Women Fight The Effects Of Chemotherapy Long After Treatment Ends

For some women, the effects of breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women, do not end when they leave the hospital. Now, researchers in the University of Missouri School of Health Professions have studied the lives of breast cancer patients following chemotherapy and found that their environments and available support systems help determine the quality of their lives. Read More >>

Gene Therapy May Be Powerful New Treatment For Major Depression

In a report published in the Oct. 20 issue of Science Translational Medicine, researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center say animal and human data suggest gene therapy to the brain may be able to treat patients with major depression who do not respond to traditional drug treatment. Read more >>

NHS Services "Failing to support people who self-harm"

Many people who harm themselves are failing to receive the help they need because of a 'patchy' provision of services across the UK and a lack of supervision and training of NHS staff, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) says.

In a new report, Self-harm, suicide and risk: helping people who self-harm, the RCPsych examines the current provision of care for people at risk from self-harm and suicide, and makes a series of recommendations to improve standards of care.  Read More >>

What Are Suicidal Thoughts And Suicidal Behaviors? What Causes Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors?

one's life intentionally. It is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations. However, suicide can be prevented. Learning what are suicide warning signs and how to reach out for immediate help and professional treatment could save your life or someone else's.

It may seem like there is no way to solve problems and that suicide is the only way to end the pain. But steps can be taken to be safe and start enjoying life again.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, suicide is:

1. The act of taking one's own life.

2. A person who commits such an act.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts?

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

Suicide warning signs or suicidal thoughts include:

• Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
• Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
• Developing personality changes, such as becoming very outgoing after being shy
• Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
• Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
• Getting the means to commit suicide, such as getting a gun or stockpiling pills
• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
• Having mood swings ( for example, being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next)
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Saying goodbye to people as if they will not be seen again
• Talking about suicide, including making such statements as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I was dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Wanting to be left alone

Warning signs are not always obvious. They also vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.

Getting Help

Get help right away if you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide:

• Call local emergency number immediately.
• Call a suicide hot line number to reach to a trained counselor. There are telephone help lines with specially trained volunteers who will listen to you, understand what you are going through, and help you through the immediate crisis.

If you are feeling suicidal but you are not immediately thinking of hurting yourself:

• Call a suicide crisis center hot line. Those services are available 24 hours a day for people who want to talk in confidence to someone about their distress, including self-destructive thoughts.
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
• Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or other health care provider or mental health provider.
• Reach out to a close friend or loved one (even though you may feel reluctant to talk about your feelings). Contact a friend, family member or someone you trust.
• Seek help from a doctor, a mental health provider or other health care professional.

If you start by seeing a family doctor or general practitioner, you may be referred immediately to a psychiatrist. If you are in danger of committing suicide, your doctor may have you get emergency help at the hospital.

It is absolutely normal to occasionally feel sad, upset or unhappy with situations in life. However, if these feelings remain for a long time or provoke thoughts about killing or harming yourself, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Suicidal thinking usually does not get better on its own. It is important to get help. 

Read more>>

Grove Psychiatry Group (GPG) is expanding to offer more appointments in more locations.

Psychiatric disorders can affect people of all ages and lifestyles and are often highly distressing, affecting work, relationships and quality of life.  That is why we constantly strive to offer appointments within a week of referral.

Grove Psychiatry Group is a partnership of Consultant Psychiatrists across London and South East England, specialising in the assessment and treatment of the full range of psychiatric disorders by combining psychologically-minded approaches with the very latest treatments.

At Grove Psychiatry, our responsiveness to your patients needs is the primary focus and the team will work tirelessly and diligently to provide valuable services to improve the quality of life for each and every individual, every day.

As part of our expansion, Dr Vimal Sivasanker has set up a Private Practice in central and north London.  He has consulting rooms at 142-144 Harley Street in London, with rooms at the BMI Garden Hospital in Hendon and the Priory Hospital in North London coming soon.

Dr Sivasanker is a Consultant in adult psychiatry who has been involved in treating people with mental health problems in the NHS since 2000.  He offers treatment for the full range of psychiatric disorders, and specialises in the management of complex psychological problems such as bipolar affective disorder and psychosis. 

Should you wish to know more about Grove Psychiatry Group and the range of services on offer please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a meeting.  If there is anything else we can help you with please do get in touch.

For appointments please telephone 0208 123 2651, secure fax 01223 864678 or email: info@grovepsychiatrygroup.com