article, is at http://www.addictionpro.com/page/gambling-addiction-and-related-co-morbidities.

Addictions not only affect the physical, emotional and mental health of the addict, but also create a burden for the people in their lives. Even after emphatically urging them to seek treatment, those close to an addict or severe substance abuser are often helpless as they watch their friend or loved one sink further into the depths of addiction.

There are many dangers and potentially deadly complications associated with drug, alcohol abuse and addiction. But the greatest danger is the unwillingness of the addict to accept the fact that there is a problem and admit they need help. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a devastating event in their life — such as an automobile accident, an arrest or an overdose — for the addict to finally agree to receive addiction treatment.

Signs of an Addiction

An addictive disorder exists when an individual is unable to control their drug or alcohol use to the point where these substances play a dominant role in their life. Other addictive behaviors and signs include changes in mood and appearance, the eschewing of personal and work responsibilities and experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when the substance is not available.

Overcoming Denial

It is not uncommon for drug or alcohol addicts to minimize the seriousness of their problem or flat out deny its existence. Denial is often deeply ingrained within an individual, convincing themselves there is no real problem or they can “quit anytime they want to.”

Denial is a major reason why addicts many times hit “rock bottom” before they begin to consider taking steps toward recovery. Optimally, the realization that help is needed will emerge within the addict before intervention becomes necessary. From there, addiction recovery can begin through routes such as education, therapy, support groups and specialized treatment centers. But it all begins with the addict admitting their dilemma, and expressing a sincere desire to recover.

 

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.