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 Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:12 pm
Questor Information Username: Ayandi Moltany Mule SN's: Dylynn Summers IoDM Newbie? (Y/N): Y Serum: Okapi CODE for your quest banner(s): [url=http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=3400593&page=1][img]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j138/SinofFates/IoDM stuff/banner4.jpg[/img][/url] Quote: Table Of Contents
l. Introduction
ll. Funds and Donations
lll. Dylynn
lV. The Okapi
V. Depression
Vl. Leukemia
Vll. Dylynn's Journal
Vlll. Belongings
lX. History
X. Dylynn and Transformation
Xl. Artwork
Xll. Questions and Answers
Xlll. Links In
XlV. Links Out
XV. Reserved  This is just my little space of questingness. I've been watching the IoDM thread for some time now, but never had the means to enter in anything. I finally entered the 10k raffle, my first ever try to get Dylynn onto the island, and when that failed I figured it was time to finally type my up a quest thread, so here it is. This will be updated at least weekly with my new gold count. Conversation is welcome here as well as idea's and suggestions to make Dylynn's character better than before! If you just come in to look, drop me a line and tell me what you think! ^_^ Quote: News and Updates 6/8/06 - back from trip! Fixed up character section, finished Depression, Okapi, and Leukemia sections! yay! 6/6/06 - ooo scary day! anyways, I fixed up my funds post and now I'm leaving for 2 days, so when I get back I'll continue! 6/5/06 - added character info and banners. Also created a few quest banners! 6/4/06 - saved post amounts Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:13 pm
Because I will probably never reach the 5mil+ that IoDm go for in auctions, I'm just going to start saving. Hopefully a chance will present itself in one form or another so I will have a chance at getting Dylynn to the island.
Since I have saved some gold before even setting up my thread, I have started out at 20k. This I am planning to grow, so I can possibly have more chances to get onto the island because I will have more means to spend. But then I'm a very irrational thinker! [bricked]
( Bank updated weekly ).
My Bank account
~ 20k pure gold ~
Donators
Donators are the people who help my quest along! If you enjoy my character concept and design and think it might be a good addition to the IoDM, feel free to donate some gold to help my quest. Donators will be loved forever more and I will be in your dept, literally ^_^
The Donators are :
none so far...Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:14 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:15 pm
Quote: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Giraffidae Genus: Okapia Species: Okapia johnstoni
Okapis are found only in the tropical forests of northeastern Zaire. They prefer altitudes between 500 and 1,000 m, although they may venture above 1,000 m in the eastern montane rainforests. One sighting occurred at 1,450 m on Mt. Hoyo, in the upper Ituri. The range of the okapi is limited by high montane forests to the east, swamp forests below 500 m to the west, savannas of the Sahel/Soudan to the north, and open woodlands to the south. Okapis are most common in the Wamba and Epulu areas.
Habitat
Okapis occur in the dense rainforests at middle elevations within their range. They frequent river banks and stream beds and may occasionally venture into areas of secondary forest growth.
Physical Description
Mass
200 to 300 kg
(440 to 660 lbs)
The okapi has a form superficially resembling that of a horse. Average body length is 2.5 m, and average height at the shoulder is 1.5 m. The neck is relatively long in comparison to that of other ruminants, and the ears are large and flexible. The body is chocolate-brown, with creamy white horizontal stripes on the legs and hindquarters and white stockings on the ankles. The cheeks, throat, and chest are whitish-gray or tan. The unique color pattern of the okapi allows it to disappear into the background of dense vegetation and rotting leaves where it lives. Male okapis have hair-covered horns not exceeding 15 cm in length. The horns are fused to the frontal bones over the orbits and project rearward. Females may be slightly red in color, lack horns, and average 4.2 cm taller than males. Both males and females have interdigital glands on the front and hind feet. The most giraffe-like feature of the okapi is the long black tongue which is used for plucking buds, leaves, and branches from trees and shrubs as well as for grooming. In addition, the walking gait of the okapi closely resembles that of a giraffe. Both giraffe and okapi simultaneously step with the front and hind leg on the same side of the body rather than moving alternate legs on either side like other animals.
Behavior
Okapis occur alone or in mother-offspring pairs. They have overlapping home ranges of several square kilometers and typically occur at densities of about 0.6 animals per square kilometer. The home ranges of males are generally slightly larger that those of females. Although they are not social animals, okapis tolerate eachother in the wild and may even feed in small groups for short periods of time. Knowledge of okapi social behavior comes primarily from observations of captive animals. Males appear to mark with urine, and both males and females mark by rubbing their necks on trees. Okapis seem to exhibit several aggressive behaviors including kicking and headthrowing. In captivity, dominant animals hold their necks straight and heads higher than subordinates, and the placing of the neck and head on the ground is a clear sign of submission. In addition, social grooming and play behavior seem to be common for both juveniles and adults. Vocal communication is important in many captive social interactions including mother-offspring bonding and distress calls, as well as courtship behavior.
Food Habits
Okapis are herbivores and forage along fixed, well-trodden paths through the forest. They feed primarily on the leaves, buds, and shoots of more than 100 different species of forest vegetation. Many of the plant species fed upon by the okapi are known to be poisonous to humans. Additionally, okapis eat grasses, fruits, ferns, and fungi. Examination of okapi feces has revealed that the charcoal from trees burnt by lightning is consumed as well. Field observations indicate that the okapi's mineral and salt requirements are filled primarily by a sulfurous, slightly salty, reddish clay found near rivers and streams.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Immediately following their discovery in 1900, zoos around the world attempted to obtain okapis from the wild. These initial attempts were accompanied by a high mortality rate due to the rigors of traveling thousands of miles by boat and by train. In more recent years, shipment by airplane has proven more successful. Today, many zoos keep and breed okapis, and many people visit these zoos each year to see them.
Recognition
The okapi was not recognized by western scientists until 1900, when Harry Johnston sent two pecies of "zebra-like" skin to London. More recently, the okapi has been extirpated from Uganda and, since 1933, protected by law in Zaire. Despite its patchy distribution, the okapi is common in much of its current range and is therefore not listed as a threatened species by international agreement. However, habitat loss due to deforestation as well as poaching continue to restrict the range of the species and take their toll on the population. Another great danger to the okapi is lack of knowledge about it outside of zoos. Little field research has been done on the species due to its inaccessible habitat and reclusive nature.Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:16 pm
A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.
Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.
A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.Quote: DepressionPersistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts Restlessness, irritability Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain Quote: ManiaAbnormal or excessive elation Unusual irritability Decreased need for sleep Grandiose notions Increased talking Racing thoughts Increased sexual desire Markedly increased energy Poor judgment Inappropriate social behavior
Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.
In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.
People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.
In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder. Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated by only mild stresses, or none at all.
Depression in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men.1 Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.
A recent NIMH study showed that in the case of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), women with a preexisting vulnerability to PMS experienced relief from mood and physical symptoms when their sex hormones were suppressed. Shortly after the hormones were re-introduced, they again developed symptoms of PMS. Women without a history of PMS reported no effects of the hormonal manipulation.6,7
Many women are also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead to postpartum depression in some women. While transient "blues" are common in new mothers, a full-blown depressive episode is not a normal occurrence and requires active intervention. Treatment by a sympathetic physician and the family's emotional support for the new mother are prime considerations in aiding her to recover her physical and mental well-being and her ability to care for and enjoy the infant.
Depression in Men
Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, 6 million men in the United States are affected by the illness. Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it. In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.
Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women. A new study shows that, although depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a high death rate.2
Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours. Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men. Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help. Encouragement and support from concerned family members can make a difference. In the workplace, employee assistance professionals or worksite mental health programs can be of assistance in helping men understand and accept depression as a real illness that needs treatment.
Depression in the Elderly
Some people have the mistaken idea that it is normal for the elderly to feel depressed. On the contrary, most older people feel satisfied with their lives. Sometimes, though, when depression develops, it may be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Depression in the elderly, undiagnosed and untreated, causes needless suffering for the family and for the individual who could otherwise live a fruitful life. When he or she does go to the doctor, the symptoms described are usually physical, for the older person is often reluctant to discuss feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, or extremely prolonged grief after a loss.
Recognizing how depressive symptoms in older people are often missed, many health care professionals are learning to identify and treat the underlying depression. They recognize that some symptoms may be side effects of medication the older person is taking for a physical problem, or they may be caused by a co-occurring illness. If a diagnosis of depression is made, treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy will help the depressed person return to a happier, more fulfilling life. Recent research suggests that brief psychotherapy (talk therapies that help a person in day-to-day relationships or in learning to counter the distorted negative thinking that commonly accompanies depression) is effective in reducing symptoms in short-term depression in older persons who are medically ill. Psychotherapy is also useful in older patients who cannot or will not take medication. Efficacy studies show that late-life depression can be treated with psychotherapy.4
Improved recognition and treatment of depression in late life will make those years more enjoyable and fulfilling for the depressed elderly person, the family, and caretakers.
Depression in Children
Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken very seriously. The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. Older children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood. Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. Sometimes the parents become worried about how the child's behavior has changed, or a teacher mentions that "your child doesn't seem to be himself." In such a case, if a visit to the child's pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child be evaluated, preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children. If treatment is needed, the doctor may suggest that another therapist, usually a social worker or a psychologist, provide therapy while the psychiatrist will oversee medication if it is needed. Parents should not be afraid to ask questions: What are the therapist's qualifications? What kind of therapy will the child have? Will the family as a whole participate in therapy? Will my child's therapy include an antidepressant? If so, what might the side effects be?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has identified the use of medications for depression in children as an important area for research. The NIMH-supported Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) form a network of seven research sites where clinical studies on the effects of medications for mental disorders can be conducted in children and adolescents. Among the medications being studied are antidepressants, some of which have been found to be effective in treating children with depression, if properly monitored by the child's physician.
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.
Last, a diagnostic evaluation should include a mental status examination to determine if speech or thought patterns or memory have been affected, as sometimes happens in the case of a depressive or manic-depressive illness.
Treatment choice will depend on the outcome of the evaluation. There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders. Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression. Depending on the patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful, particularly for individuals whose depression is severe or life threatening or who cannot take antidepressant medication.3 ECT often is effective in cases where antidepressant medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms. In recent years, ECT has been much improved. A muscle relaxant is given before treatment, which is done under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (about 30 seconds) seizure within the brain. The person receiving ECT does not consciously experience the electrical stimulus. For full therapeutic benefit, at least several sessions of ECT, typically given at the rate of three per week, are required.
Info from NIMH: DepressionIntroduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:17 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:22 pm
Dylynn's personal journal entry(ies) Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:23 pm
Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:24 pm
In the process of moving the entries into my mules journal...link will be up asap! Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:25 pm
 Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:26 pm
  Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:31 pm
Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:33 pm
Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:34 pm
Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:38 pm
Introduction ~ Funds and Donations ~ Dylynn ~ The Okapi ~ Depression ~ Leukemia ~ Dylynn's Journal ~ Belongings ~ History ~ Dylynn and Transformation ~ Artwork ~ Questions and Answers ~ Links In ~ Links Out ~ Reserved
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