Posts Tagged ‘ signs ’
Depression Tip Sheet – The Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But there is good news: bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
More than 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings-from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless. and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Mania
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
- Extreme irritability
- Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
- Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
- Little sleep needed
- Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers .
- Poor judgment
- Spending sprees
- A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual .Increased sexual drive
- Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
- Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
- Denial that anything is wrong
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, 4 additional symptoms must be present.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions .Restlessness or irritability
- Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
- Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
- Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
A mild to moderate level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. Thus even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings as possible bipolar disorder, the person may deny that anything is wrong. Without proper treatment, however, hypomania can become severe mania in some people or can switch into depression.
Severe Episodes
Sometimes, severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis (or psychotic symptoms). Common psychotic symptoms are hallucinations (hearing, seeing or otherwise sensing the presence of things not actually there) and delusions (false, strongly held beliefs not influenced by logical reasoning or explained by a person’s usual cultural concepts).
Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. For example, delusions of grandiosity, such as believing that one is the President or has special powers or wealth, may occur during mania; delusions of guilt or worthlessness, such as believing that one is ruined and penniless or has committed some terrible crime, may appear during depression.
People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia, another severe mental illness. It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in bipolar disorder as a spectrum or continuous range. At one end is severe depression, above which is moderate depression and then mild low mood, which many people call “the blues” when it is short-lived but is termed “dysthymia” when it is chronic. Then there is normal or balanced mood, above which comes hypomania (mild to moderate mania), and then severe mania.
A Mixed Bipolar State
In some people, however, symptoms of mania and depression may occur together in what is called a mixed bipolar state. Symptoms of a mixed state often include agitation, trouble sleeping. significant change in appetite. psychosis. and suicidal thinking. A person may have a very sad. hopeless mood while at the same time feeling extremely energized.
Bipolar disorder may appear to be a problem other than mental illness-for instance, alcohol or drug abuse, poor school or work performance, or strained interpersonal relationships. Such problems in fact may be signs of an underlying mood disorder.
Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder
Both children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorder. It is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the illness. Unlike many adults with bipolar disorder, whose episodes tend to be more clearly defined, children and young adolescents with the illness often experience very fast mood swings between depression and mania many times within a day.” Children with mania are more likely to be irritable and prone to destructive tantrums than to be overly happy and elated. Mixed symptoms also are common in youths with bipolar disorder. Older adolescents who develop the illness may have more classic, adult-type episodes and symptoms.
Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents can be hard to tell apart from other problems that may occur in these age groups. For example, while irritability and aggressiveness can indicate bipolar disorder, they also can be symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or other types of mental disorders more common among adults such as major depression or schizophrenia. Drug abuse also may lead to such symptoms.
To learn more, visit the National Institute of Mental Health Web site.
Family Safety Tip Sheet – Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence
Introduction
You may be a victim of domestic violence (also known as interpersonal partner abuse) if you have some or all of the following characteristics:
Characteristics of an Abuser
An abuser may have some or all of the following characteristics (There is no typical, easily identifiable abuser. The characteristics that follow may not be present in every abuser and are not necessary for their behavior to be considered abusive.):
- Dual personalities: Abusers are often described as having a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” personality and are generally not known in the community as violent persons. Usually, abusers refrain from physical aggression outside of the home or other private settings. Attitude and behavior may change immediately once they are in a private place–where they think it is “safe” to be abusive. Abusers may be loving, kind, and remorseful at times, but this is all part of maintaining power and control.
- Extreme jealousy: An abuser may suspect you of being unfaithful without any rational reason or evidence to support such a belief. An abuser may be jealous of any meaningful relationships you have with others, including those with parents, siblings, children, or friends.
- Controlling and possessive behavior: An abuser may control your access to money, social relationships, job opportunities, and may monitor all your activities by making you account for any time apart or money spent. An abuser may treat you as a “possession” and may engage in seemingly “playful” but unwelcome use of force during sex.
- Emotional dependency: An abuser may be emotionally dependent on you and may make constant demands for reassurance and gratification. An abuser may be hypersensitive to anything interpreted as criticism and may be critical of others and difficult to please.
- Poor self-esteem: An abuser may feel inadequate about a variety of things, including (but not limited to) masculinity, sexuality, providing for the family, and parenting. These feelings may be masked by an extremely tough or “macho” image.
- Roles: Abusers tend to enforce rigid gender roles or believe in the traditional male “head of the household” role.
- Blame: Abusers may blame other people or circumstances for their behaviors, feelings, and problems.
- Abusive history: A high proportion of abusers experienced abuse as children or witnessed abuse between their parents and learned this behavior (but this does not excuse their actions).
- Unpredictability: Abusers’ actions may be unpredictable, and you may feel as though you never know what the abuser will do next. Abusers may hold others, especially you, to unrealistically high expectations.
- Social isolation: Abusers may have few friends outside the family and may have poor social skills. However, abusers may also be “social charmers” and have a lot of friends, none of whom would think they would be abusive (see “Dual personality” above).
- Cruelty: Abusers may be cruel not only to you but to children and animals as well. They may be preoccupied with violence, guns, knives, etc.
- Inappropriate use and display of anger: Abusers may use anger if they do not get what they want. They may display anger as verbal abuse, physical touching of any kind without your consent (even a kiss), threats of violence, and breaking/destroying objects of value to you.
Resources:
To access local services nationwide contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at: 800.799.7233 or visit their website at www.ncadv.org. This website has a lot of current domestic violence information for consumers.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Association of Social Workers or its members.
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About Family Safety
Introduction
Warning: perils ahead. That's life: lightning strikes, fires, accidents and injuries, family crises, food poisoning and falls, cancer and heart attacks. Risk is inherent in life, and we learn to protect ourselves and control what we can.
When tragedy strikes and we fall victim to forces outside of our control or from lifestyle choices, we can find comfort from the support of others. Social workers are specifically trained to help people regain their equilibrium following an illness, family challenges, and accidents.
Keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy should be a high priority. And when disaster happens, seeking help just makes good sense.
Domestic Violence
Violence in the home touches the lives of people from all races, educational backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups, often causing devastating consequences for women, children, and families. Domestic violence, also known interpersonal partner violence or family violence, is the single largest cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44, more than muggings, car accidents, and rapes combined.
As many as 4 million women are abused and 2,000 die from their injuries every year, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Studies have found that batterers are most commonly males who use violence to control a wife or girlfriend. They may use physical violence, such as punching, kicking, slapping, or strangulation, or sexual violence. Another form of abuse is psychological; the abuser may threaten to hurt other family members or pets, may use insults, criticism and name-calling, and intimidation. Domestic violence also includes abuse against older adults (elder abuse), and dating violence against teenagers.
The Lasting Effects of Domestic Violence on Women and Children
The damaging effects of violence in the home can be far-reaching and long-term. Women with a history of domestic violence have higher rates of all health problems than other women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They also report long-lasting health conditions, such as chronic pain and gastrointestinal disorders. Abused women are often depressed and anxious.
Growing up in a violent home can be traumatic for children, even if they are not the victims. Children who witness their parents' domestic violence are more likely than their peers to experience depression and anxiety, to abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, commit sexual assault crimes, and attempt suicide.
Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to exhibit increased levels of aggression and anti-social behavior, unhealthy peer relationships, and poor school performance.
Victims of domestic abuse often fear their partner's retribution if they try to get help. Still, community services are available to protect women and children from abuse. Social workers can refer clients to residential shelters, support groups, assertiveness classes, and services that provide legal assistance. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) provides crisis intervention and is available 24 hours a day.
Child Abuse and Child Protective Services
Like domestic abuse, child abuse can be a dangerous family secret that is underreported to authorities. In 2002, 906,000 U.S. children had been abused, according to child protective service agencies. Of these, 61 percent had been neglected, 19 percent were physically abused, 10 percent were sexually abused, and 5 percent were psychologically abused. An estimated 1,500 children died from abuse that year, according to CDC.
The effects of child maltreatment can last a lifetime. The stress of chronic abuse in infancy or early childhood can slow or alter brain development, leading to sleep disturbances, panic disorder, attention-deficit disorder, and other problems later in life. Child abuse has also been linked to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and lung and liver disease.
Children who have been abused by a parent often do not form an emotional bond with them, which can later lead to difficulties in forming attachments with other adults and with peers. Abused teenagers have a higher risk of experiencing teen pregnancy, low academic achievement, and mental health problems.
How Social Workers Help in the Child Protective Services Arena
Social workers play an active role in protecting children through the child welfare system and they are in a position to provide early intervention. The child welfare system is comprised of many community organizations that collaborate to promote child safety. These organizations include public agencies, such as departments of social services, and private child welfare agencies and organizations. They often collaborate with the schools, health and mental health agencies, and other community-based organizations to meet the needs of children and families.
This network investigates reports of possible child abuse, provides services to families to assist with protecting children, and arranges for foster care or permanent adoptive homes for children who are not safe at home. Child protective service workers follow up on child abuse reports if the report meets the state's legal definition of abuse or neglect.
After talking with the parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others, child protective service workers may move a child who is believed to be in immediate danger to a shelter, foster care home, or to the home of a relative. In some states, when the risk to a child appears to be minimal, the child protective service worker may identify family problems and offer needed services. For example, he or she might counsel the family. The parents' attendance at a mental health or alcohol abuse treatment program may be recommended. The child protective service worker can also make regular visits to the family where there is a risk of child abuse or neglect.
In abuse cases that meet the state's definition of child abuse or neglect, child protective service workers will offer voluntary, in-home services to help the family resolve the conflicts that led to the abuse. If services are refused, court intervention may be necessary.
The child welfare system provides an array of prevention and intervention services to children and families; particularly to children who have been or are at risk of abuse or neglect.
This system's role is to promote the safety and well being of children. Part of this role is to teach adults parenting skills and offer services that will help to minimize future risk to children.
Caregiver Abuse and Neglect
Caring for another person is a rewarding and challenging job. Often caregivers take care of others while neglecting themselves. Stress can build leading to actions that would not normally occur.
Abuse refers to any willful act or omission of a caregiver or any other person which results in physical injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, sexual abuse or exploitation, or financial exploitation to or of a vulnerable adult.
- Multiple bruising, not consistent with a fall
- Black eyes, slap marks, kick marks, grasp marks, finger tip bruising and other bruises
- Burns such as cigarette burns, dunking burns (hands/feet being immersed in boiling hot water)
- Fractures not consistent with falls
- Stench of urine or feces
- Indications of malnutrition or over-feeding
- Administration of inappropriate drugs
Neglect is failure of a caregiver to provide essential services necessary to maintain the physical and/or mental health of a vulnerable adult.
- Lack of basic care
- Abandonment
- Not providing proper food or fluids
- Failure to provide proper health care
- Lack of personal care
- Not dressing someone (for example, from the waist down because the person is incontinent
- Not dressing someone appropriately (such as wearing thin clothes in the winter)
- Refusing to buy new clothes for someone who has gained or lost weight
- Being left to sit in urine/feces
- Absence of mobility aids so the person's movements are restricted
- Absence of necessary medication
- Improperly fitting or damaged dentures
- Nonfunctioning hearing aids, including lack of batteries
- Isolation (for example, the person may be locked in a room or confined space with only basic necessities
- No social contact or stimulation
How to Get Help
Highly trained social workers are available to help you identify options to alleviate elder abuse. Social workers can identify state and local human service centers that offer mental health services. These services are often available on a sliding fee scale that is affordable to everyone. Also, social workers can refer you to crisis centers, private counselors, and others who can help.
Safe Home Environment
Home may be where the heart is, but there are also potential hazards that threaten the safety and welfare of children. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under in the United States. Each year, more than 4.5 million children are treated in hospital emergency centers for injuries incurred specifically in the home, according to the National Safe Kids Campaign.
Children most at risk are those age 4 and under, males, minorities, and children living in poverty. Low-income families often must live in a hazardous environment where there is overcrowded housing, inadequate supervision, and a lack of safe play areas for children.
Parents can't protect children from every hazard, but they can consider safety an important issue and take precautions. An estimated 90 percent of unintentional injuries can be prevented. Never leave your toddler unattended.
Preventing Drownings, Falls, and Lead Poisoning
- Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. Prevention is a matter of carefully watching children while they are in the bathtub and around swimming pools and ponds. Flotation devices in swimming pools should not be a substitute for supervision. Empty large buckets when they are not in use. Also, learn child first aid and CPR. In many places, the local Red Cross will offer CPR training sessions.
- Falls can be prevented by keeping young children away from heights, such as high porches or balconies; strapping children into high chairs and strollers; securing rugs with double-sided tape or a rubber pad; using a rubber mat in the bathtub; and keeping windows closed and locked when children are around. Insect screens are not sturdy enough to protect children from falling out of windows.
- Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and may impair mental functioning. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead. Homes built before 1960 may contain lead-based paint that can be either removed or covered. Take advantage of community lead screening programs to have children tested for lead poisoning.
Additional Safety Precautions
- Safety proof your home.
- Store medicines and cleaning products on high shelves.
- Make sure toys are age appropriate to avoid choking.
- Make sure your child's car safety seat is age and weight appropriate.
For more safety information, contact local health agencies and social services organizations. Discuss health, safety, and family issues with helping professionals in your community.
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Schools and Communities Tip Sheet – Tips for Parents Dealing With Bullying
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What Exactly Is Bullying? |
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How to Help Teens Who Are Bullying Others |
There are three types of bullying: verbal, physical, or nonverbal/nonphysical. Examples of verbal bullying include teasing, taunting, name-calling, and spreading rumors. Hitting, kicking, shoving, and destroying property are types of physical bullying. And threatening or obscene gestures are non-verbal/non-physical types of bullying.
To prevent bullying, you should:
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Know the Warning Signs. Teens may be too afraid to tell their parents they are being bullied. If teens frequently come home with bruises and scrapes, or are often upset, they may be being bullied at school.
- Try Not to Be Aggressive or Hostile in Front of Your Kids. When kids see their parents being aggressive or hostile, they are more likely to act that way themselves.
- Take Action When Necessary. If your teen is showing sings of being a bully, tell them you don't approve. Let them know there will be consequences for their actions. It is better to stop you're your teen's bad behavior before it can get out of hand.
- Take Action When Brothers and Sisters Bully Each Other. If your kids are bullying each other, tell them you know what's going on. Explain why they are wrong. Tell them you will punish them if they continue. You don't want their bad behavior at home too continue in other places.
- Communicate With the School. Talk with your teen's teachers and counselors. They can tell you if your teen is behaving badly outside the home.
- Recognize Bullying as a Problem. If your teen talks to you about bullying, tell them you take this situation very seriously. Be open with them. If your teen is being bullied, let them know it is not their fault. And tell them that you are there to help.
How to Help Teens Who Are Bullying Others
- Talk to the Bully. Meet with teens that are being aggressive. Tell them you know they have a problem. Explain to them that there are better ways to express their anger. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and to walk away then they are upset.
- Give Teens the Tools to Cope. Help teens build social skills, coping skills, self-esteem, and self-confident behavior.
- Talk with the School Social Worker. Meet with the school social worker to discuss the situation and what changes can be made in the home.
Source: NASW One Teen at a Time
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About Suicide Prevention
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Introduction |
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Seeking a Sign |
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What Can You Do? |
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Help! What If the Threat Is Immediate? |
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Suicide Statistics |
Introduction
A friend one day confides that she’s considering “ending it all.” That her life has become so terribly unbearable, there is no reason to go on.
After the initial shock, your first reaction may be to shrug off the suicide threat and assure the friend that her life really isn’t so bad after all.
Don’t.
Trying to convince someone that they have everything to live for may only increase their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, even casually or in jest, pay attention! No suicide threat should be dismissed or taken lightly.
Seeking a Sign
Rarely does someone commit suicide out of the blue.
They drop hints, speak outright of their desire and exhibit certain predictable behaviors. These may be:
- a preoccupation with death;
- a loss of interest in things they ordinarily cared about;
- visiting or phoning loved ones;
- making arrangements or setting one’s life in order;
- giving away prized possessions;
- comments about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness; and
- daring or risk-taking behavior.
What Can You Do?
Be direct. As uncomfortable as it might be, talk openly and matter of factly to the person about suicide and be prepared to listen in a non-judgmental way. Pose direct questions, for example, does the person have a plan?
If possible, try not to act shocked, as this will only place distance between you and the person.
Above all, do not swear to secrecy.
This is a time when you need support. Trust your instincts that something is terribly wrong and that the person may be in deep trouble. Reassure them that help is available, depression is treatable and suicidal feelings are temporary. Urge them to contact a social worker or other mental health professional, a community mental health agency, a family doctor, a school psychologist or counselor.
The decision to commit suicide is quite often a desire to stop suffering. Never give up on someone just because he or she tells you he’s made up his or her mind.
Help! What If The Threat Is Immediate?
Phoning 911, or taking the person to a hospital emergency room is a valid option. So is calling a crisis intervention center or a suicide hotline (see below for key numbers and organizations).
If possible, remove or hide any potentially dangerous items, such as pills, firearms and other weapons, even belts and ropes.
- 1- 800-784-2433, or SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
- or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
- Or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) (The National Mental Health Association)
Suicide Statistics
- More people die from suicide than from homicide in the U.S. every year.
- Roughly 30,000 Americans commit suicide annually, while 500,000 attempt.
- For young people ages 15 to 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
- Men are far more likely to die from suicide than women. However, women are more likely to attempt suicide than men are.
- Suicide rates are generally higher than the national average in the western states and lower in the eastern and midwestern states.
Useful links:
- SAVE Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
- American Association of Suicidology
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- National Mental Health Association
