Recognizing Depression!!

While great societal shifts have been taking place for the LGBTQ community, depression is still seen at a rate two and a half times the national average. When combined with gender issues, lesbians have an even higher rate of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse as well as higher smoking rates. The major reasons for these rates is thought to be a result of continued societal stress around issues of minority status, gender biases, internalized homophobia, and lack of familial and community support. Situations can also spark depression, bad health habits, social and work related stressors, bodily changes, all can be contributing factors. The brain can also develop glitches in it’s neuro-chemical and electrical functioning for no apparent reason. As a result of the new brain mapping technologies, exciting new theories and treatment options are being generated, showing great promise. Research is just now truly beginning to unravel how the brain works!

Depression is not just about feeling sad, it is a medical illness with a cluster of symptoms that persist for at least 2 weeks. According to the National Institute of Mental Health the following symptoms can describe depression:

 

·         Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
·         Fatigue and decreased energy
·         Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
·         Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
·         Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
·         Irritability, restlessness
·         Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including
      sex
·         Overeating or appetite loss
·         Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
      that do not ease even with treatment
·         Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
·        Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Can Depression be prevented?

While depression is very treatable, not all depression is preventable especially with unexpected chemical malfunctioning of the brain, just as with any unexpected illness. Research does show that good health habits, good eating, exercise, limited substance use like alcohol, no cigarettes, good support systems, doing more for others, internal check of automatic negative thinking, all contribute to good mental health.

 

Christie Driskell, LICSW

If you want to know more, Christie will be at the 15^th Rainbow Health Fair to answer your questions.

Get Active at the Rainbow Health Fair!

Never before has the Rainbow Health Fair hosted exercise activities! This is the year!

The health fair will be held at Seattle Central Community College on Saturday, June 23rd, and so we have much more space available to help you get in touch with new and fun activities and exercises. We will provide a diverse selection of activities to choose from, including:

Zumba!

Zumba is a Latin dance-inspired fitness program. Instructor Jennifer Cepeda http://www.hellosparkfit.com/about/ leads classes at Youngstown Cultural Art Center in West Seattle.

Contra dancing!

Contra dancing refers to several partnered folk dance styles in which couples dance in two facing lines. Lots of fun! Dancing will be led by Seattle Rainbow Contra Dance. They also lead regular dances - be sure to check their website.

Stretching!

Tamara the Trapeze Lady will lead us in stretching exercises. Get ready to twist and turn! She was one of the first trapeze artists in Seattle - leading to a local revival. She has also developed her own style of stretching, gives trapeze classes, and regularly performs.

Nia!

Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts. These classes will be led by a group of Nia teachers, including Deborah Davis, Sarah Love, Jena Hennessey, Randee Fox, and Allison Wright.


Booty Camp!
Booty Camp is a community oriented, holistic, outdoor women's fitness program. Designed for every ability level, Booty Camp helps women feel confident and strong in their bodies.

We hope you find something new to help you de-stress - something to support the overall health of your body, mind, and spirit. Try out free classes at the Rainbow Health Fair to see what these activities are all about!

Cathy Speelmon from Seattle Counseling Services

We are fortunate to have diversity in knowledge at the upcoming LBTQ Rainbow Health Fair.  If you or a loved one is having any issues with chemical dependency, mental health issues or wanting to quit smoking we have Cathy Speelmon from Seattle Counseling Services available to answer your questions. 

Cathy Speelmon is currently the Program Manager for Addiction Services at Seattle Counseling Service and an instructor in the Alcohol/Drug Studies Program at Bellevue College. Cathy has over twenty five years of experience providing chemical dependency services to both youth and adults in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, school programs and mental health settings. She has expertise in working with LGBTQ individuals, HIV/AIDS, mental health, tobacco cessation, homeless youth and adults, harm reduction strategies and adult children of alcoholics. In addition to her work at Seattle
Counseling Service Cathy has a private practice where she provides individual counseling, couples counseling and consultation regarding addiction concerns.