Add nicotine replacement therapy to counseling

Health-related quality of life appears to deteriorate as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases, even in individuals who subsequently quit smoking, according to a report in the October 13 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Offering smoking cessation counseling to hospitalized smokers appears to be effective as long as supportive contacts are offered for more than one month after discharge.

Nancy A. Rigotti, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues reviewed 33 trials of smoking cessation interventions that began during hospitalizations. Programs that offered telephone or in-person support lasting longer than one month improved smoking cessation rates six to 12 months after discharge.

“Adding nicotine replacement therapy to counseling may further increase smoking cessation rates and should be offered when clinically indicated, especially to hospitalized smokers with nicotine withdrawal symptoms,” the authors write.

Source:  http://tinyurl.com/4xe5th

mental health Gap Action Programme

In a majority of countries, less than 2% of health funds are spent on mental health.

Worldwide, every 40 seconds, one person dies of suicide – one of the leading causes of death among young adults. Suicide is a condition that is preventable.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 75% of people suffering from mental disorders in the developing world receive no treatment or care.

WHO is calling on governments, donors and mental health stakeholders to rapidly increase funding and basic mental health services to close this huge treatment gap.

Original Source: www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr37/en/index.html

A few days ago, WHO launched “the mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) which aims at scaling up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries especially with low- and middle-income. The programme asserts that with proper care, psychosocial assistance and medication, tens of millions could be treated for depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, prevented from suicide and begin to lead normal lives – even where resources are scarce.”

Original Source: www.who.int/mental_health/mhgap/en/

No Health Without Mental Health

Marking the 16th annual World Mental Health Day (October 10), UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Mental health is of paramount importance for personal well-being, family relationships and an individual’s ability to contribute to society.  On this World Mental Health Day, let us recognize that there can be no health without mental health.”

Original Source: www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sgsm11843.doc.htm

We’re reminded of the bumper sticker in Hawaii: “No rain, no rainbows.”

Closer Than People Realize

Headline of an October 12 editorial at TheDay.com in Connecticut: Mental Illness Is Closer Than People Realize.

“Every town has people with mental illness. The genes, molecules, brain changes and trauma that cause mental illnesses do not check ZIP codes or income.”

“Chances are that you meet people with mental illnesses every day without knowing it. We don’t wear badges or cowbells anymore.”

“’Crazy’ is not a useful term. People with illnesses have personalities, talents, skills, jobs, and relationships. They have ties to the community, addresses, and appointments the next day.”

“Mental illness is not a crime. Most people with mental illnesses are not criminals and most criminals do not have mental illnesses. Mental illness doesn’t make you a bad neighbor.”

The editorial was written by Robert E. Davidson, director of the Eastern Regional Mental Health Board, a planning, evaluation and advocacy agency for people with mental illnesses in Eastern Connecticut.

Mental Health in the Phillipines

A recent study endorsed by the PPA (Philippine Psychiatric Association) revealed that “32 percent of government workers are suffering from one form of mental disorder or another.”

“This goes to show that from all walks of life there are a lot of mental health issues that could be problematic to the individual, but they are not seeking treatment for several reasons,” said the PPA chair of the committee on advocacy, legislation and multimedia.

This is why the “PPA is concentrating its efforts on educating the public about seeking the help of psychiatrists.”

Source:  beta.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=406920

Mental Health First Aid

The Mental Health Association of Maryland will conduct a 12-hour instructor training course for mental health first aid from November 10-14.

“Mental health first aid is the initial help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis before appropriate professional or other assistance can be engaged.”

To learn more about Mental Heath First Aid:  http://www.mhfa.com.au/

Mental Health Association of Maryland:  http://mhamd.org/

Kathy Shulman is program director for mental health first aid at the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

Mental Health and the Work Place

Headline from the TimesOnline in the U.K. (Oct. 7):  “Workers keep silent on mental health problems”

http://tinyurl.com/4ph6a7

“Workers may feel comfortable handing in a sick note for flu or physical illness this winter but mental health problems such as depression still carry a stigma.”

“Nearly half of workers reported not being happy to disclose a mental health condition at work.”

“Businesses need to create an environment in which people not only feel confident enough to discuss a mental health condition, but can also receive the support they need to continue making a valuable contribution.”

To help businesses achieve this, Shaw Trust has created a website offering advice and information:

http://www.tacklementalhealth.org.uk

Depression – Treatment Success

“Depression affects 20 million Americans above the age of 18 each year.  More than 80 percent of those diagnosed with depression can be successfully treated, but it takes early recognition, intervention and support.”

Source: http://tinyurl.com/3zy4vc

ThePittsburghChannel.com reports, “The Allegheny County Department of Human Services has teamed up with Screening for Mental Health Inc. to offer a free, self-administered test for depression.”

See:  http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/

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“Unmasking Mental Illness” – October 15

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will host its 4th Annual Gala celebration, “Unmasking Mental Illness” this Wednesday evening, October 15, 2008.

The event, attended by members of Congress, political leaders, scientists and researchers, includes presentation of the Mind of America Scientific Research Award to a scientist whose efforts have resulted in ground-breaking research that has significantly contributed to a better understanding and treatment of mental illness.

Mrs. United States ‘Breaks the Silence’

Dr. Gariane Gunter, a psychiatrist in South Carolina recently crowned Mrs. United States, will dedicate her reign to raising public awareness about mental illness.

Gunter is currently teaching “Breaking the Silence,” a curriculum designed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to all fifth grade classes at an elementary school in her hometown.

http://www.btslessonplans.org

“Just one lesson on mental illness could make all the difference in the lives of young people whose lives have been thrown tragically off course by no fault brain disorders such as: Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Panic Disorder.”

“Much of the stigma associated with mental illness is a fear of the unknown.”

“Teaching our children that mental illness is a physical illness affecting the brain and making them aware of potential signs and symptoms will help replace stigma with compassion and encourage them to reach out for help if they should ever need it.”

https://www.nami.org/press-releases/mrs-united-states-breaks-the-silence-during-mental-illness-awareness-week/