If you are suffering with anxiety, beating it should be your first priority. Having suffered with anxiety problems that lasted off and on from more than 20 years, I know very well how devastating anxiety and panic attacks can be, and the havoc they wreak upon your life. But it really doesn't have to be that way.
Each year, thousands of people recover from anxiety. Some people will tell you that beating anxiety is next to impossible to do, but honestly, they could not be more wrong. There are simple steps to beat an anxiety problem, and they involve getting good information, learning how anxiety works, and how you -- yes, YOU -- contribute to your own anxiety problem.
That last paragraph may have surprised you. The truth is, many people do not realize that they are actually contributing to (or even causing) the anxiety problems they are dealing with. Please understand, this does not mean that they are to blame for the situation; but it does mean that they are responsible.
Anxiety is not something that happens "to" a person. It is something that the individual is actively involved in creating because of habits they have fallen into. Many people are unaware that they even have these habits, but the accumulated results of them can produce a life of anxiety, stress and even frequent panic attacks.
Most of the habits that are associated with anxiety are related to "control." As a personal development coach, and someone who suffered for many years with anxiety and panic attacks, I can tell you without reservation that "control issues" are behind at least 90% of all anxiety problems. So what does "control" have to do with anxiety?
For most anxiety sufferers, their symptoms begin to appear as soon as they come into contact with a situation that is outside their comfort zone. These situations force the individual into a situation where they have very little or no control. Think about driving on the freeway: many people experience anxiety symptoms when faced with rush-hour freeway driving, and it is no coincidence that driving in rush-hour traffic brings the individual into a situation where they have very little control.
With the vast majority of anxiety sufferers, the less control they have over a situation, the more anxiety they feel. And what happens when they began to feel increased anxiety, stress and even panic in these situations? That's right -- they began reaching for even MORE control. And this is the vicious circle of anxiety in a nutshell.
A situation makes the sufferer feel "out of control," so they attempt to reach for more and more control over the situation, producing any number of uncomfortable or even painful physical symptoms in their body. Often, this spiral of anxiety also produces serious mental distress, and can even provoke full-on panic attacks, or in severe situations, nervous breakdowns.
But the good news is, there is an alternative to allowing these control issues to continue to spiral into greater and greater levels of anxiety or panic. The antidote for these control problems (and also anxiety) is to learn to release control in situations. And while this may sound scary, in fact it is quite simple, and can be started on such a small scale that you will barely noticed you are doing it.
Using exercises or programs that help you expand your comfort zone slowly but surely is the safest and most effective way to stop anxiety problems once and for all. It can even help somewhat to just keep in mind that control issues are at the bottom of all anxiety; beating it is a matter of very gradually expanding your comfort zone and learning to "let go."
Jon Mercer, MA, is a personal development trainer and founder of www.easycalm.com, a leading anxiety resource site. To stop anxiety and panic symptoms quickly, watch our free training video at http://www.easycalm.com
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Stress In The Workplace - How To Cope With It
Most of us readily acknowledge that stress is an inescapable
part of life in our modern society. It's in the home, the
schools, and the workplace.
Workplace stress management is becoming a buzz word of sorts,
as more companies seek ways to cope with workplace stressors.
But what is it?
Defining Workplace Stress
"Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressures or
other types of demand placed on them." (Managing stress at work:
Discussion document, United Kingdom Health and Safety
Commission, London, 1999)
Stress in the workplace can be either positive stress that
results in greater productivity, or negative stress that cuts
productivity. Our definition does not say that stress in the
workplace is a reaction to pressure, but to excessive pressure.
It is when stressors are too demanding, exerting too much
pressure on us, that they become negative.
Workplace stress of a harmful nature is intense, continued, or
repeated.
Who Is Affected by Workplace Stress?
Everyone is affected at some time or other. As the world tries
to increase output and limit time required, workplace stress
hits both blue and white-collar workers. Evidence indicates that
work that was once considered non-stressful is now approaching
high-stress ratings.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, increasing numbers
of occupations are inching up toward the scale's top. A recent
table prepared by the University of Manchester Institute of
Science and Technology lists law enforcement officers at the 7.7
level. Airline pilots are close behind at 7.5. And while they
may seem to cause patients stress, dentists are rated 7.3. Even
teachers have a high stress level of 6.2.
Adolescents and older workers often have more trouble coping
with workplace stress – women may have more trouble than men.
People who have high levels of stress in the family will be more
affected by workplace stress.
Family Stress Increases Workplace Stress
When a balance between work and family is missing, workplace
stress is increased. Two-income families and single parent
families are especially affected. Time-sensitive work can make
greater demands than the worker can handle. Work schedules may
change, creating stress in handling children. Harsh or bullying
treatment at work can cycle into family stress, and back to
workplace stress.
Health Impacts of Stress
It is well accepted that stress produces a "fight-or-flight"
response in humans. The heartbeat picks up speed. Breathing
rhythm changes. Blood is sent to muscles and other vital organs.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline is released into the blood, raising
levels of energy-providing nutrients. Our bodies are ready to
fight the enemy or run from him.
The trouble is, we cannot easily fight workplace stress. We
might want to land a punch on the nose of the boss that makes
unreasonable demands, but we cannot. We might want to quit on
the spot, but we need the income, so we are not able to carry
through on our "fight-or-flight" response.
Frustrated body systems trying to cope with this dilemma may
give in to consequences such as chronic fatigue, depression,
anxiety, migraine, insomnia, hypertension, heart disease,
substance abuse, and a host of other problems.
Some employers have instituted workplace stress management
programs, with more or less success. In many cases, though, a
program of self-help for workplace stress, without individual
research, might be more effective.
Self-Help for Workplace Stress
If you were to take a self-help course entitled, as this
article is, "Stress in the Workplace – How to Cope with It", you
would expect to learn practical things you could do to cope with
workplace stress. Reports and research aside, you would want
specific self-help. You would want steps that could help you
begin to cope today.
The following practical steps will get you started. Write your
answers.
1. Analyze your job. Do you have a clear job description that
tells what is expected of you? Are you sufficiently qualified
for the work expected? Do you have the tools you need? Does the
job use your talent?
2. Analyze your workplace. Is it clean and safe? Is it
attractive and laid out well? Are things easy to find? Is it
quiet enough for work? Is there a quiet room where you can take
a break? Can you take a 5-minute break every hour or so? Are
your work hours reasonable?
3. Analyze your feelings. Do you feel that your job is
meaningful? Do you think you get enough feedback from others as
to whether or not you are doing well? Do you feel as though
people see you as an individual rather than a resource? Do you
feel that you have the right to say "no" when the workload
becomes too heavy?
Once you have answered every question, decide what action you
will take to change unwanted situations.
You can, for example, request a clear job description if you
don't have one. You can ask to discuss job expectations. You can
request missing tools that would reduce stress.
You can often clean or rearrange a workplace. You can make
ergonomic changes for physical safety. With thought, you can
create better work flow, or relocate needed tools.
If your job seems meaningless, be creative. Look around for new
ways of doing the job, of cutting costs or increasing
production. A challenge can make a big difference in coping with
workplace stress.
Finally, learn to say "no" to unnecessary demands. Were you
asked to "help" a habitual-long-lunch co-worker by adding part
of her work to your own? Agree to do it once, but explain
respectfully why the practice is unfair to both of you. Are you
expected to remain at work until the last person leaves, even
though you arrive an hour before anyone else? Ask respectfully
if consideration can be given, since your work is done early.
You will best cope with workplace stress when you learn which
"monkeys" are yours to feed, and decline to feed anyone else's
"monkey".
About The Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart, a career
educator and writer, invites you to read more of her articles
about workplace stress management at
http://www.stressmanagementblog.com. Also on that site, Anna
addresses issues of family stress, which directly relates to
workplace stress. If you are eager to learn more recommendations
to reduce workplace stress, you won't want to miss Anna's
insights.
part of life in our modern society. It's in the home, the
schools, and the workplace.
Workplace stress management is becoming a buzz word of sorts,
as more companies seek ways to cope with workplace stressors.
But what is it?
Defining Workplace Stress
"Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressures or
other types of demand placed on them." (Managing stress at work:
Discussion document, United Kingdom Health and Safety
Commission, London, 1999)
Stress in the workplace can be either positive stress that
results in greater productivity, or negative stress that cuts
productivity. Our definition does not say that stress in the
workplace is a reaction to pressure, but to excessive pressure.
It is when stressors are too demanding, exerting too much
pressure on us, that they become negative.
Workplace stress of a harmful nature is intense, continued, or
repeated.
Who Is Affected by Workplace Stress?
Everyone is affected at some time or other. As the world tries
to increase output and limit time required, workplace stress
hits both blue and white-collar workers. Evidence indicates that
work that was once considered non-stressful is now approaching
high-stress ratings.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, increasing numbers
of occupations are inching up toward the scale's top. A recent
table prepared by the University of Manchester Institute of
Science and Technology lists law enforcement officers at the 7.7
level. Airline pilots are close behind at 7.5. And while they
may seem to cause patients stress, dentists are rated 7.3. Even
teachers have a high stress level of 6.2.
Adolescents and older workers often have more trouble coping
with workplace stress – women may have more trouble than men.
People who have high levels of stress in the family will be more
affected by workplace stress.
Family Stress Increases Workplace Stress
When a balance between work and family is missing, workplace
stress is increased. Two-income families and single parent
families are especially affected. Time-sensitive work can make
greater demands than the worker can handle. Work schedules may
change, creating stress in handling children. Harsh or bullying
treatment at work can cycle into family stress, and back to
workplace stress.
Health Impacts of Stress
It is well accepted that stress produces a "fight-or-flight"
response in humans. The heartbeat picks up speed. Breathing
rhythm changes. Blood is sent to muscles and other vital organs.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline is released into the blood, raising
levels of energy-providing nutrients. Our bodies are ready to
fight the enemy or run from him.
The trouble is, we cannot easily fight workplace stress. We
might want to land a punch on the nose of the boss that makes
unreasonable demands, but we cannot. We might want to quit on
the spot, but we need the income, so we are not able to carry
through on our "fight-or-flight" response.
Frustrated body systems trying to cope with this dilemma may
give in to consequences such as chronic fatigue, depression,
anxiety, migraine, insomnia, hypertension, heart disease,
substance abuse, and a host of other problems.
Some employers have instituted workplace stress management
programs, with more or less success. In many cases, though, a
program of self-help for workplace stress, without individual
research, might be more effective.
Self-Help for Workplace Stress
If you were to take a self-help course entitled, as this
article is, "Stress in the Workplace – How to Cope with It", you
would expect to learn practical things you could do to cope with
workplace stress. Reports and research aside, you would want
specific self-help. You would want steps that could help you
begin to cope today.
The following practical steps will get you started. Write your
answers.
1. Analyze your job. Do you have a clear job description that
tells what is expected of you? Are you sufficiently qualified
for the work expected? Do you have the tools you need? Does the
job use your talent?
2. Analyze your workplace. Is it clean and safe? Is it
attractive and laid out well? Are things easy to find? Is it
quiet enough for work? Is there a quiet room where you can take
a break? Can you take a 5-minute break every hour or so? Are
your work hours reasonable?
3. Analyze your feelings. Do you feel that your job is
meaningful? Do you think you get enough feedback from others as
to whether or not you are doing well? Do you feel as though
people see you as an individual rather than a resource? Do you
feel that you have the right to say "no" when the workload
becomes too heavy?
Once you have answered every question, decide what action you
will take to change unwanted situations.
You can, for example, request a clear job description if you
don't have one. You can ask to discuss job expectations. You can
request missing tools that would reduce stress.
You can often clean or rearrange a workplace. You can make
ergonomic changes for physical safety. With thought, you can
create better work flow, or relocate needed tools.
If your job seems meaningless, be creative. Look around for new
ways of doing the job, of cutting costs or increasing
production. A challenge can make a big difference in coping with
workplace stress.
Finally, learn to say "no" to unnecessary demands. Were you
asked to "help" a habitual-long-
of her work to your own? Agree to do it once, but explain
respectfully why the practice is unfair to both of you. Are you
expected to remain at work until the last person leaves, even
though you arrive an hour before anyone else? Ask respectfully
if consideration can be given, since your work is done early.
You will best cope with workplace stress when you learn which
"monkeys" are yours to feed, and decline to feed anyone else's
"monkey".
About The Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart, a career
educator and writer, invites you to read more of her articles
about workplace stress management at
http://www.stressma
addresses issues of family stress, which directly relates to
workplace stress. If you are eager to learn more recommendations
to reduce workplace stress, you won't want to miss Anna's
insights.
Friday, December 21, 2007
7 Leading Causes Of Stress
In 1967, Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H. Rahe, from the
University of Washington, did a study on the connection between
significant life events and illness. As part of that study, they
compiled a chart of the major causes of stress. That chart,
which contained 43 causes of stress in 1967, was updated to 55
causes in 2006. Apparently, society is finding more causes to
feel stressed.
If you knew the leading causes of stress in your life, would
you take action to eradicate them? Can you eradicate stress – or
is it an inoperable condition that will be with you all of your
life, possibly causing your eventual death?
Which Is Your Leading Cause of Stress?
1. Finances
Most studies agree that finances are a leading cause of stress.
In an online poll conducted in 2005 by LifeCare, Inc., 23
percent of respondents named finances as the leading cause of
stress in their lives. Financial stress has led the list in many
modern polls.
Some who name finances as the leading cause of stress cite
major purchases they have to make, such as a home or car. Others
are stressed by a loss of income, or mounting credit card debt.
For some, financial stress will eventuate in bankruptcy. While
college students stress over paying for an education, Baby
Boomers and older senior citizens find that retirement income
can be a major cause of stress.
2. Work
Closely tied to finances as a cause of stress is work. Our jobs
or careers seem to cause constant stress. In the LifeCare poll,
21 percent of those responding listed this as the leading cause
of stress in life.
How is the workplace a cause of stress? We worry about getting
and keeping adequate employment. We worry about new types of
work or new responsibilities. We struggle to climb a career
ladder, overwhelmed by the demands. Work conditions may change,
or we may have interpersonal trouble at work. Students,
especially teenagers and college age students, cite school work
as a cause of stress. Sometimes, work stress is brought on by
others. Sometimes, we bring it on ourselves.
3. Family
Family, wonderful though each member may be, is also a leading
cause of stress. Arguments erupt with a spouse or other family
member. Parents divorce. Children marry. The ebb and flow of
family life is filled with stress. A child moves out – an aging
parent moves in.
Family health is also a leading cause of stress. A sick family
member, a serious injury, pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion
all cause stress. Family changes of other kinds bring stress,
too. Adoption, relocation, and job changes for just one family
member can cause stress for all.
4. Personal Concerns
Personal concerns that are only indirectly created by others
are another top cause of stress. Lack of control tops the list
of personal concerns. Every human has a deep-seated desire for
control over his or her own life. When control is weak or
missing in a given area, we experience stress. To many people, a
lack of control over their own time is a leading cause of
stress. We want to determine when we do tasks around the home,
or at work. Holding a job, participating in the children's
carpool to school, driving family to soccer practices, shopping,
and scout meetings while trying to keep the household running
can create major stress. You would like to control your time,
rather than let others' demands control it, but that is not
always possible.
We may be involved in legal proceedings that cause stress. We
may be wrestling with a bad habit. We may be going through
changes. Personal change of any kind can be a cause of stress.
5. Personal Health and Safety
Most people find that personal health is a leading cause of
stress. For some, the stress is linked to obesity, and a desire
to lose weight. For others, the stress is a personal bas habit
that affects health and must be changed. For example, smoking,
abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Illness or injury, whether less
or more serious, can be a leading cause of stress for many
people. Incontinence can be an ongoing concern. Personal health
is more or less stressful according to the degree of seriousness
and our personal outlook on health.
Personal safety is also a leading cause of stress. Women, more
than men, tend to stress about their own and others' safety.
Adults tend to stress more than young people, who may act
invincible. Crime is a factor, as is
6. Personal Relationships
Whether it is a friendship, dating, separation, marriage,
divorce, or re-marriage, a relationship can be a leading cause
of stress for many. We all want love, and that is potentially
available in relationships, but getting from A to B can be very
stressful. Some resort to online relationships that are easier
to handle. Others withdraw and become recluses. Either way, the
demands on time, finances, and emotions can cause ongoing
stress.
7. Death
Probably the most wrenching cause of stress is the death of a
loved one or close friend. Even the death of a pet can be
stressful. Children are always a source of stress for parents,
but when a child dies, the stress is overwhelming. The same is
true when a lifetime spouse passes on.
Win or Lose
Causes of stress change as we age. The stressed child who threw
tantrums becomes a young student, stressed by the school bully.
The young student becomes a teenager, stressed by acne,
hormones, and dating. The teenager becomes a young adult trying
to handle the stresses of leaving home, adjusting to college
life, and managing finances. Life progresses to first jobs,
marriage, children, and so on. Even if you move to a secluded
cabin in the woods, stress will follow you.
Gaining knowledge of the leading causes of stress is important.
Using that knowledge to win over unhealthy stress is vital.
About The Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna brings to her writing
her professional training and expertise as an educator. When she
writes at http://www.stressmanagementblog.com about a leading
cause of stress, she does so from well-conducted research. Anna
invites you to read more on her blog about the causes of family
stress.
University of Washington, did a study on the connection between
significant life events and illness. As part of that study, they
compiled a chart of the major causes of stress. That chart,
which contained 43 causes of stress in 1967, was updated to 55
causes in 2006. Apparently, society is finding more causes to
feel stressed.
If you knew the leading causes of stress in your life, would
you take action to eradicate them? Can you eradicate stress – or
is it an inoperable condition that will be with you all of your
life, possibly causing your eventual death?
Which Is Your Leading Cause of Stress?
1. Finances
Most studies agree that finances are a leading cause of stress.
In an online poll conducted in 2005 by LifeCare, Inc., 23
percent of respondents named finances as the leading cause of
stress in their lives. Financial stress has led the list in many
modern polls.
Some who name finances as the leading cause of stress cite
major purchases they have to make, such as a home or car. Others
are stressed by a loss of income, or mounting credit card debt.
For some, financial stress will eventuate in bankruptcy. While
college students stress over paying for an education, Baby
Boomers and older senior citizens find that retirement income
can be a major cause of stress.
2. Work
Closely tied to finances as a cause of stress is work. Our jobs
or careers seem to cause constant stress. In the LifeCare poll,
21 percent of those responding listed this as the leading cause
of stress in life.
How is the workplace a cause of stress? We worry about getting
and keeping adequate employment. We worry about new types of
work or new responsibilities. We struggle to climb a career
ladder, overwhelmed by the demands. Work conditions may change,
or we may have interpersonal trouble at work. Students,
especially teenagers and college age students, cite school work
as a cause of stress. Sometimes, work stress is brought on by
others. Sometimes, we bring it on ourselves.
3. Family
Family, wonderful though each member may be, is also a leading
cause of stress. Arguments erupt with a spouse or other family
member. Parents divorce. Children marry. The ebb and flow of
family life is filled with stress. A child moves out – an aging
parent moves in.
Family health is also a leading cause of stress. A sick family
member, a serious injury, pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion
all cause stress. Family changes of other kinds bring stress,
too. Adoption, relocation, and job changes for just one family
member can cause stress for all.
4. Personal Concerns
Personal concerns that are only indirectly created by others
are another top cause of stress. Lack of control tops the list
of personal concerns. Every human has a deep-seated desire for
control over his or her own life. When control is weak or
missing in a given area, we experience stress. To many people, a
lack of control over their own time is a leading cause of
stress. We want to determine when we do tasks around the home,
or at work. Holding a job, participating in the children's
carpool to school, driving family to soccer practices, shopping,
and scout meetings while trying to keep the household running
can create major stress. You would like to control your time,
rather than let others' demands control it, but that is not
always possible.
We may be involved in legal proceedings that cause stress. We
may be wrestling with a bad habit. We may be going through
changes. Personal change of any kind can be a cause of stress.
5. Personal Health and Safety
Most people find that personal health is a leading cause of
stress. For some, the stress is linked to obesity, and a desire
to lose weight. For others, the stress is a personal bas habit
that affects health and must be changed. For example, smoking,
abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Illness or injury, whether less
or more serious, can be a leading cause of stress for many
people. Incontinence can be an ongoing concern. Personal health
is more or less stressful according to the degree of seriousness
and our personal outlook on health.
Personal safety is also a leading cause of stress. Women, more
than men, tend to stress about their own and others' safety.
Adults tend to stress more than young people, who may act
invincible. Crime is a factor, as is
6. Personal Relationships
Whether it is a friendship, dating, separation, marriage,
divorce, or re-marriage, a relationship can be a leading cause
of stress for many. We all want love, and that is potentially
available in relationships, but getting from A to B can be very
stressful. Some resort to online relationships that are easier
to handle. Others withdraw and become recluses. Either way, the
demands on time, finances, and emotions can cause ongoing
stress.
7. Death
Probably the most wrenching cause of stress is the death of a
loved one or close friend. Even the death of a pet can be
stressful. Children are always a source of stress for parents,
but when a child dies, the stress is overwhelming. The same is
true when a lifetime spouse passes on.
Win or Lose
Causes of stress change as we age. The stressed child who threw
tantrums becomes a young student, stressed by the school bully.
The young student becomes a teenager, stressed by acne,
hormones, and dating. The teenager becomes a young adult trying
to handle the stresses of leaving home, adjusting to college
life, and managing finances. Life progresses to first jobs,
marriage, children, and so on. Even if you move to a secluded
cabin in the woods, stress will follow you.
Gaining knowledge of the leading causes of stress is important.
Using that knowledge to win over unhealthy stress is vital.
About The Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna brings to her writing
her professional training and expertise as an educator. When she
writes at http://www.stressma
cause of stress, she does so from well-conducted research. Anna
invites you to read more on her blog about the causes of family
stress.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Persecutory Anxiety
Positive feelings (about oneself or pertaining to one's accomplishments,
assets, etc.) - are never gained merely through conscious endeavor. They are
the outcome of insight. A cognitive component (factual knowledge regarding
one's achievements, assets, qualities, skills, etc.) plus an emotional
correlate that is heavily dependent on past experience, defense mechanisms,
and personality style or structure ("character").
People who consistently feel worthless or unworthy usually overcompensate
cognitively for the lack of the aforementioned emotional component.
Such a person doesn't love himself, yet is trying to convince himself that
he is loveable. He doesn't trust himself, yet he lectures to himself on how
trustworthy he is (replete with supporting evidence from his experiences).
But such cognitive substitutes to emotional self-acceptance won't do.
The root of the problem is the inner dialog between disparaging voices and
countervailing "proofs". Such self-doubting is, in principle, a healthy
thing. It serves as an integral and critical part of the "checks and
balances" that constitute the mature personality.
But, normally, some ground rules are observed and some facts are considered
indisputable. When things go awry, however, the consensus breaks. Chaos
replaces structure and the regimented update of one's self-image (via
introspection) gives way to recursive loops of self-deprecation with
diminishing insights.
Normally, in other words, the dialog serves to augment some self-assessments
and mildly modify others. When things go wrong, the dialog concerns itself
with the very narrative, rather than with its content.
The dysfunctional dialog deals with questions that are far more fundamental
(and typically settled early on in life):
"Who am I?"
"What are my traits, my skills, my accomplishments?"
"How reliable, loveable, trustworthy, qualified, truthful am I?"
"How can I separate fact from fiction?"
The answers to these questions consist of both cognitive (empirical) and
emotional components. They are mostly derived from our social interactions,
from the feedback we get and give. An inner dialog that is still concerned
with these qualms indicates a problem with socialization.
It is not one's "psyche" that is delinquent - but one's social functioning.
One should direct one's efforts to "heal", outwards (to remedy one's
interactions with others) - not inwards (to heal one's "psyche").
Another important insight is that the disordered dialog is not
time-synchronic.
The "normal" internal discourse is between concurrent, equipotent, and
same-age "entities" (psychological constructs). Its aim is to negotiate
conflicting demands and reach a compromise based on a rigorous test of
reality.
The faulty dialog, on the other hand, involves wildly disparate
interlocutors. These are in different stages of maturation and possessed of
unequal faculties. They are more concerned in monologues than in a dialog.
As they are "stuck" in various ages and periods, they do not all relate to
the same "host", "person", or "personality". They require time- and
energy-consuming constant mediation. It is this depleting process of
arbitration and "peacekeeping" that is consciously felt as nagging
insecurity or, even, in extremis, self-loathing.
A constant and consistent lack of self-confidence and a fluctuating sense of
self-worth are the conscious "translation" of the unconscious threat posed
by the precariousness of the disordered personality. It is, in other words,
a warning sign.
Thus, the first step is to clearly identify the various segments that,
together, however incongruently, constitute the personality. This can be
surprisingly easily done by noting down the "stream of consciousness" dialog
and assigning "names" or "handles" to the various "voices" in it.
The next step is to "introduce" the voices to each other and form an
internal consensus (a "coalition", or an "alliance"). This requires a
prolonged period of "negotiations" and mediation, leading to the compromises
the underlies such a consensus. The mediator can be a trusted friend, a
lover, or a therapist.
The very achievement of such internal "ceasefire" reduces anxiety
considerably and remove the "imminent threat". This, in turn, allows the
patient to develop a realistic "core" or "kernel", wrapped around the basic
understanding reached earlier between the contesting parts of his
personality.
The development of such a nucleus of stable self-worth, however, is
dependent on two things:
1.. Sustained interactions with mature and predictable people who are
aware of their boundaries and of their true identity (their traits, skills,
abilities, limitations, and so on), and
2.. The emergence of a nurturing and "holding" emotional correlate to
every cognitive insight or breakthrough.
The latter is inextricably bound with the former.
Here is why:
Some of the "voices" in the internal dialog of the patient are bound to be
disparaging, injurious, belittling, sadistically critical, destructively
skeptical, mocking, and demeaning. The only way to silence these voices - or
at least "discipline" them and make them conform to a more realistic
emerging consensus - is by gradually (and sometimes surreptitiously)
introducing countervailing "players".
Protracted exposure to the right people, in the framework of mature
interactions, negates the pernicious effects of what Freud called a Superego
gone awry. It is, in effect, a process of reprogramming and deprogramming.
There are two types of beneficial, altering, social experiences:
1.. Structured - interactions that involve adherence to a set of rules as
embedded in authority, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms (example:
attending psychotherapy, going through a spell in prison, convalescing in a
hospital, serving in the army, being an aid worker or a missionary, studying
at school, growing up in a family, participating in a 12-steps group), and
2.. Non-structured - interactions which involve a voluntary exchange of
information, opinion, goods, or services.
The problem with the disordered person is that, usually, his (or her)
chances of freely interacting with mature adults (intercourse of the type 2,
non-structured kind) are limited to start with and dwindle with time. This
is because few potential partners - interlocutors, lovers, friends,
colleagues, neighbors - are willing to invest the time, effort, energy, and
resources required to effectively cope with the patient and manage the
often-arduous relationship. Disordered patients are typically hard to get
along with, demanding, petulant, paranoid, and narcissistic.
Even the most gregarious and outgoing patient finally finds himself
isolated, shunned, and misjudged. This only adds to his initial misery and
amplifies the wrong kind of voices in the internal dialog.
Hence my recommendation to start with structured activities and in a
structured, almost automatic manner. Therapy is only one - and at times not
the most efficient - choice.
==============================================================
AUTHOR BIO (must be included with the article)
Sam Vaknin ( http://samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of Malignant Self
Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East.
He served as a columnist for Global Politician, Central Europe Review,
PopMatters, Bellaonline, and eBookWeb, a United Press International (UPI)
Senior Business Correspondent, and the editor of mental health and Central
East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101.
Visit Sam's Web site at http://samvak.tripod.com
assets, etc.) - are never gained merely through conscious endeavor. They are
the outcome of insight. A cognitive component (factual knowledge regarding
one's achievements, assets, qualities, skills, etc.) plus an emotional
correlate that is heavily dependent on past experience, defense mechanisms,
and personality style or structure ("character"
People who consistently feel worthless or unworthy usually overcompensate
cognitively for the lack of the aforementioned emotional component.
Such a person doesn't love himself, yet is trying to convince himself that
he is loveable. He doesn't trust himself, yet he lectures to himself on how
trustworthy he is (replete with supporting evidence from his experiences)
But such cognitive substitutes to emotional self-acceptance won't do.
The root of the problem is the inner dialog between disparaging voices and
countervailing "proofs". Such self-doubting is, in principle, a healthy
thing. It serves as an integral and critical part of the "checks and
balances" that constitute the mature personality.
But, normally, some ground rules are observed and some facts are considered
indisputable. When things go awry, however, the consensus breaks. Chaos
replaces structure and the regimented update of one's self-image (via
introspection) gives way to recursive loops of self-deprecation with
diminishing insights.
Normally, in other words, the dialog serves to augment some self-assessments
and mildly modify others. When things go wrong, the dialog concerns itself
with the very narrative, rather than with its content.
The dysfunctional dialog deals with questions that are far more fundamental
(and typically settled early on in life):
"Who am I?"
"What are my traits, my skills, my accomplishments?
"How reliable, loveable, trustworthy, qualified, truthful am I?"
"How can I separate fact from fiction?"
The answers to these questions consist of both cognitive (empirical) and
emotional components. They are mostly derived from our social interactions,
from the feedback we get and give. An inner dialog that is still concerned
with these qualms indicates a problem with socialization.
It is not one's "psyche" that is delinquent - but one's social functioning.
One should direct one's efforts to "heal", outwards (to remedy one's
interactions with others) - not inwards (to heal one's "psyche").
Another important insight is that the disordered dialog is not
time-synchronic.
The "normal" internal discourse is between concurrent, equipotent, and
same-age "entities" (psychological constructs). Its aim is to negotiate
conflicting demands and reach a compromise based on a rigorous test of
reality.
The faulty dialog, on the other hand, involves wildly disparate
interlocutors. These are in different stages of maturation and possessed of
unequal faculties. They are more concerned in monologues than in a dialog.
As they are "stuck" in various ages and periods, they do not all relate to
the same "host", "person", or "personality"
energy-consuming constant mediation. It is this depleting process of
arbitration and "peacekeeping" that is consciously felt as nagging
insecurity or, even, in extremis, self-loathing.
A constant and consistent lack of self-confidence and a fluctuating sense of
self-worth are the conscious "translation" of the unconscious threat posed
by the precariousness of the disordered personality. It is, in other words,
a warning sign.
Thus, the first step is to clearly identify the various segments that,
together, however incongruently, constitute the personality. This can be
surprisingly easily done by noting down the "stream of consciousness" dialog
and assigning "names" or "handles" to the various "voices" in it.
The next step is to "introduce" the voices to each other and form an
internal consensus (a "coalition", or an "alliance"). This requires a
prolonged period of "negotiations" and mediation, leading to the compromises
the underlies such a consensus. The mediator can be a trusted friend, a
lover, or a therapist.
The very achievement of such internal "ceasefire" reduces anxiety
considerably and remove the "imminent threat". This, in turn, allows the
patient to develop a realistic "core" or "kernel", wrapped around the basic
understanding reached earlier between the contesting parts of his
personality.
The development of such a nucleus of stable self-worth, however, is
dependent on two things:
1.. Sustained interactions with mature and predictable people who are
aware of their boundaries and of their true identity (their traits, skills,
abilities, limitations, and so on), and
2.. The emergence of a nurturing and "holding" emotional correlate to
every cognitive insight or breakthrough.
The latter is inextricably bound with the former.
Here is why:
Some of the "voices" in the internal dialog of the patient are bound to be
disparaging, injurious, belittling, sadistically critical, destructively
skeptical, mocking, and demeaning. The only way to silence these voices - or
at least "discipline" them and make them conform to a more realistic
emerging consensus - is by gradually (and sometimes surreptitiously)
introducing countervailing "players".
Protracted exposure to the right people, in the framework of mature
interactions, negates the pernicious effects of what Freud called a Superego
gone awry. It is, in effect, a process of reprogramming and deprogramming.
There are two types of beneficial, altering, social experiences:
1.. Structured - interactions that involve adherence to a set of rules as
embedded in authority, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms (example:
attending psychotherapy, going through a spell in prison, convalescing in a
hospital, serving in the army, being an aid worker or a missionary, studying
at school, growing up in a family, participating in a 12-steps group), and
2.. Non-structured - interactions which involve a voluntary exchange of
information, opinion, goods, or services.
The problem with the disordered person is that, usually, his (or her)
chances of freely interacting with mature adults (intercourse of the type 2,
non-structured kind) are limited to start with and dwindle with time. This
is because few potential partners - interlocutors, lovers, friends,
colleagues, neighbors - are willing to invest the time, effort, energy, and
resources required to effectively cope with the patient and manage the
often-arduous relationship. Disordered patients are typically hard to get
along with, demanding, petulant, paranoid, and narcissistic.
Even the most gregarious and outgoing patient finally finds himself
isolated, shunned, and misjudged. This only adds to his initial misery and
amplifies the wrong kind of voices in the internal dialog.
Hence my recommendation to start with structured activities and in a
structured, almost automatic manner. Therapy is only one - and at times not
the most efficient - choice.
============
AUTHOR BIO (must be included with the article)
Sam Vaknin ( http://samvak.
Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East.
He served as a columnist for Global Politician, Central Europe Review,
PopMatters, Bellaonline, and eBookWeb, a United Press International (UPI)
Senior Business Correspondent, and the editor of mental health and Central
East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101.
Visit Sam's Web site at http://samvak.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Help Your Kid Cope With Separation Anxiety
By the time your baby is aged eight months and up, you may
notice that she is like a character straight out of the story of
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One moment she is the affectionate,
outgoing and full of smiles Miss Wonderful in your home, and
another moment, she is Terry terrible who's anxious, clingy,
cranky and easily scared when around things and people that are
unfamiliar or new.
Don't be dismayed. This definitely does not mean that your kid
will develop multiple personalities. It's just that she has
developed a skill that enables her to distinguish familiar from
unfamiliar situations.
Anxiety around strangers and when she does not see you is a
normal milestone for babies around this age and should never be
a cause for worry. While she has become a little too clingy and
wails when you leave her or when someone she's not familiar with
approaches her, there are ways you can do to help her cope with
separation anxiety.
First tip: Don't leave your baby who's not yet napped or who's
hungry. A baby is more vulnerable to separation anxiety when
she's hungry and tired. If you plan to go out, be sure she's
taken her nap and is full.
Second tip: Play peek-a-boo with your kid to teach her about
object permanence. This means that when Mommy or Daddy went
away, they're not gone and will still come back. Do a variation
of this game by playing peek-a-boo with her toys. Try hiding her
Baby Einstein Puppet under a pillow or behind the couch and
surprise your kid by making it reappear with a cheery shout of
peek-a-boo! This will teach your kid that objects still exist
even if they are out of our sight and that when Mommy or Daddy
goes out, there's nothing for baby to be scared about because
they'll return.
Third tip: Practice short sessions of separation at home. For
example, leave your baby alone in a child-proof room with a
couple of safe toys for a few minutes. If she cries, don't
hastily come back to comfort her. Let her comfort herself for a
while and then come back when she's calmed down. If you
immediately rush to her side at her first cry, she will get the
idea that that is the way to call on you. When she sees that
being alone is not so bad after all, she will be able to cope
with separation anxiety more easily.
Fourth tip: When you leave, don't try to escape through the
back door. Be honest to your kid by telling her that you'll be
gone for a few hours and say goodbye. Always reassure your kid
that you'll be back by showering her with lots of hugs and
kisses. If you constantly disappear suddenly, this will only do
more harm than good and cause more anxiety on her. However, if
she learns to trust and be confident that you'll be back, she
won't have a hard time with you leaving.
Fifth tip: Protect her from strangers. If you're kid is anxious
about a stranger pinching her cheek, admiring how cute she is,
thank the person for the compliment but also politely tell her
that your kid is uncomfortable around strangers.
Even though a child's world may seem so carefree with no
problems and only play and games to work on, a kid also goes
through some hard times. Because they're helpless and only
depend on their parents, they have this fear of losing that
comfortable shoulder to rely on. That's why it is important that
you help your kid overcome separation anxiety.
About The Author: For more tips and information about Baby
Einstein Puppets, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com.
notice that she is like a character straight out of the story of
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One moment she is the affectionate,
outgoing and full of smiles Miss Wonderful in your home, and
another moment, she is Terry terrible who's anxious, clingy,
cranky and easily scared when around things and people that are
unfamiliar or new.
Don't be dismayed. This definitely does not mean that your kid
will develop multiple personalities. It's just that she has
developed a skill that enables her to distinguish familiar from
unfamiliar situations.
Anxiety around strangers and when she does not see you is a
normal milestone for babies around this age and should never be
a cause for worry. While she has become a little too clingy and
wails when you leave her or when someone she's not familiar with
approaches her, there are ways you can do to help her cope with
separation anxiety.
First tip: Don't leave your baby who's not yet napped or who's
hungry. A baby is more vulnerable to separation anxiety when
she's hungry and tired. If you plan to go out, be sure she's
taken her nap and is full.
Second tip: Play peek-a-boo with your kid to teach her about
object permanence. This means that when Mommy or Daddy went
away, they're not gone and will still come back. Do a variation
of this game by playing peek-a-boo with her toys. Try hiding her
Baby Einstein Puppet under a pillow or behind the couch and
surprise your kid by making it reappear with a cheery shout of
peek-a-boo! This will teach your kid that objects still exist
even if they are out of our sight and that when Mommy or Daddy
goes out, there's nothing for baby to be scared about because
they'll return.
Third tip: Practice short sessions of separation at home. For
example, leave your baby alone in a child-proof room with a
couple of safe toys for a few minutes. If she cries, don't
hastily come back to comfort her. Let her comfort herself for a
while and then come back when she's calmed down. If you
immediately rush to her side at her first cry, she will get the
idea that that is the way to call on you. When she sees that
being alone is not so bad after all, she will be able to cope
with separation anxiety more easily.
Fourth tip: When you leave, don't try to escape through the
back door. Be honest to your kid by telling her that you'll be
gone for a few hours and say goodbye. Always reassure your kid
that you'll be back by showering her with lots of hugs and
kisses. If you constantly disappear suddenly, this will only do
more harm than good and cause more anxiety on her. However, if
she learns to trust and be confident that you'll be back, she
won't have a hard time with you leaving.
Fifth tip: Protect her from strangers. If you're kid is anxious
about a stranger pinching her cheek, admiring how cute she is,
thank the person for the compliment but also politely tell her
that your kid is uncomfortable around strangers.
Even though a child's world may seem so carefree with no
problems and only play and games to work on, a kid also goes
through some hard times. Because they're helpless and only
depend on their parents, they have this fear of losing that
comfortable shoulder to rely on. That's why it is important that
you help your kid overcome separation anxiety.
About The Author: For more tips and information about Baby
Einstein Puppets, check out http://www.thekidst
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Depression And Guilt For Caregivers
Being a new caregiver is hard and can lead to depression if you
let it. Not everyone who becomes a caregiver will experience
depression and the negative feelings that often go with
depression. Don't look at caregiving as something that if you do
you will end up depressed and on medication. The depression
begins to show up when you shut yourself off from what is
familiar to you and solely concentrate on caregiving.
In an effort to provide the best possible care to your loved
one, the caregiver often sacrifices their own emotional and
physical needs, and by doing this even the strongest, most
capable person can feel the strain. The feelings of anger,
sadness, anxiety, isolation, exhaustion, and then the guilt that
is often accompanied by these feeling is a heavy toll for anyone
to take.
Depression and guilt often go hand-in-hand. When you get angry
at the person you are caring for and begin to have negative
feelings towards them, feelings of guilt occur, followed by
feelings of depression for feeling that way. It is a cycle that
continues until you seek help.
We all have negative feelings from time to time, but when these
feelings become intense and leave a caregiver totally drained of
energy, becoming angered at their loved one for no particular
reason, and crying frequently, these may be warning signs of
depression. You need to be concerned about depression if the
sadness and crying are continuous and the negative feelings are
unrelenting.
It is unfortunate that some still think of depression as a sign
of weakness rather than what it is, a sign that something is out
of balance. Ignoring the feelings you have will not make them go
away, it is important that you seek out medical help.
Symptoms of Depression
Most people's experience with depression is different. Some
people may be sad for months while others may have a more
intense and sudden change in the way they look at things. The
degree of symptoms and type of symptoms will vary from person to
person.
If you experience any of the following for longer than 2 weeks
you may want to go and talk to your doctor.
• Have your eating habits changed resulting in either a
dramatic weight gain or weight loss.
• Have your sleep patterns changed – either sleeping too much
or too little.
• Do you fee tired all the time, even after just waking up.
• Do you become easily angered or agitated?
• Do you have the feelings that nothing you do is good enough?
• Are you having thoughts suicide or death?
• Are you experiencing headaches, chronic pain, and digestive
disorders that are not responding to treatments?
The above symptoms are warning signs of depression so it is
important to talk to your doctor so you can get help. If you
don't feel comfortable using the word depression, inform your
doctor that you are 'feeling down' or 'feeling blue'. Your
doctor will understand the message you are trying to get across
and get you the help you need.
About The Author: Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for
her grandmother for 2 years until her passing. She also worked
summers in a long-term care facility while attending college.
She now works as an Application Specialist for
http://IntercomsOnline.com, which provides wireless intercom
systems for caregivers.
let it. Not everyone who becomes a caregiver will experience
depression and the negative feelings that often go with
depression. Don't look at caregiving as something that if you do
you will end up depressed and on medication. The depression
begins to show up when you shut yourself off from what is
familiar to you and solely concentrate on caregiving.
In an effort to provide the best possible care to your loved
one, the caregiver often sacrifices their own emotional and
physical needs, and by doing this even the strongest, most
capable person can feel the strain. The feelings of anger,
sadness, anxiety, isolation, exhaustion, and then the guilt that
is often accompanied by these feeling is a heavy toll for anyone
to take.
Depression and guilt often go hand-in-hand. When you get angry
at the person you are caring for and begin to have negative
feelings towards them, feelings of guilt occur, followed by
feelings of depression for feeling that way. It is a cycle that
continues until you seek help.
We all have negative feelings from time to time, but when these
feelings become intense and leave a caregiver totally drained of
energy, becoming angered at their loved one for no particular
reason, and crying frequently, these may be warning signs of
depression. You need to be concerned about depression if the
sadness and crying are continuous and the negative feelings are
unrelenting.
It is unfortunate that some still think of depression as a sign
of weakness rather than what it is, a sign that something is out
of balance. Ignoring the feelings you have will not make them go
away, it is important that you seek out medical help.
Symptoms of Depression
Most people's experience with depression is different. Some
people may be sad for months while others may have a more
intense and sudden change in the way they look at things. The
degree of symptoms and type of symptoms will vary from person to
person.
If you experience any of the following for longer than 2 weeks
you may want to go and talk to your doctor.
• Have your eating habits changed resulting in either a
dramatic weight gain or weight loss.
• Have your sleep patterns changed – either sleeping too much
or too little.
• Do you fee tired all the time, even after just waking up.
• Do you become easily angered or agitated?
• Do you have the feelings that nothing you do is good enough?
• Are you having thoughts suicide or death?
• Are you experiencing headaches, chronic pain, and digestive
disorders that are not responding to treatments?
The above symptoms are warning signs of depression so it is
important to talk to your doctor so you can get help. If you
don't feel comfortable using the word depression, inform your
doctor that you are 'feeling down' or 'feeling blue'. Your
doctor will understand the message you are trying to get across
and get you the help you need.
About The Author: Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for
her grandmother for 2 years until her passing. She also worked
summers in a long-term care facility while attending college.
She now works as an Application Specialist for
http://IntercomsOnl
systems for caregivers.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Motivating Yourself During Times of Stress
We've heard it from scientists and we've heard it from therapists, too much stress is not a good thing. But on our own, we've discovered how stress affects our lives. We can feel crippled, tired, and simply unable to tackle the pressures that are upon our shoulders. Instead of simply stopping our lives and giving into our stress, you can find ways to motivate your mind into action. In fact, stress can be one of the greatest motivation tools you have, if you know how to use it.
Accomplishments Add Up to Motivation
When you have a lot on your plate, you need to figure out a way to list your tasks out. Some people like to use their PDA, others like to use a piece of paper, while others simply like to enter in their tasks onto a computer document. However you choose to do this, make sure you are regularly listing out the things you need to do in a manner where you can refer to it often. You might want to start by creating this list at the beginning of the week.
As your week progresses, you can check off the things you've completed on your list. This will give you a visual representation of what you have already done as well as how far you still need to go. But with each line that crosses off a task, you begin to build momentum to tackle the other projects that remain. For some, they will want to cross off the smaller items first, and then the bigger items; for others, the opposite is true.
Creating Time for You
Stressful times often feel harried and rushed because each minute seems to be relegated to some task outside of your inner desires. You're committed to work responsibilities, family responsibilities, etc. While you can't get rid of these tasks, you can carve out time for your own personal responsibilities even if it's simply heading to the park for a walk or taking a moment to paint your toe nails.
Each week, you will want to create a time when you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself, allowing you to create a positive mindset that has a way to release the stress of your week.
Rewards Work Too
But there's nothing that works better for motivation than rewards. By creating something to look forward to, you can lessen the impact that stressful times can have on you. Think about setting up a friend's night at a local restaurant on Mondays or Fridays to give yourself a chance to reward yourself for the week ahead or for the week that you've just completed. Take yourself out for a bookstore shopping trip or for a massage, whatever you consider a real reward.
Stressful times require motivation tips and tricks to help you manage them as well as you can. By keeping track of your accomplishments, making time for yourself, and giving yourself rewards, you will notice that your feelings of stress begin to diminish and you get a lot more done at the same time!
Sean Rasmussen is a part time stock market investor and internet marketer. His website http://www.universalwealthcreation.com and blog http://www.seanrasmussen.com deals with Wealth Creation and Success Communication.
Accomplishments Add Up to Motivation
When you have a lot on your plate, you need to figure out a way to list your tasks out. Some people like to use their PDA, others like to use a piece of paper, while others simply like to enter in their tasks onto a computer document. However you choose to do this, make sure you are regularly listing out the things you need to do in a manner where you can refer to it often. You might want to start by creating this list at the beginning of the week.
As your week progresses, you can check off the things you've completed on your list. This will give you a visual representation of what you have already done as well as how far you still need to go. But with each line that crosses off a task, you begin to build momentum to tackle the other projects that remain. For some, they will want to cross off the smaller items first, and then the bigger items; for others, the opposite is true.
Creating Time for You
Stressful times often feel harried and rushed because each minute seems to be relegated to some task outside of your inner desires. You're committed to work responsibilities, family responsibilities, etc. While you can't get rid of these tasks, you can carve out time for your own personal responsibilities even if it's simply heading to the park for a walk or taking a moment to paint your toe nails.
Each week, you will want to create a time when you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself, allowing you to create a positive mindset that has a way to release the stress of your week.
Rewards Work Too
But there's nothing that works better for motivation than rewards. By creating something to look forward to, you can lessen the impact that stressful times can have on you. Think about setting up a friend's night at a local restaurant on Mondays or Fridays to give yourself a chance to reward yourself for the week ahead or for the week that you've just completed. Take yourself out for a bookstore shopping trip or for a massage, whatever you consider a real reward.
Stressful times require motivation tips and tricks to help you manage them as well as you can. By keeping track of your accomplishments, making time for yourself, and giving yourself rewards, you will notice that your feelings of stress begin to diminish and you get a lot more done at the same time!
Sean Rasmussen is a part time stock market investor and internet marketer. His website http://www.universalwealthcreation.com and blog http://www.seanrasmussen.com deals with Wealth Creation and Success Communication.
Friday, December 07, 2007
How The Law Of Attraction Can Help With Your Depression
If you are one of the millions of people the world over who are
suffering from depression you may be able to take the first
steps yourself to get better.
More and more people are suffering from depression for many
years despite wanting to get well. Many different medications
are on the market to help persons with an ongoing depression.
The person who is suffering from this is in many cases a victim
of physical or mental abuse. It is therefore very difficult for
the person to be able to get better without professional help.
Due to the new public awareness about the Law of Attraction and
about how we are fitting into this world of unwritten but very
powerful laws, some people have tried to make the first steps
themselves to the way of recovery by employing the Law of
Attraction in their lives. You may have heard about it. It is
been aired on TV shows like Oprah and Larry King Live. You can
find many books even in good book stores about the Law of
Attraction and how it can work for you. The knowledge of the Law
of Attraction has been known for thousands of years. Only a few
people have known this in the past and those who applied it have
increased the quality of their live experience. Just now many
more people have got to know about this wisdom of the ancient
world and have learned to it works for them.
No doubt when suffering from depression a person would like to
feel better and get some relief. There is help available and
doctors, nurses and experienced therapist are specially trained
to help you deal with depression.
But now you can help yourself along with professional therapy
to get better. When knowing about the Law of Attraction we find
out that the universe only respond to our feelings not to the
spoken words. So we may say to ourselves I hate the way I feel
and I wished I could be happy and feel better. Or we may feel
that we do not care anymore about life. When you feel this way
you will unknowingly get more of the same feeling. The universe
will respond and bring to you more of the feeling that matches
with yours.
To feel better and to help with depression you need to make it
a regular routine to meditate. Meditation is very important as
this will connect you with the powers of the universe. To help
yourself with the secret of the Law of Attraction you need to
meditate daily. The universe can give you what you need to
become better and to make your life a success. Depressions can
be in your past by applying this knowledge and by being
determined to help yourself.
When doing meditations you will soon begin to notice a
difference in yourself. This will help you to become a person
that is able to take control. Eventually you can make your own
life and live it the way you really want to.
You are the creator of your own experiences in life. You will
discover the secret of people who have been successful in live.
Some of them have been known for their extra ordinary
accomplishments.
You do not have to suffer from depressions for the rest of your
life!
Here are some special ways that you can meditate:
When meditating sit in a comfortable chair and close your eyes.
You can play some low sound effects if you like. There are tapes
or CD's available in many stores or even online.
This may help you to relax and to become in tune with the
universe. You can sit in a room with lights and only candle
light if you prefer.
You also need to do this when things are quiet around you so
that you can truly meditate without distractions.
Try not to think about anything and if you do gently dismiss
your thoughts. You may have to do t his kind of exercise several
times before you can do this and become totally quiet during
your meditations.
Your goal is to become in tune with the universe. You will be
able to learn more about your own self and about the secret
person inside of you. The universe will respond and give you
what you are asking for! With the Law of Attraction true
happiness and a life without depression can be yours. Learn to
unleash the powers of the universe when meditating daily. There
is a way out for you! With the Law of Attraction you will be
able to attract peace, harmony and well being into your life!
About The Author: You can read more information on dealing with
depression using the law of attraction and other topics on Laura
B. Young's website: Http://www.LifeResourceCenter.net
suffering from depression you may be able to take the first
steps yourself to get better.
More and more people are suffering from depression for many
years despite wanting to get well. Many different medications
are on the market to help persons with an ongoing depression.
The person who is suffering from this is in many cases a victim
of physical or mental abuse. It is therefore very difficult for
the person to be able to get better without professional help.
Due to the new public awareness about the Law of Attraction and
about how we are fitting into this world of unwritten but very
powerful laws, some people have tried to make the first steps
themselves to the way of recovery by employing the Law of
Attraction in their lives. You may have heard about it. It is
been aired on TV shows like Oprah and Larry King Live. You can
find many books even in good book stores about the Law of
Attraction and how it can work for you. The knowledge of the Law
of Attraction has been known for thousands of years. Only a few
people have known this in the past and those who applied it have
increased the quality of their live experience. Just now many
more people have got to know about this wisdom of the ancient
world and have learned to it works for them.
No doubt when suffering from depression a person would like to
feel better and get some relief. There is help available and
doctors, nurses and experienced therapist are specially trained
to help you deal with depression.
But now you can help yourself along with professional therapy
to get better. When knowing about the Law of Attraction we find
out that the universe only respond to our feelings not to the
spoken words. So we may say to ourselves I hate the way I feel
and I wished I could be happy and feel better. Or we may feel
that we do not care anymore about life. When you feel this way
you will unknowingly get more of the same feeling. The universe
will respond and bring to you more of the feeling that matches
with yours.
To feel better and to help with depression you need to make it
a regular routine to meditate. Meditation is very important as
this will connect you with the powers of the universe. To help
yourself with the secret of the Law of Attraction you need to
meditate daily. The universe can give you what you need to
become better and to make your life a success. Depressions can
be in your past by applying this knowledge and by being
determined to help yourself.
When doing meditations you will soon begin to notice a
difference in yourself. This will help you to become a person
that is able to take control. Eventually you can make your own
life and live it the way you really want to.
You are the creator of your own experiences in life. You will
discover the secret of people who have been successful in live.
Some of them have been known for their extra ordinary
accomplishments.
You do not have to suffer from depressions for the rest of your
life!
Here are some special ways that you can meditate:
When meditating sit in a comfortable chair and close your eyes.
You can play some low sound effects if you like. There are tapes
or CD's available in many stores or even online.
This may help you to relax and to become in tune with the
universe. You can sit in a room with lights and only candle
light if you prefer.
You also need to do this when things are quiet around you so
that you can truly meditate without distractions.
Try not to think about anything and if you do gently dismiss
your thoughts. You may have to do t his kind of exercise several
times before you can do this and become totally quiet during
your meditations.
Your goal is to become in tune with the universe. You will be
able to learn more about your own self and about the secret
person inside of you. The universe will respond and give you
what you are asking for! With the Law of Attraction true
happiness and a life without depression can be yours. Learn to
unleash the powers of the universe when meditating daily. There
is a way out for you! With the Law of Attraction you will be
able to attract peace, harmony and well being into your life!
About The Author: You can read more information on dealing with
depression using the law of attraction and other topics on Laura
B. Young's website: Http://www.LifeReso
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Manic Depression Symptoms: The Two Ends Of The Spectrum
Manic depression is a mental disorder that is also called manic
depressive disorder. To some, it is known as bipolar disorder.
Manic depression symptoms are known to be on the extreme sides
of the spectrum. They are either on the high end or the low end.
The high-end symptoms are known to be the manic symptoms while
the low end is known as the "hypo" symptoms or the depressive
symptoms.
This type of mental disorder is hard to spot because the
patient may appear to be going well after an episode of
depression. Unknown to people around him, he becomes sunny all
of the sudden not because he has overcome depression; it is just
that he shifted to mania, the other symptom of his illness.
The following are manic depression symptoms observed in
patients who suffer from the manic or high end of the mental
disease:
o Extreme kindness and euphoric mood.
o Being provocative.
o Inability to concentrate, always and easily distracted.
o Talking very fast due to the racing thoughts that flood the
mind.
o Extreme energy level, hyper activity and restlessness.
o Excessive and uncharacteristic spending.
o Incoherence and mixed ideas.
o Increase in sexual drive.
o Intrusive behavior.
o Overly aggressive behavior.
o Very poor judgment
o Believing in his own super powers and unrealistic abilities.
o Extremely irritable.
o Sleeps too little but still have too much energy.
o Abusive use of substances such as cocaine, alcohol, and
sleeping medications.
o Falling into a denial stage and not believing that anything
is wrong with him.
The following manic depression symptoms are observed from
patients on the low or depressed mode of the disorder.
o Sadness that stays for a considerable length of time
accompanied by anxiousness and feeling of emptiness.
o A constant feeling of fatigue and a very low energy level.
o Feeling hopeless and always pessimistic.
o Loss of sexual drive.
o Inability to feel pleasure from anything.
o Inability to concentrate.
o A gnawing sense of guilt and feeling worthless.
o Forgetfulness.
o Restlessness.
o Extreme irritability.
o Inability to make rational decisions.
o Insomnia or oversleeping.
o A drastic loss or gain of appetite that leads to either
weight loss or gain.
o Constant body pains that can not be confirmed by medical
examinations.
o Suicidal tendencies.
Psychosis is another phenomenon that can be observed as a manic
depression symptom. It occurs in both manic and depressive modes
of the disorder. It is characterized by hallucination and
delusion that is sometimes mistaken for schizophrenia (another
form of mental disorder that also manifests hallucination and
delusion).
It is important that proper diagnosis be done to tell whether
it is manic depression symptom or schizophrenia because the two
types of mental disorder need different types of psychological
and medical attention.
There are people who exhibit mixed manic depressive symptoms.
They manifest both the high and the low end symptoms of the
disorder at the same time.
When To Seek Help
As mentioned, it is not easy to determine if a person has manic
depressive disorder. If you suspect that you or a loved one is
suffering from this mental illness, it would be best if you go
and see a psychiatrist to fully assess your condition
immediately since the person with this illness has a very
erratic and unstable behavior. It can go from shoplifting to
promiscuous sexual behavior to suicide. What's more, these
behaviors may be manifest within a short period of time.
Proper diagnosis of the manic depressive symptoms is necessary
in order to provide the proper treatment needed by the patient.
The symptoms are confusing. The assistance of professional
people is important in order to recover properly. Administration
of medication is almost always necessary to stabilize the
patient. Medications would help a patient respond well to other
forms of psychiatric treatments such as psychotherapy and
cognitive therapy.
About The Author: Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and
publisher of http://www.facts-about-depression.com/. Visit her
website to learn more about manic depression symptoms.
depressive disorder. To some, it is known as bipolar disorder.
Manic depression symptoms are known to be on the extreme sides
of the spectrum. They are either on the high end or the low end.
The high-end symptoms are known to be the manic symptoms while
the low end is known as the "hypo" symptoms or the depressive
symptoms.
This type of mental disorder is hard to spot because the
patient may appear to be going well after an episode of
depression. Unknown to people around him, he becomes sunny all
of the sudden not because he has overcome depression; it is just
that he shifted to mania, the other symptom of his illness.
The following are manic depression symptoms observed in
patients who suffer from the manic or high end of the mental
disease:
o Extreme kindness and euphoric mood.
o Being provocative.
o Inability to concentrate, always and easily distracted.
o Talking very fast due to the racing thoughts that flood the
mind.
o Extreme energy level, hyper activity and restlessness.
o Excessive and uncharacteristic spending.
o Incoherence and mixed ideas.
o Increase in sexual drive.
o Intrusive behavior.
o Overly aggressive behavior.
o Very poor judgment
o Believing in his own super powers and unrealistic abilities.
o Extremely irritable.
o Sleeps too little but still have too much energy.
o Abusive use of substances such as cocaine, alcohol, and
sleeping medications.
o Falling into a denial stage and not believing that anything
is wrong with him.
The following manic depression symptoms are observed from
patients on the low or depressed mode of the disorder.
o Sadness that stays for a considerable length of time
accompanied by anxiousness and feeling of emptiness.
o A constant feeling of fatigue and a very low energy level.
o Feeling hopeless and always pessimistic.
o Loss of sexual drive.
o Inability to feel pleasure from anything.
o Inability to concentrate.
o A gnawing sense of guilt and feeling worthless.
o Forgetfulness.
o Restlessness.
o Extreme irritability.
o Inability to make rational decisions.
o Insomnia or oversleeping.
o A drastic loss or gain of appetite that leads to either
weight loss or gain.
o Constant body pains that can not be confirmed by medical
examinations.
o Suicidal tendencies.
Psychosis is another phenomenon that can be observed as a manic
depression symptom. It occurs in both manic and depressive modes
of the disorder. It is characterized by hallucination and
delusion that is sometimes mistaken for schizophrenia (another
form of mental disorder that also manifests hallucination and
delusion).
It is important that proper diagnosis be done to tell whether
it is manic depression symptom or schizophrenia because the two
types of mental disorder need different types of psychological
and medical attention.
There are people who exhibit mixed manic depressive symptoms.
They manifest both the high and the low end symptoms of the
disorder at the same time.
When To Seek Help
As mentioned, it is not easy to determine if a person has manic
depressive disorder. If you suspect that you or a loved one is
suffering from this mental illness, it would be best if you go
and see a psychiatrist to fully assess your condition
immediately since the person with this illness has a very
erratic and unstable behavior. It can go from shoplifting to
promiscuous sexual behavior to suicide. What's more, these
behaviors may be manifest within a short period of time.
Proper diagnosis of the manic depressive symptoms is necessary
in order to provide the proper treatment needed by the patient.
The symptoms are confusing. The assistance of professional
people is important in order to recover properly. Administration
of medication is almost always necessary to stabilize the
patient. Medications would help a patient respond well to other
forms of psychiatric treatments such as psychotherapy and
cognitive therapy.
About The Author: Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and
publisher of http://www.facts-
website to learn more about manic depression symptoms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)