Scientists have known for years that schizophrenia is often hereditary. Researchers at John Hopkins studied 123 families with a history of schizophrenia. To learn more about their findings, click here….
Controversy Centered on New Psychiatry Manual
The American Psychiatric Association released their fifth and latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) late last week. More than 1500 experts from 39 countries contributed to this latest version. New controversies have risen partly because of changes in the way that autism is categorized. For continued reading, click here…..
ADHD, Autism, Schizophrenia, Other Psychiatric Disorders Genetically Linked In Huge New Study
Huffington Post, Healthy Living section carried an informative article about the results from a study about genetically linked psychiatric disorders. To read more, click here….
Suicide Attempts Linked to Inflammatory Chemical
New research from Sweden shows a possible link between inflammation of the body and the desire to commit suicide. Further reading
Recognizing Signs of Suicide
Life is not easy. Everyone has their ups and downs regarding what life throws at them. Some of us are able to handle tough events, while others struggle with certain things. Unfortunately, some people resort to suicide when they feel they can’t cope with life anymore. Although it may seem like an easy way out, it impacts everyone. Loved ones are left to cope with the loss. It can be prevented if you know how to read the signs of someone considering suicide.
Referencing Suicide
If you know someone who is referencing suicide, chances are, they are really considering it. Whether it’s mentioned on their social media account or in a conversation, it is not something that should be taken as a joke. They need help, and it’s important you get them help before it’s too late. Seek help from a mental health professional immediately. Don’t worry about your friend or loved one getting mad at you because you are only helping them.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
If you find a friend or loved one is drinking more than usual or abusing drugs, they need help. The sooner you can get them help the better; otherwise the addiction can become a much larger problem. Their actions can lead to even greater consequences including jail time or even a deadly overdose. Seek help from a rehabilitation specialist.
Severe Depression
Chances are several of your friends have struggled with some form of depression throughout their lives. It’s normal and there are ways of coping and getting through it. If you find that a loved one is sad all the time or in pain, let them know they aren’t alone. Depression is one of the worst feelings in the world, and while you can’t make the pain go away in one day, you can still let them know you are there for them.
Isolation
If you consistently hang out with a friend or loved one and find they are isolating themselves, there is something wrong. Some people love alone time, but if it’s out of character for them, keep an eye out for other signs. This doesn’t mean concern for a person that doesn’t want to go to a party. People that are isolating themselves from class or work are what you should be worried about. Let this person know you are concerned about them, and you are there for them. In some cases, you should let your professor or boss know you are concerned about your friend’s mental health status.
Alaina Mason studied both sociology and psychology in undergrad, and has a passion for helping people. Alaina is now a mother of two kids and is looking to balance her work and education around her family. She plans to pursue her MSW online, in order to work around her busy life.