It’s been a horrible five days. I doubt anyone in the community has not been effected by the tragedy of last Saturday.  Personally, I have had moments of intense grief, not just because I knew some of the victims, but because of my personal losses due to mental illness. Some of the images and stories have sent me back to that time of pain and anguish. We still don’t know that the carnage was caused by a young man suffering from a serious mental illness, but all signs are pointing in that direction. The pain being experienced by the parents and families of the victims and of the accused shooter have to be excruciating.

As I did back in 2005 after my son died, I am trying to refocus my energy on healing, positive thoughts.  We all agree that negative rhetoric and threats of violence have increased over the last several years and I think we all can agree it’s not the direction we want to go in.  Like previous National tragedies, there is a collective sadness in our country today and I  hope that we can embrace this united energy to refocus and march forward into a more compassionate, tolerant society that appreciates each other’s differences and has empathy for those that are our most vulnerable.

As I watch President Obama speak this evening, I will be thinking of the beautiful lives lost and the potential for a new beginning for our country.  Learning about the “Angels” that will be present at the funerals give me hope.  See more information on them at:  http://www.tucsonmemorial.org/help.html

There is an excellent article on healthy grieving that I think can help at

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100268947&GT1=31009

A listing of online resources to assist in dealing with the tragedy in Tucson has been posted on the CPSA website and is on the SAMHSA website.

Actually, the test may help predict those that are at a high risk for a certain mental disorder. No matter, this is a huge breakthrough! Currently doctors use a psychiatric manual, the DSM IV (the fifth version should be out soon) to diagnose phychiatric disease. It can be far from accurate as so many mental illnesses are complex disorders with a multitude of symptoms that can ebb and flow and even change over the years.

The new test is not really new. The EEG (electroencephalography) has been around for years. It measures brainwaves and researchers have found that a certain type of brain wave is slightly different in people whose siblings have schizophrenia. Researchers believe it could be used to identify people at risk so treatment can be introduced pre-emptivley.  The test could possibly be used to see how the treatment is working as well.

The research showed that a certain activity, called the P300 marker,  was reduced in people that had siblings with schizophrenia.  That marker is thought to represent attentional and inhibitory control aspects of brain processing.  But, the diminished activity of the marker may be a sign of increased risk for the illness, not a sign of the illness itself.

Researchers are also investigating P300 in people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Separate studies have linked brain disorders to malfunctions in genes involved in making synapses between brain cells.

These are all positives signs in the slow progress to diagnose and treat mental illnesses.  It is difficult enough to accept a mental illness for a loved one, or for the patient himself. A specific test will help that process and make treatment more accurate as well.

Certain groups of people are more likely to develop dangerous responses to high temperatures, including heat stroke or certain medical conditions. Children and older adults fall into this category, but people of any age who are living with mental illness also need to be very careful during extremely hot weather.

Staying out of the heat can be difficult for our homeless population, many of whom also live with mental illness. I have seen a homeless person on more than one occasion totally overdressed during our 100 degree plus days because he either doesn’t realize how hot it is, or he’s afraid to leave his few possessions, including his clothing, behind.

Stay Safe

Educate yourself about the symptoms of heat stroke , such as:

* An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
* Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
* Rapid, strong pulse
* Throbbing headache
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Confusion

Individuals living with mental illness may be more prone to heat stroke because some medications alter the body’s response to heat. In addition, people taking specific medications may be at a higher risk of developing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) , a serious condition that may be connected to high temperatures and the dehydration that can result from heat stroke. NMS and heat stroke have similar symptoms, so it is especially important that people with mental illness inform their doctors of all medications they are currently taking.

Stay Informed

The National Weather Service is the hub of information about heat alerts. The Weather Channel offers a free service that will send updates about heat advisories to your phone.

Stay Inside

On extremely hot days, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, especially during the hottest part of the day. Don’t walk long distances if you don’t have to. Some public transportation systems offer free bus service on days with a dangerous heat index.

Stay Cool

If you do have an air conditioner, change the filter and perform other maintenance that will keep the unit working at peak capacity. If you don’t have an air conditioner, try to spend a few hours a day in an air-conditioned public place like a library or mall. Look into area programs that may provide air conditioners for people with disabilities for free or at a reduced cost. In the past, some local United Way chapters have collected donated units and redistributed them to people with the most need.

Here’s a list of some of Tucson’s Homeless Shelters.  I don’t know if any of them have room, but hopefully they can provide a respite from the heat for our city’s people on the streets.