…that next week is Mental Health Awareness week? So be prepared to be made even more aware of mental health issues. I wonder if we are going to find numerous articles about mental health or mental illness? I believe this years theme is on physical activity and the difference that can make to ones mental health. Hmm just the thought of it, is making me feel more depressed but I don’t think that is the general idea! It is after all, well known that physical activity produces more of the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, so I think we are all going to be encouraged to get out there in the fresh air and exercise more. Both Colin and I did join a gym together some time ago now. This was not just any old gym but probably the most expensive one around! By doing so we thought that we would go more often and definitely lose pounds, which we did but not the right kind. Joining the gym isn’t enough you do actually have to go. I am very proud of my mother who is one of the few people I know to join a gym and actually continue to use it.
This month also sees the publication of the new DSM-5. This is the planned fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the psychiatrists bible. It is due for publication in May 22nd, 2013 and will supersede the DSM-IV which was last revised in 2000. Psychiatrists reach for this to be guided into what label can be attached to a person as the way of a diagnosis this will also help to decide what medications may be most appropriate.
I wonder what you think of labelling children or in fact giving anybody, a child or adult, a diagnosis? Being told your child has a diagnosis of ADHD or autism for example. Personally I have mixed views. I think labels can help people to get the right resources and help. It can also help to gain better understanding to a child’s particular behaviours. I am however aware of parents seeking diagnosis for all the wrong reasons. I have also spoken many times to adults with psychiatric disorders who once told of their diagnosis felt a greater understanding into themselves and able to find support and help from others suffering from the same illness.
Oh well all of the above is probably of more interest to me than you dear readers and I have been known to go on and on once on the subject of mental illness.
Yesterday I received a bag full of beautifully knitted chemo hats for people with hair loss. It is yet again so good to know so many people care and I look forward to handing these over to the Macmillan centre on my next trip to the hospital.
Oh yes I can proudly say that with the help of my sister, I eventually finished the party invitations and instructions on how to purchase your ticket, so if you haven’t received yours yet and you would like to come along please let me know ASAP. The party is proving very popular and we only have space for 150 people.
Today I may finish the book I’m reading, Me Before You by JoJo Moyes, I can thoroughly recommend it as an easy read that is hard to put down.
Have a good one
Deborah x
