About

This non profit site is specifically dedicated to mental health news and related resources in Northfield, Minnesota. It’s not only a blog, but also a forum for discussion if people choose. Posts relevant to the Northfield area are sent in by various community members or picked out of the papers and Internet by Andy Alt. Sending information about yourself (if you work in the Mental Health field), your group, your event, etc. is encouraged.

Contributing Members

• Andy Alt
  Treated for depression, dysthymia, and generalized anxiety disorder since 1992 – the present, my experience and background comes from being a patient. I’ve tried many different medications and haven’t yet liked any of them (either due to side effects or lack of beneficial results). I don’t take any medications at present. I’m relying strictly on psychotherapy, cbt, and dbt for treatment.For the record, I’m not against medication or using it to treat the various types of existing mental illnesses. I understand and recognize that many people have benefited greatly from medication. What I’m against, in a nutshell, is over-prescribing, under-diagnosing, half-ass treatment, and against deceptive or intentionally misleading marketing practices. What I’m for is capitalism and a free market, but not by means of preying on people’s misfortunes, medical, or mental conditions. Honest and fair trade of goods and services helps create competition, and it’s competition which forces improvements to products and services.
• Merely Me: I have had depression for as long as I can remember. I am currently not taking any prescribed medications for my depression but am trying SAM-e instead. This has been very effective in helping me with my depression for almost a year now. I have also found that therapy greatly helps in working on issues of emotional growth.I don’t believe in any one treatment for depression. Everyone is different in how their depression will manifest and there can be many different tools one can use.I am a freelance writer and I write regularly for The Health Central Network for their ADHD, Sexual Health, Friends of Quinn, Multiple Sclerosis, and Depression sites.I am a survivor and I write to heal but more importantly to give back.