technical:
QED
Mental health problems are sadly a fact of modern
life. But we don’t talk about them.
Chris Byrne is a Registered Mental Health Nurse (not currently
practicing) and ex-Specialist Nurse in Substance Misuse).
Mental
health problems can happen to anyone: it was reported in April 03 in
American tabloid newspapers that Ol’ Dirty Bastard (RIP) from the Wu
Tang Clan was being held in a secure mental health unit in New York
State, U.S.A . Dirty’s manager would not confirm that his client was in
a psychiatric hospital, he stated that the rapper was granted parole
from his prison sentence in February of that year but was still a ward
of the New York State criminal system.
It is useful to be 'in the know' about mental health issues so you can
keep an eye out for your mates. People are often afraid to talk openly
about their problems because of the stigma and discrimination
surrounding mental health.
Statistic: suicide is now the biggest killer of young men (15-24 years
of age) after road accidents. According to Childline, young women aged
between 15 and 19 years are the most likely to attempt suicide, usually
by overdose. However the rate amongst young men has nearly tripled since
1985.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of depression when several core features
are present:
- pervasive low mood
- loss of interest and enjoyment (anhedonia)
- reduced energy / diminished activity
Other features can also be present including:
- poor concentration and attention
- poor self-esteem or self-confidence
- ideas of guilt and unworthiness
- a bleak pessimistic view of the future
- thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide
- crying for no reason
- disturbed sleep
- poor appetite
- decreased interest in sex
Depression
is often more difficult to diagnose in men because they do not complain
of these typical symptoms so often. They are less likely to admit to
distress and if they do consult their doctor, tend to focus on physical
complaints. Doctors nowadays have access to counselling services as well
as medication.
There are other forms of support and advice available (see bottom of
article). I am not ashamed to say I have contacted the Samaritans when I
was distressed and had no-one else to talk to.
Alcohol can be a factor in some people’s depressed mood. Alcohol is a
depressant drug (it slows down the heart rate and breathing) and dis-inhibits
(takes away one’s inhibitions) and does not make one “merry” (raise your
mood), just disinhibited.
Alcohol is a massive social problem. A report by the charity Alcohol
Concern (‘Your Very Good Health’) found that alcohol misuse is costing
the NHS up to £3bn a year, causing more than 28,000 hospital admissions.
The report said alcohol is implicated in 33,000 deaths a year - a 33%
rise since 1984.
'Safe' drinking levels are set at 28 units of alcohol for men and 21 for
women (raised by the last Labour government from levels of 21 and 14
units respectively. Cheers to Tony - whose government is promising 24
hour pub opening!)
One unit of alcohol is a small glass (125ml) of 9% wine, half of weak
beer (Fosters etc) or a 25ml shot of 40% proof spirits. No 'safe'
drinking levels have been set for young people. The World Health
Organisation recommends that: "In any given situation it is difficult to
say that there is an absolute safe level of consumption..."
Withdrawal from alcohol and drugs like valium
(benzodiazepines) can cause potentially fatal fits. If you are drinking
heavily every day for a period of time, seek medical advice before
attempting to stop.
One
the lesser-known effects of cannabis is that it is a depressant: studies
in the British Medical Journal (November 02) Suggests that frequent
cannabis use can trigger depression. Researchers say their findings
highlight the need for measures to reduce frequent and heavy use of
cannabis.
The first study, by doctors in Australia, found frequent cannabis use
among teenage girls in particular can trigger depression. The seven-year
study of 1,600 teenage girls found those who used the drug everyday were
five times more likely to become depressed and suffer from anxiety
compared to those who did not use the drug. Those who used the drug at
least once a week were twice as likely to develop depression compared to
non-users. A second study, by doctors in Sweden, confirmed previous
research suggesting that cannabis can increase the risk of developing
depression. Joseph Rey, professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at
Sydney University, said the studies backed up previous research. "These
findings strengthen the argument that use of cannabis increases the risk
of … depression. Whether the use of cannabis triggers the onset of …
depression in otherwise vulnerable people or whether it actually causes
these conditions in non-predisposed people is not yet resolved."
-
Chris Byrne
IMPORTANT: This article is for general information
only. If you have serious concerns about your mental health, or if you
need medical advice, treatment or diagnosis, speak to your GP, the nurse
or doctor attached to your school or college, or your parent or
guardian.
In an emergency (e.g. if you are planning on seriously harming yourself)
take yourself to your local hospitals Accident and Emergency department
or call an ambulance (999).
Related
Links:
Mental
Health
