So much of the information we read, see,or hear about cancer addresses awareness, prevention, research, even treatment, but there is another component of cancer that often times is not covered and that is the emotional side of cancer.

So, you or a family member is diagnosed with cancer.  Now what?  Well, first and foremost, it’s good to remind yourself that cancer is a disease, not a death sentence.  Some common cancers such as breast and colon cancer have up to 98 percent survival rate if they are found early.  If depression lasts for a long time or interferes with the ability to carry on daily activities, there is a reason for concern.

Some symptons of depression to look for include:

• Persistent sad or “empty” mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
• Fatigue, loss of energy, feeling “slowed down”
• Sleeping problems, including insomnia, early waking or oversleeping
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Excessive crying
• Chronic aches or pains for no apparent reason

For more information on the emotional side of cancer, call 414.374.9445.  For 24-hour access to a cancer specialist, call 800.227.2345 or log onto www.cancer.org.

“When my feet hurt, I hurt all over!”  Podiatrists hear this so frequently.  This is how people feel about their foot pain.  They can’t think clearly or focus because of the aching pain.   Pain is the number one reason a person will seek professional care.  I know that, when I get rid of their foot pain, I am helping them “all over”.

People can be unnecessarily mean when their feet hurt.  It is not easy to get along with someone under these circumstances.  When their feet hurt, “people skills” go out the window.  When I help one of my patients who has a particularly bad problem with their feet, that I know has just got to hurt miserably, I advise them to go back and apologize to everyone who head they bit off!  It tickles me to see that “How did you know?” look of guilt on their face!

Astute psychiatrists recognize that when their patients do not respond to the antipsychotic medication, it could be that their feet hurt.  Inability to cope with life’s stresses can often coincide with neglect of personal health needs.  When the patient’s foot pain is properly addressed, they respond better to the psychiatrist’s therapy, reducing the amount of medication needed to control their symptons.

So the next time you notice how irritable a person may be, ask them, “Do your feet hurt?”

                                                                                                              -Dr. Rene Settle-Robinson

Hey Girlfriends!  Did you know that DEPRESSION is one of the most common mental health disorders among women of color?  It is the leading cause of suicide among women between 16 and 65 years of age!  At times we may not notice the signs and symptoms of depression.  As a result, we tend to experience emotional and physical problems on a daily basis.  Below, you will find a list that will assist you in recognizing the signs of depression.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM DEPRESSED?????!!!!!!!

1. I have trouble sleeping or I sleep too much.
2. A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or weight loss.
3. I am really tired and I lack energy.
4. Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, or inappropriate guilt.
5. I can’t concentrate on anything.
6. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
7. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
8. I am agitated, restless, and irritable.
9. Withdrawal from daily activities.
10. My sexual appetite is gone. (Don’t touch me!!)
11. I am sad and tearful.  I cry often.
12. I just want to be left alone.
13. Lack of pleasure from activities that used to make me happy.
14. I have physical aches and pains, including headaches, stomachaches, etc.
15. Sudden changes in job or school performance.
16. I have sudden mood swings.
17. I don’t feel anything.  I am numb.

There are several risk factors for developing depression.  Depression often runs in families.  This may be due to your genes (inherited).  However, not everybody with a family history of depression will develop the illness.  In addition, depression can occur in women who have no family members with the illness.  This suggests that other factors such as chemical imbalances, environmental stressors, or psychosocial factors may play a role in the onset of depression.  Below is a list of possible factors that can lead to depression.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING DEPRESSION:

1. Alcohol or drug abuse.
2. Childhood trauma: abuse or neglect.
3. Chronic stress.
4. The loss of a friend, relative, or a pet.
5. Disappointment at home, school, or work.
6. The ending of a relationship (divorce, breaking up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend).
7. Side effects of medications.
8. Medical and/or health conditions.
9. Nutritional deficiencies.
10. Overly negative thoughts about oneself and life, low self-esteem, and self-blame.
11. Involvement in a physically or mentally abusive relationship.
12. Involvement in an unhappy relationship with a partner, friend, family member, co-worker, or schoolmate.
13. Prolonged pain or having a major illness.
14. Sleeping problems.
15. Poverty, racism, injustice, or discrimination

If you believe that you are experiencing depression………………………………………

PLEASE DON’T WAIT!  SEEK HELP NOW!  IT’S IMPORTANT!

If unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor, OB/GYN physician, or health clinic for assistance.  You can also check the Yellow Pages under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “suicide prevention,” “crisis intervention services,” “hotlines,” “hospitals,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses.  In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an emotional problem and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help.  Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services (National Institute of Mental Health, March, 2008).

It’s January Girlfriends, have you kept your New Year’s Resolutions? If not, you are in good company. Most people keep resolutions less than six weeks. I challenge us this year to make a commitment to living happy, balanced, and fulfilled lives! How, you might ask? You gain this life by making some small simple changes daily.

Set aside some time this month to reflect over your life to date. Think about what makes you happy (activities, people, work, etc.) Review your accomplishments, challenges, and failures. Make incremental and necessary changes to achieve the life you really want to be living. As you begin this process, set aside some time to create a spa-like atmosphere. Begin with a luxurious bath with candles. Play soothing music. Get away from your everyday distractions. READ MORE

Ahhh – summer! Nature’s healing sigh after winter; the sunny glow of everyone’s top travel season is the perfect time to explore great moments in Wisconsin. Like the old adage says, we tend to overlook the treasures in our own backyards –– so take another look at Wisconsin. You’ll be surprised at what you can find to experience and enjoy while stimulating all your senses. Feed your inner thespian with the art of theater, from outdoor stages set among the beauty of forests, to an evening under the stars. Wisconsin has three talented companies to choose from: Spring Green’s American Players Theatre, American Folklore Theater and Peninsula Players, both in Door County. Wisconsin also hosts nationally acclaimed summer art festivals, including Madison’s Art Fair on the Square and Green Bay’s Artstreet festival. Communities like Cedarburg, Minocqua, Delafield and Door County offer spectacular art studios, displays and shows all season long.

Now that it’s warm outside, pack the hiking shoes and bug-repellant, and get in touch with nature at a Wisconsin campground or national park. Camping is a great way to reconnect with family in a hands-on setting. Wisconsin has an abundance of trails, streams and lakes full of fish, including some of the cleanest and family-friendly beaches around. These are prime locations to share the simple skills learned from our elders, like baiting a hook, or exploring a new adventure like kayaking or canoeing.

Wisconsin also has a reputation for holding fantastic summer festivals. You’ll always find a party going on somewhere! Check out Wisconsin’s impressive jazz and blues festivals, like LaCrosse’s Great River Jazz Fest, Milwaukee’s Third Ward Jazz Fest – Summer Sizzle, and the Dodgeville Blues Fest. Since Wisconsin “fests the best,” you’ll keep busy with the impressive food, wine, and ethnic festivals, like African World Festival in Milwaukee, and the Hmong Summer Festival in Sheboygan. Get out and enjoy the summer in Wisconsin, because it never lasts long enough!

Obesity and depression among women of color is at an all time high. Sixty-three percent of African American women are obese and overweight. Sixty percent of African American women suffer from symptoms of depression. Many Psychologists have found that obesity and depression go hand in hand.

Some of the signs of depression that can lead to obesity include, increased appetite, weight gain, excessive sleeping, loss of energy, loss of interest in activities, and loss of sexual appetite. Women of color who experience these symptoms find it difficult to implement a physical exercise routine or establish a healthy diet, which will increase the risk of weight gain. READ MORE

Nearly 20 million Americans have a depressive disorder (depression, panic disorder, anxiety.)

Depression is more than temporarily feeling sad or blue; it is a serious medical illness. It involves disturbances in mood, concentration, sleep, activity, appetite and social behavior. READ MORE

Have you ever read something that makes you stop and pause for a minute? Well, the intention for the next four seasons is to do just that, although I hope you pause for more than a minute. I invite you to join me in reconnecting with your spirit in a more intentional way. READ MORE