Saturday, 23 October 2010

How to Help Your Teen With Depression and Suicidal Ideation

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

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. Find out about bipolar: this includes not only the medical stuff but read about other people's stories.
  3. 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]]
  4. 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.
  5. 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'
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. An online course on living well with bipolar will be available in January 2010 at BeatBipolar.
  12. --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.

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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 Manage Your Bipolar Disorder. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Treat Autism

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

  1. 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.
  2. Understand that every child with autism is different. Appropriate treatment should meet with individual needs.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Remember, positive strategies help more than negative ones.
  8. You must maintain the trust of the child if you want results.
  9. 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.

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

  1. Learn and know that children on spectrum are normal but they may require different supports that Neuro Typical (NT) children.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Learn all that you can about your child's present level of development.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

Sunday, 17 October 2010

How to Live With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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


  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Laugh at yourself! That's right, laugh at yourself. They say laughter is the best medicine and from personal experience I can agree.
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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

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


  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).

  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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


  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.


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Sources and Citations



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

  2. 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

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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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


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How to Help Someone Suffering from Dissociative Amnesia

How to Help Someone Suffering from Dissociative Amnesia



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


  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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]
  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]
  6. 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


  1. Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
  2. Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
  3. PsychNet UK, Dissociative Disorder, http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/dissociative_amnesia.htm
  4. Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
  5. Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
  6. Merck, Dissociative Amnesia, http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec07/ch106/ch106c.html
  7. Dr Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Head Case: Treat Yourself to Better Mental Health, p.221, (2007), ISBN 978-0-7553-1721-9
  8. Cleveland Clinic, Dissociative Amnesia, http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dissociative_disorders/hic_dissociative_amnesia.aspx
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How to Cope In a Special Ed if You Have Asperger's Syndrome

How to Cope In a Special Ed if You Have Asperger's Syndrome



People with Asperger's Syndrome are often sent to special education class. Often, they are too smart for it. It can be a real downer. This guide will help you cope if you find yourself in this situation.

Steps


  1. You are not stupid, regardless of those who surround you or the way people treat you. Many times, people don't know how to accept differences, and dismiss anomalies as mental disorders.
  2. Inform people who patronize you in infantile ways that you are intelligent and able to communicate on a higher level. If conversation is too daunting a task, fewer words may be used. A simple, "Please don't do that" will suffice.
  3. Complete your work with efficiency unobserved in the other students. If simple addition is too hard simply because it is too easy (Einstein's dilemma), do some research online of a subject that interests you and write a report. Try showing the results of your labor to the teacher to inform them that you are capable of higher-level thinking.
  4. Keep your chin up! No matter how drearily boring and simple special ed is, you must stay determined. Someday you will be out of that class and able to exercise your mental ability any way you want.
  5. Express yourself in whatever way you can. If this means quadratic equations, do quadratic equations. If it means drawing intricately detailed architecture, draw intricately detailed architecture.
  6. Impress your teachers. Show that you are too smart for special ed.
  7. Relieve your stress. Dealing with ridiculousness for days on end can be highly stressful; if you've had a bad day, do the following:
    • Get 2 large pillows.
    • Strap them together.
    • Attack them! Talk dirty to them, shout at them (not too loud, you might get in trouble) punch them, bite them, do whatever as long as you dont rip them open. Try to do this when nobody else is home, as it work against you and cause people to think that maybe special ed is a good place for you.
  8. Most importantly: Study hard outside of school, do the childish work inside school, and do it well.


Tips


  • Keep asking for more work in class. If you do 10 worksheets (or more) in one lesson, they will give you harder work.
  • If they dont give you harder work, ask them. If they dont give it to you afterwards, talk to your parents and tell them to talk to the school. They have to give you harder work by law.


Warnings


  • Don't be cheeky or rude (others' feelings can be hurt if you state things too harshly). This will only get you in trouble and make the teachers patronize you even more.
  • If special ed is making you depressed or ill, see a psychiatrist.


Things You'll Need


  • determination
  • the will to learn
  • patience
  • ordinary school books/go on wiki
  • the ability to say "I am sick of this!"


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How to Recognize Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

How to Recognize Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms



Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating condition that involves ongoing fatigue and tiredness. In CFS, fatigue symptoms may not improve with bed rest, and may worsen with physical or mental activity. Persons with CFS may be unable to perform activities they have grown accustomed to.
Because many diseases and conditions involve fatigue as a symptom, CFS can be difficult to diagnose. However, the following symptoms may help you recognize CFS.

Steps


  1. Look for severe, debilitating fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
  2. Watch for the following common symptoms, occurring for at least 6 months:
  3. Watch for the following additional symptoms, which may also occur in CFS:
    • Visual disturbances (light sensitivity, blurring, eye pain)
    • Feeling like you are in a mental fog
    • Allergies, or unusual sensitivity to odors, foods, medicines, chemicals, or noise
    • Psychological problems such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, and irritability
    • Irritable bowel
    • Night sweats and chills
    • Dizziness, problems with balance, difficulty staying upright, or fainting
  4. Seek professional help for a proper diagnosis.


Video


General overview of CFS.

Tips


  • Treating CFS can be difficult. Symptoms vary over time, there is no known cure, and no drugs have been created specifically for CFS. Fortunately there are steps that can be taken to lessen or improve the symptoms of CFS. Seek them out.
  • Work closely with your doctor or health care provider in creating an individualized program that works just for you. This may include a number of different therapists, counselors, and specialists in specific fields. Some of the symptoms that may require special attention include:
    • A decrease of energy or enthusiasm that interferes with normal daily activities
    • Loss of livelihood, independence, and economic security
    • Feelings of anxiety, anger, or guilt
    • Memory and concentration problems
    • Difficulties with intimacy and sexual relationships
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy has been known to help those who suffer from CFS.
  • There are also alternative therapies that have helped relieve anxiety and promote a sense of well-being among those who suffer from CFS. One of the following may work for you:
    • Muscle relaxation techniques and deep breathing
    • Stretching exercises
    • Yoga
    • Tai-chi
  • Always discuss new and alternative therapies with your health care provider. Many so-called "quick cure" therapies may do more harm than good.


Warnings


  • CFS can be a severe, life-changing illness. There are some who suffer from CFS who may become homebound or bedridden.
  • CFS often occurs in cycles, meaning that periods of severe disability may be balanced with periods of relative well-being. For this reason, CFS can be difficult to manage. If you believe you may be suffering from CFS, talk to your doctor.


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How to Get a Psychiatric Evaluation

How to Get a Psychiatric Evaluati

Your reaction to having someone (perhaps a doctor) recommend counseling is certainly an individual one. You may feel anxious or even panic at the idea of having your "head examined", but the key is always attitude. Here are some steps to help you, both in coping with the initial visit, and helping your therapist to help you.

Steps


  1. Realize that you're not alone. Depression and other forms of mental illness affect many individuals, and you may be able to ask for advice from people that have "been there".
  2. Recognize your illness for what it is, and understand it. Even in the last century, mental illness has had mixed reception among people who don't understand or study it. Today, a large number of illnesses (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, for example) have been recognized as treatable and legitimate, whereas they were considered incurable previously. It helps to realize that the human brain is an organ just as the heart and stomach are - it requires nutrition, serves a definite function, and can become unwell or not function correctly. Therapy and medication are intended to diagnose and treat the brain when it doesn't perform as it should, and perhaps correct the problem.
  3. Ask for recommendations. Ideally, your psychiatrist and/or counselor should be people you feel you can trust. If you aren't comfortable with a particular center, it's perfectly alright to make a change for your well-being. Recognize that, while not all professionals have the exact same qualifications, your needs may require someone specific.
  4. Talk it out. ALL information which you share is confidential (there are policies to protect this). No one needs to know that you need medical attention if you don't want them to. With this in mind, address what bothers you and be honest with yourself, even if it's difficult. Professionals who deal with emotional problems have seen their share of tears and probably heard their share of unusual stories. You probably won't surprise them with anything. It may surprise you how easy it is to open up after you've made the first leap and told them something in confidence.
  5. Don't expect an instant cure. If life offered us immediate relief for every disease, mental or otherwise, no one would have to suffer. As it is, recovery and progress take their own time. Compare it to cancer in this way - chemotherapy is an agonizing treatment which is almost never brief. You require some help, and you can receive that help readily, as long as you have the patience to keep going.
  6. If you have a prescription, take it regularly. A doctor is the ONLY person qualified to make decisions regarding your medications. It's dangerous to mix-and-match drugs, and even more dangerous to pronounce yourself "cured" and stop taking them altogether. Organize the medications you take so that you can remember to take them. If you notice any side-effects, notify your doctor. Your dosages may be too high or too low, but don't try to adjust them without consulting with the professionals. More often than not, they can make adjustments and accommodations that work.
  7. Know what to expect. You can usually expect a therapy session to be around an hour in length, with some variation. Most questions will involve your reaction to some things in your life, your feelings lately, and possibly references to past sessions. It's only as personal as you want it to be, so it might help to list some things you'd like to talk over before you start.


Tips


  • Be as open as possible, no one's going to make fun of you or judge you. You can come to terms with many problems simply by giving them a voice, and it may not be long until you can talk openly about things that used to bother you.
  • Check for warning signs - If you're feeling every bit as bad as you were before medication and evaluation after the first month, make that known. Help them to help you.
  • Medical insurance is a tough issue, but plenty of insurance providers are willing to cut the cost for you. Do some research to find out which companies will cover your specific conditions.
  • Most of all, be confident. You're making a bold and positive step, and trying to do something to help yourself feel better about life. This is admirable, and by continuing, you have the potential to live more happily and fulfill more of your goals.


Warnings


  • Ignore anyone who says you should "snap out of it". It's obvious they haven't had a mental illness and have nothing to judge it by. You can't "snap out" of a heart disease, and you can't "snap out" of a chemical imbalance.
  • Stay away from behaviors that promote your condition. A person who is manic depressive, for instance, should avoid things that make them feel worthless or unhappy. You have the power to choose, even when you feel powerless.
  • Don't shut out the people who are trying to help. This is a regrettable situation, and your problems are unbearably on your shoulders when you don't allow someone to help you along.


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How to Lead a Heterosexual Lifestyle if You Are Gay

How to Lead a Heterosexual Lifestyle if You Are Gay



This article is not about changing your sexual orientation - it is about changing the degree to which you express your sexual orientation. Ideally, people would feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their desires; unfortunately, some people don't feel comfortable doing so. They may feel that being accepted is more important than being true to themselves - and such circumstances might make information on how to lead a lifestyle that is incongruent with one's sexual orientation useful to them. It may not be a healthy or wise thing to do because it's emotionally traumatizing to not be yourself (see Warnings below), but if you feel it is necessary to conform to a heterosexual appearance or lifestyle nonetheless, here are some suggestions and thoughts.

Steps


  1. Understand that this is a very difficult decision. It results from a conflict of how you feel on the inside versus what you face on the outside. Some cultures and communities are more accepting of minority sexual orientations than others. Do not expect it to be an easy choice - it will likely be one that you struggle with for the rest of your life.
  2. Consider alternatives. Pursuing a heterosexual lifestyle or a homosexual lifestyle are not your only options. Have you considered moving to a different area, perhaps one that would be more accepting of your orientation? Also, remember that you don't have to abandon the non-sexual aspects of a heterosexual lifestyle because of your orientation. There are gay and bisexual men and women in all walks of life. There are many people who keep their sexual lives private and who are respected nonetheless for their achievements that have nothing to do with their orientation.
  3. Hear both sides of the argument. Most people live normal and happy lives as homosexuals once they have stopped living as a heterosexual. At the same time, for different reasons, some "former" homosexuals have lived happy lives as heterosexuals.
  4. DO NOT Contact a local ex-gay referral group. Ex-gay can refer to someone who used to lead a homosexual lifestyle, but no longer does. There may be support groups with ministers, counsellors and churches in your area who really do not understand your desire to change the way you live your life.
  5. Find a supportive community. You will need help along the way from friends who know about your struggle and can support you in it. Read stories about those who have chosen this path and testimonials from those who have had success. Attend a support group for those who struggle with same-sex attraction.


Tips


  • If anyone tries to force an opinion on you that you do not agree with, such that your desires themselves are unnatural, sinful or symptoms of a mental disorder, look elsewhere for support.
    • The American Psychiatric Association removed the term "homosexuality" from the list of mental and emotional disorders in 1973;[1]
    • The Chinese Society of Psychiatry declassified homosexuality from the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD-III) in 2000.[2]
    • Japan's psychiatric body removed homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders in 1995.[3]
    • The World Health Organization states in the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems that '"sexual orientation by itself is not to be regarded as a disorder".[4]
  • There is nothing wrong with being heterosexual nor is there anything wrong with being homosexual. Whether you stay homosexual or you change your sexual practices, be proud of who you really are.
  • When talking with heterosexual friends or family members, it's sometimes tough to help them understand this, because they have no frame of reference for your experience. Try to encourage others to see your sexual orientation in the same way as they see the colour of your eyes - it is something you were born with and did not choose. It is something that is simply a part of your being, and not something you can change. There isn't any need to - being gay is just another way of being; there is nothing wrong with you at all. Your journey in the scope of this article involves deciding how you express your natural orientation, in much the same way that some people choose to get fake eye contacts - the decision is yours.


Warnings


  • Remember that you didn't choose your sexual orientation, and attempts to change it are usually painful and pointless in the end. This is a risk you are choosing to take, and may result in emotional discord. Make sure this is a price you're willing to pay, and do not make the decision lightly.
    • The U.S. Surgeon General asserted in 2001 in its call to action to promote sexual health and responsible sexual behavior that "sexual orientation is usually determined by adolescence, if not earlier, and there is no valid scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. Nonetheless, our culture often stigmatizes homosexual behavior, identity and relationships. These anti-homosexual attitudes are associated with psychological distress for homosexual persons and may have a negative impact on mental health, including a greater incidence of depression and suicide, lower self-acceptance and a greater likelihood of hiding sexual orientation".[5]
  • Know that the recidivism rate is staggering. There are numerous documented cases of people who have tried to "become heterosexual" only to return to identifying as their original orientation.
  • Reparative therapy is considered by reputable organizations to do more harm than good.
    • The American Medical Association states in its policy number H-160.991, that it "opposes the use of 'reparative' or 'conversion' therapy that is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his or her homosexual orientation".[6]
    • The American Psychiatric Association is opposed to reparative therapy, stating in 1998 that "homosexuality is not a diagnosable mental disorder. Recent publicized efforts to repathologize homosexuality by claiming that it can be cured are often guided not by rigorous scientific or psychiatric research, but sometimes by religious and political forces opposed to full civil rights for gay men and lesbians".[1] The Association also states that "the potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient".[1]
    • The American Psychological Association stated in 1990 that scientific evidence shows that reparative therapy does not work and that it can do more harm than good.[7]
    • The General Assembly of the Norwegian Psychiatric Association voted "overwhelmingly" for the following position statement on "conversion therapy" in 2000 that "Homosexuality is no disorder or illness, and can therefore not be subject to treatment. A 'treatment' with the only aim of changing sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual must be regarded as ethical malpractice, and has no place in the health system".[8]
    • The Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK and Ireland) issued a report stating that "evidence shows that LGB people are open to seeking help for mental health problems. However, they may be misunderstood by therapists who regard their homosexuality as the root cause of any presenting problem such as depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, therapists who behave in this way are likely to cause considerable distress. A small minority of therapists will even go so far as to attempt to change their client's sexual orientation. This can be deeply damaging. Although there is now a number of therapists and organisation in the USA and in the UK that claim that therapy can help homosexuals to become heterosexual, there is no evidence that such change is possible"[9] The report also stated that "we know from historical evidence that treatments to change sexual orientation that were common in the 1960s and 1970s were very damaging to those patients who underwent them and affected no change in their sexual orientation".[9]


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Sources and Citations




  • Haworth Medical Press - Chinese Society for the Study of Sexual Minorities (CSSSM) news Digest




  • World History Archives, Hartford Web Publishing South China Morning Post - "China decides homosexuality no longer mental illness"




  • World Health Organization - 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (IDC-10) - F66




  • U.S. Surgeon General - Call to action to promote sexual health and responsible sexual behavior




  • The American Medical Association - Policy Number H-160.991 - Health Care Needs of the Homosexual Population




  • The American Psychological Association - Resolution on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation




  • Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy - Haworth Medical Press, Volume 7, Issue 1, pages 55-73. Date accessed: 2007-10-13




  • 9.0 9.1 Royal College of Psychiatrists - Special Interest Group Report - Report limited to the origins of sexuality and the psychological and social well being of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.


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