http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:43:23 +0200 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:43:23 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/ways-to-counter http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/ways-to-counter I can still remember the day when my niece asked me this intriguing question “What makes you YOUNG, Aunt Rose?” Well, I simply took time and sat beside her and answered back, “I don’t know Lilly, why, what do you think? She then looked at me and gave me a simple but meaningful smile; she said, “NG”. I then took a second to think what she meant, then after a while I burst into a seemingly controlled laughter, when I realized that the word YOU, plus the letters N and G makes YOUNG! I love being with the kids, they’re so fragile, they live contently under the umbrella of their parents and overall they’re fun to be with. I really love to be with kids especially those within my family circle. It really beats the dragging aura of the Big City. You see in the Big City, and in my line of work, there are a lot of distractions, this may come in the form of instant meetings or it may even be some people as well. People who ask questions that can drag your energy by bugging you with out of this world questions and constant whining of how bad their day is, or how they hate their life; it’s so dragging and it can drain the life force out of you They’re psychic vampires. It is a form of vampirism that drains your energy and leaves you feeling heavy and weak. I call these people as psychic vampires because they leave me weak after spending time with them, listening to their ever constant negative thoughts and opinions, but contrary to what you read from novels and the movies that you see, psychic vampires do not have fangs that suck the blood of their victims, nor do they wear black capes, these are fallacies, You see psychic vampires are everyday people living among us, they may appear as a nosy neighbor who constantly visits you even when you are tired, worse they never seem to leave even if you constantly yawn in front of them as a sign that you are tired. Or it can even be your friend who may suddenly knock on your door and insist to come in, even if you are tired from a stressful work. Psychic vampires may come as any person , wanting to take your time and leave you feeling drained. Because of this, I made into consideration of making an article regarding who and what psychic vampires are, and most of all, ways to counter any of their attacks. Here are some Armor that you can wear, first and foremost you must have the willpower, say what needs to be said, but don’t forget to be tactful either. “You may say I appreciate the visit but this is my only time of rest” then show them to your door. Remember not to give in to their demands; if you do then they will have you dance at the palm of their hands and if this happens they will then feed from your vital energy. Another effective way of warding off psychic vampires is to stand your ground. When you say no; mean it! Usually their counter attack is sympathy, so here’s what you will say “Sorry I’m busy today” then stand your ground, but over all remember that “No really means NO!” because they will eventually insist just to take your precious time. The point of the matter is that everything has their own time and on that very moment, all you need is your rest, or any precious time where you can think and internalize. The important thing is you stand your ground, and you evade the dark shackles of the psychic vampires grip of your precious and valuable time. Time is a precious gift and it is for us to use well on what matters the most. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:26:57 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/Identify-a-psychic-vampire http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/Identify-a-psychic-vampire When asked about my secret to a youthful and lively aura; I always reply by saying “I surround myself with people who are optimistic with ideas that are beneficial, sound and bright, and of course a good sense of humor. This is my simple secret to a happy and contented life, and this as well has served me well in my down times. Because what I believe is that by surrounding yourself with these kind of people; their positive character and attitude affects you, as such you become one as well, An optimist! Have you ever been with a person who always complains of their situation, on anything and on everyone in their lives? That every time you are with them, their constant dialogues are “You wouldn’t believe what my…. Or “Can you imagine what this will do… or my most hated line of all, “This is IMPOSSIBLE and this will NEVER work. Don’t you just hate these kinds of people? Because all they ever do is complain and blame on everything, and to whoever they remember. Instead of complaining and blaming, why not look for solutions and/or come up with newer, brighter and beneficial ideas for the situations they are in, right? I know of a woman before who is so negative that the room would seem brighter if she leaves the room. We gave her the name “Pitcher” as in a pitcher in a baseball game. Because her negative thoughts is so overwhelming that whenever she is around; most if not all of us then would feel heavy, stressed and down. If asked about this kind of people, I call them a Psychic Vampire. It is a kind of vampirism that somehow affects your positive attitude and drains your energy and your ability to think soundly. You see, positive thinking is a strength that can go along way, and is very contagious; but if such positive strength drains out of you, then your world will be swallowed by darkness and despair, this is very contagious as well. It is a universal law therefore, that behavior is a contagious thing. I believe in the law of attraction. Simply because I want my life to be exactly what I want it to be! And by constantly thinking of the things that I want in my life; the law of attraction states that you are unconsciously attracting the things that you want. Going back to the subject psychic vampire, they can either be your friend, a family member or the person standing next to you. Be very keen though with these so called psychic vampire; because what these people do is feed from your life force or energy and as such, the term psychic vampire. The old concepts of vampires in the movies are those that do not have reflections on mirrors and have hypnotic eyes, thus rendering total manipulation to their chosen victims. In reality it is somewhat the same; because a psychic vampire is present in your times of weakness, they are present in time when you are venerable. You don’t see a psychic vampire when you are at your best, but they are present when you’re at your worst! And their hypnotic power comes in when you are in your trusting nature because you are down. How do you identify a psychic vampire then? Remember that they are the exact opposite of our usual concept. In fact they may be very charming and seductively ambrosial. Here are two very simple ways in identifying them. Be wise and always be on guard, remember that skepticism is never a crime, an ample amount of this skepticism paired with tact, finesse and reserve will go a long way. This will make you unpredictable to psychic vampires. Lastly, daily communication to the Divine will make you keen, alert and safe from the crippling grasp of a psychic vampire. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:44:51 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/emotional-trauma http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/emotional-trauma Post Traumatic Stress Disorder— a condition sounding not as common, but the reality of it may not be so. Otherwise known as PTSD, the disorder besets those who had gone through traumatic experiences. "Trauma" is defined as an overwhelmingly stressful experience leaving a person feeling trapped, helpless and hopeless. He or she may feel incapacitated with their coping skills having been hampered. It leaves the victim feeling stripped of their will or power of choice. It used to be that PTSD was primarily associated with combat veterans. Recently, however, it has been acknowledged that people of all ages and genders can suffer from it. Spouses or children who had been besieged by domestic abuse and violence could feel traumatized. Their emotional trauma can result to PTSD. Statistics cite that 70% of adults have had at least one traumatic experience in their lives. Interpersonal or community violence has directly affected 1 in 4 children by the time they reached the age of 18. Women are more prone to suffer from PTSD. Twice as much of them experience the condition than men do. What are the consequences of psychological or emotional trauma? Consider those who have been diagnosed with mental health issues. Ninety percent of these individuals suffered from past emotional traumas. Mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, depression and others have similar symptoms as those of psychological or emotional trauma. These manifestations may include anxiety or agitation, hyperactivity, depression, being withdrawn, impulsive or obsessive. The same goes for being hypervigilant, angry or defensive, suffering from eating or sleeping disorders as well as suicidal tendencies. Other victims might resort to substance abuse as coping mechanism. A so-called emotional trauma can be a one- time or ongoing event. Being abandoned or witnessing violence can cause trauma, causing symptoms to arise. Rape or sexual abuse, criminal offense, or physical abuse can also be emotionally traumatizing. Being subjected to totalitarian control or being shamed can traumatize a person. Parental “discipline” resorting to physical means can lead to child emotional trauma in the same manner. In psychology, there is a term “victim blame” in which physical means is applied because the child is considered “hard headed”. This may cause emotional trauma to the latter as well. Adults or parents may respond to their own history of trauma by improving their approach in raising their children. In many cases, however, emotional trauma or abuse is passed on from one generation to another. Other victims simply become numb or wallow in denial. If not given due treatment or attention, unresolved emotional trauma does not go away. Untreated or unresolved trauma can result to a person living a poor quality of life. A “victim” must initially be aware that a state of constant emotional instability or unhappiness is unhealthy. That a functional, productive and happy life is possible for them if they begin to take charge, even if it means seeking professional help. PTSD treatment or healing from emotional trauma is possible. The “victim” can be encouraged on naming the problem, or telling their experience in a safe context, with people they can trust. A healing theory can be developed, allowing the patient to gain control. Psychoeducation is also another powerful for treatment and healing. The patient can be educated on the impact of the traumatic experience on their growth, development and ability. Feelings of powerlessness are decreased, along with empowering them and teaching them to be assertive. Individual or group therapy are means for overcoming traumas. Dialectical behavioral, grief groups or creative therapies can also aid a traumatized person towards recovery. But more than any treatment measure, genuine and sincere support remains to be the most vital element towards setting a person free from the grip of their traumatic experience. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 7 Jan 2009 05:24:50 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/Tips-to-Prevent-Panic-Attacks http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/Tips-to-Prevent-Panic-Attacks A lot of people today suffer from panic attacks—a condition caused by various biological factors. Palpitations, sweating, chest pain, dizziness, sudden urge to urinate, nausea, bloating and shaking are just some of the many symptoms of panic attacks. This condition though harmless is nevertheless has to be treated because of its effect on a person’s life. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious problems. Those people who once had this condition surely don’t want to experience it again. Likewise, those who haven’t don’t want to experience it either. So here are some tips to prevent panic attacks when the symptoms strike you. These will also help you cope when you’re experiencing a panic attack. You know what exercise can do for your physical as well as your mental well being. So have a regular exercise. A walk and a deep breath every once in a while can do a lot for you. If it’s possible, do these in open places where there’s an open space and fresh air, like a park or a beach. Aside from exercise, relaxation is also important. Take time to relax. If you’re a busy person working in the office, stop for a moment and take a rest for a few minutes. You can do this even while you’re sitting. Just do some stretching. Lean your back on your chair and stretch your upper body backwards. Then close your eyes. Hold on for a few seconds. Or you could also walk inside your office while stretching your arms and upper body. You should do this at least three times a day at regular intervals. It will refresh both your mind and body thus giving you a relaxed feeling. Remember, pushing yourself to the limit will only stress you even more. You’re not gonna accomplish more anyway when you’re stressed. These first two tips to prevent panic attacks must be done as often as you can. Also important to prevent panic attacks are the stuffs you swallow like foods and drinks. Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol intake. Too much alcohol does not reduce stress, while caffeine causes palpitation and nervousness. Caffeine and alcohol aggravates stress and anxiety which are some of the causes of panic attacks. Be conscious also of the food you eat. Make it a habit to have a healthy diet. A healthy diet will do a lot for you, physically and mentally. Physically, it gives you a body that’s strong enough to fight fatigue. On the other hand, a healthy mind helps you fight and overcome anxiety. Moreover, a good outlook in life is also important in overcoming panic attacks. All the abovementioned tips to prevent panic attacks must be coupled with enough sleep every night. It is recommended that an adult should have at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep because it is the time when our body can rest totally. It is also the time for our cells to regenerate and repair themselves. So make sure you get plenty of sleep every night. To avoid sleeping difficulty or insomnia, establish a regular sleeping and waking hours. By doing this, you’ll wake up every morning feeling refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. These are some effective tips to prevent panic attacks. Follow these and you’ll find that it’s not difficult to fight them after all. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:46:39 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/phobia-treatment http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/phobia-treatment One of the worst emotions a person can ever experience is fear. Fear is most often binding. As a byproduct of the anxious mind, fear is akin to a shadow which grips you. It can be unreal but it overwhelms you. If you finally give in to its overpowering impact, it can possibly overcome you. Such is the influence of fear or any other emotions for that matter- they create their own reality. There are varied degrees of fear. There are cases when it becomes unreasonable and irrelevant to a given situation or object. Fear which falls under this category is termed as a “phobia”. Fear connoted with phobia is that which is intensified by the mind. The mind can cause the fear to intensify to an unreasonable level. As a result, a person becomes subdued.When somebody is afraid to this extent, they would be unable to function optimally as a person. If you happen to be phobic, you must first recognize that your condition is a product of your thoughts more than the object or situation you fear. That in itself can make you realize that what you need to work on or heal is yourself. Discover the root of your fear to be able to apply an effective phobia treatment. Many people are resigned to the idea that they cannot overcome their phobia, that it is a condition which only medications can treat. But pharmaceuticals or other medications resorted to for treatment may aggravate. It can come to be as a phobia treatment which merely masks the symptoms rather than deal with the root cause. True healing comes from healing the root or what underlies the so called manifestations of an “illness”. To heal from without, one must initially heal from within. So it is with a phobia whose underlying cause has to do with an anxious and perturbed self. It can get exhausting trying to avoid and basically run away from a feared object or situation. So other than taking the means of medications for phobia treatment, a person ought to fight his frightened self with his better self. This can be done through natural methods or natural phobia treatment. Certain phobias can be counteracted through positive reinforcement. For instance, a person happens to suffer from phobia towards dogs. Positive reinforcement can be applied to this condition by observing and imitating a healthy person face to face with a dog. The phobic can observe the person grooming, petting and cuddling the dog. The phobic may then have some realizations of how unreasonable their fear is. Another means of phobia treatment is through Systematic Desensitization. This therapy involves three steps- Identification, Relaxation and Desensitization. The causes of the phobia is to be initially identified. The phobic is then taught on visualizing the cause. Through visualization of the feared object, the phobic is trained on mentally facing their fears until eventually the phobia diminishes. The logo therapy is another form of treatment. The person is encouraged on hoping, wishing and doing the things they are afraid of. Again, this is about facing their own fear. There can be deep seated causes of phobias. If you or somebody you know happen to suffer from any of the phobic conditions, it helps if somebody is there for support. Intimate relations may be able to provide this, or else the guidance of a trusted professional. Realize that you are not alone, and find comfort in that thought. That in itself is one way of overcoming fear About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 05:54:28 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/gifted-children http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/gifted-children Many myths are attached pertaining to gifted children. For one thing, they are thought of to suffer from social issues, that they are inept in this regard. The media also contribute to disseminating a certain stereotype towards these children. Television shows and movies would portray them as “nerdy”, and even as social misfits. This creates an unlikely image for the gifted, one which is far from accurate. “Genius” used to be term used for the word “gifted”. Hearing the word “genius” people would connote something as “bordering on madness”, of being “emotionally unstable”, of being solitary and a loner, of being unable to make friends. As they are seen to be “unlike” the others, people would perceive them as being unable to function properly with others. These and many more myths abound with giftedness. It is not surprising that many people have formed an opinion about these individuals before knowing them. This in turn can make it more difficult for gifted children. These children are most apt to not follow the path of their non-gifted peers. Society may then become uncertain about dealing with or catering to them and their needs. There seems to be no real point of reference to draw from in describing or understanding these children. The gifted belongs to a privileged number and not many people may have actually known or dealt with them personally. So the majority, they derive their perception from what the media portrays. Those in charge of making the laws, running the school boards and even teachers have their minds filtered by the concept of giftedness conveyed by the media. These may leave them being unable to fully understand the gifted, further alienating the latter. Gifted children have special learning needs. Schools ought to devise special programs for them to sustain and cultivate their capabilities. But school authorities who do not have accurate information and understanding of giftedness may not be able to do so. Rather than basing their knowledge on prejudices, they ought to find broader and more credible information on the issue. From well-founded information concerning the nature of these children, suitable programs and proper curriculum should be formatted. Gifted children should be constantly kept interested. They tend to be endlessly curious and willing to learn. Society and school authorities may have a limited viewpoint of them. As a result, skills and abilities of gifted children are not fully cultivated. In many cases, they may even be hampered. Well-informed and knowledgeable parents and educators ought to do their part for gifted children to be free from being stereotyped and stigmatized. Children as they are who have special skills and abilities, they are children. As much as everyone else does, they need to feel that they belong despite their “distinctiveness”. Only then can they grow to be confident of themselves and eventually their capabilities. And their capabilities can all the more be developed and enhanced. Having been given a “gift”, gifted children often have much to offer. Instead of regarding them as “unusual” in an unlikely manner, they ought to be considered as “distinctive” yet human in so many ways. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:46:30 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/self-esteem http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/self-esteem Most people have jobs. Jobs give them a means of earning a living. For many of these people, their means of earning a living gives direction to where to go everyday, or what to do regularly. Jobs have given them a routine, so to speak. And so a “job” has become that – somewhere to go to and something to do- 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. On the other hand, a “job” can mean fulfillment for some. A means where they can channel their skills, energy and motivation. And it is when they become productive. The “job” which they so constantly do has defined them and it has become “work” instead. “Work” where something needs to be accomplished, “work” which is of the essence. But how can a person succeed in such an endeavor- “working”? Skills? Passion? Motivation? Many people have skills and talent. Many have thought they are passionate about something. And motivation can get them somewhere. But of all these factors, one remains to be crucial- how a person perceives himself. The term has perenially been mentioned in self-help books and happiness manuals –self esteem. Self esteem is how you regard yourself, and this affects every facet of your life. In that area where you invest much of your time and energy- “work”- self esteem holds significant sway. It has to do with with not merely your work, but in all your other endeavors as well. Self esteem is a sense of inner balance. It is being grounded on healthy self acceptance. When you render comforting self respect towards you. When you esteem yourself, you are able to feel happiness towards your character and abilities. You are aware of your failings, yet you appreciate aspects of you which compensate. That you have strengths, and capabilities although not faultless. It is acknowledging yourself for all its failings and strengths, and embracing it regardless of other people’s opinion. It is valuating yourself in a healthy and positive manner. In its simplest sense, self esteem is feeling good about yourself. Whatever circumstances may beset you, or in whichever economic state you are in, you see what is worthy about yourself and your life still. And this gives you a better, healthy perspective- one which can drive you towards success. Self esteem increases the potentiality of your succeeding in any endeavor. The element of how you regard yourself is the difference between success and failure. How you perceive yourself reflects how you percieve other people, and life in general. Acknowledge yourself positively, and you will see what is promising in everything else . Trying and discouraging circumstances may befall, but the person that is in you remains unyielding. Because it is aware that it has worth, and it is worthy on its own. Establishing true self worth and self esteem takes an arduous process to attain. Often it takes time and having to weather trying circumstances. These “trying circumstances” serve as the process for a person to know himself in all his inadequacy and capability. In the midst of both, he sees a person worthy of regard and esteem in himself. This is the difference between success and failure - in working, in relationships and life in general. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 8 Aug 2008 06:26:26 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/mental-health1 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/mental-health1 Just as you would your physical health, you also have to take care of your mental health. The state of your mental health has a major impact on how you live. On whether you will be happy or not, or successful or otherwise. Your mental health determines your attitude and approach towards life. How you perceive yourself and others, and how you handle stress. It also has to do with how you face up to responsibilities as well as in nurturing relationships. The term “mental health” is in fact very broad, and no concise definition exists. But mental health is a crucial aspect of your well-being, and it should be a priority. The aspect of your mental health and development is influenced by genetic, environmental, psychological and physiological factors. These factors have a profound impact on how you are mentally made-up. And what happens if a person is ill in this aspect, or otherwise termed as “mentally ill”? A person with mental illness is unable to perform daily, routine tasks. They have difficulty coping with stress and anger, and they are unable to foster healthy relationships as well. Such an illness can range from irrational and destructive thought patterns, to extreme mood swings and behavioral problems. But what does it take to be mentally healthy, or what is the gauge that a person is mentally well-adjusted? Primarily, it has to do with self-image, or good and healthy self-image. It’s about perceiving yourself in a positive way, or having healthy self-esteem. It means accepting your shortcomings while being able to appreciate your achievements. On the other hand, a mentally imbalanced person will have a negative self-image. They have a negative perception of their physical appearance and often suffer from inferiority complex. They are more apt to feel self-hate and anger, and even disgust. They could be beset by feelings and thoughts of being useless. These negative thoughts, emotions and self-image could mutate into eating disorders, extreme depression or psycho-social disorders- mental illnesses. When a person is mentally ill, they tend to isolate themselves. Anxiety and concentration problems may begin to develop. To be able to be mentally healthy, needed is an all-round educational social experience. This will enhance social and intellectual skills which will in turn foster self-confidence and being successful in most endeavor. For a student, it may mean better grades, or for an adult, being an efficient and productive worker. Then there is the vital aspect of human relationships. A well-adjusted person is able to cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships with their partner, family, friends and colleagues. Those who are mentally imbalanced on the other hand will not be able to nurture such sort of relationships. They are more likely to have problems with intimacy or commitment, as well as with sexual health and matters. Sleep will be affected as well because an imbalanced person is often beset by pessimism and anxiety. They might suffer from insomnia as they can be overwhelmed by anxious and disturbing thoughts during the night. Eating disorders could also manifest, especially as the imbalanced person has the tendency to find comfort in food. Binge eating can develop, which can lead to obesity. This in turn can lead to heart disease and diabetes, among others. As they have become obese, a negative self-image could then result- and a vicious cycle begins. And then there are physical health issues which often go with mental health issues. One is more prone to various conditions and illnesses when they are mentally imbalanced. For instance, stomach ulcers and hypertension. The mental aspect is significantly associated with the physical. There is in fact an inherent and essential interrelation between the mental, emotional and physical aspects of a person. Such is why total wellness should be taken into account when taking care of yourself. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 7 Jul 2008 08:06:08 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/mental-illness1 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/mental-illness1 Mental illness in children is as real as mental health issues in adults. And in fact, the trend of mental health concerns in children is on the rise. Many factors contribute to this alarming scenario. Bullying at school can result to mental and emotional disturbance in youngsters. So is being in a hurricane, or seeing a school shooting, for instance. Violence in the family can also result to mentally ill children. Violence in the community can also cause the same, or worrying about terrorism. And then there is the change in brain chemistry during maturation which some assert as a possible cause of mental illness. Post traumatic disorder which is a form of mental disturbance can happen to children as well. Even depression can beset elementary age kids. Surf in the internet and you can see a clearer picture. Statistics and data presented in books and online sources tell you that mental illness in children is a fact. Approximately 2.5% of children in the United States suffer from depression. Depression for these young people often go undiagnosed and as a consequence is not treated. It is likely confused with normal childhood or teen behavior. An estimated 4.1% of kids in their school-age have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Causes of mental illness can go for a lifetime, and half of these causes start by the age of 14. One out of ten children are mentally and emotionally disturbed. This keeps them from being able to be fully functional at home, at school or in the community. Anxiety disorders which largely affects adults are said to start in late childhood. And what of anxiety disorders in kids? They affect 13% of the 9-17 years old population. Kids who are being treated for self-harm in emergency departments in hospitals in the U.S. are under diagnosed for mental illness. And for children who have this illness, only 21% receive treatment. When mental health issues are not treated early on, they are more likely to become severe and more difficult to treat. The fact is, children can suffer from mental illness, and one of them is depression. What is there to look out for kids who might have this problem? A primary indicator is poor school performance. A kid might refuse to go to school or might continually worry and become anxious. Hyperactivity and fidgeting are also possible symptoms. So are awful nightmares. A child might begin to become verbally and physically aggressive. They might also exhibit general irritability. If you suspect that your child may be disturbed, there are some ways for you to help him/her. Try to observe your child’s behavior over time. You could keep a journal for this to be able to keep track and you can do this for at least a month. Take time to talk to your child about problems which may be bothering him/her. Your child might be a victim of bullying in school. Let him or her express self-esteem issues as well, and be there for support and encouragement. Allow your child to express what he or she has seen and what his or her personal feelings are. Let your child find a friend in you, or somebody they could confide in. Be keen about his/her word choices and description of feelings. As you listen, try to observe their body language. Take time to praise your child’s strength and talents, but don’t overdo it. Or else, they will no longer believe you. And most of all, seek professional help when you think it is needed. It is possible for mental illness to be treated and to allow your child to be able to cope with their issues and become an adjusted adult. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:39:15 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/emotional-abuse1 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/emotional-abuse1 Feeling safe and secure is among the most basic and important needs of a person. With a feeling of emotional security and freedom, one can enjoy life to the fullest. They would become more confident and have good self esteem. These have to do with emotional well-being and it is crucial to becoming a healthy and happy person. But there are cases when this essential need is deprived of somebody, especially in marriages. When somebody’s emotional needs are deprived, then that is emotional abuse. A person who thinks they have control and power can inflict emotional abuse. As they think they have the authority, they render no regard to others’ feelings. How is this, and in what way? For instance, one would make another person feel that they are inferior or a lesser person. Or they would undermine another’s self-dignity. The perpetrator basically withholds the emotional satisfaction of the other. The victim’s worth is devalued and their intelligence and opinions are given no value as well. Or their intelligence would be repeatedly questioned. The victim would also be humiliated publicly by the perpetrator. The abuser would make the victim feel inferior and they are laughed at. Others would even be made to join in the fun. Another form of victimization is to make somebody feel unsafe. A person would be threatened that they would be left alone without any help. Terrorizing them is also one form of emotional abuse. A person might be stripped of their financial freedom, and they are made to become fully dependent on the abuser. Without financial resources, one would be deprived even of life’s basic pleasures. Some abusers might even withdraw the use of communication instruments such as the cellphone. Emotional abuse can take on many forms, and it is one of the worst crimes against humanity. It is a degradation of a person as a human being. This form of abuse leaves deep scars on the psyche. There are those who say that it is similar to physical abuse. Yet others say that emotional abuse is worse than physical abuse. In physical abuse, the wounds may heal. But with being emotionally abused, the wounds may be deeper. It would take a longer time for these wounds to heal, and for some they may not heal at all. At times, the victims are rendered helpless and they would feel like they are trapped in the situation. When somebody is emotionally abused, exerting their rights is necessary. They should stand up to their worth and dignity as a person and a human being. They have to understand that they have rights and they have to be given respect, and that they deserve it. Or otherwise they could seek professional help, like counseling. And from then on, the victim should not feel that they are alone. From counseling, they could then proceed to other options of seeking help, maybe from authorities. Especially of the abuse gets out of hand. Every person deserves to be happy- not only should abusers know this, but the victims themselves as well. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 20 May 2008 11:01:19 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder1 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder1 Most everybody does not like the idea of stress. But stress is something inherent to living. It is to be lived with and coped with. More often, anxiety is the normal reaction to stressful situations. In another perspective though, anxiety may not at all be completely harmful. To some extent, it might even be a useful tool for survival. But there are different degrees of anxiety. And if anxiety becomes so severe and disturbing, then it may signal a disorder. Especially if it leads to irrational and unreasonable behavior. In cases such as this, medical attention may be necessitated as an anxiety disorder might have developed. It is estimated that over 40 million people in the United States suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. The condition can strike without any apparent causes, or perhaps be instigated by a psychological or physical illness. Substance or alcohol abuse may also be factors leading to it. When left untreated, the condition can come to the point of being debilitating. Such is why treatment ought to be sought and there are many options for it. Many treatment options have developed to help patients cope and live with the condition. Due to these measures, living with anxiety disorder has now become easier and possible. This owing to advancement in terms of medications and psychotherapeutic approaches. Several types of disorders fall under the category of this condition. Among them are generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, panic, social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder and phobias. These conditions can interfere with a person’s functioning and daily activities when neglected. One of the most common disorders affecting a large number of the populace is obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD. Obsessive compulsive disorder may overlap with other disorders. They can be some sort of eating disorder, or perhaps any of the other forms of anxiety disorders. The development of such complication entails no marked gender difference. It strikes an equal number or males and females during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. In the extreme end, the condition can incapacitate and interfere with normal living. When a person is obsessive compulsive, they are beset by recurrent or upsetting thoughts known as obsessions. Along with these obsessions are persistent rituals. Such “rituals” are carried out by OC’s to pacify their obsessive thoughts. For instance, an OC may start obsessing about dirt. To calm their anxieties about this, they begin to wash their hands every so often to make them dirt free. This persistent washing of hands is a means for them to relieve them of their anxiety. Common compulsions for people with obsessive compulsive disorder vary. Some of them can be locking, unlocking and relocking the door, counting, touching and so on. OC’s perform their compulsions again and again. These people may even be aware that their actions are senseless and irrational. However, they are out of control. They are unable to manage these tendencies. A combination of medications and psychotherapy may be effective towards sufferers. Exposure therapy is especially important. Modern techniques such as deep brain stimulation can also be employed for treatment. Patients ought to seek the most suitable treatment option or options for them to restore sound thinking and enjoy a good quality of living. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:38:59 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/anxiety-attacks1 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/anxiety-attacks1 A sudden chronic illness, going through extreme stress or remembering a traumatic event in the past can all be overwhelming experiences. They can trigger strong emotions to come to the surface. A possible occurrence following them could be anxiety attacks. Normal anxiety in itself is unpleasant. It is aggravated to a more severe degree during an anxiety attack, or otherwise known as a panic attack. What are the symptoms of this condition? They could be dry mouth and chest pains, increased heart and breathing rates, nausea, diarrhea and sweating. The same can be said with loss of touch with reality, numbness or tingling in the limbs and an upset stomach or nausea. Anxiety attacks can be a frazzled predicament. But there are ways- natural ways- to remedy them or even prevent them. Being highly stressed can make you prone to suffer from anxiety attacks. So the best thing to do is to keep yourself from being so. For one thing, you could incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. Exercise is an effective stress relief measure which promotes better health as well. You could do yoga or aerobic exercises for this measure. Meditation as well can help you become more relaxed. Visualization and breathing techniques in meditation can induce you into a better, peaceful and relaxed state. Through these means, you would become more at ease and confident and feel in control. If ever there would be provoking circumstances, you will not be likely to become overwhelmed. The key is that you will feel in control, thus, anxiety has less chances of overcoming you. It is also important that you try to live a good quality of life. By this, it means spending quality time with your friends and loved ones. Encourage more social support in your life. This is another means for you to boost your confidence, and to reduce stress in your life. And if ever anxiety attacks have been a problem for you, try natural remedies. These natural remedies come in the form of herbs, and they can be effective. They are potent in themselves and are not likely to have side effects. Some of them are St. John’s Wort, wild yam, ginseng, borage, chamomile, licorice, nettle kava, mile thisle and Inositol. These herbs have natural healing properties which can soothe and treat anxiety symptoms. As much as they are an appealing approach for treatment of the condition, it’s best that you consult a professional before using them. You can also resort to acupuncture. Acupuncture has been known to help thousands of panic attack sufferers. Through acupuncture, the flow of the “qi” in the body is restored. Thus, you are more apt to feel balance and harmony in your being. And most of all, never underestimate the power of a good sleep. Through sleep, your body is recharged and renewed, so make means to have quality and healthy amounts of it. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night so you can lessen your chances of having panic attacks. Remember that lack of sleep can trigger them. With these natural remedies, you can promote well-being and a sense of relaxation into yourself. It is then that you won’t likely become anxious and panicky, but rather self assured and in control. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 9 Apr 2008 09:24:33 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/schizophrenia http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/schizophrenia It may come as a surprise, but there is a natural means for schizophrenia sufferers to alleviate their symptoms. “Natural”, the compound is, and it’s not in any way associated with pharmaceuticals. In fact, it’s completely safe, and more so it’s the least expensive. What can this natural compound be? The answer is none other than NICOTINE. The substance may have had a bad reputation owing to its involvement with smoking. But in its pure form, it’s a naturally occurring compound. The compound is safe and non-toxic when pure. How is nicotine able to relieve schizophrenia? Simply put, nicotine affects the mood and concentration. The substance has health benefits on the brain. Current studies indicate that the compound boosts memory and concentration. It gives a feeling of pleasure as well. Medical research has shown that people with schizophrenia smoke far more than the rest. It could be because such individuals are making up for the deficits in the brain which affects concentration. Research in this area has involved several companies. Receptors on the surface of the brain cells activated by nicotine. This in turn would lead to the release of dopamine, a brain chemical which brings feelings of pleasure. The areas of the brain stimulated by nicotine influence the moods. Such is why it can be helpful in treating schizophrenia. The release of several neurotransmitters in the brain is instigated by the compound. Among these neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Imbalances is these areas are corrected making schizophrenia sufferers feel better. Other than that, memory, concentration and attention are improved. Nicotine has had a bad reputation, but research is ongoing as to the positive role it plays on certain conditions. Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, obesity and some forms of cancers are among them. Nicotine when taken outside smoking is safe and non-toxic. Medical research is on to develop a drug which delivers a pure form of it. The first of such products has hit the market, and it is called nicotine water. The product has been actively looked upon by many companies, and now it is sold as dietary supplements. The safest way to deliver nicotine is through water, thus the creation of the product. Nicotine water was originally devised for smokers in times when they can’t or don’t want to smoke. But many people are now buying it to help with depression, schizophrenia and other illnesses as well. The substance is set to receive a huge image boost in the years to come, and would even be seen as one of nature’s wonder drug. Trace elements of it are found in common foods such as tomatoes, chili’s and potatoes. This only serves to show that it is one of nature’s safe components. When used accordingly, the substance contains natures healing properties, and it could be effective. A shift on the image and the use of nicotine could be due in time. Rather than delivering the dangers of smoking, it may otherwise treat, and who knows, maybe even cure. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:34:40 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/stress-relief1 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/stress-relief1 One can hear about it and read about it everywhere- everybody is stressed out. Anybody can be driven stressfully insane by the mad rush of daily activities. Everybody seems to be hurrying and scurrying with work, and the kids and things to do at home. Along with always being in a rush is anxiety - the worry of not being able to keep up. All these can leave one exhausted and burnt out. One’s system can become overworked, and a break down may not be far ahead. Before heading off to that grand breakdown, one must keep a rein on stress. It means that tension should be released, and all the harrying and worrying, the anxiety relieved. All these calls for stress relief measures. But with all the frantic scuttle which has become inherent to living, how can one have time for stress relief? It takes taking time for it. As much as stress is integral to living, so must stress relief be. And it doesn’t have to take much time either. With proper time management and recognizing its importance, measures to relieve stress can be incorporated into one’s routine. For an excellent relaxation technique, one can listen to soothing music. Music can calm the nerves and ease anxiety. The senses can become relaxed and one is just able to let loose. When one owns an MP3, they can download soothing music. Whatever appeals to one’s senses, such as jazz, easy listening or classical music, among others, would do. A good variety of calming music ought to be kept available and listened to for 5 to 10 minutes. This few minutes or so can be enough for a daily de-stressing session. Laughter can also be good for de-stressing. Tension can be relieved and anxiety eased when one is able to let out a good, hearty laugh. One can buy a new comic book for this, or read the funny paper. Or get hold of some good jokes. Or better yet, one could skim through the humor section of greeting cards at the store. Going for a walk is also ideal for stress relief. Walking is a low impact exercise which is conducive for de-stressing. Doing it outdoors can help one get in touch with nature which is undoubtedly therapeutic. Lighting a candle would be helpful for relaxation, too. For stressful days, one could keep a handful of small scented candles. Or else a pillar of candle of one’s favorite scent. They can then be lighted while one grabs a book, reads it and sits back in their easy chair. The scented candles would go perfectly with a bubble bath, too. One ought to turn the phone off and lock the door and just soak in the tub. The ambiance would be perfect with dim light, scented candles and soothing music. A kickboxing aerobics class can help for stress relief as well. Kicking and punching in the air, and kicking and punching the bag could be highly effective in releasing tension and pressure. It’s an excellent way of expression of pent up emotions and anxieties which may keep one uptight. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 4 Mar 2008 07:00:43 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/causes-of-schizophrenia http://www.healthzine.org/Mental-health/causes-of-schizophrenia The disease schizophrenia remains to be a troubling one. When one says somebody is “schizophrenic”, it is generally connoted with being severely crazy. Well that craziness is merely a result of a physical irregularity in the body, or the brain. Yes, schizophrenia is a physical ailment, but its consequences are mental. It leads to a mental breakdown which would appear as “crazy” to other people. The nature of this disease remains to be vague, and medical science has yet to discover more about it. The same thing with the causes of schizophrenia- they’re not fully known. Studies have cited that the disease is genetic in nature. It’s because of bad genes, they say, and it runs in families. That’s what is often said about mental illnesses. Some people are predisposed to it- it’s in their genes as said. And later on triggers would appear. This would aggravate their predisposition to the disease until they develop it. They would then become mentally ill. The predicament of the mentally ill is further aggravated by the stigma attached to their illness. They’re regarded as “crazy”. People mock them and regard them with shame and dislike. Even abhorrence. Such people are discriminated simply because their illness is misunderstood. What has to be acknowledged with mental health issues is that they’re much like any other illnesses. And a large number of patients have been treated and are able to live functional lives. So the causes of schizophrenia are mostly physical, in the brain’s workings and processes. Not much has been known about it yet, as said. But what of the treatment? Pharmaceutical drugs have been formulated to correct the chemical imbalance in the brain. Primarily there was clozapine. The schizophrenia medication clozapine is quite as effective as the newer drugs. But the problem with it is that the drug has many side effects. They are in fact severe. Then there are also newer drugs for the disease such as risperidone and olanzapine. Just as effective as clozapine but with lesser side effects. There are also other modes of treatment such as ECT or electroconvulsive therapy. Such treatments are aimed on managing the disease and controlling the symptoms. As for the symptoms, they can be hallucinations and delusions. One salient symptom of a schizophrenic is their grandiose delusions. They have an aggrandized perception of themselves, thinking that they’re a “cut above the rest”. Being “special” that they are, they think that others are trying to do them in. This is very fundamental to a schizophrenic- delusions of persecution and grandeur. These symptoms are those which treatments of the disease aim to eliminate or at least control. Medications and psychotherapy often go hand in hand in treatment of schizophrenia. Proper psychiatric care, family support and group therapy are often helpful for a speedier recovery. Much has yet to be known about the causes of schizophrenia as well as its diagnosis and treatment. But if it strikes a person, it can be debilitating. Efforts should then be concentrated in treating the patient, and most often, they could not do it on their own. The disease has stripped them of themselves and their sanity. Such is why help and concern from close relations and family, friends and concerned agencies are necessary. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.