Depression Awareness CAMPAIGN that needs your help!!

It would appear that the blog roll out is taking longer then anticipated, however, I am DELIGHTED and EXCITED to share what I have been getting up to. Please check out the following campaign. We want to raise funds to print 'The Blue Veil' in hard cover and take it on tour, with speaking engagements in about 50 cities in North America, and more world wide to follow.
PLEASE EXPLORE THE CAMPAIGN and considered parting with the MONEY you were going to use for your coffee and snack today!!
You are the change you want in this world, and together we will discover that.
Sincere Regards,
L

Blog Tour Rollout - The Blue Veil's Virtual Book Release


I am now going to roll out, on a gradual and suspenseful basis, the list of wonderful blogs who have agreed to host me over the coming months. They have graciously and enthusiastically offered their assistance in The Blue Veil fund raising efforts with a final goal of donating proceeds to the 15 Depression Awareness Organizations listed here.


I would like to thank the blog owners for their continuing support in this effort. They all have their own personal reasons for writing their blogs and they are generously allowing The Blue Veil to leave it's mark there.
So, without further ado, here are the first blogs, they all offer insightful, personal and thoughtful outlooks on life. Please check them out.

Depression Help
Depression help advice and treatment including articles and information about natural cures, self help and medication. 
- Karl Perera - Life Coach and Author

ABipolar Journey Down The Rabbit Hole ~  The Journey From Madness to aStable Madness: One Manic Depressive’s Story

In this blog I talk about how I have been dealing with Depression nearly all of my life. I talk about how I have coped with it and how I live my life with it. There are millions of people worldwide dealing with this debilitating mental illness. Those of us who suffer from it are not alone. Living With Depression is a hard thing to do but it can be dealt with by taking medications and speaking up. 

" Depression is an ongoing struggle - an experience, a process. This is how I deal with mine. Through stories, quotes, images, communication with those I've never met in real life. I don't have a theme to my blog, it's just stuff I like. A constant, something I can turn to. "

Blog encourages young, depressed, and possibly suicidal people by promoting positive inner dialog and healthy coping skills.

My eclectic blog addresses issues concerning mental health/bipolar disorder, as well as general ruminations, with some recipes thrown in to break up the monotony.

the blog that seeks to help motivate and inspire you with great ideas for improving your life.

This blog shares research-based, comprehensive (aka "integrative") methods used to heal depression and anxiety (in particular The Nedley Depression/Anxiety Recovery Program.) The author has her MS in Psychology, and has been through severe depression, postpartum depression, and chronic depression. She shares many of her own personal experiences. The purpose of this blog is to empower and help individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and other related illnesses.


Just As I Am is a Mental Health blog dedicated to empowering others through education, support and discussion.  As the author of this blog, I write as a woman who lives with bipolar disorder and generalised anxiety disorder, has recovered from bulimia, ednos, alcohol misuse and continues to work through the remants of post traumatic stress disorder.  In addition I am a support worker working with clients with mental health issues, a passionate activist and campaigner in many areas of mental health and a ferocious believer in recovery, healing and the strength of people coming together to support one another and share.  Just As I Am is a platform for sharing inspiration & encouragement for recovery from mental illness, addiction and traumatic experiences, as well as promoting the work of other activists, campaigns and organisations who work with a similar ethos to myself.

'Warm Fuzzies Inside The Bubble' is a blog assembled with much love and as the result of years of struggling, flailing, failing, battling, hoping, fighting, healing and living. As I grow I understand more and more the importance of emotional intelligence, self awareness, self care, seeking out the good in the world and choosing to rescue yourself. We all need our bubble. That space which is ours and is filled with lots of goodies and cuddles and joy so that when we hit the bumps in road and think we can't do anymore - we can be reminded of life and living and that we have strength enough not just to survive it - but to live it and live it ferociously and joyfully.  This site has lots of odds and sods of encouragement, a few funnies, some quotes, videos, meditations, information, resources and so much more.  We can build ourselves and support others in their building too. Together is such a powerful word.


I write about recovering from Child Abuse and dealing with its Aftermath, which includes MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), Bipolar Disorder and Disthymia.



Look for The Blue Veil to be posting on these blogs in the coming days and weeks!

Sincerely,
L

The Time Has Come!


Well the time has come! The Blue Veil has been released both on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.
 I am proud to announce that proceeds of the book sales will be going to 15 carefully chosen depression awareness organizations, worldwide.
These organizations are as follows:

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Families For Depression Awareness (Origin: US / International)  
To Write Love On Her Arms   (Origin: Australia / International)
World Federation of Mental Health  (International)  

US

Canadian Mental health Association  (Canada)  http://cmha.ca/bins/index.asp
D.I.F.D  (Canada)  

AUSTRALIA
Beyond Blue (Australia)  
Sane    (Australia)
Blurt (Australia)

UNITED KINGDOM
The Depression Alliance   (United Kingdom)   

IRELAND
Lean On Me (Ireland)   
Aware (Ireland)     

Please click onto anyone of these organizations to find out more about what they do. J
Spread the word about The Blue Veil.  One person’s story can make a difference.
Sincerely,
L

Seasonal Depression Disorder: A Cure For Depression - Understanding Depression

Seasonal Depression Disorder: A Cure For Depression - Understanding Depression: Depression is no longer a rare psychological condition in the world that we live in. Believe it or not, more people are finding themselves ...

Causes Of Depression

Depression is a mood disorder. The current belief is that depression has a biochemical root.  It is the result of skewed chemical levels in the brain. These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters. The levels of  these neurotransmitters are affected biologically causing changes in a persons behavioral actions and reactions, ultimately resulting in depression.

There are many theories on the causes of these chemical changes in the brain and therefore depression:

Genetics

Studies of identical twins separated at birth show that if one develops depression the likelihood of the other also developing depression is 40%-50%. This number being much higher then the 20%-30% likelihood of depression in the general population. These studies point to the theory that there is a genetic link with depression.  There are, in fact, many studies that have also shown that depression runs in families, similar to alcholism.

Biological Reasons

When a persons hormones are changed drastically, such as with childbirth or hypothyroidism, that person has a much higher chance of deeloping depression. This lends to the theory that the biochemical changes in the brain that are attributed to depression are negatively affected or controlled by hormones.

If a person is lacking in vitamins D or B12, they are said to be prone to depression. This is the case in people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When there is less sunlight (such as in winter time) people's bodies develop less vitamin D and this is one of the markers of SAD, which can then develop into full blown depression.

Life Stressors

Most of us experience some forms of stress in our lifetimes.  For some people these stressors, such as being the victim of childhood abuse or bullying, the loss of a loved one, or extreme financial hardship can lead to depressive episodes.  Much like when people get scared or thrilled their bodies produce adrenaline, these negative stressors must also cause the biochemical changes in  the brain to create the perfect environment for depression to develop.

Personality

Some theorists believe that a persons personality affects whether they could develop depression.  If a person keeps their emotions pent up or if they are perfectionists who could put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed, they could be at a higher risk of developing depression.  Perhaps in the brains of these personality types the biochemical balance can be interupted through the stress they naturally experience.

So, as you can already see, the biochemical root of depression has been theorized to have many causes.  While the intricate details of this are not clearly understood thus far, if you take anything away from this article it should be this:

Depression is due to a biochemical abnormality in the brain.  It is not a result a result of anything you/the patient may have done.

Treatments For Depression

Found this article on treatment for depression. Let's collectively take this second step towards depression awareness. Read and share this article. Useful and insightful:

There are several treatment options available to those suffering with Major Depressive Disorder, or Depression. No one is alone with their depression. Seeking treatment is easy and empowering, especially with the knowledge of treatments for depression provided here.

Please read and share, remember with talking comes understanding of #TheBlueVeil.

Cheers, L

Self-Diagnosing Depression

As we embark on this journey of Depression awareness and an understanding of The Blue Veil, we need study what depression is all about, facts and feelings. Is it you who suspects they may be depressed? Are you worried that your family member is depressed?
Check out this article on self-diagnosing depression.
Consider this baby step number one:
When experiencing symptoms of depression, you want answers. This article shares some tools to consider when determining whether you are actually suffering from depression. Causes, symptoms, clinical guidelines, and questionnaires are all valid ways to self-assess your diagnosis. It is always recommended that you consult a physician with your findings for further diagnosis.
Read the Article here:

What is 'The Blue Veil'?

Up to 78 MILLION suffer from it in the US alone, and VERY FEW talk about it. Is it your father, friend, neighbor...is it you?
Now, finally, with the book entitled 'The Blue Veil' by author Leigh Turgeon, comes a brave account of living with depression. It was written so you can either understand your loved ones or be assured that you are not alone.
Talking about things helps you move past them, through them, even out from behind them.  Let us not revel in depression but explain it, understand it and move through 'The Blue Veil' together.
'The Blue Veil' by Leigh Turgeon can be purchased now through Amazon or Smashwords. While it is available now, the official launch is  
Sunday April 28th, 2012
We are going to hold
 a virtual launch party
and
You are invited! 
 More details of that to come, keep an eye out for your invitation! Join us, follow 'The Blue Veil' and stay tuned!

What Is 'The Blue Veil'?

'I am everyone; your friend, your sister, your mother, your wife.  That’s the scary part. This could happen to anyone.  One in four adults, over the course of their lifetimes, will actually face this monster: Depression.'

Depression, described as 'The Blue Veil' in Leigh Turgeon's book of the same name, is often veiled from society. The true struggle with the disease is often misunderstood. It is our goal here to share, discuss and debate about depression and general mental health. Most of all, our intention is to tear back The Blue Veil for all to see.

Let's build this together. Let's Stop Our Stigma, #SOS against The Blue Veil, now.
You can also join, like and follow us at :
Google+ The Blue Veil
The Blue Veil Facebook page ,
Leigh Turgeon's Facebook Page
Twitter @leighslead

Whatever your social platform preference, join us, share and invite others to join the conversation about 'The Blue Veil' to Stop Our Stigma.
L