Mood Spectrum, Internet and College Students, Forgiveness, and Talk Therapy
Welcome to the July 4, 2007 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys. Congratulations to those of you whose submissions were accepted to this edition - and thanks to the authors who took the time to submit an entry. Even though I may not be able to include all submissions to this edition, I appreciate your consideration and read each and every entry sent.
If you submit an article that summarizes studies or scientific research: Please include links to references and cite the actual studies so that readers who wish to look at the actual studies may read the original source. I tend to be very strict about citations and source references because 1) this helps me maintain integrity of health information shared on this website esp. given the HONcode accreditation, and 2) my scientific background has made me a stickler for going to original sources whenever possible to look at studies conducted and assumptions made.
I understood Barbara’s argument to teach forgiveness to parents instead of children so that children do not fall to the hands of abuse. However, reality is such that the very people who should learn forgiveness usually end up being the ones who need to be forgiven. In my personal experience, forgiving is letting go of a hatred that consumes and at the same time, letting go of self-loathing that came from “having something bad done to me” when I was a small child and unable to help myself. Read more
Seasonal Funk, Psych Appointments, Myth of Happy, and Ecotherapy
Welcome to the June 26, 2007 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys. Here are my four selections for this edition of the carnival. Entries were chosen based on original content, theme relevance, and “personality”. Congratulations to Mercurial Scribe, BP Professional, Chris614, and James Bishop.
mercurial scribe is not feeling that great due to the seasonal change. Some people are especially prone to seasonal-related mood changes, and for some, symptoms may be triggered by weather changes. I personally love the time when weather becomes warmer and the sun is out earlier and longer, and those who experience symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder find they may need a certain amount of (sun) light to feel well. For others, like the mercurial scribe, the changing season brings a change in mood that may be dark. Hang tough, mercurial scribe. Read more
Relationships, Research, and Resources
Welcome to the June 5, 2007 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys.
In the depression category, Angela presents an important topic for women who are pregnant or have just delivered. For more information about this subject, please read my comprehensive review of the book, A Deeper Shade of Blue.
Jeff gives an honest and reflective look at the question, “am I depressed, and is this the kind that requires medication?” I find some of us migrate toward extremes - either denying there is any problem and refusing to seek help - or immediately labeling ourselves with multiple illnesses and begging for pills. We can save ourselves a lot of grief (not to mention risks of side effects) by spending some time asking ourselves some tough questions. Read more