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There are genetic risks to mental disorders; however, with most mental disorders the genetic risks are minimal. However, behaviors that we learn can significantly increase our susceptibility. Things we learn like worrying, negative thinking, and even poor eating and exercise habits can increase our risks. The good news is that we can minimize our risks, just like we can minimize our risk of having coronary heart problems, by living a healthy lifestyle. Our own behaviors are always something we can change. To change a lifestyle behavior it usually takes at least six weeks of practice or in some cases intense training. Situations may arise were you start to revert back to an old habit. Periodic refreshers or practice will help keep you on track. Remember, to work on only one or two behavior changes at a time. Trying to change everything is expecting too much.
If I have mental difficulties will my child?
Your child will have a genetic risk for acquiring both parents’ health problems as well as learn behaviors that may put them at even greater risk. If for example, the only way you respond to a stressful situation is by drinking, eating or becoming angry, panicky, or blue, this is how your child will learn to respond in stressful situations. It has even been shown through brain imagery that children born to an anxious mother have the exact same brain functioning at birth. The good news is that every day until we die our brain is developing new neurons that significantly improve our ability to change and acquire new behaviors. If not for you, for your child learn new skills that will reduce the risk of your child developing an illness. A single father that had treated depression once shared that to reduce his child’s risk for developing depression he and his four-year-old son were both learning to meditate together. Both were experiencing the same benefits. At four his son just couldn’t do it for as long. This is just one of the many fun and skill building techniques that will positively impact your child’s well-being.
If I model positive and healthy behaviors will this guarantee my children not developing my mental disorder?
Because of the genetic risks and some not yet discovered reasons for developing disorders, there is no guarantee that your child will not develop a health problem. However, we do know that if your child develops depression or any other health problem that they will already have many of the tools to help them recovery quickly.
Why didn’t anyone ever tell me how to minimize my mental pain or let me know how to reduce the risk of my children getting sick?
Our parents, teachers and doctors didn’t know. Most of what we have learned about mental health we have learned very recent years. This is an exciting time for mental health. Almost every day, a new discovery helps us understand how our brain works and how it works in conjunction with our body. We are all in the situation of needing to learn as much as we can. Link yourself to informed people and resources.
How can I learn what will work best to recover from a mental disorder for me, a friend or loved one?
We need to be detectives. Searching out information, staying in touch with sources of new research based discoveries, and learning how our body responds to different situations, foods, etc. Small discoveries about how our bodies first react to stress, for example, can significantly impact how our body responses if we know to quickly kick-in some relaxation or though changes. For many people the clenching of our fists are a good first indication that something is stressing us out. This is something that we do from birth on. Some foods may cause you to feel very lethargic for the next few hours or next day. Notice how you feel for the next day or two both physically and mentally after exercising or walking.
What do I say to someone that I think may need help?
The first thing you want to do is talk to them directly. It may feel incredibly uncomfortable for you; however, if you show that you are genuinely concerned and willing to help them recover they will in most cases be very appreciative. Some do’s and don’ts to consider: Don’t try to solve their problems for them, do listen, and offer to learn with them. What will help them recover are the same things that will help keep you well. Offer them hope. There is a lot of it with all of the new discoveries in treatments. Let them know that especially initially, it may be necessary for them to take a medication for their illness. Often a person can be so sick that they will find it very difficult and maybe impossible to be motivated enough to do anything without the aid of medications.
If I start on a medication will I have to be on one forever?
The need for a medication varies from person to person. One thing that many people have discovered is that once they go off of a medication, it may not work as well should they need to go back on it. Consult your prescribing doctor or a psychiatrist should you be considering stopping medication treatment.
I can’t seem to find a medication that helps, why?
Each medication works differently on different people and they all have proper recommended protocols to follow. Generally physicians will start you on a mild dose and then move you up by recommended levels. It is never recommended to jump around from medication to medication without fully trying each. However, like with all medications there are risks of side effects. Some go away as the medication starts to work. Always consult and advise your physician about how your body is responding to the medication. Some side effects may be a good indication that your medication needs to be switched.
If I go on a medication will I lose my sex drive?
Loss of interest in sex is a side effect of some medications, not all. Should this be one of the side effects that you acquire, you may be able to change to a different medication that does not cause this for you. There are medications and therapies that can reverse this side effect for you. Seeking treatment does not mean that you will experience a side effect.
Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychological and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, pre-occupation with the drug, alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences (legal, health, work, and/or relationship problems etc.), and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. (A 1990 definition developed by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. and the American Society of Addiction Medicine)
Does alcoholism just affect the alcoholic?
Alcoholism is a disease that also directly affects others close to the alcoholic, particularly the family. These other individuals need appropriate help to recover as well. Effective alcoholism treatment programs include a family component and referrals to appropriate self-help support groups modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA's) 12 steps of recovery. Anyone who drinks can develop the disease, and the most significant predictor of alcohol problems is the quantity and frequency of an individual's drinking.
Can the disease of alcoholism be prevented?
Yes, the first step in preventing alcoholism is an understanding of the disease and awareness of the early symptoms. Recognizing that alcohol is a drug and that its use includes certain potential risks is a basis for personal intervention. Avoiding high risk drinking (5 or more drinks during 5 or more days within a 30 day period), knowing your family's history with alcohol as well as your own, and being familiar with the sources of help in your area can reduce the chances of you or someone else suffering because of your drinking.
Learn about alcoholism
Seek help for yourself
Don't become an enable
Tell your children that alcohol changes how people act
Protect yourself and your children
Take a good look at yourself
Encourage any interest in treatment
Consider a family intervention
Let the experts take over
Be patient with the recovery process
What do mental illness and addiction to alcohol and other drugs have in common?
They are both mental illnesses according to the American Psychiatric Association. A high percentage of people with mental illness are addicted to substances. This occurs because many people try to medicate their mental illness symptoms through the use of alcohol, illegal drugs or inappropriate use of prescription drugs. Many addicts have a mental health disorder. Use of substances can cause a variety of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. In order to achieve mental wellness, it is important that both disorders, the mental illness and addiction, be treated.
Treatment for mental illness and substance abuse are similar. Depending on the severity of the illness depends upon the amount of treatment needed. However, therapy, support groups, change in lifestyle and medication are often needed.
Listed below are some signs of alcohol and drug use that has become out-of-control.
Drink heavily or use drugs when disappointed, under pressure or have had a quarrel with someone
Can handle more alcohol or drugs now than when first started to use
Unable to remember part of the previous evening, even though friends said that you did not pass out
Hide your drinking or drug use
Feel uncomfortable at a function if your can’t drink or use drugs
Feel guilty about drinking or drug use
A family member or close friend has expressed concern or complained about your drinking or drug use.
Experience more memory 'blackouts'.
Tried switching brands or drinks or drugs, or following different plans to control drinking and drug use.
Failed to keep promises to yourself about controlling or cutting down on drinking and drug use.
Had a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) violation, or any other legal problem related to your drinking or drug use (possession of substances, drug paraphernalia, domestic violence, assault, breaking and entering, etc.)
More financial, work, school and/or family problems as a result of your drinking.
Your physician has questioned you about alcohol or drug use.
Have physical withdrawal symptoms (tremors, headaches, stomach cramps, etc.) after using alcohol or drugs
Sometimes stay under the influence of alcohol or drugs for several days at a time.
After periods of drinking or doing drugs, sometimes see or hear things that aren't there
Feel depressed or anxious before, during or after of heavy drinking or drug use.
Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
Change in personal grooming habits.
Needle marks or bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet.
Change in friends: new hangouts, avoidance of old crowd, new friends drink heavily or use drugs.
Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before.
Drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work.
Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline. Bored, "I don't care" attitude.
Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (it’s always someone else’s fault), unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
Secretive or suspicious behavior.
Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents.
Chronic dishonesty
If
someone in my family is an alcoholic/drug addict, will I also become an addict?
People can have a predisposition to an illness because of their genetic makeup.
Like other illnesses, addiction can be genetic. If you have a family history
of alcoholism or drug addiction, the safest way to prevent addiction is never
to drink. However, some people with a family history of alcoholism can drink
and never become an alcoholic. Because other substances are illegal, it is
wise never to begin using other drugs. Additionally, only use prescription
medication as prescribed.
TOP
Why do alcoholics and drug addicts relapse
after a period of not using?
Recovery from any illness without relapse is difficult. For instance, a person
who has diabetes must change eating and lifestyle habits in order remain healthy.
Yet, 30-50% must be retreated because they have been unable to maintain their
medication and diet regime. The same is true for addiction. Relapse remains
highest during the first year of recovery. It is important to understand that
being in recovery does not mean a person is “cured.” Once a person
has diabetes the illness never goes away. The same is true for addiction.
However, a person can remain in recovery is possible by getting treatment,
making lifestyle changes and joining support groups.
TOP
How can I keep my children from drinking alcohol
and using drugs?
First of all, it is important that you model appropriate behavior for your
children. Do not drink excessively in front of them. Do not use illegal substances
or abuse prescription medication. Begin telling your children at a young age
your feelings about underage drinking and drug use. As they get older, tell
them what the consequences will be if you suspect that have been drinking
or using drugs. Since children with mental health problems, especially those
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), will use substances
to medicate their symptoms, take your child to a qualified mental health professional
when you notice signs of ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc. Be honest with your
children regarding the family history of alcoholism and substance use and
how that has affected you. Get to know their friends and the parents of their
friends. Let other parents know you do not approve of underage drinking or
substance use. Above all, spend time with your children.
However, remember that peer pressure is extremely strong and the best parents in the world have children who become addicted. When this happens, find the best treatment for your child, educate yourself about addiction and participate in the family program of your child’s treatment.
What can I do about a loved ones drinking and/or drug use?
First, understand that you cannot control your loved ones behavior. To help you understand how support your loved one, see a qualified therapist on addiction issues and/or join an Al-Anon group. From there you can . . .
Consider an intervention with the help of a qualified professional. Include anyone who has been affected by your loved one’s use – family, friends, coworkers.
Encourage and support any interest your loved one has in getting treatment or attending Alcoholics Anonymous.
When your loved one enters treatment, participate in the family therapy portion of the treatment
Learn about the disease concept of addiction.
Be patient with the recovery process. Relapse is an integral part of the disease.
Always protect yourself and your children.
These are a few of the major questions, which may be explored further in the following 3 pamphlets which can be obtained from the Alcoholism Council by calling (513) 281-7880 and requesting: 1.) The Disease of Alcoholism 2.) What You Can Do About Someone Else's Drinking? 3.) What Are The Signs of Alcoholism (A Self-Test)? Also, residents of Hamilton County, Ohio can get further assistance concerning: Information, screening, referrals to treatment centers, information about area prevention programs, and transitional support for those awaiting admission to treatment by calling the Recovery Health Access Center (RHAC) at (513) 281-RHAC(7422).
Finding a mental health professional?
Finding a mental health professional is much like finding care for other medical problems. First you will want to check with your health insurance provider or employee assistance program if you have one. It is important to see someone that specializes in the services that you need. A psychiatrist specializes in medications for mental disorders and a psychologist provides doctor level therapy. Other professionals that specialize in mental health issues may have titles such as Licensed Professional Counselor, Master of Social Work, or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Below are descriptions of psychiatrists, therapists and counselors. For more information specific to your personal needs, you may contact the Mental Health Association in your area. Mental Health Associations are nonprofit organizations that specialize in providing free information and referrals to mental health services. Please see our resource page for links to local and national mental health service providers.
Web sources for other frequently asked questions:
Depression and Suicide FAQ
The Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky's FAQ's
What do These Students Have in Common?
Supporting A Loved One with Depression
My Friend Is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do?
Frequently Asked Questions – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org/FAQs.html
Depression – Why?
Worst Things to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed
http://www.blarg.net/~charlatn/depression/
What To Do If A Friend Has Depression
http://www.provisionsconsulting.com
Medline
Plus a trusted research-based health information source.
A service
of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the
National Institute of Health.
http://medlineplus.gov
Computer Retrieval
of Information on Scientific Projects (Crisp)
sponsored by the National Institute of Health
http://www.nih.gov
If you have any other questions, please refer to the other sections of this Guide to Feeling Better web site. You will find more hopeful information; community resources and links to other well respected web sites. You can feel better bit by bit!
The advice given should not be interpreted as medical advice and these issues should be discussed with your physician/clinician, etc.
