Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146934
head& shoulders SPEAK UP: Erase Depression's Stigma Everybody's had days when they just don't "But there is no shame in seeking treatfeel like getting out of bed. But if you've ment," Yocum says. had two straight weeks of it, it's time to get That's why leaders at Rogers InHealth, help, mental health experts say. one of the largest psychiatric hospitals Needing help is not uncommon. One in in the country—based in Wisconsin— three people, predominantly women, face decided they had a "moral imperative" to depression or anxiety issues at some point reduce the stigma of mental illness, Rogers in their lives, and are more prone to probDirector Sue McKenzie says. lems such as pain and eating disorders. She helped form the Wisconsin Initiative So how to get help? And where? for Stigma Elimination (WISE), And the biggest question many a collaboration of mental health women have is: "What if somebody providers around Wisconsin who finds out?" The cultural stigma of want to improve strategies to erase mood disorders can be crushing the stigma. and that cultural judgment is why The average age "There's been a curtain drawn so many hold back from treating for the onset of around what help looks like," depression. mood disorders. McKenzie says. "Stigma is a reality in our culTo raise the curtain, WISE partture," says Mollie Yocum, development ners have produced a number of videos of coordinator for Mental Health America real, live, women who have been treated of Wisconsin. "Women may have the for mental health issues—and have gotten misperception that [mental] illness is a better. weakness and should not be treated like "The answer is telling our story and any other illness." seeking out stories of recovery," McKenzie In fact, only two in every five people says. –Marni McEntee experiencing a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder seek help in the first year To see what help looks like, watch the they have symptoms, the World Health videos at rogersinhealth.org/resources/ Organization reports. stories. 32 PROTECT YOUR PEEPERS Healthy eye habits from Dr. Nicole Anderson Weiss, an ophthalmologist with Anderson & Shapiro Eye Care Remember 20/20/20: Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a break by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Buy sunglasses wisely: Opt for good quality sunglasses with ultraviolet filtering to protect from trauma, and help reduce the risk of cataracts and crow's feet. Resist rubbing: To reduce potential irritation caused by frequent rubbing—especially during allergy season—try artificial tear drops that have been cooled in a refrigerator to relieve itching. Need to Know: Antidepressants Dr. Claudia Reardon, assistant professor of psychiatry at UW School of Medicine and Public Health, answers the common questions What? The most commonly prescribed antidepressants remain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain, often relieving the symptoms of depression (especially in moderate to severe cases). When? "When you feel so bad you can't function, have had significant weight loss or gain, or significant sleep problems, you might want to talk to your doctor about medication," says Reardon. "If it's a patient's first episode, nine months [of medication] is generally warranted." Who? "Women going through menopause are at the highest risk of suicide, which makes a lot of people wonder about the effects of hormones," Reardon explains. "In general females are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than men—but we also wonder if women are just more likely to [report it] than men." How to beat the stigma "Remember that treating depression is not a sign of weakness—reaching out for help is a sign of strength. We wouldn't be ashamed to accept treatment for diabetes or cancer," Reardon says. Bright Ideas: Local happiness experts' keys to contentment Look for all the positive things around you and then savor them: the belly laugh of a baby, the loving welcome from your dog, the fluffy clouds in the blue sky, the peaceful look on your sleeping child's face, and of course, chocolate! –Tina Hallis, speaker, trainer and owner of Happy Hill Consulting 32 BRAVA Magazine I think happiness is possible, but most people are looking for happiness in external places. Happiness comes from within you. A real, truly happy person—that's the root of who they are, it's coming from inside. –Tracie Hittman Fountain, nutritional consultant and owner of Tracie Hittman Nutrition August 2013 Happiness is the reward for doing the right thing. The right thing is not just pleasure. It's real joy, contentment, and honoring your potential. Aligning your actions with your priorities is doing the right thing. And then, poof—happiness! –Christi Andringa, corporate/ fitness coach and owner of Candringa! Productions Often when someone isn't happy they're letting their saboteur run the show. They're stuck in guilt or fear. But as soon as you shine the light on your saboteur, it runs and hides. Then you can see through to the joy of becoming your best future self. –Darcy Luoma, life and leadership coach