Text Box: # The InitiativeText Box: We Know You’re Out There! By Charles M. Sakai When I was studying to be a librarian, I read numerous reports of library surveys that queried people who came to libraries, but none that investigated the people who did not take advantage of the informational, entertainment, and cultural resources to be found in their local library. Our knowledge was incomplete unless we could reach out to this hidden population. We have a similar situation with a peer-led organization that caters mainly to people with depression or bipolar disorder. However, there are many residents of southeastern Colorado who would like to know more about our services, but through no choice of their own are unable to take the first step because their mental disorders are complicated by anxiety or panic attacks. They are prisoners in their own homes! Do not assume that there is anything deficient about anyone who suffers from anxiety disorders. I know highly intelligent and talented individuals whose depression is made worse because they are unable to interact with other people, work at regular jobs, and have a social life like everyone else. They know very well the advantages of being able to reach out to others, and are frustrated because their illness constrains them from doing so. According to NAMI’s “A Primer on Depressive, Bipolar, and Anxiety Illnesses: Facts for Policymakers,” anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias. The focus of this article will be on anxiety/panic disorder and phobias. Approximately twice as many women as men suffer from anxiety disorders, so I will use the pronoun “she” to apply to all consumers. The NAMI guide says a person must have at least four of the following symptoms during a panic attack: sweating; hot or cold flashes; choking or smothering sensations; racing heart; labored breathing; trembling; chest pains; faintness; numbness; nausea; disorientation; or feelings of dying, losing control, or losing one’s mind. There is hope for people with anxiety disorders. We recommend that you work with psychiatrists and therapists to obtain a full and thorough diagnosis. A typical patient may have more than one anxiety disorder, and they commonly co-occur with substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder. She must be prepared to address all of these problems; a partial solution (such as treating substance abuse but not depression) will turn out to be inadequate. Text Box: Dr. Mark Eisenstadt, a psychiatrist with over 30 years’ experience, has developed a “Freedom from Agoraphobia” program, and written 13 articles for the http://www.phobics-awareness.org/ Web site. He is careful to issue the following disclaimer: “…I want it to be absolutely clear that I am not attempting to provide treatment over the Internet. Indeed, since I am an M.D., I cannot express my point of view without being concerned about liability (as we are hearing about so much in the news lately).” The Web site does not include the full program, and visitors are encouraged to buy the book. Other forms of treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy and medications. DBSA conducted a survey of nearly 800 people in conjunction with National Depression Awareness Week, May 6-12. The full article can be found at: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_05082007. Here are some of the highlights: A high correlation between depression/bipolar disorder and anxiety: 87% of respondents said they either had a diagnosed anxiety disorder or an undiagnosed problem with anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD were the most common anxiety conditions. Potential triggers included: disrupted sleep patterns (57%), stressful social situations (51%) and being in crowded places (43%). Nearly three-quarters said taking medication was the best way to alleviate symptoms. “We can’t view or treat these illnesses separately, we need to take a holistic approach so that we are addressing anything and everything that impedes recovery,” said Sue Bergeson, president of DBSA. The DBSA Consumer Resource Center at St. Francis Health Center carries educational videos, as well as a number of books and articles on anxiety disorders that can be checked out, many of which are geared towards self-help. See back of Text Box: You can help ensure that the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Colorado Springs continues to offer its many programs free of charge to those in our community who need them the most. Igive.com donates to the charity of your choice while you shop at hundreds of your favorite online stores, at no cost to you! Every purchase you make can help support DBSA Colorado Springs and its mission, “to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders.”