Mental Health- Can We Ever Be Cured?

Mental health is something that most people take for granted. The sad truth is that there are people all over the world who are suffering and there is nothing that they can do if they don't have the right information. It is our responsibility to provide what we know about anxiety and OCD and other maladies to the general public. What I can cover here are some things that you can do and some principles that will help get you going. The first thing you need to do is believe that you can get rid of OCD and anxiety. Now there are a lot of different types of things that cannot be cured currently and these are things like Down syndrome and others.
When we look at mental health what a lot of people are referring to are anxiety. Now, anxiety is a good thing and it serves you and protects you when you need it the most, however, there are times that it can hurt you. You see, a long time ago, way before technology like phones and radios and electricity and all that existed, we lived in much dangerous times where anxiety usually mean that your life was actually in danger and it was good to have anxiety because it saved your life. However, things are different now, but when we stress out over things, this can kick in our anxiety and cause us to have the same fear as if you were really being attacked.
What I want you to know is that you mental health is largely determined by what you put in your mind. I want you to re-read that last sentence a few times and really let it sink in. The reason is that we are watching the news and violent moves and listening to things that are negative, gossiping and such. You should know that our brains retain much more stuff than we are aware of. That is why it's so vital that we surround ourselves with good stimulus. Unless you are someone who can do anything about the situation in a meaningful way, I would invite you to stop watching the news. Have you heard the saying, "no news is good news?" That is true.
Whenever we turn on the TV, we can find that the news is filling your head with negative things. Why do you need to know about the local gas station being robbed? Why do you need to know about the tsunami that killed thousands of people in another country, unless you actually have enough skill, supplies or money to actually help them? The fact of the matter is that most of us would watch that and do absolutely nothing about it.
We also sometimes justify watching it by saying, "well, I'm aware." What does this do? All this serves to do is harm your mental health. People in Canada are less violent because their news is not nearly as gloomy and this affects the mental health of the people that are watching. Since we don't live in Canada, turn off your news for one month and see how your mental health improves! You'll be glad you did, I've prepared some powerful OCD, anxiety and mental health materials for you below, enjoy!

To get cutting edge techniques to beat OCD permanently click here: Mental Health
Derek Soto is an ex-sufferer of OCD who teaches people how to overcome their OCD for good in a very short time using little known techniques which are usually ignored by the medical field altogether.
Derek Soto also mentors people on a wide range of subjects including how to control your thinking naturally, how to defeat anxiety, phobias and how to change your thought processes so that you will be happier and live a more fulfilling life, period.

Did You Know That Panic Attacks Can Cause Heart Attacks?

   

 

How often have you thought you were having a heart attack while you were having a panic attack? How often have you been told or read that panic attacks will not kill you?
I always thought the scientists and therapists and doctors knew what they were talking about. It was important for me to know that their advice could be trusted. Many of you will relate.
While enduring years of panic attacks and continual underlying anxiety most of my life, I've always feared, as others have in my situation, that all this strain on my system couldn't be healthy. Those heart palpitations, the sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath and the anxiety are the same symptoms of heart attack. With each panic attack, I felt sure it was leading to heart failure.
In fact, I always wondered how to tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack. How would I know when to go to the hospital? This fear alone was enough to give me a panic attack.
Years went by and when the panic attacks didn't kill me, I grew to believe that I had fretted for nothing. There really wasn't anything to worry about.
Or so I believed, until I came across a recent announcement. Scientists are now saying that panic attacks can lead to heart problems, including heart rhythm issues and outright heart attacks. You can imagine how alarmed I was to hear this.
The only "good" news, if you can call it that, was that the damage isn't apparent right away, so there's no need to worry during a panic attack. The fact is, it can take as much as 6 months to see the effects of any damage that might have been caused during a panic attack.
They also say that the chance of panic attacks causing problems is still low, but I can't help but wonder.
I've heard that problems with heart rhythm are relatively common, as are panic attacks. Did you know that everyone at some time in their lives will experience a panic attack? According to the scientists who conducted this latest study, it only takes one panic attack to cause damage to the heart.
Taking into account the fact that everyone will have a panic attack, it's hard not to wonder if panic did cause a large number of people to develop heart rhythm problems. If you could use me as an example, I've lived with anxiety forever and panic for about 8 years. Today I have heart rhythm problems. Coincidence? Or is this evidence?
And if that's not bad enough. Apparently, woman are triply at risk because we are more likely to have panic attacks than men. Menopausal women could be at an even higher risk of having a heart attack as a result of panic attacks.
Although it's possible your heart is fine, here's a 4-point check list to get treatment for your panic attacks so that damage will not occur:
1. Start with your medical practitioner where you can get a thorough physical checkup to see if there are any underlying conditions contributing to or causing your panic attacks.
2. Insist on being referred to a doctor or therapist who specializes in the treatment of panic attacks.
3. Do not be waved off. Let the practitioners know you won't be easily appeased. Don't settle for a simple answer to your panic attacks. In many cases, you might be given a prescription to ease your symptoms. Demand more. You need to get at the root of your panic attacks. It's proven that in the majority of cases, the best cure is an appropriate combination of talk therapy and drug therapy.
4. Find the right therapist for you. We have our own personalities and like other situations, we don't get along with everyone. The same holds true for therapists. If you feel you are not getting the results you expect, or you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, seek a second opinion.
Although the risk is relatively small, it doesn't pay to delay seeking immediate help for your panic attacks, especially if you are a woman.

Find help on our relevant Self Help Book Site [http://www.book-titles.ca] Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who has struggled and overcome depression, panic and anxiety. Formerly with the Canadian Mental Health Association, she's written, "A Guide to Teenage Depression & Suicide" and "How To Build Confidence and Banish Anxiety Forever". Visit Sylvia’s Natural Anxiety Relief [http://www.book-titles.ca/blog/] blog for more helpful articles. Our sister Ebook Web Site carries books on travel, music instruction, dog training, hobbies, fitness, wealth building, business and more

Learning to Take the Time to Relax: Concerning Mental Health and Being There for Friends and Family

Over the years, I have seen people coming in to see me with all kinds of issues and concerns. Not long ago, I saw a few clients coming in with a different kind of complaint. They were not so concerned about themselves, but were worried about a dear friend or family member going through a critical illness. This particular woman stated that she wanted to be supportive for her friend, yet was concerned about being too pushy or intrusive.she just wasn't sure how to handle her involvement. First I told her how lucky her friend was to have such a kind and compassionate friend as she. Then we discussed the challenges facing a support system when someone you care about receives a life-threatening diagnosis. I thought this was a very important topic and worthy of this article.
When someone gets a critical diagnosis, whatever that may be, they often go through the same stages of grief as one who is dying, even if that is not the case. Just the diagnosis itself, can create shock and disbelief. It can make the individual feel vulnerable and unsafe as well as fearful of what the future holds for them. The Kubler-Ross model, often used to describe the grieving process, states that many people go through several different stages of grief when facing death. It starts with denial, then anger, bargaining, depression, and then acceptance. Not everyone goes through all these stages, and the order may vary, but it gives you an idea what your friend may be experiencing following his or her traumatic diagnosis or event. Even if they are not facing a terminal illness, just the shock of surviving an accident, or a serious diagnosis, can also trigger a grief reaction. While they are not grieving the loss of life, they are grieving the loss of feeling safe and invulnerable, and that can affect a person emotionally as much as the process of healing physically.
Most of us go through life with a kind of belief or attitude that if we do our job, work hard, be responsible and follow all the rules; we will stay safe and nothing too devastating will happen to us. Most believe that they only need to start worrying about degenerative diseases threatening their life once they get older and become frail. Although we all know that this is not necessarily true, it is the story most people tell themselves, a kind of universal denial in order to feel safe and powerful. So whether you get this diagnosis, or if you are in a serious accident, or you lost your house in a fire, whatever the dire situation is, it can send you into a tailspin of shock, fear, denial and depression until you come to accept the situation and learn how to deal with it.
When you are the friend, sister or cousin of this person, you may find yourself reacting on two different levels. On the one hand you may feel shocked yourself hearing about your friend, you will probably feel sad for them and worried and want to be supportive. On another level, this can bring on a lot of fear and stress for you. If you, like most, of us, have been living under the illusion that you are safe and expect to stay that way, what do you say to yourself now that your closest friend has been diagnosed with a critical illness? This can create a dilemma as on the one hand you want to be supportive and there for her, but on the other hand seeing your friend, sister or colleague shrinking in front of you, becoming depressed and vulnerable, or witnessing their reactions to the chemo, radiation, or medical visits can create so much stress and fear in your, that you may find yourself looking for any reason to avoid dealing with her and her needs. Her vulnerability reminds you that you can also become vulnerable, and who wants to be reminded of that? For this reason, you may find yourself using any excuse to avoid dealing directly with her needs. You may feel guilty but you are so paralyzed with fear and anxiety, that you feel you are more ready to deal with the guilt than walk with your friend through this mine field of anxiety and stress.
The good news is there are many ways that you can be there for your friend or family member. If you can't bring yourself to go with her to the doctor, or the hospital, you can:
- offer to watch her children so she has time to rest
- go shopping with her or for her
- take her out to a movie, to distract her
- explain to her that you are not abandoning her but the situation is bringing up a lot of stress in you and this is the best you can do for now
- ask her how she is and don't accept "fine" as a real answer
- Tell her you are so sorry that she has to go through this
- Make her a supper, so she doesn't have to cook
- Take her out for a walk
- Make phone calls for her
What not to say:
- don't tell her you know of other people surviving this illness. She doesn't care about other people. She may be still in shock or denial mode
- don't tell her to be positive. She will feel angry and think that you are minimizing her situation
- don't tell her it will be fine. You don't know that and neither does she
- don't tell her she has to be strong. She is not feeling strong right now, she feels terrified
For people facing these challenges, it's not just about the right doctor, the right physiotherapist, or treatments, it's also dealing with the emotional impact that this situation has placed on the individual. They are feeling overwhelmed, lost, scared, exhausted, depressed, and terrified. They are not fine but might say so because they know or feel that is what you want to hear. The truth is the one who needs the help is embarrassed or shy or afraid to ask you, in case you can't handle it. This is the time when you need to raise the bar, and be there for her or him. Isn't that the true meaning of friendship and family?

Rhonda Rabow, M.A.
Author's Bio Rhonda Rabow is an author and a psychotherapist living in Montreal, Quebec Canada. She has over 25 years experience counseling individuals, couples and families facing a variety of life challenges; from parenting, grief, depression, and self-esteem issues, to conflict resolution and marriage counseling. Her approach is empowerment and she accomplishes this by helping her clients find solutions to their problems and teaching them the skills and tools they need to feel back in control of their lives. She has also recently published an e-book called, "Discover the 3 secrets to living happily ever after".
http://www.helphelpmerhonda.ca
http://www.rhondarabow.com

Teen Suicide Statistics - An Epidemic of Self Inflicted Death Among Canadian Youth

 

The Canadian teen suicide statistics are alarming. Between 1952 and 1992 the national suicide rate increased by 78%. but by comparison the teen suicide rate for the same period increased more than 600%. If any disease or bacteria was causing such an alarming rise in the number of deaths it would surely be considered an epidemic.
Females account for 75% of attempted suicides, usually by drug overdose. But males are actually six times more likely to be successful and choose more violent methods such as shooting or hanging. About one-third of teen suicides are done by young people who have attempted it before.
Suicide rates are five to seven times higher for First Nations teens than other young people in Canada. The suicide rates amongst the Inuit youth are some of the highest anywhere in the world. They are 11 times higher than the Canadian national average.
Who is at risk for suicide?
Most of the signs of suicidal thoughts or feelings are similar to the symptoms of depression. Adolescents who feel alone, rejected, and hopeless are at risk. Alcohol or drug problems and parental discord (separation or divorce) can definitely play a part in teenage depression. Teenagers who have altered brain chemical issues, such as bi-polar disorder, are at a higher risk as well.
Watch for these signs.
You cannot always know what is going on inside a teenager's head, but you can see some outward signs of what is going on emotionally. An obsession with death; poems, stories, or drawings that depict death; irrational, bizarre behavior; a sudden change in personality or appearance; a change in eating or sleeping habits; major drop in school performance; giving away their belongings; a seeming sense of shame or guilt--these are all things to watch for as they are clues that a teenager is contemplating suicide.
Talking helps
Talking about suicide will not increase the likelihood that the teen will proceed with the intent. If you think someone you know is considering suicide you must talk with them about it.
Here is what you can say:
"You sound really depressed and unhappy. Are you considering hurting yourself (or killing yourself)?"
If the person answers in the affirmative ask them about how they plan to do it. Keep the person talking and reassure them that they way they are feeling is not a permanent state.
A teenager who is suicidal is not intent on dying. He just wants the suffering to end. He cannot talk himself out of how he is feeling or simply make the bad thoughts go away by thinking positive things. He is depressed.
People who are suicidal need your help and support but they also need professional help. If your friend was bleeding or suffering an acute infection you would not want to leave him unattended and you would help him to get medical attention.
If you or someone you know is thinking suicidal thoughts go and ask for some help from your parents, a teacher, or a trusted adult.
Most communities also have suicide or crisis hotlines that you can phone and talk to someone about how you are feeling. You can even phone this number to ask for help in dealing with a friend that you suspect to be suicidal.
Reaching out for help in situations of potential teen suicide is the first step on the path to healing.

Beverly Hansen OMalley is a health promotion specialist and likes to write about health related topics that help people in their daily lives. She is the the owner of http://www.registered-nurse-canada.com where she explores the uniqueness of the nursing profession in Canada including comparison of the nursing entrance tests for the US and Canada, comparison of registered nurse salaries across the country and what it means to have a nursing license

Workplace Mental Health

Are your co workers at work working? Does your staff work to their full potential? Or are your employees full of worry, stress, anxiety and depression? The answer is right there in your statistics: what are your numbers for absenteeism, WCIB claims, staff turnover and sales? By recognizing workplace mental health you can witness your employees working to their full potential, see your WCIB and sick leave decrease and your staff morale and team functioning improve. With this proven process named P.A.T your work environment can go from sickness to success.
P: Build procedures and plans on managing workplace mental health. Do you train your new employees in WHIMMIS, First Aid and CPR? Do you offer an orientation package and training session? Is mental health training part of this orientation? Usually not, and yet 1 in 5 will experience mental illness in their lifetime and this does not include the anxiety and depression that we all work through or those that are not diagnosed due to stigma. Prepare procedures to manage mental health in the workplace.
A: What is your company's attitude around mental illness? If you have an employee off due to a broken leg are they treated differently then someone away due to bipolar illness? When you have a friend, co worker or employee away for a physical injury many of us send flowers, take a meal and offer support; have you done these same gestures to an individual at home for depression, bipolar, or stress? Why should it be any different? All illnesses have the same characteristics, symptoms, treatments, and hope for recovery. Even mental illness! Change the attitude, stop the stigma, and show that you are a company that cares.
T: Do you offer training to all staff on identifying mental illness? Do your managers know how to identify mental health issues compared to laziness or defiance? Do your employees know how to work with a customer with a mental health issue? Training opens discussion which will uncover solutions to workplace absenteeism, accidents, mistakes, poor morale and poor productivity. Training teaches tools, which will provide outcome to a productive, positive and prepared workplace.
P.A.T offers hopes to companies that have been concerned about staff turnover, sales and service. P.A.T offers hope to those sitting at their desks worrying about their families, finances, and future. Take a moment to see how you manage health in the workplace. Speak out and stop the stigma, not only will it make a difference in your statistics at work but it will also make a difference in all aspects of your life.

Sarah Hilton, Mental Health Specialist has over 20 years experience working in the world of mental health. With proven processes, positive presentations and an understanding of how mental health make a difference in our society, Sarah brings life to this world of stigma. Contact Sarah at or http://www.bartimaeus.com.

Moody, Bluesy, Depressed Are All Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

 

By Esther Bartkiw

A little known fact about me...I get SAD
Yes, it's true. Every year around this time and extending to mid March I get SAD, seasonal affective disorder. For most of my life I was clueless that my winter blues were something more then just the blahs. Once aware that SAD was a real issue that many people faced, I was in utter denial that it affected me. After all I was running a program of, "That happens to other people not me. I am strong not weak.I don't have a disorder." I believed that having Seasonal Affective Disorder was a weakness in self and character. As soon as I accepted that SAD was a part of my life and had no bearing on who I was, I took conscious control of it. Now I experience winter in a whole new way.
According to statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association, between two and three percent of Ontarians may have SAD. Another 15% have a less severe experience described as the "winter blues." Another CMHA study suggests that potentially 750,000 Canadians may be affected.
What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder ("affective" is a psychiatric term for mood), describes people who get moody, sad, bluesy and often depressed during the autumn and winter seasons. During the spring and summer, they feel upbeat and energetic. SAD can be triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days which begin in the fall and last until spring time.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
Common symptoms include oversleeping, fatigue, increased appetite with carbohydrate and sweet cravings, overeating, and weight gain, decreased energy, avoidance of social situations, feeling anxious or despair sometimes resulting in depression. People who experience more severe episodes, may have suicidal thoughts.
What can I do if I have SAD?
My first suggestion is to admit that you have it. It is not a sign of weakness and it can be managed effectively. Seek help from a health care professional. Consult with your doctor, naturopath, nutritionist, herbologist, hormone doctor, and a therapist or counselor. There are physical and emotional issues at hand which need attention. Spend time outdoors in the sunshine. Wear sunscreen protection and get outdoors.
Try light therapy. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, research has shown that many patients with SAD improve with exposure to bright, artificial light, called light therapy, or phototherapy. As little as 30 minutes per day of sitting under a special fluorescent light box results in significant improvement in 60% to 70% of SAD patients. Google light therapy for more information.
Exercise. Moving your body is beneficial to anyone at anytime. Get moving and boost your endorphins, the feel good hormones. Eat nutritiously. I am particularly conscious of my nutrition in the winter making sure I consume healthy foods that help my body run optimally. Salmon, vegetables, fruit, nuts and hearty soups are my favorite. I also use Isagenix products which provide high quality nutrition.
Take Supplements. Please consult with your health care practitioner to help you choose the best ones for you. I consume vitamin D and C, extra omega 3's and essential fatty acids, adrenal support, full spectrum vitamin B's and my beloved Ionix Supreme to get all of my essential trace minerals and herbs.
Engage with people. I know it can be challenging to get out and socialize when all you feel like doing is wrapping a blanket around you and plopping on the sofa. Be strong consciously and give yourself a push to mingle and be with people. You will feel better. I promise. If you can swing it go on a warm sun filled holiday.
Now that I have accepted that I get SAD and have implemented measures to help me get through it, winters have turned into a pleasant time of the year. And my friends and family would agree that I have become a more pleasant person to be around when the cold dark days set in.

Esther Bartkiw is a Core Belief Engineering Practitioner, Channel, Speaker and Author. She can be reached at 905-630-4471 or visit her website at http://www.changefromwithin.ca. Blog: http://www.whispersfromthesoul.com

Factors Affecting Mental Health

   Mental health must really be watched for intensely and it should be taken cared of completely. If you want to avoid mental health problems from occurring, it is important that you know the factors that can lead to it. Here are some of the factors:
Abuse or violence: Abuse or violence is one of the most serious factors that really affect mental health. Abused individuals are more likely to experience some mental disorders or mental illnesses. Abuse may vary. It can be physical, psychological or sexual abuse. These kinds of violence may not be that evident in just one look. Unlike for physical abuse, this can be easily recognized. You can really see some real evidence for this case. You can actually see bruises, wounds, scratches and all those evident proofs for such abuse. Experiencing abuse or violence can greatly lower one's self-esteem and self-confidence. It can also cause severe depression and anger as well. This will hinder an individual's happy life, thus making it more miserable. This will later result to mental deficiencies in the future.
Broken family: When you belong in a broken family, it can greatly affect your mental health. Broken family comes in a form of separation or divorce between parents. It can also be through a death of a parent or any family member. This situation can be very devastating and frustrating. Anyone who might experience this kind of situation will undergo severe depression and loneliness. When these feelings are extremely acknowledged inside a person's life, it can definitely cause some mental disturbances or mental illnesses. It is important that you know how to cope with this kind of situation. If you cannot overcome this certain situation in your life, then there might be great tendencies of some mental health problems.
Disease condition: Unfortunately, there are also some disease conditions that can badly affect an individual's mental health. You may experience brain injuries due to some accidents, or brain damage due to some diseases. You may also experience mental disturbances due to drug abuse or drug addiction as well. These experiences can greatly affect the brain and can really result to some mental changes or worse, mental illnesses.
You see, there are so many factors that can greatly affect mental health. If you want to avoid these things from happening, consider these factors mentioned above and have a healthy life.

Elizabeth is a passionate writer. She has been writing online articles for three years now. You can check out her latest article girls leggings and toddler leggings on her website.