MANIC
DEPRESSION FELLOWSHIP
SCOTLAND
If you
or a loved one has Manic Depression -
Join us!
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M
D F SCOTLAND
7 WOODSIDE CRESCENT
GLASGOW G3 7UL
TEL: 0141 331 0344
FAX:0141 331 0366
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WHAT IS MANIC DEPRESSION?
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A
relatively common psychiatric illness affecting
people world wide |
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A
mood swinging disorder with recurrent episodes of
elation and depression. There is wide variation
in illness patterns and treatment needs. |
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In
elation (or hypomania) there is excessive energy
and activity, little need for sleep and racing thoughts.
These can be accompanied by grandiose notions with
loss of judgement. |
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Depression
often brings lock of energy and loss of interest
in our surroundings and usual activities, slowness
of thought and difficulty in making decisions and
communicating with others. There con be feelings
of guilt, worthlessness and despair. |
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In
either case, when the mood swing is marked, perceptions
may be distorted. |
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Many
people with manic depression live useful,
meaningful and creative lives.
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WHAT CAUSES THE
ILLNESS?
Many factors contribute and the
whole story is not known. Although heredity may play
a port, 40% of people with manic depression hove no
family history of the illness.
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Research
also indicates a biochemical disturbance. |
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Stressful
life events con play a major part in precipitating
a swing into either phase. |
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME?
About 20% of people who have a
first episode, never have another. For the rest of us,
good quality of life is usually possible with treatment
and increased understanding of the illness.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Many people ore helped by 'mood
stabilisers' such as lithium carbonate (Priadel, Comcolit)
and corbamezepine (Tegretol). Treatment with anti-depressants
and/or major tranquillisers may also be necessary.
Hospital admission may be required
often in response to acute crisis. Many could be averted
if better support systems were, available.
A variety of 'talking treatments'
including one-to-one therapy and self help groups -
are also useful.
WHAT
IS THE MANIC DEPRESSION FELLOWSHIP SCOTLAND?
MDF Scotland was formed in 1992,
mainly by people with manic depression themselves, and
is port of the UK wide Manic Depression Fellowship network.
The aims of MDF Scotland include:
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to
help people with manic depression, their friends,
relatives and others who care |
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to
promote, develop and co-ordinate a network of self
help groups throughout Scotland |
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to
maintain a Scottish Information and Resource Centre |
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to
reduce the stigma and improve knowledge and understanding
of MD among both professionals and the general public |
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to
encourage research into all aspects of MD |
We have recently moved
to new premises in 7 Woodside Crescent. If you would
like further leaflets or information, the best time
to contact the office is between 9:30am & 3:30pm
outwith these hours an answermachine is in operation,
please do leave a message. Unfortunately we do not operate
a helpline or have counsellors on the premises, however,
we will do our best to help or to refer you to an appropriate
alternative
WHAT DOES A SELF HELP
GROUP OFFER?
A Fellowship self help group does
not provide magical solutions but offers support, information
and advice, understanding and friendship.
You will meet a group of surprisingly
'normal' Individuals and their 'corers', who are learning
to understand and manage the Illness.
You will be able to share experiences
with them and realise you are not alone In your pain
and confusion. Your sense of fighting the illness in
Isolation will be reduced.
You will be accepted for yourself
- even if you just want to sit and listen at first.
A code of confidentiality operates within groups.
In addition to discussion evenings,
many groups Invite guest speakers to some of their meetings.
Leaflets on manic depression and related topics will
be available plus details of how to get further information.
Sharing with others should help
you gain Insight into how to recognise and deal with
episodes. Everyone can share difficulties, answers and
hopes.
| For
further Information, telephone or cut out and
send to the address overleaf, Please write clearly.
Please
send me details of ... My
nearest MDF support group
The
Manic Depression Fellowship Scotland (how to
join and publications available)
Name
...................................
Address ...................................
...................................
...................................
Postcode...................................
Telephone ............................
Please tell us how you heard about us
...........................................
...........................................
...........................................
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MDF
SCOTLAND
7 WOODSIDE CRESCENT
GLASGOW G3 7UL
TEL: 0141 331 0344
FAX: 0141 331 0366
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Every new member strengthens the
voice of those with MD and all who care. In addition
to people with manic depression and their friends and
relatives, professionals with an interest and relevant
organisations are also very welcome to join.
MDF membership will give you access
to information and make you part of the UK-wide MDF
network. Support group members do not automatically
become MDF Scotland members - they need to apply to
join. You don't need to go to a support group in order
to become an MDF Scotland member.
For further information and an
application form, telephone the MDF Scotland office
on 0141-331-0344 or complete and return the slip opposite.
The Manic Depression Fellowship
Scotland wishes to acknowledge the support and funding
received from the Scottish Office, Social Work Services
Group, the Mental Health Foundation Scotland and the
Rural ForumScotland. We would also like to thank Glasgow
Association for Mental Health, Lanarkshire Association
for Mental Health, the Community and Voluntary Organisations
Council Motherwell, Scottish Association for Mental
Health, the Charlie Reid Centre and National Schizophrenia
Fellowship Scotland for their support.
The Manic
Depression Fellowship
Scotland is recognised
as a Charily
in Scotland- No. SC021705.
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