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T The VOL. 29 NO. 5 Out of Darkness...May 2016 Take One! Dates to Remember Weekly Support Group Meetings No Cost Saturday 10:00 am - 12 noon May 7, 14, 16, 21 & 28 See Page 9 for location & map Directions to Jo Ann Martin’s Home Exit 91 Frwy at Van Buren. Go south 4.2 miles on Van Buren to Whispering Spur. Turn left. 2nd driveway on the right 16280 Whispering Spur Riverside, CA 92504 951 / 780-3366 hermometer Times Published by The Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance of Riverside, California DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 1 Inside this issue: Plan A Beach Trip Right Now 1 Ocean & Lakes Help Depression 3 Psychologist or Psychiatrist? 4 I Can Fire My Psychiatrist? 5 Dressing When You're Depressed 7 Depression and hygiene? 7 Care & Share Group At Jo Ann Martin’s home. Details on page 9! COME JOIN US! Every Saturday @ 10AM (Continued on page 2 Go To The Beach) 7 Reasons Your Body Wants You To Plan A Beach Trip Right Now Ah, the beach. Is there anything better? There's just no place quite as relaxing, beautiful or pleasant, and no place that combines the simple pleasures of unplugging and enjoying nature in our otherwise tech-heavy and work-driven realities. The beach helps us recharge -- and we need to be making A LOT more use of it. We know most jobs already offer vacation time, but considering these specific health benefits of the beach, maybe it's time they carved out days for their employees to spend in the sun and sand. Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D. Sure, that milk your drinking is fortified with vitamin D, but the truth is most people get 80 to 90 percent of their daily dose from sun exposure. According to information provided by the Harvard Medical School, the most natural and substantial source of the vitamin depends on how much UVB light gets through to you. That light reacts with a cholesterol-related compound and metabolizes into vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, creates healthy skin and may even help improve mental health. The sun's role in both health-promoting vitamin D and in the sun damage that can lead to skin cancer makes things confusing. Since sunscreens block the vital UVB rays needed for Vitamin D production within the body, most doctors advocate "responsible sun exposure" to get what you need. About 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure does the trick for most people, after which protection in the form of a sun- block with 30 SPF or higher (along with additional preemptive measures) is essential for DBSAtoday.com

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Page 1: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

T The

VOL. 29 NO. 5 Out of Darkness...May 2016

Take One!

Dates to Remember

Weekly Support Group Meetings

No Cost

Saturday 10:00 am - 12 noon

May 7, 14, 16, 21 & 28

See Page 9 for location & map

Directions to

Jo Ann Martin’s Home

Exit 91 Frwy at Van Buren. Go south 4.2

miles on Van Buren to

Whispering Spur. Turn left.

2nd

driveway

on the right

16280 Whispering Spur

Riverside, CA 92504

951 / 780-3366

hermometer Times Published by The Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance of Riverside, California

DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 1

Inside this issue:

Plan A Beach Trip Right Now 1

Ocean & Lakes Help Depression 3

Psychologist or Psychiatrist? 4

I Can Fire My Psychiatrist? 5

Dressing When You're Depressed 7

Depression and hygiene? 7

Care & Share Group

At Jo Ann Martin’s home.

Details on page 9!

COME JOIN US!

Every

Saturday @ 10AM

(Continued on page 2 Go To The Beach)

7 Reasons Your Body Wants You To Plan A

Beach Trip Right Now

Ah, the beach. Is there anything better? There's just no place quite as relaxing,

beautiful or pleasant, and no place that combines the simple pleasures of unplugging and

enjoying nature in our otherwise tech-heavy and work-driven realities. The beach helps

us recharge -- and we need to be making A LOT more use of it.

We know most jobs already offer vacation time, but considering these specific

health benefits of the beach, maybe it's time they carved out days for their employees to

spend in the sun and sand.

Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D. Sure, that milk your dr inking is

fortified with vitamin D, but the truth is most people get 80 to 90 percent of their daily

dose from sun exposure. According to information provided by the Harvard Medical

School, the most natural and substantial source of the vitamin depends on how much

UVB light gets through to you. That light reacts with a cholesterol-related compound and

metabolizes into vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, creates healthy skin and

may even help improve mental health.

The sun's role in both health-promoting vitamin D and in the sun damage that

can lead to skin cancer makes things confusing. Since sunscreens block the vital UVB

rays needed for Vitamin D production within the body, most doctors advocate

"responsible sun exposure" to get what you need. About 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected

sun exposure does the trick for most people, after which protection in the form of a sun-

block with 30 SPF or higher (along with additional preemptive measures) is essential for

DBSAtoday.com

Page 2: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

The Thermometer Times

16280 Whispering Spur

Riverside, CA 92504

(951) 780-3366 Publisher & Editor in Chief

Jo Ann Martin

Proof Reading

Leroy Merrill

Kathi Stringer - Jo Ann’s Assistant

DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 2

Please feel free to reprint any of our articles. However,

please acknowledge our publication, date, and author or

source. It will please the authors and recognize their ef-

forts.

Go To The Beach (Continued from page 1)

Continued on page 3 (Go To The Beach)

the skin's longterm health. That said, everyone's needs are

different and it's best to talk to your doctor about a sun plan

that best benefits you.

Sand is a natural exfoliant. Do you ever wonder

why it feels so good to walk on sand? It's because there are

somewhere between 3,000 and 7,000 nerve endings in each

foot that awaken when you walk across those tiny grains. Wet

sand acts as a natural exfoliant and peels off dead skin cells

from your feet (and really, anywhere else on your body), leav-

ing them renewed and much softer.

To take full advantage of sand's rejuvenating quali-

ties, take a walk near the water where the sand is "looser" and

can wash over your feet. If you're thinking exfoliation is a

luxury and not a health essential, think again. Your skin sheds

about 50,000 skin cells every minute and sometimes they stay

attached to your body, which can cause your pores to clog and

lead to blackhead and acne. Exfoliation keeps the skin clean,

healthy and rejuvenated.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a walk on the

beach, if only to get rid of all those dead skin cells. Actually,

you'll probably want to just start rolling around in wet sand at

this point.

It could help rheumatoid arthritis patients feel

better. The minerals in the ocean could help reduce symp-

toms for those with rheumatoid arthritis. According to a

study, patients who used bath salts made from Dead Sea min-

erals also experienced fewer symptoms, like morning stiffness

and trouble with hand gripping. You know what else can help

relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Getting enough

vitamin D, that's right.

Also, sunlight has been shown to decrease depres-

sion. Common sense would tell us that people tend to be

happier in the warmer months and less so in the gloomier

months, but it's been scientifically proven that sunshine can

make us happier. A study conducted by the Baker Heart Re-

search Institute in Melbourne, Australia found that the amount

of sunlight participants received directly affected their mood.

The team also noticed that with increased sunlight exposure,

their levels of serotonin increased, having a positive effect on

factors such as stress, sleep and appetite.

Now, we're not claiming that a lack of beach outings in

your life will led to symptoms of depression. However, as with

the previous points, the beach has got a lot of what your body

needs, all in one beautiful place.

In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better

moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

Seawater preserves elasticity of skin. The ocean is

full of anti-aging minerals that can counter the decline of your

skin's elasticity among other things... this is great, great news!

As we grow older, our skin, as well as other things,

tends to lose its tightness and suppleness. And while some peo-

ple will do almost anything to look young, what we're recom-

We Need Scouts for our

Monthly Newsletters We are considering newsletter sub-

missions for our monthly publication.

All articles must be available on the

Internet. Content must be informa-

tional, uplifting and positive. Articles

should be less than one page, ideally

about ¾ of a page. Are you able to

sniff out inspirational and informa-

tional articles on the Net? Give it a

shot. The newsletter team will make a

determination for acceptance of all

submissions. Thank you!

Copy and paste the link of the article and send it to

[email protected]

Page 3: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 3

Go To The Beach (Continued from page 3)

mending is far less invasive and expensive. Treating your body

to a little bit of saltwater every now and again will obviously

not have the same dramatic effect as cosmetic intervention, but

it can aid in the process of keeping everything a little bit tight-

er.

A day at the beach gets you moving without even

trying. We're chalking this one up to probability more

than scientific fact, simply because going to the beach usually

involves some sort of physical activity, right? Whether you're

swimming, jogging, surfing, playing soccer or beach volleyball

or simply walking through the sand to find a nice spot to lie

out, rare is the day when you go to the beach and do absolutely

no exercise. Walking on the beach is already a better workout

than walking on concrete, "walking on sand requires 1.6-2.5

times more mechanical work than does walking on a hard sur-

face at the same speed."

Plus, it's not like you're just sitting pretty when engag-

ing in some of these activities -- you're burning major calories

by just going for a swim, for example. A leisurely swim can

burn about 200 calories. Surfing? Just over 100. Frisbee?

About the same. And beach volleyball is nearly 300. So ditch

the gym -- the beach is your new fitness friend.

And with a much, much prettier view. And per -

haps most importantly, the beach decreases your stress level by

helping you unplug.

Unplugging is good for the mind, body and soul. Ac-

cording to a study from the University of Gothenburg in Swe-

den, staying constantly plugged in has been associated with

stress, loss of sleep and depression.. Let go of the tablets and

smartphones and allow yourself a technology-free escape to

this oasis every once in a while to help you re-center. Serious-

ly, don't even try to bring your devices to the beach -- as every-

one knows, sand gets everywhere.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter took it a step

further and found that simply living near the beach can also be

beneficial to your health and well-being. They took into ac-

count people's proximity to the beach and their self-reported

health to conclude that living seaside may actually result in

better health.

A short walk (on the beach, or anywhere else) is also

known to decrease stress and help you reset. So, if you'd really

like to feel at ease, unplug AND go for a leisurely walk on the

beach -- you've just treated yourself to the ultimate de-stressing

combination.

The beach is a magical place that can recharge you

and help you stay fit physically, mentally and spiritually. For

those reasons, we conclude that beach visits are seriously

healthy, not to mention pretty pleasant. Just remember to wear

your sunscreen.

Source: Hoffpost Healthy Living

Continued on page 4 (Ocean, Lakes and Waterfalls)

Ocean, lakes and waterfalls may

help treat SAD and depression

At a recent trip to the beach, I had a great discussion

with a fellow beachcomber about the positive effects of the

ocean on our sense of well-being. We each described how, in

almost an instant, our mood seemed to improve, our stresses

diminished and long, deep breaths are easier to come by, just

by walking along the beach.

Many people are transformed by the sight, smell,

touch and sound of moving water, whether it be from a roaring

waterfall, rolling waves, babbling brook or peaceful lake. Do

you think this transformation is due to stress reduction, or is

there something more to the benefits of water?

There is a theory on this phenomenon of being near

large bodies of water, and it has to do with (one of) the deepest

levels of science: molecules. Essentially, the negative ion

(molecules) released from the moving water are beneficial in

counteracting the electrical imbalances we all have, caused

from free radicals.

"Free radicals" were frequently discussed indirectly in

the news and on advertisements a few years ago, in the form of

"anti-aging" creams and in nutrition journals warning to avoid

"partially hydrogenated oils" (trans fat). The first time I heard

about free radicals was from Dr. Andrew Weil, and all I can tell

you is that they are bad. Seriously, Dr. Weil says, "[free radi-

cals] are extremely toxic to cells, as they oxidize and distort

their vital components."

So, if we believe that free radicals are dangerous, and

negative ions can counteract them, then this is grounds for a

new treatment, right?! There are claims that the negative

(hydrogen) ions created from the movement of water (from

ocean waves, rivers, streams, waterfalls, even water evapora-

tion) can counteract the 'toxic' effects of free radicals and neu-

tralize the air. The claims sounds great, as this molecular pro-

cess has been said to help increase energy, increase serotonin

Page 4: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 4

Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Which

Is Right for You?

If you have mental health concerns, you should seek

help. But where do you go? How do you know what type of

doctor you should talk to? Do you look for a psychiatrist or psy-

chologist?

If you’re unsure what the difference is, you’re not

alone. “We get that all the time,” says Tristan Gorrindo, MD,

director of the American Psychiatric Association Division of

Education. “There’s a lot of confusion out there."

There are similarities, but there are important differ-

ences, too. Here’s what you need to know to decide which is

right for you.

How They’re Alike. Psychiatr ists and psychologists

are different types of doctors trained to help you deal with men- (Continued on page 5 (Psychologist or Psychiatrist)

Ocean, Lakes and Waterfalls (Continued from page 3)

levels (helping SAD and depression sufferers), improves cogni-

tive abilities and more.

I'm not sure if this will ever be a bona fide alternative

treatment, or will continue to be seen as "pop psychology", but it

seems as though there is some debate as to the validity of nega-

tive ions helping to treat depression and SAD. There are many

different methods to be exposed to negative ions; water is one,

as is sunlight and negative ion generators (these come with

warnings regarding side effects). The question for this treatment

is: how much/how often is necessary for exposure to negative

hydrogen ions to gain health benefits?

Have you tried any type of negative ion therapy?

Well, my negative ion "therapy" (visiting the beach) is all I need

right now, at least once per year. Large bodies of water creates a

wonderful setting for problem-solving, gaining perspective,

loosening up and chilling out, being "small" before mother na-

ture's creation, and above all, being curious and appreciative

about your surroundings and the moment.

Source: EmpowHER.com

tal health issues. Both are there to talk you through problems.

They aim to provide you with the means to manage the issues

in your everyday life.

How They’re Different

Education. Psychiatr ists are medical doctors (MDs)

who graduate from medical school, have a year of medical in-

ternship, and have 3 years of residency in the assessment and

treatment of mental health disorders.

Psychologists have a doctoral degree in an area of

psychology, the study of the mind and human behavior.

They’re not medical doctors. A psychologist can have a PhD in

philosophy or a PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology.

Typically, they do 1-2 years of internship. Unlike psychiatrists,

psychologists are also trained in giving psychological tests (like

IQ tests or personality tests).

Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can

prescribe medication -- probably the most commonly known

distinction between the two fields. But a few states allow psy-

chologists to prescribe a limited number of psychiatric medica-

tions if they’ve taken a course in psychopharmacology.

The Approach. Both psychiatr ists and psycholo-

gists are typically trained to practice psychotherapy -- talking

with their patients about their problems. But the differences in

background and training translates into different approaches to

solving your mental health problems.

Psychologists look closely at your behavior. “If you’re

depressed and can’t get out of bed, there’s a behavioral activa-

tion,” says C. Vaile Wright, PhD, a director at the American

Psychological Association. Psychologists will track sleep pat-

terns, eating patterns, and the negative thoughts that might be

causing or contributing to the problem.

“Psychiatrists have a stronger sense of biology and

neurochemistry,” says Ranna Parekh, MD, a director at the

American Psychiatric Association. “Theirs is going to be a di-

agnosis of exclusion. For instance, before we call someone de-

pressed, we’re going to make sure they don’t instead have some

vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem.” Once they’ve made a

mental health diagnosis, psychiatrists often prescribe you medi-

cine.

Whom Should You Call? Both psychologists and

psychiatrists are generally covered equally by health insurance

programs, and both often work on a sliding scale when it comes

to patients paying out of pocket.

One possible advantage of seeing a psychiatrist is that,

as a medical doctor, he or she has the knowledge and training

to evaluate underlying medical problems or drug effects that

could cause emotional or behavioral symptoms. Psychiatrists

can also work more readily with your primary care doctor or

other specialists. “As part of our residency, we’re trained in

different settings, like pediatrics, outpatient, and the emergency

Page 5: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

DBSA Riverside - May 2016 Page 5

Continued on page 6 (I Can Fire My Psychiatrist?)

room,” says psychiatrist Gorrindo. “We speak the language of

any other part of the hospital.”

For serious kinds of mental health problems, such as

major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, where

physical symptoms may be severe and it may be hard to take

basic care of yourself, psychiatrists generally have more formal

training and treatment options available.

In the treatment of less severe kinds of mental health

problems, who you see can often be more a matter of personal

preference. “A lot of people don’t like the idea of medication,”

Wright says. “They’re afraid they’re going to get addicted, or

that by changing their body chemistry, they are somehow bro-

ken.” They’re more likely to see a psychologist first.

Wright says your choice should be guided by the type

of problem you’re having. Someone who may be clinically de-

pressed could benefit from taking medication, while someone

dealing with a phobia might find therapy with a psychologist

the most effective choice. Usually, if a psychologist is treating

someone whom they feel has severe symptoms (such as suicidal

or highly irrational thoughts), they may suggest a consultation

with a psychiatrist to help clarify a diagnosis and possibly pre-

scribe medications.

Just Get Help. If you’re still struggling with the

decision between psychology and psychiatry, Wright recom-

mends talking it over with your primary care doctor. “One size

does not fit all,” she says. “Different things can work at differ-

ent points or work together. There is no wrong way as long as

you’re doing something and being open with your provider

about what’s working and what’s not.”

Gorrindo is in agreement. “If you’re worried about

being depressed or some other mental issue, it doesn’t matter

who you go to,” he says. “Just go to someone.”

“At the end of the day,” Wright says, “both psychology

and psychiatry are built around strong relationships based on

trust and confidentiality.”

Once you’ve made a choice about the type of help, you

may need to see a few different doctors before you decide on

the one who’s right for you.

Source: WebMD

Psychologist or Psychiatrist (Continued from page 4)

What? I Can Fire My Psychiatrist?

I love my psychiatric

health care professionals. They

are the reason I’m alive.

But… and there is

always a but… this doesn’t

mean I haven’t had encounters

with downright dangerous

mental health professionals in

the 20 years since my diagno-

sis.

What I see scares me.

I no longer say our mental health care system in the United

States is broken. I believe it hardly exists and it’s up to those of

us with the illness to turn this situation around. NOW.

Somehow, we’ve created a system where psychiatrists

are often treated like demigods whose word is law.

Too many people affected by bipolar disorder spend

way too much time begging for information in too short ap-

pointments with inadequate results.

And yet we rarely take matters into our own hands and

fix the problem. I hear of mistakes by psychiatrists almost

weekly and the majority of my parent and partner coaching cli-

ents are so stunned by the treatment they receive when trying to

get help for their loved ones they say nothing because they feel

powerless.

When my former partner Ivan (who has bipolar disor-

der one) came out of the hospital after a three month manic and

psychotic episode in 1994, I was alone, frantic and downright

unable to take care of him. I said to his psychiatrist, “Please,

please help me. He can’t work. He can’t sleep. I think he’s get-

ting more depressed and I don’t know what to do.” This person

looked at me and said, “My, my. You’re getting a bit too in-

volved don’t you think?” I sat there stunned and left feeling

hopeless and helpless. This ignited my own bipolar disorder

Page 6: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

DBSA - Riverside – May 2016 Page 6

I Can Fire My Psychiatrist? (Continued from page 5)

symptoms and created a cascade effect of more and more de-

pression.

The Julie I was then bought into the idea that the

psychiatric system knew best and was out to make sure Ivan

got the treatment he needed. The Julie I am today would look

that psychiatrist directly in the eye and say, “That is not an

acceptable response,” get him in front of a disciplinary board,

into more training and begging for my forgiveness. If there

were not a reasonable response from his superiors, I would get

online and tell the truth. And the Julie I am today would FIRE

HIM. He almost got Ivan killed because I didn’t get the help I

needed when Ivan was extremely suicidal. This was a social

services situation as Ivan was let go from his job and his in-

surance was rejected because they didn’t cover bipolar disor-

der. (Some things have changed for the better. Thank you

health care reform!) I know the psychiatrist was overworked

and had too many clients, but that is never an excuse for poor

treatment. Many of Ivan’s health care professionals were won-

derful, but the majority treated me like I didn’t exist.

I no longer fear those in the psychiatric profession. I

look for those who are willing to be part of a team and seek

out those who would never dream of telling a very young,

scared, crying and lonely woman she had no right to ask for

help for her suicidal partner.

I always encourage people to praise those in the

health care profession who do a wonderful job. I also encour-

age people who are not in a good situation, to report the health

care professionals who are not doing their jobs. Report them

and if nothing changes, fire them.

We are often far more indignant and vocal

about bad service in a restaurant than we are when we

receive poor care from a psychiatrist.

Who is paying the psychiatrist? You are! You em-

ploy that person and they must meet your standards and if

they don’t, find a way to voice your displeasure. I do under-

stand than some people are stuck with who they have. In this

case, write down what you need and bring it with you to the

session and stay until you get what you deserve. This goes for

people with the illness and those who care about the person.

It’s ok if you’re crying and anxious when demanding adequate

health care; what matters is that you speak your mind and ask

for what you deserve as a paying customer. (People on disabil-

ity are paying customers. We all pay taxes in some way.)

I wish I could say it has changed for the better over the

past twenty years, but it really hasn’t. HIPPA has made the

situation worse for loved ones and the stories I hear today are

chillingly similar. “Julie, I took in a list of my wife’s symptoms

to her psychiatrist and he refused to look at it.” Or… “My

son’s prescriber refused to take his emergency call when he

needed help from medication withdrawal. We ended up in the

ER.” Or, “Julie, I only get 20 minutes with my meds nurse and

she is often late and I get pushed out of the room before I get

what I need.”

I believe we can ALL get the health care we need once

we learn what good mental health care looks like and how to

ask for what we deserve. This is true whether you have the

illness, care about someone with the illness or are a health care

professional doing your best to work within our current mental

health system. I spend a lot of time helping family members

and partners find the right help.

Happy with your health care team? Praise and

love them- support them and tell others about them! Up-

set, fraught with anxiety, worried and unhappy with your

psychiatric health care professionals? Voice your con-

cerns with conviction, report your experiences, demand

human decency and if this doesn’t work, FIRE THEM!

Whew. That is my soap box. I can see how this post could lead

to a lot of health care bashing and that’s NOT my intention.

There is far more good than bad in this world. Please share

your stories and advice on how we can all get the best psychiat-

ric health care possible.

Source: bpMagazine

About the author: Julie A. Fast is the bestselling author of Lov-

ing Someone with Bipolar, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder

and Get it Done When You’re Depressed. She is an award win-

ning columnist for bp Magazine

Page 7: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

DBSA - Riverside – May 2016 Page 7

es, or perfume. Yeah, it sounds weird, but sometimes desperate

measures are called for! Fake it til you make it — and, as we all

know from "The King and I," you may fool yourself while

you're at it.

Source: Jezebel

Dressing When You're Depressed

Maybe it's SAD. Maybe it's clinical. Maybe you're in a

breakup. Or maybe you just have the blues. Whatever the rea-

son, it's better to wear clothes (trust me).

I actually have clothes set aside for when the Black

Dog's stalking. I hope most of you don't, but let me tell you,

clothes are the last thing you want to think about when you're

down. And yet, being in something crummy or dirty or shleppy

can make you feel even worse. And while it can't work mira-

cles, having something to slip into can provide a little comfort.

Basically, there are two real options: wallowing and

rallying. Let's say you just want to wallow — whether that

means holing up in bed or vegging out on the couch with a

miniseries and a mug of tea (ideally prepared by someone else.)

For this line, obviously, you want the coziest, snuggliest, soft-

est clothes imaginable. This is the one time when "loungewear"

really makes sense to me, because it can be depressing to stay

in PJs — but you don't want real clothes. Think a cozy cardigan

and some soft and lovely yoga pants, and of course slippers.

Bra — and Snuggie — both optional.

But let's say you feel like rallying! Either you have to,

for whatever reason, or maybe you're just stir-crazy and bored

and want to distract yourself. This is when, first of all, you need

music. Not your strut-song, necessarily — it may be too early

for that — but something that gets you rarin' to go. I like Big-

Band, but this is a personal choice. Sometimes when you're

down, it's useful to call in an alter ego. It needn't be Sasha

Fierce literal, but turning into a bombshell or a badass for a

little while (even if you're just dancing around at home alone)

can give you a lift. Go crazy. Think garter belts, and false lash-

Depression and hygiene?

QUESTION

I've noticed my poor hygiene lately, I think it

has to do with me having depression. I don't even know when

the last time I brushed my teeth was, my room has always been

messy but now it's also dirty (I don't vacuum it until it's so filthy

I can't walk on it with bare feet cause dust and crumbs keep

sticking to them), I don't shower unless I feel so dirty it affects

me too much (I used to shower every day and twice a day in the

summer since it gets really hot where I live) and generally my

hygiene has been very poor. I've always been a messy person

but never filthy. I just don't feel like there's a point in doing it

even though I know that not being clean and being in a dirty

environment really bring me down. Any way to motivate my-

self to at least get some basic things done? I feel miserable

about it but at the same time I just want to lay in bed and pre-

tend I'm not there at all.

ANSWER

Planning is key. Tell yourself you're going to get up

and brush your teeth as soon as you get up, for example. Don't

allow yourself leasirely things until you've done the tasks

you've allocated for yourself. Adopt a "sooner I get it done,

sooner I can stop thinking about it" attitude. It helps me. Some-

times depression just takes the point out of everything and that's

where you need to give it one. You will get it done because it

will make you feel better. There does not need to be any other

point; you deserve to feel better so you will do this for yourself.

I struggle loads with motivation. Showering is defiantly not my

strong point. I only brush my teeth because I forced myself into

a habit and now it feels weird if I don't.

Source: Mental Health Forum

Page 8: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

Phone Phriends

If you need someone to talk with:

Leroy

951 / 686-5047

6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ms. Carly Jenkins

951 / 522 - 3500

951 / 242 - 2400

10 am to 8 pm

Rancho Cucamonga DBSA

Meets Thursdays

Contact: Gena Fulmer

909 / 367 - 8944 OR

e-mail: [email protected]

For Family Support People: NAMI

Riverside County Mental Health Administration Building

4095 County Circle Dr. (off Hole Ave. near Magnolia)

7:00 pm, 1st Monday each month

800 / 330 - 4522 (se habla espanol)

951/285-9890

DBSA Temecula

Mike Clark @ 951 / 551-1186

DBSA Hemet

Trinity Lutheran Church

Mondays, 5 to 7 pm.

Lyla Wilson 951 / 658-0181

Rialto SPPT GR

Keith Vaughn

909 / 820-4944

DBSA Riverside (Uplifters)

Grove Community Church

Mon 7:00 pm. Room B8

951/571-9090

RECOVERY INNOVATIONS Invites you to

After Works!

After Works is a FREE art social event that takes place at Art Works

Gallery on Fridays from 5-7 PM. The goal of the program is to bring local profes-

sionals, artists, peers and families together in a relaxing environment to create and to

learn a new arts skill. Past programming included artist and exhibition receptions,

poetry readings, as well as workshops such as mixed media collage, zine-making, and

drumming. No experience required!

For more information, visit or call Art Works at

(951) 683-1279.

Art Works Gallery

3741 Sixth Street

Riverside, CA 92501

DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 8

Family / Friends

Support Groups

Riverside County Dept. of Mental Health

Offers Support groups for families and

friends

Of people with severe

And persistent mental illness.

These Support Groups are offered

Throughout the County of Riverside

The County also offers the

NAMI Family-to-Family

Education Program

This program is a 12-week series of

Educational meetings for

Family members.

There is NO COST TO YOU.

For information on dates, times and location,

Please contact:

Riverside Co. Dept. of Mental Health

The Family Advocate Program

1-800-330-4522

NAMI Family Support Group

(Various Mental Illnesses)

951/369-2721

Stigma Reduction and Suicide

Prevention

AdEase/Riv.Cou.Mental Health:

Julia Sullivan 619 / 243 - 2290

www.adeaseonline.com

Page 9: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

Bus Routes to Meeting Place: From The Galleria/Tyler Mall, travel 27 southbound, exit Whispering Spur.

For meeting-day route times, please call RTA at 800/266-6883* toll free.

If you qualify for Dial-a-Ride, a door-to-door service for the handicapped,

info is available at the same phone number. * as well as other parts of River-

side.

About DBSA-Riverside

DBSA of Riverside is a suppor t group for people who have depression

or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder and who have sought or are seeking

treatment for their illness. DBSA is totally patient run, which means we

need volunteers like you to help with mail-outs, telephoning and planning.

A work time is held at the home of JoAnn Martin on the Saturday afternoon

following the last sharing meeting of each month to assemble the newsletter

for mailing. Directions are printed on the lower left corner of the front

page of this newsletter. You may reach JoAnn or Leroy at 951/ 780-3366. Our sharing meetings are held every Saturday of

each week from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Jo Ann Martin’s Home, 16280 Whispering Spur Riverside, CA 92504. We wel-

come professional care providers and adult family members and friends.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Individual membership for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Riverside is $20.00 per year. This helps defray the cost

of the monthly newsletter and helps pay for the cost of our meetings. Subscription to the newsletter is $10.00 per year. If you are

unable to help financially, the newsletter may be sent upon request. Volunteers are always needed. If you would like to volunteer,

please indicate below.

Mail to DBSA of Riverside, 16280 Whispering Spur, Riverside, CA 92504

DATE _________________ Please Print New Renewal

NAME _____________________________________________PHONE _______________

ADDRESS ___________________CITY_________________STATE ____

ZIP ___________ E-MAIL ADDRESS ____________________________

Please check one of the following:

I have: Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression) Depression

I am a Family Member Professional

None of the above

Birth Date (Optional) : Month _________ Day ______ Year _____

Enclosed is my payment for DBSA Membership _____ $20.00 (includes newsletter).

Enclosed is my donation of $ ___________ to help others receive the newsletter.

I would like a subscription to the newsletter only. $10.00 (12 issues per year).

I would like to volunteer my time and talent to help.

DBSA - Riverside - May 2016 Page 9

Make Check Payable to: DBSA –Riverside

$

Page 10: DBSAtoday.com Take One! T hermometer Times Theneeds, all in one beautiful place. In the study's own words: "More sunlight meant better moods; less sunlight led to symptoms of depression."

HELP US KEEP COSTS DOWN

We’re using a computer mailing list

Please help us keep costs down by

making sure your name and address

are correct. If there is an error or if

you are receiving more than one

newsletter, please let us know.

Print legibly so that mistakes can be

avoided.

Your help and patience are greatly

appreciated.

DBSA OF RIVERSIDE

16280 Whispering Spur

Riverside, CA 92504