Sounds interesting and I'm sure there are many good ideas floating about out there that could be added by others as well.

Jawjaw & Gims, Dots & Chats,
I have used those hand-held, tiny bruses as well. I had a lot of
gum resession caused by not taking proper care of my teeth when
I was young. Now I take super care of them, and the deterioration
has reversed. I also use a stannous fluoride rinse a few times a week. That helps.

Back to the question at hand. I was walking through town the other day and saw what I thought could have been a mentally ill man walking towards me. I crossed the street, thought of this thread, then was ashamed of myself.

I was totally making a judgement call. Shame on me.

So as I walked a few streets more, I came across a bus stop, and again saw a man who could have very well been mentally ill. I stayed my path, walked right by him and said "Hi, it's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

He grinned a rather toothless smile and said, "Yes. I love the sun. Plus I have all my stuffed animals with me."

Sure enough, he had a bunch of beanie babies in the white trash bag he was clutching.

His smile and spirit lifted me.

Thanks for posting this thread. It's making me think about the way I treat strangers while out in public.

I think most of us would do the exact same thing Dotsie without even thinking we just move ourselves out of what might be harms way. Its sad too but its the way we have all been conditioned and rightfully so. Its a judgement call, nothing more. Whats so sad is that these people that obviously need some kind of care, get none! Are out wandering the streets alone.

Get a load of this:
Brain Differences Mark Those with Depression

gims,
Family history is significant to lots of issues. Isn't it? They
even site gender brain differences. Those with depression have
thinning in the right side of the brain? I wonder if anti-depressant drugs have anything to do with thinning left side/right side brain thicknesses? All these studies you look up are fascinating.

Dotsie, Chatty,
There are a lot of disfunctional, young people in the County Nursing Home that I frequent. And after being around these people for a while, you don't even notice their inabilities. Your love for people seems to cloud any shortcomings, either physical or mental that others may have. I'd react as Dotsie did, out on the street, I suppose. Women alone, need to be careful.

What a pertinent question. It didn't even cross my mind. I think I'll email and ask.
I usually get info from newsletters I've signed up for. Sometimes I end up researching further, esp. if it relates to the brain - something that fascinates me to the umpteenth degree.

gims, you're so good at researching. Good for you. Good question jabber.

I often believe that those who need the most love, get the least.

If I'm reading what you wrote correctly, you have a mysterious case on your hands. It'd be interesting to see what surfaced if a surveillance system were set up. How is her weight, and has she been diagnosed with any disorder(s)? I understand if you can't go into particulars.

Ane327,
Is she bipolar? Schizophrenic? What? It sounds like she wants attention, lacks love, or something? I don't know. But watch yourself. Be alert. Be aware! Can't say that enough! Prayers and blessings,