The Impact of Robin William's Suicide

Last month, I was hit hard by some news. Robin Williams committed suicide in his home. Yes, you might feel that it is silly to be so emotional about the death of a celebrity whom I never met, but this man brought laughter to many people in the world, including myself. He made people smile and forget about their reality for a brief moment when watching his stand-ups acts or his movies. This incident helped me realize that even people with a great sense of humor can struggle with depression and spurred me to write this post for National Suicide Prevention Week. 

Depression is real and it is an ugly illness that plagues at least 1 out of 10 U.S. adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Also in 2011, one out of ten young people experienced a period of major depression (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Depression is not something that can just be set aside and forgotten. It is also not an illness that just disappears or that you wake up one day and you are suddenly “over it.” It can control and consume a person’s life, but thankfully it is treatable. 

The first step for treating depression is contacting your doctor. Yes, it is frightening with the stigma associated with mental illness. However, there are health care providers and counselors who want you to receive help and they are available to you. I have seen stigma’s impact on those suffering from mental health issues. I have seen stigma  in the privacy of homes where individuals are thought to be going through a phase. I have also seen the stigma of mental illnesses while walking crowded streets of cities where people are shunned because their mental health status has forced them into homelessness. It is difficult to see those who are suffering and in need medical attention, but are afraid to get help because of how they think others will view them. Please do not let the fear of stigma keep you away from receiving assistance.

Sadly, depression alone is not the only mental health issue. Did you know that in 2011, one in five adult Americans experienced a mental health issue (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.)? In 2o11, the United States had one in twenty Americans live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). As you can see, no one is ever alone in this battle and the effects of mental illness impact more people than we might think. 

You might ask, “How do I make a difference? How can I make a change for those suffering from mental illness?” Those are the questions that motivated me to write this post. One of the ways that we can all make a difference is knowing what resources are available and sharing that information to someone in need.

Fortunately, the TWU Counseling Center offers a variety of counseling services and information. For more information about their services, click here. Also, if you know someone or if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts because of depression, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number at 1-800-273-8255. It is free, confidential and there is a trained counselor that answers the line.

Additionally, my own Department of Health Studies offers some courses that can help promote mental health awareness. There is a course called Psychosocial Aspects of Mental Health where students learn how to promote mental illness awareness and incorporate principles and strategies to create health interventions for those suffering from mental illness. It also discusses the mental health system reform that is occurring now to decrease stigma, increase awareness of mental health and increase access to mental health care. 

Another course that increases mental health awareness is the Stress Management course. This course teaches students how to manage stress on a daily basis through a variety of techniques. If stress is not managed properly, it could lead to anxiety and depression-like symptoms.   

Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché, but it is true. You can make a difference.  You can decrease the stigma, you can influence policy changes to mental health reform, and you can make a difference in your life or someone else’s. 

This post reflects the personal opinions and thoughts of Amanda Hinson-Enslin and does not reflect an official position of Texas Woman’s University or the Department of Health Studies.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). CDC features. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdepression/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.) Mental health myths and facts. Retrieved from: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/myths-facts/

Resources complied by Amelia Garza.

Resources

TWU Counseling Center

(940) 898-3801

Website (http://www.twu.edu/counseling/default.asp)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TWUCounselingCenter)

The TWU Counseling Center is an excellent TWU on-campus resource. Like their Facebook page and stay up-to-date on upcoming events, mental health, and self-care ideas. Their website also provides great online resources, such as online assessments, workshops, a self-help library, and virtual pamphlets, which can be accessed through the following link: http://www.twu.edu/counseling/online-resources.asp.

Denton County Health Department

(940) 349-2900

Website (http://dentoncounty.com/Departments/Health-Services/Health-Department.aspx)

Denton County Health Department, located on 535 South Loop 288, is a facility geared towards improving the overall health of the Denton County community. Offering services such as dental, immunizations, and primary care, the Denton County Health Department is a great resource to work with.

Grant Halliburton Foundation

(214) 347-4900

Website (www.GrantHalliburton.org)

The Grand Halliburton Foundation is an organization that believes in spreading the word that “I AM H.E.R.E”. This motto refers to a drive for working together to promote that no individual is alone. Geared towards teens and young adults, the foundation is the only coalition in the North Texas area that promotes mental health and well-being to the young people of the area.

Denton County MHMR Center

1-800-762-0157

Website (http://www.dentonmhmr.org/)

The Denton County MHMR center is a place where individuals can go to seek help if they are experiencing depression, thoughts of suicide, or other issues of mental health. The center is a non-profit organization that specializes in treating individuals with mental health needs. Their “person-centered” treatment plan is geared towards the individual’s specific needs.

Mayhill Hospital: Behavior Health

(940) 239-3000

Website (http://www.mayhillhospital.com/treatment-programs/)

The Mayhill Hospital treatment programs for behavior health include a variety of approaches such as recreational & occupational therapy, safe & secure environment, 24-hour nursing care, individual & group therapy, and many more. Providing a safe, confidential, and compassionate environment, the Mayhill Hospital: Behavior Health’s multi-disciplinary medical team works to understand the needs of the individual and develops programs based on those needs.

Texas Suicide Prevention

1-800-273-TALK

Website (http://www.texassuicideprevention.org/)

The Texas Suicide Prevention resource is an online tool that helps individuals navigate and understand issues surrounding suicide. Whether it is becoming aware of the signs of an at-risk individual, or working through life after the death of a loved one by suicide, this tool can help to build one’s knowledge and prevention tactics of suicide. Offering tips on ways to help with preventative measures, the Texas Suicide Prevention website offers a way for each person to get involved in suicide prevention and awareness.

Suicide Prevention Resources for Military Families

Website (http://www.realwarriors.net/family/support/preventsuicide.php)

This online website is a great source for gathering information about how to help your loved one cope with suicidal thoughts following involvement in the military. Targeted specifically towards family and friends of military personal, the Suicide Prevention Resources for Military Families discusses how to identify the warning signs of suicide as well as how to find help for your loved one. This resource also gives a pneumonic for helping your loved one: ACE, which stands for Ask, Care, and Escort provide an easy way for families and friends to act on the needs of their loved ones.

Denton Regional Medical Center: PTSD

(940) 384- 3535

Website (http://dentonregional.com/your-health/?/20073/Resource-Guide-for-Post-traumatic-Stress-Disorder--PTSD-)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can also play a role in suicide. The Denton Regional Medical Center provides great resources in understanding PTSD such as the risk factors, symptoms, and living with the disorder. Reviewed by Michael Woods, MD, the information is backed with expert help and advice.

Suicide Hotlines

Crisis Line: Adults, (972) 233-2233; Teen, (972) 233-TEEN; Española, (972) 233-2428

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK

24 Hour Crisis Line: (214) 828-1000/ 1-866-672-5100

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

This source is a Texas based hotline and is to be used in crisis situations. If you are someone you love is considering suicide, please contact this hotline.

Guest Post: UV Rays and Sun Protection

Most individuals know that the rays from the sun can damage skin and cause sunburns and potentially cause skin cancer. However, researchers are still working to gain a better understanding of the effects of both UVA and UVB rays (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014). UV stands for ultraviolet light and UVA and UVB are categories of ultraviolet light (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014). Ultraviolet light is not visible to the naked eye, but rays of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB, can penetrate the earth’s atmosphere and cause skin damage (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014).

            UV radiation causes mutations of your skin’s genetic makeup that can cause both melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and non-melanomas which are various forms of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014). UVA rays account for about 95% of UV radiation and penetrate the skin deeper than UVB rays that can cause skin cancer as well as skin wrinkling (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014). UVB rays cause more superficial damage to the skin and are mainly responsible for sun burning (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2014).

            In order to prevent damage from UV radiation, it is important to adopt preventative behaviors all year round, not just in the summer (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2014). Most people don’t bother wearing sunscreen in the winter or if there is cloud coverage or overcast skies, but UV rays can penetrate the skin in those conditions (CDC, 2014). Roughly between 9am and 4pm are the times of day where UV exposure is high (CDC, 2014). Wear sunscreen with at least SPF (Sun Protective Factor) 15 or higher (CDC, 2014). It is also a good idea to wear lotion or moisturizer with SPF every day to reduce the effects of continued UV exposure that can cause wrinkling and skin cancers.

            Some people wonder if tanning beds or other forms of indoor tanning are considered safe or offer less UV exposure than the sun. Indoor tanning devices contain bulbs that produce UVA and UVB rays at various rates depending on the age and type of bulb (CDC, 2014). In the interest of preventing skin cancer and other forms of skin damage it is not advised to use tanning beds or other indoor tanning devices (CDC, 2014). Indoor and outdoor exposure to UV rays share the same risks to your skin, one is not safer than the other. Using sunscreen while outdoors year round and avoiding tanning beds are the best ways to prevent premature aging and reduce the chances of skin cancer. If you have had sun exposure in the past, even as a young child, you may want to contact a dermatologist to determine if there are any concerns regarding the condition of your skin (CDC, 2014). If you have a family history of skin cancer, are light skinned, or have a history of burning and regular sun exposure, contacting a dermatologist can help you determine if you have any negative effects from sun exposure or may have negative effects in the future (CDC, 2014). For more tips on how to decrease UV exposure visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm

References

Centers for Disease Control (2014). What are the risk factors?Retrieved from

            http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

Skin Cancer Foundation (2014). Understanding UVA and UVB. Retrieved from

            http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

Kacey Sebeniecher is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Health Studies with an emphasis in higher education at Texas Woman’s University and plans to graduate in the fall of 2014. She currently serves as a health educator at The University of Texas at Dallas and received an undergraduate degree in Health Promotion from Oklahoma State University in 2009. Kacey is focused on educating college students on healthy lifestyle behaviors and is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of students both while they pursue their education and after they graduate. 

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Guest Post: Ways to Treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects mostly adults, but anyone can acquire it.  It is not contagious and is usually appears as a thick, salmon- colored skin in flaky patches usually on the elbows, knees, arms, and legs, but can occur anywhere on the body.  The skin in the affected area may be dry, itchy, and/ or sore (MedlinePlus, 2012).

Treatment  Options

·        Antibiotics

·        Daily baths: keep skin clean and moist

·        Phototherapy: the use of light

·        Prescription medicines: injections or pills

·        Skin lotions

·        Topical cortisone creams or ointments

The National Psoriasis Foundation (n.d.) recommends trying a variety treatment options to find what works best for you and to be sure to work with your doctor. Some complementary and alternative therapies suggested include:

·        Maintaining a healthy diet by eliminating trigger foods.

·        Using herbal remedies such as aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, capsaicin, dead sea salts, oats, tea tree oil, turmeric, or Mahonia Aquifolium.

·        Mind and body therapies like aromatherapy oils (Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Tea tree), meditation, mindfulness, and spa therapy.

·        Alternative therapies include acupressure, acupuncture, massage and reiki.

·        Exercise including yoga and Tai Chi for stretching.

Psoriasis has different levels of severity and your treatment will depend how mild or severe it is.

References

MedlinePlus. (2012). Psoriasis. Retrieved from           http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm

National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d). Psoriasis Treatments.
Retrieved from http://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments

Veronica Arispe is working on a MS in Health Studies with a focus on Worksite Health.  She received a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Community Health in 2001 at New Mexico State University.  She currently works with the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo in El Paso, Texas as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist.  

Thank You

Whether you are a Health Studies student, staff, faculty, alum, a member of the TWU community or part of the larger public, we wanted to take a moment and say thanks for being part of our online community here on our blog, newsletter,  Facebook, and/or our LinkedIn group! We appreciate the time you spend with us.

THANK YOU!

6 Tips to Help You Prepare for a New Semester

The fall semester is fast approaching and you can feel the stress and anxiety piling up on you already. Stop for just a minute, take a slow deep breath and exhale slowly. The key here is not to panic. We have provided you with a few tips to ease the pain and agony of starting a semester. 

1.    Take care of all you can before the semester starts.
If you need to do a deep cleaning of your apartment/house, do it. If you need to take your kids or yourself to the doctor or dentist, make an appointment to see him/her. Don’t forget that Fluffy and Fido might need to get their yearly check too. The point is to get as many things as possible complete before the semester starts, so you will not have to handle it later while you are writing papers and studying for quizzes. Sure things will pop-up during the semester, but you will not have the extra stress looming over your head. 


2.    Get ahead of the game.
The first two weeks of the semester can be overwhelming because you see all of the assignments, readings, papers, projects, tests, quizzes and finals that have to be completed in all of your classes. Just thinking about it makes your head hurt and you think, “Where am I going to find the time to accomplish all of this?” That is easy, get a head of the game. Review each syllabus a week or two weeks prior to the semester starting and become familiar with the requirements of the course. If you do not have a syllabus or a textbook list available online, email the professor. It does not hurt to ask. They probably will be more than happy to get you started.
 Next, purchase your books and supplies early. Have them before the first day of classes even. That might mean going to the office supply area of your local store and buying your favorite gel pens and day glow colored folders. This will eliminate even more stress of falling behind on your required readings for the course and scrounging around for the perfect writing implement.

 3. Mentally prepare yourself.
Mentally preparing for the semester is not meant to cause more pain and suffering; but rather make you feel prepared to tackle the semester successfully. Take a few minutes to plan out your new schedule for the semester by recording due dates on a calendar and set up reminders. During those few minutes, review the assignments that will be due during the semester and figure out a plan of action. As you develop a time management strategy, do not forget to include the other things in life that you need to accomplish such as the dishes, making meals, exercising and taking time for yourself for a mental break. Do not forget to include sleep into your schedule. Your body and mind require it more than you think and sadly caffeine eventually wears off. If you need more tips on time management, click here. 

4.    Set goals and stick with them.
Setting goals actually gives you something to strive for and achieve. If you write down you goals, you are more likely to accomplish them. For the semester write down two or three goals that encourages you to press on toward the end of the semester. Another idea is to put the list of goals where you can see them daily. You can even draw little boxes beside each goal and once you completed them put a smiley face or gold star sticker as a celebratory act. Here are some examples of goals:




•    I will read for thirty minutes each day for each class.
•    I will make a 3.0 this semester.
•    For every hour I study, I will take a 15 minute walk as a mental break.
•    I will complete the final project for my class two weeks prior to when it is due. 

 

The last example might be a little ambitious, but it is something to strive for. Don’t forget to celebrate accomplishing your goals because you have to have some fun for yourself during the semester. If you do finish your final project two week ahead of the due date, you will deserve a reward for all of that hard work. For more information about making personal goals click here. 

5.    Identify resources that are available to you.
There are also resources available to you through TWU. The Student Life department has several services for students all types of students from international, local, commuter and virtual students. If you know you that one of your classes you are going to need to some help during the semester, contact the department about a tutor. Also the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence offers many valuable resources.



6.    Identify your cheerleader squad.
There are people in your life that are proud that you are continuing your education. They get are excited about the work you are doing so much that they cannot help but smile. They tell you, “Great work!” Of course that gives you the boost you need. Find those people and actually let them cheer you on during the race. Get the motivation you need to survive. They might even be fellow classmates. Remember strength in numbers helps more than you think.  You can have your own encouragement group and pat each other on the back as you run for the finish line. They can also help you up when you trip and fall on your face.

Now rather than dragging your feet into the fall semester, pick up your feet and march forward toward the new semester. You are prepared. You can do it. Also, if you ever need a pep talk, swing by, email us, or check out our Facebook page. We have words of empowerment and encouragement to help keep you motivated to complete the fall semester successfully. 

For other tips about starting off the semester click here. We'd love to hear what your tips and tricks are for preparing for a new semester!

References

Harvard Extension Hub. (2014). 9 tips to start the semester off right. Retrieved from http://www.extension.harvard.edu/hub/blog/extension-blog/9-tips-start-semester-right

Manage your work, don't let it manage you: Tips for managing your time and getting ahead. (2000). Retrieved from http://www.cob.sjsu.edu/nellen_a/time_management.htm

Mind Tools. (2014). Personal goal setting: Planning to live your life your way. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/page6.html

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So Long and Thanks for All the Fish

“Farewell has a sweet sound of reluctance. Good-by is short and final, a word with teeth sharp to bite through the string that ties past to the future.” 

-- John Steinbeck, The Winter of Our Discontent

“Every farewell combines loss and new freedom.”

-- Mason Cooley

Dean Ishee and the Ishites
2013 Halloween Prank

For me, saying farewell is always hard. It’s the good-byes that are easy. So for the last three weeks I’ve been trying to say farewell to my home of the last five years – TWU Health Studies. I have started writing this post numerous times.  I even have a few rough drafts, but nothing ever seemed to fit. Finally, after percolating and mulling and tossing paper in the trash, I decided to keep it simple and share the three areas that I am the most grateful for.

Health

Most people don’t know that I came to Health Studies with a specific goal in mind and that was to get healthier. I believed that coming to work everyday to a place where health and promoting health education was the focus would help me focus on my own goals. It did!

Over a period of about nine months I learned about myself, my eating habits and stress triggers, exercise that I liked and hated, and more. By the end of those nine months I had lost 40 lbs.  Best of all, I felt better and had solid strategies in place for maintaining my weight and eating healthier.

Communication

Graduate Student Appreciation Week

I have long had an interest in communication. Working at TWU Health Studies gave me wonderful opportunities to continue practicing and learning those skills from working with students of all ages to continually trying to find better ways to communicate online to tinkering with humor as a communication tool.

Beyond Health Studies though, I had the occasion to practice my communication skills by working with people from a variety of departments. One of the most meaningful learning experiences I had was helping to lead the efforts to start a Toastmasters club on at Texas Woman’s University. I am so grateful to the many people who assisted me, provided support, and taught me (whether they knew it or not) about collaboration and communication. We were successful and in September 2013 the Pioneer Power Speakers was officially chartered!

Laughter and Fun

The 10th Floor Gang for
Morgan's Birthday Celebration

The last thing I want to share my gratitude for is the tremendous amount of fun and laughter I have enjoyed over the last five years. I have held a lot of different positions with different universities and organizations over the years. Nowhere have I had as much fun, laughter, and joy as I did at TWU Health Studies.

We have done some crazy things over the years. Pranks, wisecracks, pink mustaches, silly emails, Monkey, and Star Wars gear were all a part of being on the Health Studies team. But the fun, sense of humor, and joy extended beyond Health Studies up to some of our senior administrators, who helped foster that kind of environment.

None of this is to say that we all sat around the campfire singing Kumbayah all the time. No, we had our frustrations and disagreements. At the end of the day though, what I saw and heard and felt was that these people believed in what they were doing, enjoyed what they were doing, and worked hard every single day to – as I always say – “make it a great day!”

So as I start on my new journey I wish you well and hope that you will make it a great day because it is indeed your choice.

PS - Kudos to you if you recognized the reference in the title!

Morgan O’Donnell served as both  the graduate academic advisor and more recently as program director for TWU Health Studies.  You can follow her adventures in the Land of Enchantment at www.morgankodonnell.com.  Morgan continues to tinker with humor in her alter ego as Mo Solo both on Tumblr and Facebook.

Guest Post: August is National Breastfeeding Month

Is Breast really Best?

Breastfeeding Art - I love my mummy
by Angelus Works
via Flickr. *

Breastfeeding is considered by many to be the ultimate form of dietary supplement for newborns, infants, and even toddlers. Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers babies’ risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea (NRDC, 2014). All of these things are great benefits for newborn babies; however, often time health professionals send mixed messages about the importance of breastfeeding and the expectation for new mothers. The message that is generally sent is “Breast is best, but here’s some formula because we don’t expect it to work for you.” Instead of advertising unbiased information, most health facilities have incorporated the habit of offering formula to all mothers with little or no push back with facts or statistics about breast feeding and benefits of breast milk.
Formula is expensive, and one of the things driving this high cost is the huge amount of money spent on free samples and advertising in health care facilities and advertising to health care providers (Kaplin & Graff, 2008). Formula manufacturers know that the brand of formula mothers are given in the hospital is the one they are most likely to continue to use through the first year or longer. For this reason, the formula industry is overshadowing a woman’s natural ability to care for her own children. Parents who buy infant formula and stick with the brand the hospital distributed are paying tons of money for those “free” samples, roughly $700 per year over the cost of generic formula (Kaplin & Graff, 2008). The reason the formula companies include all these freebies in their advertising budgets are because it generates huge profits and exposure for the brand!

Women have the right to make their own choice in providing nourishment to their new bundle of joy however, it is also important that mothers are informed about the benefits and not coerced into purchasing a product because there will be benefits for the health facility. Weather a new mom chooses to use formula or breast milk they should always be informed, learn factual information about both options, and do what will work best for their situation.

References:

Natural Resources Defense council (NRDC). 2014. Benefits of Breastfeeding. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/breastmilk/benefits.asp

Kaplan, D. L., & Graff, K. M. (2008). Marketing Breastfeeding—Reversing Corporate Influence on Infant Feeding Practices. Journal of Urban Health-bulletin of The New York Academy of Medicine. doi:10.1007/s11524-008-9279-6

*Breastfeeding Art - I love my mummy by Angelus Works.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/angelusworks/3211606066/in/pool-426905@N24
Available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.

Simone Sanders graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in health promotion/education. She is currently working towards a master’s degree in Health Studies at TWU with hopes of one day becoming an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her main health focus is sexually transmitted diseases within minority populations.