Robin Williams passed away this week.  We lost a great comedian and wonderful person this week.  Robin Williams and his movies and comedy touched me greatly.  I loved his humor and his honesty about life.  My favorite movie of his was Awakenings. This story is about new beginnings that happen with a new drug for some patients with severe mental illness. One positive thing I hope happens through this tragedy is the world starts talking about mental illness and depression in a positive way.

It is hard for us in America to admit that mental illness is a reality that many deal with on a daily bases. It is easy to say I have diabetes or high blood pressure, but somehow it is a taboo to talk about mental illness. I would like to take away the stigma of mental illness so people will talk about it and seek treatment. The key is educating people about mental health issues.   

Many people with autism spectrum disorders suffer from co-morbid conditions.

I believe depression is a big issue autistic individuals. When you have so many sensory, communication, and brain processing issues, you can get depressed.   With my Asperger’s it is difficult to communication to other people; I get misunderstood a lot, rejected and left feeling alone.   Plus, add all the high anxiety issues that come from sensory overload, smells, feelings, sounds, light, foods…you can get really exhausted and depressed.

I believe depression can also come from being bullied. A lot of bullying takes place with people with autism because of their naivety, they become bully magnets, and are bullied constantly. Just a note:  you can reduce bullying by having more close supervision of children.  Bullies usually attack when the person in charge leaves the area.

If you are constantly bullied, you get very depressed and feel hopeless. Severe, untreated depression can lead to suicide.  A common idea is that people with depression are plagued with thoughts and beliefs that no one understands them. How do we address depression?  First is can be treated professionally, with a doctor and therapist. 

With my own struggle with depression I use these self helps to overcome issues.  

1. Seek medical help.  Personally, I don’t take medication but I do get regular counseling.
   
   
2. Get over your fear and talk to your loved ones about it. Tell them you have a problem, ask for their help.
   
   
3. Don’t stay alone, talk to other people.  
   
   
4. Force yourself to think about positive things, this takes effort but it really helps.  I force myself to meditate on positive things. I memorize a song or phrase.  I repeat is over and over to myself and block out the dark thoughts.
   
   
5. Go for a walk, ride bike, or swim…whatever you can do to exercise.
   
   
6. Get into sunshine, or sun lamps…this puts vitamin D (the good mood vitamin) into your body. Statistics and studies show that when you live further south, fewer people have depression.
   
   
7. Take vitamin D supplements.
   
   
8. Use your own soothing strategies to lower anxiety which lowers depression.
   
   
9. Stop, prevent or deal with bullying.
   
   

 

 

 

    How To Spell A.u.t.i.s.m.
 Autisa-whaty?!?! You may ask yourself, but do you really want to know the answer? Well if you do than listen to this... A is for Awesome, U is for Unique, T is for Truthful, I is for Imaginative, S is for Special and M is for Magical! Isn't that just amazing? Every autistic kid has these things! So I ask again. Isn't that just amazing? If you want to know more than here's a few more things... The reason autistic kids are so awesome is because they get so many creative ideas. Another reason they are so unique is because most neuro-typical kids their age wouldn't have these creative ideas. Because of their autism they are very truthful, but… Sometimes they are too truthful. And the reason they are so imaginative is pretty much because of the first thing I said.  
The reason they are so special is because everyone is special in their own unique way. And last but not least, the reason autistic kids are so magical is because of all the things that I said! So isn't that just amazing? ~Written by Miriam Hill, age 12