MIND WELNESS PROGRAM

Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom

Lead thou me on.

The night is dark, and I am far from home

  Lead thou me on. 

Cardinal Newman   

Mind Wellness Program:

 Sensitivity Training Workshops for Sustaining Mental Health among Religious Communities, Diocese of Quilon, Kerala, India

Studies have shown that high level of stress, inadequate social and emotional support and lack of personal relationship have led to an alarming increase in mental health disorders in modern times. We religious women and men are human beings with biological stress and strain coupled with frailties, misconceptions and misgivings like men and women in the secular world.

Midlife and retirement periods are also significant life transitions for both men and women in religious communities.  The impact of these can affect the psychological life of individual members. Satisfactions of psychological needs such as affection, recognition, security, achievement, independence status are some of the vital needs to be addressed in our community life for a healthy development and well-being of the personality. 

In this program all the members are invited to join the workshops close to their communities. Date and venue will be informed to all the communities as and when the workshops are held.  Let us join together to search for ways and means towards our MIND WELLNESS. 

Mind Wellness Program At Tangassery, Kollam 25th Sept,2011

Mind Welless Program was inaugurated by Rt.Rev.Msgr.K.J.Jesudas, Vicar General, Diocese of Quilon. Sisters of Mt.Carmel, Charity Sisters Convent and Holy face attended the meet. Sr..Bertha College of Nursing Holy Cross,  Kottiyam and Rev.Dr.Jose Puthenveed facilitated the meet.

Handout to participants 

Fighting Depression

Introduction   

Do religious women get depressed?

We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks and disappointments.

What happens if prayers don’t work for depression?

     What do you mean by depression?

Depression is “living in a black hole”   or having a feeling of impending doom.

Depression is a state of extreme sadness or hopelessness that reaches a point where it affects your everyday activities and quality of life.

It can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender or race. It has been found to affect twice as much as it affects men.

Types of depression

Major depression

Atypical depression

Dsythymia  ( Recurrent ,mild depression )

Seasonal affective disorder  (SAD)

Bipolar disorder (When depression is just one side of a coin).

Chemical Imbalance which affects depression

“Chemical imbalance” as the cause of emotional distress and disturbances.

Reduced availability of neurotransmitters like Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Acetylcholine.

Increased levels of toxic neurochemcals such as Homocysteine.

Lower level of serum Magnesium, Zinc or Potassium.

Unhealthy or deficient levels of essential vitamins like B6, B 9, B12 and Vitamin –C.

Increased cortisol stress hormone levels.

Causes of depression

Not a single cause for depression.

Problem in relationship, Loneliness, Lack of social support.

Recent stressful life experience.

Early childhood trauma or sexual abuse. 

Family history of depression (Genetic factor).

Worry about career and retirement.

Unemployment or under employment.

Difficulty to accept physical change that occurs after menopause.

Symptoms of depression

Always in sadness

Feeling guilt, hopelessness, melancholy for prolonged period of time.

Increased anger

Lack of interest in activity that previously enjoyed

Always feeling tired

Poor concentration

Problem in making in decision.

Sleep disturbance (Sleeping more or sleeping less).

Change in weight that is either weight gain or weight loss.

Suicidal thought.

Low self - esteem.

Physical problem such as head ache, stomach problems and chronic pain.

How to cope with causes and symptoms of depression

Useful Tips to apply in  daily  life:

Don’t feel alone, walking with awareness.

Try to share feeling with your friends or your closed one.

Always enjoy activities that you like, Listening to or playing music.

Being in Nature.

 Make schedule for exercise and follow it.

Connecting to the divine.

Give time for reading, writing that you like and enjoy in it.

Take a well balanced diet.( Rich in Vitamin  B)

Try to reduce stress.

Laugh give satisfaction  so always give laugh whenever you are possible

(Example: Recreation)

Don’t change your sleeping pattern and get enough sleep.

Find a group that support you whenever need it.

Nuns to keep in mind the idea

1. Exercise

2. Identify troubles and try to solve

3. Express yourself

4. Nutrition

5. Think positive.    6. Spiritual life

15 ways to avoid depression relapse:

1.       Get yourself educated

2.       Stay close to optimists

3.       Avoid too much responsibility

4.       Avoid guilt trips

5.       Continuing therapy and medication

6.       Deal with stressors

7.       Serve others

8.       Joint support groups

9.       Boost your self esteem

10.   Improve your diet

11.   Exercise your way to health

12.   Avoid negative thoughts

13.   Avoid alcohol and drugs

14.   The need for rest and sleep

15.   Be thankful.

Treatment for depression

Relaxation exercise is very good option for reducing depression in women (Recreation, listening music, Indoor and outdoor games, window-shopping etc).

                       Meditation

      Individual psychotherapy.

     Antidepressants like Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, and Desipramine). 

Conclusion:

              Prolonged stress and other factors worsen the depression, but it can also trigger it. It is better to get out from the depressive condition and stay well in life. Also it’s essential to learn to minimize and cope with stress in your day to day life. Then lead a quality and effective way of life.

MIND WELLNESS:

A Sensitivity Workshop for sustaining mental health among the religious communities in the Diocese of Quilon

A project of St.Joseph’s Guidance & Counseling Centre (SJGCC),   Bishop Jerome Institute Campus, Kollam – 691 001

Ph.0474-2745691, http://sjgcc.blogspot.com

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Mind Wellness Program at Vaddy Convent 15th Jan 2012

Religious communities from St.Mary's Convent, Port Kollam, Sisters Adores, Moothakara, Don Bosco Convent, Thope and Deva Mata Convent, Vaddy attended the gathering. Sr..Bertha College of Nursing Holy Cross,  Kottiyam and Rev.Dr.Jose Puthenveed facilitated the meet.