Depression is quite complicated. It entails a host of symptoms that perplex even the savviest therapist. Depression is even more complicated in children and men because the expression of symptoms is not as clear-cut for them as it is for others. Nonetheless, depression is one of those “diseases” that requires a compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, and understanding individual to identify it. Families, caregivers, and friends who suspect a loved one experiencing depression ought to know that depression can entail lots of symptoms. Sadly, many people believe depression is a sad mood, bad mood, or negative thinking that can be overcome through will power. This is not always the case. Depression often requires treatment.

Good mothers are always mothers to be treasured. As many Mother’s Day cards, plaques, teddy bears, and other wonderful gifts often say around this time of year, mothers are everything we need and more. My mother has been one of the strongest assets in my life and has given (and still gives) every aspect of herself. Her love is all I need many days to remind me of the beauty of life. We have come a long way together. So I say it again, good mothers are to be treasured and even many days after Mother’s Day.

We’ve been talking a lot about delusions and hallucinations lately,so lets end our discussion with the differences and ways to cope.

What a cute baby in this photo. Can you imagine a mother taking her life? No. Most people could not even wrap an inch of their mind around this tragic reality. But for some families with a loved one with a severe or untreated mental illness, homicide or violence is far too common a reality.

One of the most shocking incidents in life is when a child is murdered. The most unfathomable is when a mother (maternal filicide) or father (paternal filicide) kills their own child. When a parent kills their own child it is referred to as filicide. Filicide is a form of homicide that can be committed by a mother or a father, despite media attention often on mothers. Unfortunately, most media outlets do not cover incidents involving filicide so many are uninformed about its existence and prevalence around the world.

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.

I was reading an article and came across a blog post that discussed what isn’t necessarily a psychiatric disorder, yet has features similar to delusions. It can get very complicated when psychiatric illnesses clash with medical illnesses. Symptoms coincide so much that both mental health professionals and medical doctors often have to consult before making a diagnosis.

Pseudo-cyesis, or “false pregnancy,” is currently defined as a rare medical condition in which an individual (a woman) has similar symptoms to that of an expectant mother such as:

I was having a conversation with my mother and she said something that resonated with me:

“some people just don’t look like they need help. It’s sad because many of these same people do.”

She is right! Many things prevent society from recognizing emotional and mental health needs. Would you think a business man in a powerful corporation could be suffering from delusions? Would you think a beautiful teen girl is being abused? Would you even think a sweet elderly woman next door quietly thinks you can read her thoughts? For many people, accepting the reality that those who appear “together” may not be so together after all is difficult. We need to become sensitive to potential need(s).

Some time ago I had a discussion with an acquaintance involving the most perplexing, yet mysteriously interesting behavior. What had been a mystery for this family was revealed a month ago. Their loved one had exhibited inappropriate laughter, crying spells, and emotional outbursts that weren’t connected to a mood or psychotic disorder. He also seemed quite delusional at times as well.

Pseudo-bulbar affect (PBA) is a condition (a puzzle) that had this family emotionally drained for years. It is currently defined as a neurological condition characterized by unpredictable and uncontrollable emotional outbursts involving laughter and crying during inappropriate times.

Stress is often high in families while  job seeking for individuals returning from the military or suffering from severe mental illnesses. Google this topic and it becomes apparent just how overlooked this population is when seeking employment. For the most part, it’s a challenge to find employment without losing patience and many must rely on supplemental income.

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.