Depression is one of those health conditions that usurps every part of a suffering individual’s life. Employment, interpersonal relationships  responsibilities, motivation, future goals, level of patience, etc. are all affected by depressions sting. As I described in a previous article, depression clouds the sufferers lens so that everything appears nebulous.

Have you noticed that the most compassionate, understanding, modest, and intuitive people seem to be those who have suffered, been oppressed, or are in constant search for life’s ultimate meaning? I have and I find that it is an interesting phenomenon. As stated in a previous article, it was not until rain and “dark-valleys” appeared in my life that I grew and could see my potential.

According to the National Alliance To End Homelessness (2013), at least 250,000 families are homeless. The National Center On Family Homelessness reports that 1 in 45 kids, or 1.6 million, are homeless in America. Homelessness is a serious epidemic and the issue is not just about the individual living with homelessness, but society in general.

“I am thankful to all those who said no to me. It’s because of them I did it myself”__Albert Einstein

Did you know that rain brings growth to more things than plants and flowers? I have seen just how “rainy” seasons in my life motivated me to grow. Without those “dark valley’s,” I’m not sure I could relate or understand what it takes to hold on in moments of distress. What is one  secret to my courage? It is to allow my insecurities and worries about tomorrow to bolster my courage and character.

A crisis is usually defined as a severe situation in which events are expected to be dangerous or unstable. No one likes a crisis or situation in which life is completely out of our control. No one ever gets 100% prepared for an emergency. But the best time to prepare is now, not later.

Have you ever noticed your emotions the day after a very stressful day running errands, meeting people, supporting family or friends, working, and meeting deadlines? Have you awakened wondering if you could have done something better the day before? Perhaps you could have spoken more friendly to someone or have greater patience with someone.

Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT), termed shock therapy in the 1940s and 1950s, is a type of treatment used in cases of resistant or severe depression. It is often the last resort following a line of treatments (medication, talk therapy, etc.).

ECT is the induction (or encouragement) of a seizure using an electrical stimulus (or electrode) applied to the scalp to create shock-like waves to the brain. Anesthesia or a muscle relaxant is used and a device is placed between the teeth to prevent loss of teeth. 

How would you feel if an individual stated the following to you?

I want to commit suicide using assisted suicide when I turn 56 because I have severe Multiple Sclerosis and major depression, my life is over.

Being the recipient of such a statement changed my perspective of older individuals with severe or untreated mental and medical diagnoses. What is a therapist to do? Even more, how is another human being who understands just how unbearable life can become to respond? I still don’t know.

Severe or untreated illness can push individuals into the most unlikely areas of life. Many end up homeless, incarcerated, dead, or hanging on by a thread often hoping for a way out. For families or caregivers of a loved one with severe illness, it can be difficult to change the mind of one so confident in suicide as a remedy. Due to social and moral constraints on suicide, many incorrectly believe that physician assisted suicide is a better way to accomplish their goal.

It’s always important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider prior to receiving treatment. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions about treatment, length of treatment, and most importantly, what your rights are. Many healthcare providers will review your rights with you, your loved one, or friend prior to treatment. In some cases, you may need to ask the person discussing your rights to detail everything. Of course, you don’t want to make anyone’s job more difficult, but you do what to safeguard yourself or loved one. 

Therapists face pressure when it comes to employing the principles of HIPAA and confidentiality, which often go hand and hand. Confidentiality is your legal and moral right to privacy in a healthcare setting. Health documents (paper or electronic), discussions, and other relevant information is protected in each state by HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

HIPAA protects medical and mental health information from being exposed to the public or others who do not have access to a patient file. Faxes, emails, paper forms, and other correspondences within a medical or mental health agency, must be protected and handled with care.

If you, your loved one, or friend has been hospitalized or cared for in a healthcare setting, their information is protected under HIPAA. In order to receive any kind of healthcare information on another individual HIPAA will require the patient or client to complete what is known as an informed consent form and Authorization to release health information.