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Fibromyalgia Newsletter # 4/2 Friday, 12/21/2001
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This week's News Summary
17) Research: Intercessory prayer flunks another test
18) Website : Magnet therapy
19) Website : The Men's Zone
20) Article : Fibrofog, Fibromyalgia and Dissociation
21) Article : The Holidays Need Not Be a Pain
22) Website : Suicide Help and Prevention
23) Article : What To Do If A Friend Has Depression
24) Article : Suicide: What to do?
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Full Stories Are Available Via Web Links
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17)
Subject: Intercessory prayer flunks another test.
Source : Consumer Health Digest http://www.quackwatch.com Author : Stephen Barrett, M.D.
URL : http://www.mayo.edu/proceedings/2001/dec/7612a1.pdf
Intercessory prayer flunks another test. Mayo Clinic researchers have found no significant effect of intercessory prayer (prayer by one or more persons on behalf of another) on the medical outcomes of more than
750 patients who were followed for 6 months after discharge from in hospital coronary care unit. The patients were randomized within 24 hours of discharge into a prayed-for group and a control group. The prayer involved at least one session per week for 26 weeks by five randomly assigned individual or group intercessors. [Aviles JM and others. Intercessory prayer and cardiovascular disease progression in a coronary care unit population: A randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 26:1192-19198, 2001]
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18)
Subject: Magnet therapy Source : The Magnet Challenge Author : Daddio URL: http://members.tripod.com/Daddio_1/Page3.html
Wonderful website with interesting info about Magnet therapy from a humorous male point of view.
<quote>
You may have seen on the newsgroups alt.med.fibromyalgia and alt.support.chronic-pain, my challenge to the magnet people. I had answered some posts about alternative treatments for pain. I was pretty frustrated on that day. I was noticing a lot of people telling about how they had tried all of these treatments, but nobody was willing to come right out and say that the methods had helped with the pain. Many would say that they weren't rid of the pain, but they had extra energy, or peace of mind, or some other such thing.
So, I put out my views and added that I was mostly skeptical about the magnet therapies. My challenge was something like this:
"SET ME UP WITH THE WHOLE MAGNET SHOOTIN' MATCH, MATTRESS, SHOE PADS, NECK & SHOULDER GIZMOS, ETC. FOR FREE. IF IT WORKS, I WILL SHOUT THE PRAISES FROM THE ROOFTOP. IF IT DOESN'T WORK, I WILL LIKEWISE SHOUT ABOUT THAT. ANY TAKERS?"
Well, there has been a taker. I will tell you her name, it is Tammy, and she is from Virginia. She accepted the offer, and is going to send a mattress pad, pillow, shoe inserts, far-infrared quilt, necklace, eye mask, and spot products. She is also going to send a couple of books on the subject for me to read. She said she was going to be out a little for the shipping, but she was verrrrrrry hopeful for me, and excited.
Tammy is a distributor, and assured me that she did no advertising on the net. She is interested in seeing if I can get rid of this pain, and maybe making a magnet convert out of me in the process.
(....)
Read the full article on the website.
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19)
Subject: The Men's Zone Source : http://www.plaidrabbit.com Author : Joy URL : http://www.plaidrabbit.com/fms/menspage.htm
The Men's Zone, a web page with FMS info aimed at men.
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20)
Subject: Fibrofog, Fibromyalgia and Dissociation Source : Fibromyalgia Resource Center Author : Frank Leavitt, Ph.D. mailto:fleavitt@rush.edu URL : http://www.webspawner.com/users/frankleavitt/
Fibrofog, Fibromyalgia and Dissociation <quote>
Understanding why some memory-impaired patients with fibromyalgia score normally on neuropsychological testing.
Cognitive difficulties characterized by memory lapses and mental confusion frequently disable patients with fibromyalgia from carrying out their responsibilities in the work situation, but are a challenge to prove in a disability claim. Part of the problem is that the methods of disability evaluation pertaining to cognitive complaints typically involve a referral to neuropsychologists because this group is widely considered to have specialty skills in assessing cognitive functioning.
Yet, many neuropsychologists are not well versed in either the limitations of neuropsychological tests or in dissociation. Probably even fewer are cognizant of the connection between FMS, dissociation and cognitive dysfunction. More often then not, neuropsychological testing will show cognitive functioning to be normal. Normal findings shift the weight of available evidence upon entering the arena of disability determination, creating an imbalance that often enables the disability claim to be denied. However, the denial may be based on a false premise.
Our clinical and research experience suggests a way of unraveling the mysterious discrepancy between patient conviction and neuropsychological findings. Instead of the flaw residing in the patient complaint, it may well be that these patients as a group are being held to the wrong standards. Testing logic often takes the following form: if memory deficits fail to be demonstrated by scores on standard measures of memory that operationally define level of impairment, then fibromyalgia patients are overestimating or overplaying the severity of their memory decline. The logic is flawed because it does not account fully for the many ways memory failures arise and overlooks shortcomings in the testing process.
(....)
Read the full article on the website.
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21)
Subject: The Holidays Need Not Be a Pain Source : Selfhelp Magazine.com Author : Miryam Ehrlich Williamson URL : http://www.shpm.com/articles/holidays/holidays.html
<quote>
For many people who have fibromyalgia (FM) the conventional greeting at this time of year, "Happy Holidays," has an ironic ring to it.
Thanksgiving Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day can provide bitter reminders of all the things that are expected of us, and all the things we cannot do. House guests arrive, party invitations come in the mail, gifts must be purchased and delivered. There are cookies to bake, cards to sign and address, decorations to put up, and a host of other commitments to be met.
It all seems so impossible that it's no wonder the winter holiday season is often more stressful than pleasurable. Even people who don't have FM feel the pressure, but for those who do have it, the need for strategies to get through the holidays is particularly essential. Here are some suggestions to make your holidays as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
(....)
Read the full article on the website.
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22)
Subject: Suicide Help and Prevention Source :
Author :
URL :
If you or someone you know is having suicide thoughts during this Holiday period, please consider surfing these websites and ask for help.
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
http://mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=9
Talk to therapist online http://www.metanoia.org/imhs/
UK & US http://www.samaritans.org/
Worldwide help in many languages http://www.befrienders.org/bidir/centre.html
American Association of Suicidology http://www.suicidology.org/index.html
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention http://www.suicideprevention.ca/CASP/index.html
Minority & Culturally Diverse Therapist Links http://www.find-a-therapist.com/minority/index1a.htm
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education http://www.save.org/
http://www.rochford.org/suicide/inform/help/
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23)
Subject: What To Do If A Friend Has Depression Source : SA\VE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Author : SA\VE URL :
A Guide for Young People
#1 - EDUCATE YOUR SELF ON DEPRESSION
What is clinical depression? Depression is a medical illness, just like cancer or diabetes. It is not the "blues". The blues are normal feelings that eventually pass. The feelings associated with depression last longer than a couple of weeks. If your friend has depression, he can't talk himself out of it. Your friend isn't weak and doesn't have a character flaw. Having depression isn't his fault. Depression affects the whole body - thoughts, feelings, behavior, physical health, appearance, and all areas of a person's life - home, work, school and social life. Depression can be treated successfully just like other illnesses.
What causes depression? Depression is triggered by a complex combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Genetic means that in some families, depression is inherited, passed down through genes.
Psychological makeup has to do with personality traits and environmental factors means life circumstances. The brain is an organ of the body just like the heart, liver and kidneys. If the chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that regulate how a person thinks, feels and acts, get out of balance, the brain can get "sick" and the result can be clinical depression. A bad or stressful life event could trigger depression, however, a person can also be born with depression. It can also appear out of nowhere, when everything is going fine, at a time when there is no reason to get depression. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of!
Who can get depression? Anyone. People of all ages can get depression -
even children. Boys and girls and men and women can get depression. It doesn't matter what race, ethnicity or economic group a person comes from. Depression affects more than 19 million people living in the United States each year.
Why is it important for friends to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression? Your friend may not know she has a treatable illness.
Depression affects thinking - she may not be able to think clearly or rationally, or may believe that she can't be helped. When depression is severe, it can cause thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness. The #1 cause of suicide is untreated depression. Early recognition and treatment of depression can save lives.
#2 - KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Your friend might have only a few of the symptoms of depression listed below or he might have many symptoms. Everyone is different. There is no set number of boxes that, once checked, signal depression for sure.
If any of the following are particularly bothersome or interfere with life, a person should get help. Can you "hear" your friend saying these things? What boxes do you think your friend would check?
* I feel sad.
* I feel like crying a lot.
* I feel so alone.
* I don't really feel sad, just "empty".
* I don't have any confidence in myself.
* I don't like myself.
* I feel scared a lot of the time, but I don't know why.
* I feel mad a lot, like I could just explode.
* I feel guilty.
* I can't concentrate.
* I have a hard time remembering.
* I don't want to make decisions - it's too much work.
* I feel like I'm in a fog.
* I'm so tired, no matter how much sleep I get.
* I'm frustrated with everything and everybody.
* I don't have fun anymore.
* I feel so helpless.
* I'm always getting into trouble.
* I'm so restless and jittery. I just can't sit still.
* I feel so disorganized, like my head is spinning.
* I feel so self-conscious.
* I can't think straight. My brain doesn't seem to "work".
* I don't feel like talking - I just don't have anything to say.
* Sometimes I feel I can't go on living.
* I use alcohol or drugs to escape or to mask feelings.
* Sometimes I do things that are dangerous or that could hurt me.
* My whole body feels slowed down; my speech, my walk, my movements.
* I don't want to go out with friends anymore.
* I don't feel like taking care of my appearance or myself.
* I feel my life has no direction.
* Occasionally, my heart will pound very hard, I can't catch my breath, I feel tingly, my vision seems strange, and I feel like I might pass out. It passes in seconds, but I'm afraid it will happen again. (panic attack)
* I feel "different" from everyone else.
* I smile, but inside I'm miserable.
* I have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep.
* I don't feel like eating anymore.
* I feel I could eat all the time.
* I've gained or lost a significant amount of weight.
* I have headaches, stomachaches, backaches, and/or pain in my arms and legs.
* I feel dizzy a lot.
* My vision seems blurred or "slow" at times.
* Nothing I do makes me feel better.
In 90% or more of cases, a combination of antidepressant medication and therapy works to treat depression. People with depression can be helped.
Your friend can feel good again! A physical exam from your doctor is important to rule out any other illnesses that may have the same symptoms as depression.
#3 - KNOW THE DANGER SIGNS OF SUICIDE
Your friend may have symptoms of depression, but not be suicidal. It is always important to watch for danger signs of suicide though, just in case your friend might be having suicidal thoughts. Have you noticed any of these warning signs of suicide in your friend?
* Talking, reading, or writing about suicide or death.
* Talking about feeling worthless or helpless.
* Saying things like, "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead,"
or "I shouldn't have been born."
* Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
* Giving things away or returning borrowed items.
* Organizing or cleaning bedroom "for the last time."
* Self-destructive behavior like self-cutting, or other "risk-taking"
behaviors.
* Obsessed with death, violence and guns or knives.
* Previous suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
If you see any of these danger signs in your friend, get help immediately.
#4 - KNOW WHAT TO DO
There is a direct link between depression and suicide. Every year in the United States, over 2,000 teenagers die by suicide.
TAKE SUICIDE SERIOUSLY
* The statement, "People who talk about suicide, won't really do it," is false!
* If your friend makes comments like, "I wish I were dead," or "It doesn't matter, I won't be around much longer," or "Everyone would be better off without me," it may signal that he is thinking about suicide.
NEVER KEEP SUICIDE A SECRET
* It's okay to ask your friend, "Have you ever felt so badly that you've thought of suicide?" Asking the question won't plant the idea in a person's mind. * If you suspect a friend has been thinking of suicide, tell a responsible adult, someone who will listen, take you seriously, and take action to get your friend help.
* If the first adult you go to doesn't feel there is cause for concern, keep going until you find someone who takes you seriously. This is an act of true friendship. A suicidal threat, even if said jokingly, should always be taken seriously!
OFFER TO HELP
* Listen carefully, don't judge, and focus on the behaviors that concern you.
* Reassure your friend that there is help and that suicidal thoughts are only temporary.
* Offer to go with your friend to his or her parents, counselor or doctor.
* You can say things like, "I can tell you're really hurting," or "I care about you and will do my best to help." Tell him or her, "It's okay, it isn't your fault." A supportive friend can mean so much to someone who is in pain.
* Use this booklet and SAVE's wallet card to explain to your friend why you are concerned.
#5 - FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP
* Parent(s), guardian, or other family member
* School psychologist, social worker, counselor or nurse
* Teacher
* Personal physician or nurse
* Personal clergy
* Your local hospital
* Hennepin County Crisis Intervention Center: 612-347-3161 (State of Minnesota only)
Many people can help you help a friend who is depressed or suicidal. But sometimes adults don't understand depression and suicide. You can teach them.
Ask for help until you find it.
FOR EMERGENCY CALL:
1-800-SUICIDE
For educational information:
1-888-511-SAVE
or
WWW.SAVE.ORG
Copyright (c) 2000 by SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
7317 Cahill Road, Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55439 Phone 952-946-7998 or 1-888-511-SAVE Fax 952-829-0841 www.save.org
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24)
Subject: What To Do Source : SA\VE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Author : SA\VE URL :
Is Someone You Know Thinking About Suicide?
The road, which ends in suicide, is usually a very long one. The process doesn't happen over night. People who become suicidal have usually suffered from a brain illness such as clinical depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar (manic depression) or schizophrenia for many years.
Some have sought professional treatment; others have not. Some have felt suicidal in the past, for others, the suicidal thoughts are new.
The Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that 95% of all suicides occur at the peak of a depressive episode. The illnesses that cause suicide can distort thinking, so people can't think clearly or rationally. They may not know they have a treatable illness, or they may think that they can't be helped. Their illness can cause thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness, which may then lead to suicidal thoughts.
If depression is recognized and treated, suicidal thoughts can be eliminated. Many suicides can be prevented.
Know What To Watch For:
Symptoms of Depression
* Persistent sad or empty mood.
* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, pessimism, or worthlessness.
* Chronic fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex.
* Disturbances in eating or sleeping patterns.
* Irritability, increased crying; generalized anxiety (may include chronic fear of dying/convinced dying of incurable disease), panic attacks.
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
* Thoughts of suicide; suicide plans or attempts.
* Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment
- headaches, stomach problems, neck/back pain, joint pain, mouth pain.
If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, ask the person how he or she is feeling.
Getting help is key to suicide prevention... the earlier, the better.
Warning Signs of Suicide
* Talking or joking about suicide. Statements about being reunited with a deceased loved one.
* Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
Example: "Life is useless." "Everyone would be better off without me."
"It doesn't matter. I won't be around much longer anyway." "I wish I could just disappear."
* Preoccupation with death. Example: recurrent death themes in music, literature, or drawings. Writing letters or leaving notes referring to death or "the end".
* Suddenly happier or calmer.
* Loss of interest in things one cares about.
* Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about - saying their good-byes.
* Giving possessions away, making arrangements, setting one's affairs in order.
* Self-destructive behavior (alcohol/drug abuse, self-injury or mutilation, promiscuity).
* Risk-taking behavior (reckless driving/excessive speeding, carelessness around bridges, cliffs or balconies, or walking in front of traffic).
* Having several accidents resulting in injury. Close calls or brushes with death.
* Obsession with guns or knives.
Over Know What To Do:
If you see possible warning signs of suicide...
* It's okay to ask the person, "Do you ever feel so badly that you think of suicide?" Don't worry about planting the idea in someone's head.
Suicidal thoughts are common with depressive illnesses, although not all people have them. If a person has been thinking of suicide, he will be relieved and grateful that you were willing to be so open and nonjudgmental. It shows a person you truly care and take him seriously.
* If you get a yes to your question, question the individual further.
Ask, "Do you have a plan?" If yes, ask, "Do you know when you would do it?" "Do you know when?" (today, next week?) "Do you have access to what you would use?" Asking these questions will give you an idea if the person is in immediate danger. If you feel she is, do not leave her alone! A suicidal person must see a doctor or psychiatrist immediately.
You may have to take her to the nearest hospital emergency room or call
911. Always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously.
* Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. Don't worry about breaking a bond of friendship at this point. Friendships can be fixed. And never call a person's bluff, or try to minimize his problems by telling him he has everything to live for or how hurt his family would be. This will only increase his guilt and feelings of hopelessness. He needs to be reassured that there is help that what he is feeling is treatable, and that his suicidal feelings are temporary.
* If you feel the person isn't in immediate danger, you can say things like, "I can tell you're really hurting", and "I care about you and will do my best to help you." Then follow through - help her find a doctor or a mental health professional. Be by her side when she makes that first phone call, or go along with her to his first appointment. It's not a good idea to leave it up to a person to get help on her own. A supportive person can mean so much to someone who's in pain.
In order to save lives, it's critical that we recognize the symptoms of these biological diseases that cause suicide. There is still stigma associated with these illnesses, which can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can go a long way in reducing stigma. Education is the key to understanding the tragedy of suicide that, in many cases, can be prevented.
Copyright (c) 2000 SAVE Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
7317 Cahill Road, Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55439 Phone 952.946.7998 or 1.888.511.SAVE Fax 952.829.0841 www.save.org
