EHF- Mental Health and Well-being.

How to Notice When You're Being Manipulated

2011-02-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

Trying to understand someone's motive for doing something is a helpful skill to have. A person's motive for his or her actions can vary from wanting to be kind or friendly to deceitful and selfish, and anywhere in between. By learning how to spot situations where you might be in danger of being manipulated by someone whose motives may not be in your favor, you can learn how to protect yourself.

Steps

Try not to guess at what another person's motive could be, especially in matters that involve trying to build a sudden but serious friendship or relationship.
Watch out for new friends or buddies at work, such as right after a big job promotion. If that promotion involves being a boss or supervisor, beware of people trying to butter up to you simply because you're the new boss. This doesn't mean that you should assume anyone being friendly is trying to take advantage of you, but don't get into a situation where your personal involvement with them interferes with doing your job well.
Beware of the manipulative sales pitch. A sales person isn't really concerned for your welfare. If you feel like you're being pressured into buying something - especially an expensive something. If they're not willing to give you the chance to look around, then chances are they're not really offering you the best deal in town.
- Do your homework before buying. Check competitors and consumer reviews to make sure that what you're being sold is worth what you're paying for it.
- Get estimates! Look for the offers that may not be the rock-bottom cheapest, but that include the most comprehensive amount of work and follow-up for the best price. This can apply to all sorts of situations; Auto mechanics, Plumbers/builders/repair contractors of any sort, Doctors and Dentists.
- Don't be afraid to get a second opinion for any costly treatment or procedure. It is your right to make sure you are getting the best possible care at the best price. Ask as many questions as you want, until you're sure you understand the full situation. If the person's motive really is because they're concerned about your well-being or giving the best deal, they'll happily give you all the information and time you need to make your decision.
- Buyer beware! A Realtor or an individual could have a very strong motive for selling a house at a "rock bottom price", such as some sort of structural flaw that makes it unsafe. Ask about the history of the property, and why it is being offered at such a low price. Get a building surveyor in to do a thorough top-to-bottom check on the whole property, so you don't miss anything that may affect your decision to buy. Study the market on similar properties so you have a good idea of reasonable and average costs for what you're considering.
- Read the fine print on any and all paperwork. Banks are going crazy these days to give out loans and credit cards, but often their motives are centered around extremely high interest rates, or unreasonable fees and repayment schedules.
Don't take everything at face value, even with friends or loved ones.
Spend time learning to understand the people close to you, so that when they say or do something which is hurtful or deceitful, you can figure out why.
- You have a much better chance at resolving the situation in a peaceful manner if you can calmly discuss the motive(s) behind their behavior with them. This works for both positive and negative situations.
- "Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far." While it's unlikely that Theodore Roosevelt really wanted people to carry around big sticks, his advice is good. He meant that people should make sure that they were equipped to defend themselves properly, but not to be aggressive towards others.
Don't fall prey to slick sales talk or manipulative acquaintances - learn to guard against situations that could land you in trouble.

Tips

Relationships are "give and take". Don't end up on the losing end, where you're always the giver, and someone else always takes. It should be clear in that case that their motives aren't in your favor.
Always ask yourself what makes the most logical sense in a situation - it can help you to discover what's really behind someone's actions or words.

Warnings

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If someone is suddenly acting uncharacteristically bad or good, there may be something going on in the background that you don't know about.
Try to avoid knee-jerk reactions to things - this is often a sign that you haven't really thought the situation through.
People with reputations for being bullies or dishonest will always be looking for new victims. Don't be an easy target for them.

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How to Cope With an Uncaring Mother

2011-02-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

An "uncaring" mother can mean many different things.

Steps

Realize that your mother is uncaring for a reason. It is possible she has a past that she has not been able to reconcile and is finding it difficult to grow up and accept that she has responsibilities toward others now.
Accept that you cannot change her. Only she can change herself. You can leave literature about for her to read but you cannot lead her to read it.
Accept the situation for what it is. Whatever she is uncaring about, there is always someone who will care. Find that person. Be sure, however, that your relationship does not destabilize the one you have with her because it may threaten her.
Tell her how you feel. If her uncaring attitude is not as a result of a mental illness, drugs, or some other altered state of mind, she just might try to work with you. Having it pointed out to her may be enough to snap her back to her senses.
Remember that you cannot control the situation. Rather, express your concern and unhappiness.
Don't beat yourself up for her not caring. Life goes on regardless of whether or not a mother has cared for us adequately. Successful people look inside themselves and learn to care for themselves before all else, and that is where you can and should source your strength from.
Find somebody else who does care. A father, a grandparent, a sibling, a friend's parent.
Sometimes, people who become parents don't actually like children, yet when you are grown up, the relationship will change for the positive.

Warnings

Look at what you say is "uncaring" - is it really uncaring or are you just upset about something at this point in time?
Face the question: Is my mother truly a self-centered person? If you have trouble answering this, ask a friend of the family, someone who wasn't brought up in the home. If the answer is yes, you need to accept that this is a broken person. Stop trying to make her happy. You are wasting your time and worse, you are wasting your life. You need to look for friends and lovers who are healthy, giving, reliable, and not manipulators. Your mental health and your future relationships depend on breaking free.

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How to Be Friends with Someone Emotionally Unable to Be an Equally Supportive Friend

2011-02-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever met a person who you started being friends with a while ago, and even though he hasn't been the best of friends, you continue to hang out with him? Well hopefully this will help you to be a good friend to people who are unable to be there for you like you have been/would be for them. Notice the terms "can't" and "unable", as opposed to "won't" and "unwilling". That's because there are people with emotional blocks that keep them from being supportive.

Steps

Identify why a person can't be a supportive friend. Your friend may have psychological problems, such as depression, insecurity, paranoia, anger problems, or being too possessive. Or your friend may be psychologically healthy, but has decided over time that they would prefer a more casual friendship with you than you would like with them. These are two very different situations.
Identify what you're not getting from your friend that you want.
Talk with your friend about your hopes and wishes about the friendship and their hopes and wishes and accept where they overlap and where they don't.
Accept where your friend is with the friendship and adjust your investment in the friendship to meet that. Do not over-give to someone to try to get something back. This is manipulative and can cause you to become resentful.
If a friend is obviously very distressed, and not treating you well, it is appropriate to set limits on what you'll tolerate and the time you'll spend with them. If you think they are having severe psychological problems, it would be good idea to check with a mental health professional or even your own doctor about how best to approach your friend about getting treatment.
Treat your friend with respect. Do not judge. It's okay for them to be how they are and/or going through a difficult time. It's not okay for them to be abusive, but its okay for them to not meet your needs. You are responsible for meeting your own needs.
Try accepting your friend with a positive attitude. Thank your friend for the friendship that they do show toward you.
Make sure you have plenty of other support from other people in your life so that you are not so focused on what you are not getting from one friend. Make sure you are supporting yourself. If you feel you have an extra need for support, join a support group, see a therapist, do good things for yourself. etc.
If your friend is going through a difficult time, do not play counselor. That can be condescending. Listening and sharing caring statements can be helpful.

Tips

If your friend is making a lot of statements that show discouragement or despair, its possible that they are depressed. Again, check with your doctor or a mental health professional or a trusted advisor about how you might approach your friend about getting help or treatment.
If your friend is hot and cold, sometimes warm and sometimes mean and rejecting, you have a right to set limits on what you'll accept and let your friend know what your limits are. If they're not willing to abide by your limits, you need to make decisions to protect yourself from poor treatment. For instance, spend time with them when they are pleasant, and when they're not, let them know that their behavior isn't working for you right then and leave. You can try again later.
Above all, be grown up and be honest. Read books about relationships and communication and healthy boundaries and mental health. If you want to stay friends with a person who is under a lot of distress, going through psychological problems, or not wanting to be as close as you are, it is a great opportunity for you to learn and practice being compassionate, honest, assertive and non-judgmental and setting healthy boundaries. If the friendship just isn't going to work for you, it is also a good opportunity to learn how to end a friendship in an honest and respectful way.

Warnings

If you find your friend talking about committing suicide, tell your friend's family, or another trusted adult or mental health or medical professional immediately!
If your friend is acting out in an emotionally or physically or verbally abusive way, get out of there! Do not try to calm them down. You may get hurt. Again, tell someone and if necessary for the protection of your friend and others, call a community police officer or crisis center.

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How to Improve Your Love Life by Improving Your Health

2011-02-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

A lot of people say they'd like to have a super love life, but it all boils down to the question, "Are you willing to work for it?"

Steps

Consider your health. In a world where many people choose a junk food over an apple, you'll have to be the one who has the wisdom and willpower to choose the apple. In a world increasingly addicted to TV, you and your mate will have to come up with the willpower to go out on a nature walk or bicycle ride. Because you can't have a super love life unless you treat your body with love and respect. This is not a six-week diet, as you should consider a life-long program of better nutrition. This is not a three-month exercise program here to take off two inches from the waist; consider regular exercise every day of your life.
Do some cardiovascular exercises. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that men who were physically inactive were 40 percent more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men who exercised a half hour a day. A foundation of correct nutrition and regular exercise is necessary before we can begin to think about a super love life.
Eat to live and love. Most of us do not realize how foods affect our moods, feelings, energy level, and behavior. When a person is "down in the dumps", one doesn't automatically say, "Gosh, I must not have been eating right." On the other hand, when we're feeling on top of the world we don't stop to think, "I'd like to feel this good more often." Many people do not relate how they feel to what they've been eating, but foods, vitamins, and minerals can make all the difference in the world between a so-so love life and the kind of love life that makes you smile every time you think about it. Many people who think they have sex problems are actually victims of poor nutrition. They don't have sex problems. They have food problems. And food problems can be solved.
De-stress and relax. The physical effects of long-term stress include colds, ulcers, asthma, heart attack, stroke, and chronic fatigue--all ailments that can erode your health and your love life. Couples can de-stress together at the end of the day in more romantic ways, such as enjoying a lathery bubble bath for two, complete with scented candles, and a mug of warm milk and honey. Or just watch a movie together.

Tips

The goals are to spend quality time together and put you on the path to total relaxation.
It all takes effort to improve your love life. There is no substitute for balanced foods, and no shortcut to good health. But if you work at it, you can achieve a super love life.
Many couples find that watching an adult film with their loved one can really enhance their love life. Some couples prefer love making guides or books to learn the proper techniques.

Warnings

Cut out or cut down on the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks and fried, fatty foods. Sugar interferes with the sex life and reduces its pleasure. But sometime the proper amount of sugar or say sweet things could bring some good mood.
Substitute herbal teas for coffee and regular teas and juices for commercial soft drinks.

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How to Be Confident

2011-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

We are all human and have flaws. Even if your physical appearance or social skills aren't what you wish they were, that doesn't have to stop you from being confident. Here's how to believe in yourself.

Steps

Make a list of special talents you have, or things you do that are good—morally or otherwise. Focusing on your attributes helps distract you from those parts of yourself that you think are flawed. It doesn't have to be a specific skill or activity either; it can be an approach or an attitude that you champion through life. Do you always stay calm, cool and collected, even in hurried situations? Are you very patient with people? Do you always see the humorous side of things? Are you always there for your friends?
Find your passion. Whether it's baton twirling, martial arts, classic cars, or basket weaving, you will feel confident pursuing that endeavor by recognizing what you enjoy doing the most. More importantly, you'll be enjoying your progress.
Choose a role model, whether someone close to you, or someone famous. Think of the qualities that the role model displays, whether physical, emotional, moral, and/or spiritual. Work towards acquiring those.
Focus on others. Try not to focus negatively on what others think of you. Instead, focus more on what they think of themselves, and try to help them become happier and more confident.
Accept compliments gracefully. Don't roll your eyes and say, "Yeah, right," or shrug it off. Take it to heart and respond positively ("Thank you" and a smile works well).
Know that you have important things to say and do. When you feel strongly about something, speak loudly and clearly and make eye contact with people. Let go of your fear of coming off as annoying or overbearing. People will judge you all the time, and usually they'll misjudge you anyway, so why bother trying to cater to their opinions at all?
Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise. Don't abuse your body, don't overload it, and don't deny it any of the things it needs. At the same time, don't obsess. Buying all the moisturizers, creams and conditioners will not bring you closer to who you want to be. Those things are only band-aids and make up. Confidence comes from within. Take the time to reflect on your life and do some emotional maintenance. In order to be confident, you must value yourself and understand that your well-being is important.
Stick up for yourself. If people put you down (and not in a good-natured, joking way), then let them know that their opinion of you is not held by everyone--most of all yourself. This may, at first, be hard to do. But once you stick up for yourself a few times, your confidence builds and you get more adept at it.
Celebrate your individuality. If you know you've got something special or different, then embrace it—don't hide it! That's diversity! You may wish that you were taller, or shorter, skinnier, stronger, whatever the case may be. But you need to realize that, if you were like everyone else, then you wouldn't be who you are. "What am I?" you ask; the answer's easy: You're a unique individual who is capable of growing and learning.
Improve your posture. Having good posture can actually make you feel more confident.[1] Don't slouch or slump your shoulders. Make sure that your back is straight, your shoulders are square, and your chest is puffed out slightly (but stay loose, otherwise you'll appear stiff and uptight). Good posture also helps with deep breathing, which helps with feeling calm and relaxed.
Take action. It is surprising how powerful the simple step of taking an action can be. And the action you take need not be something extravagant or grand. It could be something as simple as tackling a task that you have been procrastinating, such as writing a letter or tidying up that corner of the garage that has been out of control for the last several months. It could also be something as interesting as taking a class in yoga, art, interior design, anything that interests you that you haven't done yet. Whether large or small, action brings with it exhilaration, enthusiasm, and the confidence that other things can be done as well.

Video

Tips

Don't compare yourself with other people. It is a wasteful pursuit, and you could be doing something better with your time and energy. Know what you, personally, want and expect from yourself, and focus on attaining those things. The things that you want and expect from yourself don't have anything to do with how you measure up to others.
Consider attending leadership classes. Learn to take control of things. If you are in school, then consider running for a social position, such as a president of a club. The ability to lead others and respond to others' behavior under your leadership will help to bring you self confidence.
Listen to your inner monologue—your inner voice. In situations where you believe you lack confidence, realize that your inner voice is telling you negative things. You need to retrain that inner voice to be positive in those situations.
Speak positively at all times. When you hear yourself saying something negative about yourself, instantly replace it with a positive comment.
Slow down all of your movements including your walking speed. Quick movements and actions are the product of someone who is nervous and not in control.
Write down a detailed, thought-out list of values which are important to you. Then you can observe everything that happens in your life through these values and evaluate how to react to events. By judging yourself according to your own values, rather than everyone else's values, you're giving yourself expectations that you can actually achieve.
Be thankful for what you have. A lot of the times, at the root of insecurity and lack of confidence is a feeling of not having enough of something, whether it's emotional validation, good luck, money, etc. By acknowledging and appreciating what you do have, you can combat the feeling of being incomplete and unsatisfied. Finding that inner peace will do wonders for your confidence.
Ask for what you want. If everybody's going to the movies, and most people in the group want to see a particular movie, but you'd rather watch something else, speak up! There's nothing wrong with voicing your opinion, and it doesn't have to mean you're making a demand. Simply reminding people that you're an individual with your own preferences is a big step forward. Even asking someone to help you do something will help.
Do something for yourself. Do one thing you have been wanting to do, but are afraid someone else will not like. Dye your hair, get that new look, have a treat that you enjoy, go on holiday....whatever you do, do it for yourself, and practice not worrying what anyone else thinks about it.
Be yourself don't be afraid to ask questions!!!
When you look in the mirror don't look for flaws, instead smile and tell yourself you look pretty today.

Warnings

Stop being a perfectionist. Nothing and no one is perfect. High standards have their place--when performing surgery, for example, or designing a building--but when applied to other areas of your life (your appearance, your home's appearance, your hobbies, your handwriting, whatever) you're practically inviting anxiety and insecurity into your life. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have any standards at all; it's when you start stressing out about the details to the extent that you're always criticizing yourself that it goes too far.
Remember that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Being confident means recognizing your inherent value. Being arrogant means thinking you're more valuable than other people.
Stay away from negative people, ones who always complain about everything in their lives or those who point out the smallest flaws in you with intention to hurt you.
Don't expect these steps to work overnight. Confidence must gradually be developed by a pattern of positive thinking and action; it can't be faked.
While helping others can be a source of confidence, for some people it can be a symptom of lack of confidence, especially when it comes to basing your self-worth on how much you do for other people. It's noble to want to help others, but it's something you should do because you want to, not because you feel you have to. The greatest acts of kindness are those done by choice, not out of fear or guilt.
Dont get over confident.

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Sources and Citations

↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005111627.htm

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be Confident. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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How to Live Life to the Fullest when You Have a Mental Disorder

2011-02-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

Steps

Recognize that people around you will say things that will be hurtful to you. And they may even say that they're your friend, but they talk badly about you behind your back.
Brush them off and don't let what they say get to you. They think that they have you figured out and that you are just another mental nutcase in the world that should be locked up. But the truth is that they only say those things cause they are insecure about their own self. They may have had a bad past and also been diagnosed with a mental disorder. And they don't want to admit it.
Use positive affirmations to speak and think positively.
Don't hold back on your dreams. Be persistent in following a good plan to improve your skills and abilities.
Never let the opinion of another person prevent you from reaching for the stars.
Develop your talents and apply them: If you have a goal of someday being a famous piano player, don't stop practicing because someone tells you that you are no very good at playing piano. Then you may, for example, become one of the best piano players and composers, you can go back to the person and tell them that they were wrong about you.

Tips

Never give up

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How to Diagnose and Treat Borderline Personality Disorder

2011-02-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

Borderline Personality Disorder(BPD) interferes with someone's ability to regulate emotion. Because of this emotional instability, the individual experiences extreme and sudden mood swings, impulsive behavior, poor self-image, and intense interpersonal relationships. People with BPD have sudden outbursts of anger that are unpredictable and can sometimes lead to self-injury. They are extremely sensitive to rejection and have a fear of being abandoned or left alone. If you are concerned that you, a loved one, or someone you know may have this disorder, then keep reading to know what the criteria in order to be diagnosed with BPD is.

Steps

Determine if the individual has five or more of the following symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder:
- frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
- pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships
- identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image
- impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating)
- recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
- affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (extreme changes in mood typically lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)
- chronic feelings of emptiness
- inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
- transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms (This means feeling "out of it," or not being able to remember what you said or did. This mostly happens in times of severe stress.) [1]
Know that, if five or more symptoms have been determined, there is treatment.There is hope. Although BPD is difficult to treat, long-term treatment can result in significant improvement and can immensely improve the quality of your life.
See one or more of these people. Professional counseling can be provided by a:
- Psychiatrist.
- Psychologist.
- Licensed mental health counselor who has special training in treating borderline personality disorder.
- Social worker who has special training in treating borderline personality disorder.[2]
Know the different types of counseling commonly used to treat the disorder.
- COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT), which focuses on changing certain thoughts and behavior patterns to control the symptoms of a condition.
- DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY, which helps reduce destructive behaviors by teaching healthy ways to adapt to and cope with challenges and feelings of frustration or lack of power.
- PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY, which focuses on uncovering or understanding your past to gain insight into your actions and current behavior. This technique assumes that problems with behavior are caused by internal conflicts that you are not consciously aware of.
- FAMILY THERAPY, which can help educate your family about your condition and provide support to you and to those who care about you and are affected by your condition. For example, it is sometimes difficult for a parent with borderline personality disorder to be nurturing, even to his or her own child.
- SUPPORT GROUPS, where you and people you care about are able to meet others who share similar challenges.[3]
Consider medicine therapy along with professional counseling. It can be prescribed by your:
- Psychiatrist (who can also diagnose mental health conditions).
- Internist.
- Family medicine physician.
- General practitioner.
- Physician assistant.
- Nurse practitioner.[4]

Tips

Here are some extra diagnostic tips...
People with BPD are often bright, witty, funny, life of the party.
When a person leaves (even temporarily), they may have a problem recreating or remembering feelings of love that were present between themselves and the other.
Their lives may be a chaotic landscape of job losses, interrupted educational pursuits, broken engagements, hospitalizations.
Many have a background of childhood physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or physical/emotional neglect.
Shifts in mood lasting only a few hours.
Splitting: the self and others are viewed as "all good" or "all bad."
Alternating distancing and clinging behaviors ("I hate you, don't leave me").
Great difficulty trusting people and themselves.
Sensitivity to criticism or rejection.
Heavy need for affection and reassurance.
Some people with Borderline Personality Disorder may have an unusually high degree of interpersonal sensitivity, insight, and empathy.

Warnings

There are a few important reasons why you should seek professional help as soon as possible, if you believe that you or a loved one may have Borderline Personality Disorder. Don't just "wait to see"! By then it may be too late.
It's characteristic of people with BPD to act impulsively. The impulse to anger can escalate to violent behavior. If psychosis presents as part of the rage, there can be no telling what the person will do.
The anger experienced by a person with BPD often becomes self directed. This anger can lead to self injury. They may turn their rage inward, internalizing the feeling and acting on it against their own bodies. Or, they may show anti-social behaviors like fighting and reckless driving when their anger escalates into rage.
Ultimately, some borderline patients will internalize their rage to such an extent that they may attempt suicide.
Don't put it off; get help!

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How to Deal with Borderline Personality Disorder

Sources and Citations

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How to Help Someone Suffering from Dissociative Amnesia

2011-02-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dissociative amnesia is a condition often triggered by trauma in a person's life. A person suffering from dissociative amnesia will forget important personal information about themselves and events in their life, often as a reaction to forgetting the trauma. There will be large gaps in memory far greater than mere lapses of memory or forgetfulness.[1]
When a loved one in your life is suffering from associative amnesia, it is important to know what to do to help them, as well as learning how to cope with how they have changed.

Steps

Do research and reading. It is important that you understand the disorder and how it impacts the sufferer. The more that you understand, the easier it will be to help and to forgive the moments when you feel completely distanced from your loved one.
- Also try to learn about what caused your loved one to develop dissociative amnesia. Typical causes include involvement in a disaster in which they witnessed death or were near death, an abusive childhood, major life stresses, time spent in a combat zone, involvement in an accident, etc.[2][3] Unless you were also present, you won't be able to completely grasp what they went through but it will help you to understand the depth of their pain.
Get your loved one to quality treatment. Help your loved one find a reputable health professional whom you trust and know that your loved one is comfortable with.
Take on the role of talking to other family members. Your loved one isn't in a good place to be able to explain what is happening, and may instead simply withdraw, get angry, or refuse to speak. Help your family members to realize:
- This memory loss is more than mere forgetfulness and impacts daily living.
- That symptoms such as inability to recall information, depression, anxiety, and confusion are part of this condition.
- This is not a case of malingering. Ask family members not to make snide comments or to express anguish about the inability of your loved one to remember things.
Help your loved one to choose appropriate treatment options. There will be a range of options available but they will all have varying degrees of effectiveness. You can play a key role in observing how your loved one is responding to treatment from the home life perspective, and give feedback to the health professionals. Treatment options might include:[4]
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Medication
- Family therapy (this is teaching the family about the disorder and ways that the family can help the patient)
- Creative therapies
- Clinical hypnosis - Eriksonian hypnotherapy is recommended.[5]
Try to maintain the home life to enable independence and quality of life.
- Get practical help as needed to help the person live normally.
- Provide a secure, caring environment. Expect distress from the patient at times over the memory loss and be ready to reassure.[6]
- Protect the patient from self-harm or neglect.
- Ensure as much family and friend contact as possible.
- Find ways to help the patient feel happy and useful.[7]
Look after yourself and your family. It is hard looking after someone who suffers from dissociative amnesia. Don't neglect your own emotional needs and seek support if you feel that you're not coping very well.

Tips

Women are more likely than men to develop dissociative amnesia.[8]
The earlier a person with dissociative amnesia gets help, the more likely it is that the treatment will result in a successful outcome.

Warnings

Some people will never retrieve their lost memories. Prepare yourself for this possibility.

Things You'll Need

Professional help

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Sources and Citations

↑ Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
↑ Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
↑ PsychNet UK, Dissociative Disorder, http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/dissociative_amnesia.htm
↑ Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
↑ Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
↑ Merck, Dissociative Amnesia, http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec07/ch106/ch106c.html
↑ Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
↑ Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx

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How to React when Your Parents Suggest You Go to a Mental Institution

2011-02-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

Think of the worst scenario you can come up with and it probably involves your going to a mental institution, huh? Well, don't worry. If you are going to be going there, you are going to have to work on the proper etiquette for reacting.

Steps

Figure out whether or not they are serious. Some parents tend to think that bullying their children or using fear tactics will make them into better children. Odds are that if your parents ever suggest this, that they are not serious. If they're not serious, then have a discussion with them about how their parenting methods are offending or scaring you, making you fear for them everytime.
Be calm. Freaking out will just prove the point, that you have some mental issues to work out. Instead, keep your voice level. No raising your tone. Keep it at a steady pace, don't speed up or slow down. You don't need to talk monotone, you can have expression, but a nice calm voice is really what you need here so that your parents will be neutral. Keep your body level as well. No slouching or being messy. Be upright and alert.
Hold back tears. Sometimes it's not easy to hold emotions inside, but this conversation will probably be easier if you are not crying. Wipe your eyes and force yourself not to let any tears fall.
Ask about the problem. Find out their reasoning for your parents wanting you to go to a mental institution. Have them give examples and share your thoughts on these said examples. Again, remain calm.
Explain your feelings. If you are not comfortable going, ask for a second chance. However, if you want help, accept the situation and go with your parents to the institution.
Get the help you need. Whether it be at home or at the place, try to make for a better you.

Tips

Sit down while this conversation is going on.
Try and understand your parents point of view and do as they say- they love you after all- and they are clearly conserned about you if they suggest something like this.

Warnings

Don't get angry at your parents. They love you and just want what's best for you.
Understand that they think that it is all for the best.
Don't react quickly or make a scene they will definately think they made the right choise if you do this.

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How to Prevent Emotional Abuse

2011-02-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever feel that your relationship is draining you yet you cannot leave? Have you been thinking that this person is not treating you right and continue to do so, knowing very well that you are constantly hurt by their actions? Well, then let's see what we can do to prevent emotional abuse.

Steps

Identify the abuser - who has the power to abuse - the abused often gives the abuser a position which is superior and the abused is often significanty affected by things the abuser said, did and acted (body language included), it can be littlest things that can hurt
Listen to your gut, often one sense that there is some abuse going on but most of the time, the abused often ignores that gut instinct to move away or leave that person, believing that things will get better
Act according to your instinct, when an abuser is identified, it is best to leave as soon as possible, as the abuse mostly will not stop and the abused will either become more abused or become the abuser - it is a vicious circle
Leave the abusive environment, if it is a marriage, then seek divorce, if it is friendship - leave the person who is abusing you
Ask for help, whether it is from your loved ones, ones you trust, you need lots of support from the right people to propel you forward
Know that I am better than this, do not believe in things that they say/do to put you down, your confidence can threaten them and make them abuse you, pity them for their weakness so that they want to put you down
rebuild your life, after emotional abuse one can lose their identity and question themselves
do not return, even the abuser apologised, tell you that he or she has reformed, changed or that the person will not cope without you, because these behaviors are actually a form of abuse and by returning, you know very well, what will happen
do not hope that the abuser is actually going to change or am really sorry, remember this is about you, only you can take care of yourself and the abuser is not allowing you to help yourself, the abuser only wants your help and is never going to give back
in the future, do not be the abuser or be the abused again, try to trust people and learn from your mistakes

Tips

in public, an abuser is often cloaked in sweet words, that most people may not detect their wrongdoing, do not fear that people will question you, only have comfort that, some of your closest friends know what is going on and that is enough
do not give anyone, all the power, always love someone enough and not give your all, you need your love for yourself also
leaving is hard to do, especially if you are depending on the abuser, if you are in that situation e.g. financial ruins if you leave your husband, then it will be very difficult and I advise that you try to let go and not allow yourself to feel down by things said to you
if you cannot leave the abuser because of family reason e.g. your kids like their father very much, even their father makes a rotten husband, remember that you are doing good in keeping your family together and you are making that sacrifice and you are a good person, do not despair

Warnings

Emotional abuse can turn into physical abuse, once there is physical abuse, it is much more complicated - need to seek police help and make a diary

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How to Stop Cutting (for Girls)

2011-02-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

How to Stop Cutting (for Girls)

If you've been cutting yourself, you are NOT alone! Cutting is a serious and fairly unknown epidemic among teenage girls. Sometimes the stress of life gets to be too much, and cutting seems like a good release. Although it may seem harmless at first, cutting has serious physical, emotional, and social repercussions. Read on to find out how to stop.

Steps

Admit and accept. Tell yourself, "I need to stop cutting." Say it out loud if you need to. Say it as many times as you need to believe it.
Brainstorm ways to stop. Whenever you have the urge to cut, instead of going straight for the sharp object, identify WHY you're cutting. Once you've identified why you're about to hurt yourself, don't. Put down the scissors and go talk to someone you care about, be it your mom, dad, sibling, friend, etc. Talk about what happened, how it made you feel, and why it made you feel that way. Just let it all out.
Find alternatives to cutting that make you feel the same kind of relief. Go for a walk or a run. Talk to a friend. Listen to music. Write in a journal. Take a long bath or shower. Go shopping. Whatever you love to do, do it. I'm sure it'll make you feel a whole lot better than cutting.

Tips

If you have a strong urge to cut, but you know you shouldn't, try putting a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it whenever you have the urge to cut. Don't try to hurt yourself of course, but it'll give you the same feeling without the same scar.
Never underestimate therapy. Just sitting down and talking to someone who won't judge you can be a huge relief. You can get to the bottom of the real reason you're cutting, and even bring up underlying things you never even knew were bothering you. If your family can't afford therapy, try talking to your school guidance counselor or looking through the phone book for people who offer free psychological counseling. Most likely there will be a few listings for trained people who offer free help. Or you could even talk to your school counselor about free counselors in the area. Usually he/she will have a few contacts of people who offer free help.
If you've tried therapy and you don't like it, or it doesn't work for you, that's totally fine. There are usually Teen Self-Help meetings that meet every week or so and talk about ways of overcoming problems, healthy alternatives to cutting, and how to stop cutting when you have the urge to. You can make new friends who have had the same problems as you. Knowing you're not alone is key in the process of healing. Ask your school guidance counselor if he/she has any listings of Teen Self Help meetings near you.
Get involved with support groups such as To Write Love On Her Arms or The Butterfly Project; they're centred around helping people stop self-harming and are youth-based.

Warnings

If you ever have thoughts of suicide, tell an adult NOW. They can get you immediate help.
Cutting could lead to tendon injuries and/or possibly cause serious bleeding and injury to your hands, legs, hips or stomach.

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How to Recover from Bipolar Disorder & Depression

2010-12-19T03:01:00.000-08:00

How to Recover from Bipolar Disorder & Depression

If you have had Bipolar Disorder or Depression, you have undoubtedly been through a very tough time in your life. The aim of this article is to help you recover from this time.

Steps

You are capable of living a meaningful, productive and happy life, although you may have to change your goals in order to accommodate your illness.
Remain in the workforce if at all possible.
If you can't work, become a volunteer. All of us have artistic, creative or intellectual abilities that must be utilized or we'll feel frustrated and depressed. Aim for eventual re-entry into the workforce.
Accept your diagnosis. It's an illness, a chemical imbalance of the brain. It's not WHO you are. You are much more than your illness.
Your illness is a part of you but does not define you. You are a whole person with interests and talents. Don't say, "I'm bipolar." Say, "I have bipolar disorder."
Have faith in your ability to recover. We don't know why, but some people as they age, such as Ruth Deming, co-author of this piece, reach a full recovery from bipolar disorder and are on no meds. This is documented in the book "A Mood Apart"
Constantly create new brain circuitry by doing new things. You could browse a new store, try a different restaurant, visit art museums and watch great movies. Try to find something that fits your energy levels and interests. Our minds are capable of constant expansion. Feed your mind only the best ingredients!
Educate yourself about the illness. Use the Internet, read books and ask questions to your family doctor, psychiatrist, therapist and fellow support group members.
Attend a support group in your area with like-minded people. It's great to talk to people and learn how they cope with their illness. DBSAlliance.org lists many support groups for mood disorders in the US, and Mooddisorders.on.ca lists groups in Ontario, Canada. If you have the website for other locations, please add it by clicking 'edit'.
Set a small goal at your support group to accomplish by the next meeting (such as, "I'm going to set my kitchen timer for an hour and make phone calls looking for a job.")
If there's no support groups near you, start your own.
Choose an excellent psychiatrist. Have someone you trust recommend one if possible. Support groups can be a starting point. Also, if you like a particular university hospital, call that hospital and ask for a referral, or ask for a referral to that hospital from your family doctor.
Be aware that some psychiatrists are research doctors who will not see you after the research is completed. Ask them about aftercare.
While seeing a psychiatrist, see a therapist (social worker, psychologist) as well to maximize your personal growth. Therapists teach us how to Express Our Feelings, paramount for everyone but especially for those of us with mood disorders. Mood disorders are "an emotional processing disorder." The goal is to process our feelings with the right person, someone who truly understands us.
To choose a good psychiatrist, speak with them on the phone. Tell them your philosophy and see if they're open to it. Your philosophy should be: the least medication possible.
Establish a Crisis Plan the first time you visit the doctor. Your psychiatrist must be readily accessible to you. If he isn't, switch doctors immediately.
First impressions are very important. The psychiatrist should make you feel comfortable and should not be judgmental. Get a good vibe from your psychiatrist as you will constantly be disclosing confidential information to this person and must feel comfortable while doing so.
After you and your psychiatrist are comfortable with one another, ask if it's OK to slightly adjust your meds if necessary. For example, if you're not sleeping well, ask, How much extra sleeping med can I safely take? This avoids costly trips to the doctor.
If you don't like your psychiatrist, switch immediately. Your mental health is the most important thing you own. If your psychiatrist hasn't found the right medication, get a consultation with someone else.
Keep your psychiatrist's name and number on a small piece of paper in your wallet, or one of their business cards.
During sessions, be prepared. Visits are short. Come with a list of questions. Also bring your version of a "mood chart," which tells how you've been feeling between visits. These are available FREE online by entering the words Mood Chart.
Your psychiatrist should be accessible to you in times of crisis. Establish this on your first visit. If s/he's not, switch psychiatrists.
Tell the psychiatrist everything you think is important for her/him to know about you. This includes: extreme behaviors you've engaged in, mood patterns, triggers, average length of time of mood stabilization. Have this info typed up beforehand so you won't waste time and keep repeating yourself repeating yourself.
Keep a folder at home with the above info. Don't depend on your psychiatrist to keep all the notes. In this folder, keep records of your lab tests, per below.
Crisis Plan. Call your psychiatrist immediately if you feel your depression is worsening or you're getting manic. Ideally, you'll learn, with your psychiatrist's help, how to medicate yourself should you or a loved one perceive the arrival of mania.
If you're feeling suicidal, take your cellphone with you and leave the house. Get away from anything lethal. Tell yourself, "I'm having a bad moodswing but it will pass. I won't always feel this way." Call people in your support group to hear the sound of another person's voice, the most soothing sound in the world. Spend time with positive people when feeling suicidal.
You must get regular lab tests if you're on certain drugs such as lithium, Depakote and Tegretol. Keep track of when you need the tests done.
Hot weather may be hazardous to people on lithium, Lamictal and antipsychotics. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or more, as your skin is especially sensitive to the sun. Watch for lithium toxicity (dizziness, confusion, altered gait) and if you have symptoms go to the ER immediately.
Medicines help approximately 80 percent of all patients. If you are treatment resistant you have options such as the newer more precise electroshock treatments (ECT) as described by Kitty Dukakis in her book: "Shock: The Healing Power of ECT." Vagus nerve stimulation is also helpful.
Research centers work on treatment resistant cases such as the Depression Clinic at University of PA under Jay Amsterdam, MD.
A radical new approach is described in "Healing Depression and Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs," by former bipolar sufferer Gracelyn Guyol. This approach is becoming more popular.
If you really must, use binaural beats, acupunture, herbal medicine, reiki, books, meditation, and or do something not fun, but intriguing, like a Rubix cube or a puzzle.

Tips

Identify your own mood triggers. People with mood disorders often have difficulty processing their emotions because of the way our brains are wired. We feel things passionately, intensely and often take things too personally. We have exquisite sensitivity. It's been described as "going through life without shock absorbers."
If anything bothers you, get on the phone immediately to express your feelings. Don't keep your feelings bottled up.
Identify the situations and people that stress you out. Examples include long supermarket lines, heavy traffic, rejection letters, not getting a job.
Strategies to deal with the above are to call a friend, keep a journal, exercise vigorously, punch a pillow or punching bag, write a letter and then decide whether to mail it, take the phone off the hook to avoid intrusive phone calls.
Even positive events can cause stress and act as triggers because they change our known routine and habits. This includes getting a new job, going back to school, getting married. We are very sensitive to change.
Mania can be stopped in its tracks, but only if you recognize the symptoms. Many people do. If you can't, alert your friends and loved ones, your doctor and therapist, so you can do a reality check with them. Once you become manic, you cannot stop it. By recognizing the early warning symptoms you can increase your medicine and avoid the devastation that occurs with mania.
Always put yourself first. Only YOU know what makes you feel good.
Have a daily schedule and write it on your calendar. Stay busy. Calendar entries may include doing the laundry, working, going to concerts, cleaning the house.
Stay around people who make you feel good about yourself. Limit the time you spend with negative judgmental people, even if this includes family members.
Work at a place you enjoy and where you like most of the people. It's depressing if you don't like your job or the people there.
Acquaint yourself with your mood ebb and flow and embrace it. If you have more energy in the morning, utilize mornings.
Maintain a regular schedule - awake at the same time each morning, take your meds at the same time, go to sleep at the same time.
Have fun and laugh often. Rent funny movies. Laugh and smile often. It's contagious.
Vigorously engage in an aerobic exercise program. Fast walking is easy and cheap.
Reduce "visual stress" around the house or your office. At home, stuff things in the closet until you're ready to work on them. Buy organizational tools such as shelves or file boxes. Save cartons and shoe boxes.
When cleaning out your house, throw away things that make you feel unhappy such as rejection letters, old love letters. Live in a positive energy field. Also, your home should be "feng shui" - uncluttered - so energy can flow through.
Don't smoke cigarettes. True, smoking raises endorphin levels but you can quit if you put your mind to it. Learn to get natural highs from exercise, music, nature.
Stop use of alcohol and recreational drugs. They interfere with your meds. Cocaine, often the choice of people with bipolar, increases the risk of heart attack seven times.
Give up all caffeine. You'll be surprised that you still have energy. Think of yourself when you were a kid. No caffeine necessary. Also stay away from artificial sweeteners as they're bad for the brain.
Don't disclose your illness on the job unless you're sure you can trust the other person. The exception is if you're hospitalized for depression. Better to say you were hospitalized for the latter than to say for bipolar disorder as people equate that with being crazy. Never say you were suicidal. A "bad depression" will suffice.
Your support group is a great first step in making friends. People rally around each other. Get a phone list of people to call or get together with.
Channel your feelings into art. You don't have to be good at it. Write poetry, short stories, do artwork. Buy self-hardening clay and sculpt. Art is healing and keeps you in the present moment. Again, the more connections you create in your brain the better.
Medicine tips. YOU are the only one who knows how your mind and body feel. If you're getting medication side effects and your doctor says, "I've never heard of that before, he's right." He hasn't. But YOU are feeling these side effects and your doctor should open-mindedly listen to you.
Meds other than psych meds affect your moods. Check with your doctor about this when adding meds for other conditions. Steroids can cause mania. Anesthesia for surgery has a slight chance of causing depression. Antibiotics taken for several weeks may interfere with your meds. Prescription or over-the-counter allergy meds may cause devastating mania. Many doctors do not realize this. He or she must be our partner in recovery.
Suicide is a real threat for many of us. If you have the urge to kill yourself, call someone immediately. Get the words out of your head and out into the open.
Remove yourself from the suicidal situation. If you're feeling suicidal at home, leave the house immediately. Go anywhere. Be around people. Go to a friend or family member's house. Go to Barnes & Noble. Do not be alone, as the feelings intensify when there's no one around. Also remove yourself from people who aggravate you.
Pick up the phone and call someone who understands. Get a list of names of people from your support group. An excellent suicide hotline is 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433.
Also call your psychiatrist or therapist. Talk to your doctor and see if you need a med change. If necessary check yourself into the ER.
Consider these alternatives to suicide: Fast walking which get the endorphins flowing, journaling and writing about your feelings, playing rousing music, read favorite passages from the Bible. If nothing works, check yourself into the hospital. In the Philly area, Horsham Clinic has an excellent reputation.

Your suicidal feelings always pass. It's a question of enduring them. Strong people ask for help. We can't let our illness defeat us.
Do things that have made you feel happy in the past. Keep a list of these items. Keep a picture of your loved ones or children on hand and look at at them often. Through the distorted lens of depression, you may feel it would be a blessing to kill yourself so your family won't bear your sufferings anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Pray to God to protect you to keep you safe. Establish a personal relationship with God. Think of God as all the infinite spirit of Love in the universe.

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Sources and Citations

NewDirectionsSupport.org
DBSAlliance.org
Insanity: A Love Story http://amzn.com/1449521703
mooddisorders.on.ca/
NIMH.nih.gov/healthinformation – top information
Psycheducation.org/ (Dr. Jim Phelps)
Psycom.net/depression.central.html (Dr. Ivan Goldberg)
PeterWhybrow.com

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How to Deal with Severe Clinical Depression

2010-12-19T02:56:00.000-08:00

How to Deal with Severe Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is a serious medical condition. It is not a case of "the blues", it is not just being sad sometimes. Clinical depression is the invisible burden of sadness that never goes away for those who carry it. Sometimes it is responsive to treatment, and sometimes it is just something that will never be solved, and must be accepted.
This article is a starting point for how to find tools, helpers, medications, and anything else that may help.

Steps

Know Thine Enemy. A good place to start in any quest to fix a problem is the internet. There are an unbelievable amount of resources floating around the internet, and the more you can learn about depression will, in some way, help you. Knowledge is power, and knowing what is making your life hell is half the battle.
But now, there is the war. As anyone affected by clinical depression knows, it can be a lifelong ordeal. Accept that your struggle with depression might be a lifelong task; doing this sooner, rather than later, may spare you some extra frustration if you find out that your depression is resistant to treatment.
Look around your biological family. Are there other depressed people? Watch them and see what they do that seems to work. This is especially important if anyone in your family also suffers from addiction or alcoholism, because Depressed people are statistically more prone to these problems. If you can find no clues from your family, it may be time to seek therapy.
Interview therapists. If you choose to enlist the help of a therapist, be sure to select one that is qualified to work with depressed people, and whom you get along with. The right therapist can't solve all your problems instantly, but they can help you learn to help yourself, prescribe medications, and provide support through tough times. A good therapist is worth their weight in peace-of-mind and gold.
Once you know your therapist, discuss medication. Find out if the therapist thinks medication would help you. Ask for the names of psychiatrists that the therapist knows have been helpful to people with your kind of history. If the therapist says that all you need is vitamins, ask them why. If they have no reason to believe that you are severely deficient in aid vitamins, or can't provide you with a reasonable explanation, find a new therapist. If you find a therapist that suits you, keep going as long as it works for you. Find out if you can call between visits if something unexpected happens. "Yes" is the right answer to this question.
Interview the suggested psychiatrists. Accept that all psychiatrists are not created equal. Ask your psychiatrist about what sort of treatments he often suggests to people in your situation. Ask whether the psychiatrist uses the same medications on everybody. If the answer is yes, find a different shrink. Be inquisitive about which medications they use, whether they will prescribe more than one medication, and how they decide upon dosage adjustments. If anything cannot be adequately explained to you, find a different psychiatrist.
Find or ask for referrals to therapy groups. If therapy groups are something you are not ready for, or just not your thing, at least find (or make if you have to) a good friend to help you.
Better yet, make a few friends. If you have to tear yourself a new one to reach out and be social, do so. It will be worth it in the long run. If you are truly depressed, sometimes friends are the only people who can save you.
If you lose the will to live for yourself live for others, especially your friends. Friends are especially important if your family is not supportive. If you feel even worse than usual, having a friend to listen and support you, even by just being there, can save your life.
If you EVER feel genuinely suicidal and don't trust your impulse control, feel free to call a hotline, call 9-1-1, or just present yourself to the nearest emergency room with an explanation of how you feel.
Sometimes, clinical depression is resistant to whatever treatment you throw at it. If truly nothing works, then sometimes the only logical choice is to accept that you will have to contend with this disorder for the rest of your life and to make the most of it.
If nothing cures your depression, the best you can do is to try to find out what eases it a little bit, and go with that. If you need to be selfish every once in a while to keep from sinking any lower, be selfish. Do whatever eases the pain for a bit (exercise, unplug all your electronics, write scathing letters to the world, light a fluffy dandelion on fire, eat chocolate, play darts with a picture of your boss), so long as it doesn't end up making your depression worse as a consequence.

Tips

Don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help with any of the steps. Sometimes it is hard to get started when you are depressed and there is no shame in having a friend get the ball rolling.
Even if you are taking prescription drugs already - do not think that pills will do all the job for you. There are many other methods to fight depression that are worth trying.
In some women, depression may be caused (or worsened) by low hormone levels, most commonly progesterone. Progesterone helps keep serotonin levels from dropping too low, and low serotonin can cause depression. Doctors can test for low progesterone and prescribe it (though many doctors are unaware of the link with depression); it is even available without prescription, which gives you an idea how safe it is when used according to directions. Indications that a depression may be progesterone related are: symptoms get worse in the two weeks before menses, during perimenopause/menopause, or after giving birth. Anxiety-depression is most commonly seen, sometimes accompanied by severe mood swings and insomnia; some women may get more headaches/migraines. NOTE: synthetic progestins such as Provera, medroxyprogesterone, DepoProvera, and birth control pills can make these symptoms worse instead of better; we're talking about progesterone specifically, not its "substitutes". Progesterone is available as Progest cream (a good brand) without prescription, and as Prometrium capsules with prescription; compounding pharmacies also make various dose forms (such as Progesterone 50 mg/ml Lotion, compounded).

Warnings

If you decide to use medication as a way to help your depression, different medicines will affect you differently. Some may worsen depression, if this happens contact your doctor or therapist immediately.
NEVER stop a medication cold turkey. This will produce withdrawal symptoms (shaking, hot and cold flashes, etc) and will worsen depression.
Depression caused by a chemical imbalance can be hereditary. If you have children, be sure to keep an eye on them and watch for signs of early depression. If they continue to worsen over time, confront them and tell them your story. My mother saved my life by doing this.

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How to Deal With Teenage Depression and Nostalgia

2010-12-19T02:51:00.000-08:00

How to Deal With Teenage Depression and Nostalgia

You've now reached the awesome teen years, and your parents are even nicknaming you 'obnoxious'. But suddenly life seems to suck, and you keep wishing you were back in your fun, carefree kiddie past. Here's how to deal with this depressing nostalgia, so you can have great fun being a teen.

Steps

Think about why you are miserable now, and what's making you long to be back in the past. There could be many typical ( or random ) reasons why you may feel this way. Did someone bully you? It may be the whole new workload that high school is giving you, or the fact that you are you missing your old friends. Or it may simply be the major change you're experiencing as a teenager. You must discover the reasons for your sadness. Write the reason(s) down on a list.
If you really don't know what is getting you down then, fill a diary with your current thoughts and feelings every week or so. When looking back upon diary entries, people are usually surprised by what they thought during the time!
Accept your present situation. There's no point wishing that you could be in playgroup or kinder again, when you know it's impossible. Life will always involve some work from now on, because you are on your way to being an adult.
Look through the list you created. Decide upon which complaints are realistic, and which ones are unachievable. For example, if you wrote "I'm sad because I want to be 3 again so I don't have school and can watch 'The Wiggles' all day," -get over it! A whim like that is totally unachievable and will never happen again. However if you wrote "I'm sad because I wish to be 7 again, because then I had friends but now I don't.", that's actually reasonable, because something can be done about it.
Ditch all those impossible whims from the list, it's a total waste of time mourning over it. Attempt to make the possible ones real. So try to make more friends, try to have more fun, play chasey once in while, laugh a lot, watch funny movies, etc.
Get moving! Try to make your teen years the happiest, they can be, because you only get 7 years. Have fun!
If you are sad because you are away from home(for kids studying abroad), it can be really difficult. But read, or study, or socialize, and somehow try to make yourself forget about the situation.
Find out if there is anything you can do. Why are you feeling nostalgic? If you are missing old friends, then contact them by telephone or e-mail and arrange to meet up. If you miss an old school/childhood, it may help to wander around the school once more and maybe say hello to familiar faces if it helps.
Stick with people who are friendly and can help you. If you are still with some people who were with you during the times you now long for, talk it over with them. They might be feeling the same way. Talking it over certainly helps.

Tips

To be honest, most cases of nostalgia result from fallen friendships or relationships. Broken romantic relationships are understandably the most difficult to overcome. If this is your case, then obviously you're wishing it was the past, when you were having fun with your BF/GF. Sorry, the only solution here is to move on .
If you want to retain your past, then make sure you don't lose contact with your old friends or class buddies. Call them to catch up, or arrange friendship 'reunions' every 4 weeks or so.
Just relax. You may be relieved to know that most teens feel depressed whenever they are doing homework. However that is no excuse to let it impede upon your grades. The teacher probably won't be satisfied with your explanation "I get depressed when I do homework, so I couldn't do it last night."
A lot of teenagers experience nostalgia deep down. A lot. Just ask some of your friends (if you're close enough)
Do remember that the choices you make in your teen years WILL affect you the rest of your life. Eat too much junk food now, and you'll be fat by the age of 21. Learn to spend your money unwisely, and you'll spend the rest of your life on government handouts (the sluggard craves and gets nothing!). Buy into every new psychology fad or social theory, and you'll only wind up lost and direction-less.
Take life seriously. The teen years are more a time to prepare for manhood/womanhood than they are to goof off and watch television. Learn this early on, and maybe you won't be so depressed later in life by your foolishness.

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Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Deal With Teenage Depression and Nostalgia. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Help Your Teen With Depression and Suicidal Ideation

2010-10-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

How to Help Your Teen With Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Teenage depression is a very common state that nearly 75% of teens go through within their high school journey. The key is to deal with it, and limit it to a point where it does not go back. This article will offer tips to help your teen appreciate life and everything it has to give.

Steps

Have an open heart-to-heart conversation with your teen, making him or her open up to you.
get rid of the FUD factors (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt).
Make sure your teen understands that being popular does not equate being liked.
Allow them to spread sun-shine wherever they go!
Win their hearts, with 10 words or less (an expanded thank you!).
Give a strong shoulder and a big ear.
Make sure they know you just want them to be happy.
Actions speak louder than words.
Use the words "I LOVE YOU" lavishly, but only when you mean it.
Make sure your teens appreciate diversity.

Tips

Do not stress on everything and add more fuel to the fire.
Open your heart, listen, and understand everything your teens have to say.
Camping trips really help! Pack your bags, and go on a family wild trip.
If you know someone who is dealing with depression, don't ignore it. Help them out. It will do them better in life and make you feel better about helping people out.
If your trying to help a person who is born with depression which is very common to babies now, their is nothing you can do but be by their side. Talk about happy things that happened to them or to you. Make them smile:)
If the depression gets worse and they start to think about suicide, then don't try to act like their own therapist. Get some help from a hotline. Hotline is a group of people who help people out all around the world with problems like these. They do this for a LIVING you don't.

Warnings

If things go out out of hand, seek professional help.
Do not shout, as it never works. Teens with depression are waiting to hear from someone who loves them.
Make sure you see the signs before your teens attempt to take their own lives, for example:
- Were straight "A" students for many years, but no longer interested in their studies
- Do just about everything without complaining (this should be an abrupt change from prior state)
- Become very quiet, having very little to say
- May have a sudden request ("can you stay home tonight") that you're quick to dismiss. Please listen to this! Your teens have reached a last chance to change their mind.
- Have just experience a recent lost, e.g. parental separation, long time friend moves, death of loved one.
If you have observed your teens and see any of the above, intervene immediately.

Things You'll Need

An open and understanding heart
Patience
Willingness to be supportive

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Help Your Teen With Depression and Suicidal Ideation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Manage Your Bipolar Disorder

2010-10-23T02:47:00.000-07:00

How to Manage Your Bipolar Disorder

If you have Bi-polar disorder, or know someone who does, you know how frustrating it is. It doesn't have to be so frustrating if you can accept it and adapt to it.

Steps

Get your diagnosis firm and get settled on your meds. This list will take a long time to complete, so there's no hurry. Work through it at your own pace. If you have the disorder and are not on medication, you may wish to start taking medication. There are a lot of medications out there, and they all work a little differently. If you wish, research medications to find out about them, but rely on your treating doctor when it comes to choosing meds. If you get side effects, contact the doctor in a constructive way (not complaining) and work with him/her to manage the meds.
Find out about bipolar: this includes not only the medical stuff but read about other people's stories.
Get to know your cycles and your episodes. If you are a type II (depression and hypomania), then your cycles may be longer, and episodes shorter and less severe.[[:Template:Goodwin & Jamison Manic Depressive Illness]] If you are a type I (depression and mania or just mania), your episodes may be more severe, longer and more often.[[:Template:Goodwin & Jamison Manic Depressive Illness]]
Keep a journal or some type of "log" that can help you figure out just when you might be able to expect to shift. If you keep a journal, look especially for the changes in your moods, activities and thinking/thought processes ((Kraepelin 1921)) It will help you manage the disorder if you realize patterns in your behavior/thinking associated with your ups and downs. Then things might start to make more sense.
In your journal, note down for these changes that occur when you are beginning to get ill. Note them down and find those that are reliable. Also record those changes that happen when you're getting really sick. These will become signs for a) starting to get sick; b) when you need a 'rescue'
Make a plan to cover all the following:
1. triggers
2. mood, activity & thinking changes: early and late in the illness
3. strategies to stop the illness early or stay safe late in the illness
4. plans to protect work, money, education, relationships and your children, if any.
5. maintain a pretty strict daily routine for waking, sleeping and eating. This is because your body clock is fragile because of the disorder.
6. from experience, figure out when your stimulus levels are getting too high and create some strategies for lowering the impact on you.
Focus on your life in the mainstream whether you are working, volunteering, parenting or whatever. Don't get caught in the mental illness ghetto! Find a happy medium - not only with medication, but also with life in general. Find friends who won't make you feel worse, and try making your space (room or apartment) calming and peaceful. It should make you feel safe, and if you need to "hide," then it should hide you.
For anyone who has the disorder or knows someone with it - it is important that you read up on the medical information out there on it, because it explains so much! If you ever question why they (the bipolar person) do or say or feel something because you can't understand, this actually might answer some of those questions!
Eventually it's better if you can accept that you have bipolar disorder and that this is something you have to deal with. However, almost everybody experiments and/or goes off meds - it's our way of testing this disorder and coming to terms with it. It is not fun ... but to know, accept, and love yourself no matter what will make life a little lighter.
To those of you close to a bipolar person, the best thing you can do is try to ride their waves as best as you can while getting on with your own life! If they want to be alone, let them be. Treat them like the adult they are. Do not blame the disorder for everything they do. Try to make them comfortable, treat them like you would everyone else, and sometimes it's best to distract them from their minds. If the person with bipolar is behaving in abusive or otherwise intimidating way, treat them as if the bipolar is not there. Ask them to leave, for example. You will do them a favour as they learn from the feedback from your response to them.
An online course on living well with bipolar will be available in January 2010 at BeatBipolar.
--BeatBipolar 11:28, 8 November 2009 (GMT)--BeatBipolar 11:28, 8 November 2009 (GMT)

Tips

Tell friends and family you have this disorder. Sometimes it helps you feel a little less "crazy."
Laugh at yourself, and at situations. You'll eventually see that it's not as bad as you once thought.
Don't dwell on the past, present, or even possible future situations!
Find things you like to do that can take your mind off of...your mind! It will also make you feel better about yourself.
Stick to your doc's advice. Discuss your queries with him/her. Proper compliance is a must for satisfactory management.
Join or form a support group, if possible.
Uncomfortable bipolar medication side effects such as weight gain or tiredness are often temporary and should not be a reason to discontinue the use of bipolar medicine.

Warnings

This article should not be construed as professional medical advice.
Those with bipolar disorder have a high risk for addiction. Self-medication is not medication at all!
If your doctor suggests SSRI's for treatment, be aware of the serious danger of manic episodes triggered by their effects on brain chemistry. This is a common problem that may be overlooked by doctors accustomed to treating "ordinary" depression or anxiety.Template:Bipolar and the Art of Roller coaster Riding, Kelly, M TwoTreesMedia.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic4/effexor.htm - Information on Effexor.
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/18/103362.htm - Bipolar medications
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm - A great Bipolar reference
bipolar disorder treatment
http://www.beatbipolar.com/course_about.html Online bipolar course

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Manage Your Bipolar Disorder. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Treat Autism

2010-10-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

How to Treat Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities that cause considerable impairments in social interplay and communication and the existence of atypical behavior and preoccupation. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts a person's lifetime. Those who suffer from ASDs respond differently to stimulus, and have very dissimilar ways of learning. The reasoning and comprehension abilities of people with ASDs can vary from gifted to severely challenged. Autism is included in this group of disorders. This article will provide information to assist you in the treatment of autism.

Steps

Seek professional help. There is no medical examination for ASDs. Health care providers rely on behavioral symptoms of a child during routine checkups. There are screening tests that can also be done during these visits. If your child's doctor does not regularly screen your child, ask that he/she do so.
Understand that every child with autism is different. Appropriate treatment should meet with individual needs.
Be aware that some parents may use regimens not commonly advocated by their child's doctor to assist the symptoms of autism. These treatments are called complementary and alternative treatments. The following is a list of treatments that fit this category and examples of what they may involve:
- Energy therapy - reiki, acupuncture, Therapeutic Touch
- Alternative medical systems - aromatherapy, homeopathy
- Manipulative and body-based method - deep pressure, acupressure, hydro massage
- Mind-body intervention - auditory integration, meditation, dance therapy
- Biologically based therapy - using herbs, special diet, and vitamins
Know that there is no magic elixir that will cure autism. There are medicines that can help in the treatment of autism symptoms. The following is a list of symptoms that can be helped with medication:
- Severe outburst of anger
- Aggression
- Elevated energy level
- Self-injurious behavior
- Inability to concentrate
- Depression
- Seizures
Consult with your health care provider to ensure your child is receiving the proper treatments for his/her individual needs.

Video

Michael Davis, MD, pediatrician, talks about autism in children, as well as autism treatments.

Tips

Some parents feel a change in their child’s diet will improve how the child feels or behaves.
ASDs can be detected as early as 18 months.
ASDs include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder (including atypical autism), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions have similar symptoms, but are dissimilar in terms of when the symptoms begin, their severity, and the exact causes of the symptoms.
Early detection of developmental delays and beginning intervention services quickly can better outcomes and assist a child in attaining his/her possibility for achievement.
Always maintain a close and open communication with your child's pediatrician.
Remember that ASDs cannot usually be cured, and will remain with child for their lifetimes. Also remember that just because the child has an ASD, it makes them no less aware of what is happening, and does not make them physically different in any way. Try to treat them like normal people, help them when they need it, and never let them look at it as a disorder, until they are old enough to undertsand this. Instead, show them it can be as much of an advantage as a disadvantage
Keep in mind that many brilliant, famous people have Autistic Spectrum Disorders, including Albert Einstien and Thomas Edison.
It may be beneficial to try to introduce them to acting, and to other Autistic people. Acting will help work on their social skills, and meeting others with similar difficulties may help them to perceive the world in a brighter way, or give them a coping method.
ASD children often have extremely bad tempers from a young age, so if your child has temper issues, or you are worried your child has an ASD, start teaching them coping methods from a young age.

Warnings

Children with ASDs may also have epilepsy or mental retardation.
Some children with ASDs have psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Some children with ASDs may have attention deficits, sensory concerns, sleep difficulties, and gastrointestinal upset.
Support neurodiversity. Do not completely treat autism - keep the rare gifts that they have. It is much better to accept an autistic person than to cure them completely.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Treat Autism. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Make a Behavior Intervention Plan for an Autistic Child

2010-10-23T02:37:00.001-07:00

How to Make a Behavior Intervention Plan for an Autistic Child

Autistic children often have difficult behaviors because they lack the ability to communicate their needs and wants in an appropriate way. To eliminate the unwanted behaviour, the child needs to be helped to have their needs and wants met in a constructive way.

Steps

Early detection is key to making a behavior intervention plan for a child with autism. The earlier autism is detected, the bigger the difference you can make.
Target only one behavior at a time. Different negative behaviors likely have different causes, and thus different solutions, and it is too difficult to address all of these at once.
To identify possible reasons for the behavior, keep a log of what happens before the behavior, the behavior itself, and what happens after (For example: At 4:30, Joey came into the kitchen and grabbed two cookies. When I told him he could not have them, he began to throw a tantrum. When he calmed down, I gave him a cookie).
After keeping this log for several days to a week, try to identify the cause of the behavior. In the above example, Joey's tantrums are the result of a desired item (cookie) being taken away after he tried to access them inappropriately. Brainstorm possible reasons: perhaps Joey is very hungry at 4:30, and wants to express that he needs something to eat.
Provide a way for the child to get their need met in an appropriate way. Depending on the skills of the child, he could be taught to ask for a snack (I want a snack please). For a non-verbal child, provide pictures of snacks the child likes, and teach him to exchange the picture for a snack when he is hungry.
If you have correctly identified the cause of the problem behavior and provided a solution that works for the child, the problem behavior should decrease.
Remember, positive strategies help more than negative ones.
You must maintain the trust of the child if you want results.
If the problem behavior does not decrease, go back to making a log of the behavior, and look for different possible causes and/or solutions.

Tips

Remember that behavior communicates something - "I'm upset", "I'm scared", "I need your attention", "I'm bored" , etc. What the autistic child is communicating may or may not be appropriate to the situation, but figuring out what the message could be can help you find possible solutions.
Choose one very specific behavior that you want to change, e.g. throwing food at meals, not "She gets mad and throws everything all the time".
Determine what happens before the behavior that might be causing it, for instance, does the child with autism finish eating more quickly that everyone else? Is there some way you can eliminate or change that thing to eliminate the behavior?

Warnings

Be aware that children with autism can be affected by things you might not even notice, for instance you always eat off of certain plates and you changed them, someone is sitting in a different place, you ate before bath time rather than after, etc.

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Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Behavior Intervention Plan for an Autistic Child. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

2010-10-23T02:34:00.001-07:00

How to Parent a Child With Autism

After careful evaluation, your child has been diagnosed as someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Now what? How do you live with this and how do you help your child have the best life he/she can? Autism has many associated essential features. The first is an extreme isolation and inability to relate to people and significant difficulties in communication. A typical characteristic of Autism children is there extreme lack of responsive to adults. A child who has this disorder is aware of people, but considers them no differently from the way he or she considers the desk, bookshelf or filing cabinet.

Steps

Learn and know that children on spectrum are normal but they may require different supports that Neuro Typical (NT) children.
Make sure that your diagnosis is accurate! If your child was diagnosed by a pediatrician, follow up with a doctor that specializes in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and have them do an evaluation to determine your child's placement on the spectrum. It is likely that they will also determine if your child has secondary diagnosis, (such as ADD/ADHD {Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder}, Apraxia, SI {Sensory Intergration Disorder}, etc.) Many children on spectrum have secondary disorders and they require support for them as well as autism.
Check for Fragile X Syndrome. If your child is male, have him and the male parent tested for Fragile X. In some cases, males diagnosed with ASD are also children born to a parent with Fragile X.
Construct a plan for support for your child based on the areas of delay/deficit. If your child is of age to attend school, have your local district assess them to determine what services are beneficial to your child. There are a vast number of therapies that will benefit your child and each therapy is different. Much of this will be trial and error. Do not expect your child to benefit from every single therapy out there or even be in every therapy. Keep in mind that this is a SPECTRUM disorder and while the diagnosis is autism, there are different degrees and areas of delay and advancement. No two persons on spectrum are the same and no two persons respond to therapies in the same manner. Give any thing you try with your child a chance to work or not based on your desire for development for your child.
Learn all that you can about your child's present level of development.
Learn all you can about diets, medications and alternative therapies available. Again, YOUR child and your beliefs should play a role in what you do or do not try with your child. Understand there is no current cure for AS disorders. At the same time, there are a large number of persons on spectrum who have shown positive improvement from diet and medicinal intervention. When contemplating if you want to consider giving your child medication...you may want to ask yourself, 'if my child had asthma, would I give them medication?' If you answered yes, then why would you not medicate them if it would limit the adverse impact that autism may pose on their development. No one is saying that medication will do this for your child, but if it can in anyway improve their quality of life, you may want to give it consideration.
Get plugged into organizations that support families living with ASD. You are not alone and they will be your best source of information on programs, funding and research. This is also a great place to vent about things that only other persons living with a family member with ASD would understand. YOU are NOT alone, so don't isolate yourself.
Locate an organization that can provide Parent Education. Understanding what autism is (...and isn't) and how it impacts your child takes time. Having professional intervention help you understand the what's, how's and why's of your child go a long way to helping your child grow.
Become a student of autism from every angle. You will benefit your child and family as a whole if you understand the laws about educational rights, insurance (what your medical benefits are and if you have little or no insurance...you can seek state insurance {medicaid}, what your local school districts can and cannot offer for your child to be mainstreamed or if they will be required to pay for your child to attend a school that specializes in working with children with Developmental Delays/Disorders.
Take appropriate safety measures, if needed. If your child tends to "escape"/"run" (this is also known as elopement) and has little or no safety awareness, you may need to outfit your home with an alarm system. In some cases, your child may benefit from special devices to restrain them in cars and even in some cases in their own bed. In the case of a child who wanders from their bed and could endanger themselves or others, you may need to acquire a self-contained bed. In many cases, they are covered by insurance, but are expensive and often refused by the carrier as an unnecessary cost. The alternative is to not sleep at night for fear that your child may leave their bed and either get into something that could harm them or even leave the house. For those who have this apparatus, it is a necessity.
Love your child. You are the model of what others will think, and believe about your child. If you treat your child as you would any other child...others will too. It is perfectly fine to explain to someone that your child has autism, but never apologize for it and never make excuses.
Work with your child's medical professionals, social workers, physical therapists, speech therapists and teachers to help your child develop in a positive manner. Remember it's a team effort when it comes to dealing with your child's development.

Video

Tips

Surround yourself and your child with professionals who are trained in childhood development. Not everyone who has a degree is qualified to care for a child with autism.
Trust your judgment! If you feel that something will benefit your child, do all that you can for your child to get it...whatever that might be.
Listen to other parents who have passed the milestones you are at...there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
You are your child's best advocate, but you are only as good as what you know, so learn all you can about everything related to autism.
Apply what works for you and your family and reject what doesn't. There are no general rules for how to treat children on spectrum, so don't expect to find a concrete approach to your child.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Parent a Child With Autism. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

2010-10-23T02:30:00.001-07:00

2010-10-23T02:28:00.001-07:00

How to Live With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

2010-10-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

How to Live With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be very difficult and time consuming. Just because it may seem unbearable does not mean it has to be.

Steps

Do not feel ashamed of your condition. Every single person in this universe has something quirky about them. People with OCD may have more than one. It is nothing to be ashamed about.
Educate yourself. Try to find as many resources you can about OCD. Books, pamphlets and online support groups are great ways to learn about OCD and coping mechanisms.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY. This specific therapy has a very high success rate and has helped a lot of patients with OCD. It is a great way to maintain your condition without medications. The only side effects will be amazing results!
Try not to get caught up in your thoughts. It can be very hard not to when you feel afraid, but you need to try and get a hold on which thoughts are rational and which are not.
Replace compulsions with positivity. When you feel a compulsion coming on, do not give in. If you feel a sudden urge to let's say wash your hands or scream go do an activity that will not only prevent you from giving in, but benefit you in a positive way.
Laugh at yourself! That's right, laugh at yourself. They say laughter is the best medicine and from personal experience I can agree.
Expose yourself to fears. This is a great way to lessen a specific fear or phobia. Exposing yourself to a fear repeatedly will numb you to it. The reason we have a fear is because we associate that specific object with a negative feeling or experience, if you change it into a positive experience then it will no longer be a fear!
Don't let OCD define who you are. You are more than your condition. Write a list of all the amazing qualities you possess and read it over again every time you feel down.
Congratulate Yourself. Every time you achieve something that you could not achieve before compliment yourself and feel proud. Even if it would be a small achievement to another person, if you feel great about it, then let yourself know!
DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY! Sometimes it can be very hard to let go of your worries but with a little self push you CAN do it! Clear your mind and just live in the now!!!

Tips

Do not pressure yourself to be perfect and learn to accept that imperfections are what make you special and unique.
Take your time and do not feel like a failure if you cannot overcome something right away. Improving your well being takes time and everyone does so at a different pace!
Just have fun and occupy your time with the people and things you love.
Read a lot of books about overcoming OCD. There are a lot of people who have done it and live amazing and fulfilling lives. It may seem hard, but it is possible!
Read up on famous people who have and still suffer from OCD. Some times having an idol to relate to is very helpful. Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake and Megan Fox all suffer from OCD!
Stay healthy! exercise and eat healthy, take vitamins. Taking care of your health does wonders for your mind.

Warnings

Beware of anyone or anything that offers a quick fix. There is no panacea or wonder drug for OCD.
Stay away from junk food and Caffeine!
If you have been prescribed medication for your condition, stick to it along with coping methods. NEVER STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICINE WITHOUT SPEAKING TO YOUR DOCTOR.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Live With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Deal With an Obsessive Mental Preoccupation

2010-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

How to Deal With an Obsessive Mental Preoccupation

Is there something you can't stop thinking about? Does it start to get under your skin? Regardless of what it may be, following these steps will help you deal with thinking obsessively about something.

Steps

Seek professional help. The safest and easiest way to get rid of an obsession is to talk about it with a psychologist or counselor. Don't be ashamed to go to one; it doesn't mean you're insane, you just have a problem you need help with; it's something perfectly normal. The counselor will understand what's actually going on with you, go to the bottom of it and give you some good advice on how to get through it. It's a process of self-discovering and self-understanding.
Do something that doesn't require thinking. Doodle, play Solitaire, listen to music, dance- your mind will focus on these little things and you'll stop thinking about your obsession.
Understand why is this so important to you that you can't stop thinking about it. If it's really something that matters, pay as much attention to it as needed; for example, if you're worried about an exam and do nothing but study and stress over it, don't stop studying; just don't pay more attention to it than you'd need- especially when talking about an exam, relaxation is as important as studying. If it's an irrational, harmful obsession, like hatred for something/somebody, it's crucial that you solve your issues before it takes over your life. Understand that you are the one whom it harms in the first place; not other people.
- If your obsessive thoughts are feelings of guilt, do something that eases this burden. Apologize to the person you've mistaken to, confess to a priest if you are Orthodox or Catholic, go to the person's tomb if they're no longer alive, or do something good to compensate the bad thing you've done (for example, volunteering or donating money for charity).
Be more relaxed and optimistic. Nothing on this world deserves getting all of your attention, no matter how important it may be. Things often work out by themselves; you don't need to be so stressed about them. Especially if your constant worry is about something that's not up to you, for example a family member's disease or world peace, there's no need to worry about it so much.
Talk to someone that knows you well and you're close to. Sometimes a friend or a family member understands you better than a psychologist, simply because they know you so well.
Improve something about yourself. Find a reason to be confident. People who are OK with themselves don't have such issues. Try learning to do something you've always wanted to know; for example, studying a foreign language or taking drawing lessons.
Illustrate what you feel. Now that we're talking about drawing, it's a good way to express your feelings without saying a word; just draw whatever crosses your head. It doesn't matter if you're good at it; just doing it is helpful enough.
Keep a diary. Writing dow how you feel is also a healthy method to express an emotion. It's also important in keeping track of your thoughts. Whenever you have a day when you haven't thought about that something so much, note this in your diary. It reminds you that you can defeat your obsession.

Warnings

Don't despair. No matter how difficult it may be, committing suicide must never be an option. Life is wonderful; just because some thoughts hunt you, you shouldn't kill yourself. Problems find their solution, but nobody can get you back among the living if you kill yourself.

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Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Deal With an Obsessive Mental Preoccupation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia Through Long Term Relationships

2010-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia Through Long Term Relationships

Studies have shown that people who spend more time with the same persons throughout their lives have a lowered risk of dementia as they get older.[1] There are various ways you can incorporate the insights of these studies into your life. You can even make a commitment to avoid from 2 to 3 times greater risk of developing dementia. Although being true to yourself in commitment to your own long-term relationships is easier said than done -- it happens -- and this article shows how critical they are for mental sharpness in your golden years.

Steps

Be in a long-lasting relationship before middle age. While studies focused on marriage as a factor, having a long-term relationship in which you live together has the same effects.
Maintain your relationships ideally into old age. The company will help keep your mind sharp. Note that the marriage or relationship doesn't have to be perfect, or ideal.
Remarry if you lose your spouse. You may consider yourself blessed to be able to be in dating for a lasting relationship again, finding a potential loved-one to possibly remarry and being committed to this kind of long-lasting relationship.
Keep up the interactions in your long-term relationship with the daily challenges of marriage because that is what matters most to reduce the risk of dementia...
- This is based on the long term professional study reported July 3, 2009 and published in the British Medical Journal covering a large number persons studied at age 50 and again at age 70. [2]

Tips

Alzheimer’s is "not" as dependent on lifestyle choices such as being and staying married --
- and Alzheimer's involves a more complex set of factors involving genetics and environmental damage. [3]
The study indicates there is "a dramatic increase in risk of Alzheimer’s disease for widowed..." as compared to married in the study, this is not conclusive, but the matter of dementia is now shown by this study.marriage and dementia - British Medical Journal, July 3, 2009, bmj.org
Long lasting relationships also help couples to live longer and this is rather well known. See the studies reported in the following health, medical, and social science journals:
- Marital Status and Longevity in the United States Population [4]
- Marital Status and Mortality in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis[5]
- U.S. Mortality by Economic, Demographic, and Social Characteristics: the National Longitudinal Mortality Study[6]

Warnings

In "any case" for long-life, avoid triglycerides (modified fats). Triglycerides tend to harden in the arteries going to the brain and heart, and may cause heart or cerebral (brain) strokes. Many people are unable to burn them.
- Note: To have continuing better mental health as a result -- one should take good care to not cook with or eat products made with the hydrogenated (partially hardened) oils or modified fats in the diet called triglycerides.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

http://www.parade.com/health

↑ http://www.parade.com/health/2009/08/09-marriage-is-good-for-the-brain.html

↑ http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/jul02_2/b2462 "The British Medical Journal" - Full text of the report on marriage and dementia at bmj.org

↑ http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/marriageonhealth/rb.htm#34 U.S. Health and Human Services

↑ Kaplan, Robert M. and Richard G. Kronick. "Marital Status and Longevity in the United States Population." Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, vol. 60, 2006; pp. 760-765

↑ Manzoli, Lamberto, Paolo Villari, Giovanni M. Pirone, and Antonio Boccia. "Marital Status and Mortality in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Social Science & Medicine, vol. 64, 2007, pp. 77-94

↑ Sorlie, P.D., E. Backland, and J.B. Keller. "U.S. Mortality by Economic, Demographic, and Social Characteristics: the National Longitudinal Mortality Study." American Journal of Public Health, vol. 85, no. 7, 1995, pp. 949-956

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia Through Long Term Relationships. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Help Someone Suffering from Dissociative Amnesia

2010-10-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

How to Help Someone Suffering from Dissociative Amnesia

Steps

Do research and reading. It is important that you understand the disorder and how it impacts the sufferer. The more that you understand, the easier it will be to help and to forgive the moments when you feel completely distanced from your loved one.
- Also try to learn about what caused your loved one to develop dissociative amnesia. Typical causes include involvement in a disaster in which they witnessed death or were near death, an abusive childhood, major life stresses, time spent in a combat zone, involvement in an accident, etc.[2][3] Unless you were also present, you won't be able to completely grasp what they went through but it will help you to understand the depth of their pain.
Get your loved one to quality treatment. Help your loved one find a reputable health professional whom you trust and know that your loved one is comfortable with.
Take on the role of talking to other family members. Your loved one isn't in a good place to be able to explain what is happening, and may instead simply withdraw, get angry, or refuse to speak. Help your family members to realize:
- This memory loss is more than mere forgetfulness and impacts daily living.
- That symptoms such as inability to recall information, depression, anxiety, and confusion are part of this condition.
- This is not a case of malingering. Ask family members not to make snide comments or to express anguish about the inability of your loved one to remember things.
Help your loved one to choose appropriate treatment options. There will be a range of options available but they will all have varying degrees of effectiveness. You can play a key role in observing how your loved one is responding to treatment from the home life perspective, and give feedback to the health professionals. Treatment options might include:[4]
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Medication
- Family therapy (this is teaching the family about the disorder and ways that the family can help the patient)
- Creative therapies
- Clinical hypnosis - Eriksonian hypnotherapy is recommended.[5]
Try to maintain the home life to enable independence and quality of life.
- Get practical help as needed to help the person live normally.
- Provide a secure, caring environment. Expect distress from the patient at times over the memory loss and be ready to reassure.[6]
- Protect the patient from self-harm or neglect.
- Ensure as much family and friend contact as possible.
- Find ways to help the patient feel happy and useful.[7]
Look after yourself and your family. It is hard looking after someone who suffers from dissociative amnesia. Don't neglect your own emotional needs and seek support if you feel that you're not coping very well.

Tips

Women are more likely than men to develop dissociative amnesia.[8]
The earlier a person with dissociative amnesia gets help, the more likely it is that the treatment will result in a successful outcome.

Warnings

Some people will never retrieve their lost memories. Prepare yourself for this possibility.

Things You'll Need

Professional help

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

↑ Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
↑ Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
↑ PsychNet UK, Dissociative Disorder, http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/dissociative_amnesia.htm
↑ Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
↑ Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
↑ Merck, Dissociative Amnesia, http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec07/ch106/ch106c.html
↑ Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
↑ Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx

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EHF- Mental Health and Well-being.

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