DR. BOB, CON'T.
I have more headaches than usual, a tired all the time, am not sleeping well, my stomach's upset, I've got tightness in my chest, and I seem to forget a lot of little things...What is more distressing is that I find myself getting "pissed" that I can't make decisionseven trivial ones like what clothes to wear! Am I going "out of my mind"?
Dear Crazy,
--Crazy
Yes, I did have to cut out much from your letter (especially those explicit details!). However, from what you've written, it really seems that a general "uoricing diagnosis of DEPRESSION can be made. I say "working diagnosis" because "depression" is a very broad area and may be a result of many factors-motional, physical and/or environmental.
If you aren't able to sleep, are losing weight, shutting yourself off from others, or are suffering other physical problems, gest seeing a physician (your family physician should do). Be up front about everything— especially if you've been thinking about micide.
If you're only a little down", you can do much for yourself-but it takes work. First take a real good look at yourself in all the following areas!
a) Physical self-kn I pleased with my "body image"? Should I lose/gain weight? Dress better? Exercise more? Some things you'll have to be content with--others you can change.
b) Relationships--
1) Peers-do I have friends that I know and that really know me? Can I confide in someone?
2) Work-Do I get along with those I work for or with?
3) Family-in I part of one? Do I feel alose?
4) Significant Other-Is there one? Do I wish I had a lover? How do I communicate with my present one? How do I go about finding new "opportunities"?
Activity-
1) Work--Do I like my job? Thinking about a career change?
2) Pree time-an I always by myself? Always at the bart How much am I drinking an and how much am I using drugs? 3) Exercise-What am I doing for physical
activity? (There's a lot more than ser:) You are at risk!-especially if you are alone, closeted, unemployed, etc.....There are those who can "bring themselves out" of their depressions, but many need a little help. This help can range from just "rapping" with a friend to getting full psychotherapy. But there is a lot available in between. You can call the DLGG, the Free Clinic, county health agencies, your own physician. At first, it might be a little 'scary, but once you start getting the help you need, believe me you'll feel a whole lot better!! Good luck and keep me informed on how you're doing-
Later, Dr. Bob P.S. A pamphlet entitled "Guidelines and Recommendations for Healthful Gay Sexual Activ ity" is free to anyone. Pick up a copy at the DLGC. Come and visit us!
LESBIAN LIFELINE CON'T
bookstore in Dayton. For more info, call Pat (278-0414) or Diane (277-4655).
WOMEN FOR POSITIVE COMMUNITY ACTION – A group for comunity work, hoping to maybe lease an old building at low cost with intent to fix & use for women's space. For more info, call Holly at 226-1027.
Coming Events
AMBER MOON PRODUCTIONS Concert series in Lexington, KY at the U of KY.
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Oct. 23 Edwina Lee Tyler & A Piece of the World (African Dance and Percussion Ensemble), 8 PM at Memorial Hall. Therese Edell & Betsy Lippitt
Nov. 20-
8 PM at the Center for Arts Recital Hall
For tickets at $15, 318 or 21 the series, vriter Amber Moon Productions
PO Box 22096
Lexington, Kentucky 40622
LAMBDA COMM. COUNCIL
Due to the impetus of several concerned individuals, a new "blanket" comittee bas formed. formed. After several informal meetings, all gay/lesbian groups or organisations have been invited to send two official representatives to this body. Thus far, participants include Dignity/Dayton, M.C.C., and our Center. The name Lambda Community Council has been chosen and a statement of purpose is being drawn up. The original idea was to open channels of communication and cooperation among the various lesbian/gay groups within the Greater Miond Valley. You will be hearing more from Lambda Community Council. Roger and Dick represent DLGC on LCC. Meetings are open to all interested individuals.
SPECIAL INTEREST
Television Programs-Are you interested in local television programs to increase public understanding of gay/lesbian concerns? Public access channels on Dayton and subur ban cable systems offer us some vital possibilities. Perhaps a local version of "The Word is Out" or a talk show with viever call-in? A lot is possible with "amateurs".
If you'd be interested in talking about the possibility, drop a note to Aaron, in care of the Center, by Halloween, Oct. 31. Touth Group---Interested in a youth" group? Anyone under 19 years old who is interested in getting together, either in conjunction with the IGC meetings or at another time, please notify a DLGC Board member or drop a note to the DLGC P.0. box.
CR Group-There has been talk recently of starting a 5 or 6 week consciousness raising group. This would be led by professionals from amongst our ranks. The only cost would be a mall amount to cover added rent; this could be negotiable. If you are interested, let Dick or Ed know, or write a note to the DLGC P.0. box.
NEWSLETTER INFO
Yes, friends, we do plan to produce this Newsletter every other, instead of every third, month. We anticipate the next issue coming out (so to speak) about Decmber 1.