that girl is a singin,
dancin fool

Hello strangers! I've not been blogging due to the slow and struggling demise of my previous laptop... now we're in business and I'm excited to be able to get to some web projects!

But the purpose of this post is to pass along a little info gleaned from BP Magazine, a very fine publication for those struggling with depression, bipolar, mania, etc.

It is also to thank family and friends for their support during this odd time of unemployment. The key to keep going, make plans with friends and family and have them harass you to keep those plans! Getting out and having purpose is the best cure for me.

For those of you who struggle with Bipolar, Manic Depression and Major Depression Disorder, here is some helpful info. Rarely do I think of natural disasters and the possibility of it happening to me - but you never know and wouldn't want your mental health to be even worse off...

For Those with Depression, Mental Health Resources May Help Empower Individuals Before Natural Disasters Strike

Almost 300 million people across the world were affected by natural disasters in 2010. When natural disasters hit, the possibility of being cut off from helpful resources, treatment, and medication can be an alarming thought for the millions of American adults affected by depression. Just as you prepare for an impending storm to ensure you have plenty of food, water, and backup light sources, preparation can be beneficial for those managing depression.

“Planning in advance of a natural disaster may help empower those with depression. There are several things you can do in advance to help ensure you can continue to manage your depression effectively,” said Dr Richard Jackson, psychiatrist at the Neurobehavioral Medicine Group.

Below are several tips to implement in advance of a natural disaster to help ensure you can effectively manage your depression.

Know your prescription refill routine. Try and prepare by filling your prescriptions ahead of time and identify various pharmacies in the area you can visit in case your neighborhood pharmacy is unavailable

Create an emergency index card with important phone numbers or contact information you might need (eg, your physician, local support group, pharmacist, family, friends)
Identify local chapters of mental health organizations like the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that may offer classes or tips on preparing for crises and sign up

Identify the contact information for your local Red Cross chapter and familiarize yourself with the services it might be able to offer you in times of need
Go online and visit sites like www.TakeonDepression.com, sponsored by AstraZeneca, to access educational resources to help track and manage your depression

Importantly, there are many local resources available at the time of disaster as well. For example, the Find a Provider feature on the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Web site can provide information about alternative local providers if your usual provider is not operational.

The combination of unemployment and depression is a volatile cocktail but things are moving in the right direction and finally am learning to see the blessings and move in positive directions.

Any other unemployed out there?