Mental Health

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

2011-09-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

Child and Adolescent Mental Health
By Arthur Buchanan

Mental Health Is Important

Mental health is how people think, feel, and act as they face life's situations. It affects how people handle stress, relate to one another, and make decisions. Mental health influences the ways individuals look at themselves, their lives, and others in their lives. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life.

All aspects of our lives are affected by our mental health. Caring for and protecting our children is an obligation and is critical to their daily lives and their independence.

Children and Adolescents Can Have Serious Mental Health Problems

Like adults, children and adolescents can have mental health disorders that interfere with the way they think, feel, and act. When untreated, mental health disorders can lead to school failure, family conflicts, drug abuse, violence, and even suicide. Untreated mental health disorders can be very costly to families, communities, and the health care system.

In this fact sheet, "Mental Health Problems" for children and adolescents refers to the range of all diagnosable emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders. They include depression, attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders. Mental health problems affect one in every five young people at any given time.

"Serious Emotional Disturbances" for children and adolescents refers to the above disorders when they severely disrupt daily functioning in home, school, or community. Serious emotional disturbances affect 1 in every 10 young people at any given time.

Mental Health Disorders Are More Common in Young People than Many Realize.

Studies show that at least one in five children and adolescents have a mental health disorder. At least one in 10, or about 6 million people, have a serious emotional disturbance.

The Causes Are Complicated

Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are caused mostly by biology and environment. Examples of biological causes are genetics, chemical imbalances in the body, or damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury. Many environmental factors also put young people at risk for developing mental health disorders. Examples include:

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead;

Exposure to violence, such as witnessing or being the victim of physical or sexual abuse, drive-by shootings, muggings, or other disasters; Stress related to chronic poverty, discrimination, or other serious hardships; and

The loss of important people through death, divorce, or broken relationships.

Signs of Mental Health Disorders Can Signal a Need for Help

Children and adolescents with mental health issues need to get help as soon as possible. A variety of signs may point to mental health disorders or serious emotional disturbances in children or adolescents. Pay attention if a child or adolescent you know has any of these warning signs:

A child or adolescent is troubled by feeling:

Sad and hopeless for no reason, and these feelings do not go away. Very angry most of the time and crying a lot or overreacting to things.

Worthless or guilty often.

Anxious or worried often.

Unable to get over a loss or death of someone important.

Extremely fearful or having unexplained fears.

Constantly concerned about physical problems or physical appearance.

Frightened that his or her mind either is controlled or is out of control.

A child or adolescent experiences big changes, such as:

Showing declining performance in school.

Losing interest in things once enjoyed.

Experiencing unexplained changes in sleeping or eating patterns.

Avoiding friends or family and wanting to be alone all the time.

Daydreaming too much and not completing tasks.

Feeling life is too hard to handle.

Hearing voices that cannot be explained.

Experiencing suicidal thoughts.

A child or adolescent experiences:

Poor concentration and is unable to think straight or make up his or her mind.

An inability to sit still or focus attention.

Worry about being harmed, hurting others, or doing something "bad".

A need to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines hundreds of times a day, in order to avoid an unsubstantiated danger.

Racing thoughts that are almost too fast to follow.

Persistent nightmares.

A child or adolescent behaves in ways that cause problems, such as:

Using alcohol or other drugs.

Eating large amounts of food and then purging, or abusing laxatives, to avoid weight gain.

Dieting and/or exercising obsessively.

Violating the rights of others or constantly breaking the law without regard for other people.

Setting fires.

Doing things that can be life threatening.

Killing animals.

Comprehensive Services through Systems of Care Can Help

Some children diagnosed with severe mental health disorders may be eligible for comprehensive and community-based services through systems of care. Systems of care help children with serious emotional disturbances and their families cope with the challenges of difficult mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. To learn more about systems of care, call the National Mental Health Information Center at 1-800-789-2647, and request fact sheets on systems of care and serious emotional disturbances, or visit the Center's web site at

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov

Finding the Right Services Is Critical

To find the right services for their children, families can do the following:

Get accurate information from hotlines, libraries, or other sources.

Seek referrals from professionals.

Ask questions about treatments and services.

Talk to other families in their communities.

Find family network organizations.

It is critical that people who are not satisfied with the mental health care they receive discuss their concerns with providers, ask for information, and seek help from other sources.

Important Messages About Child and Adolescent Mental Health:

Every child's mental health is important.

Many children have mental health problems.

These problems are real, painful, and can be severe.

Mental health problems can be recognized and treated.

Caring families and communities working together can help.

With Much Love,

Arthur Buchanan

President/CEO

Out of Darkness & Into the Light

43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012

Huron Ohio, 44839

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Mental Health and Mental Wellness To Its Fullest

2011-01-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

Mental Health and Mental Wellness To Its Fullest

Mental health is simply the absence of any mental disorder in a person. It is the emotional well-being regardless of the situation, environment or community a man lives in. A person who has a mental health or ability to enjoy his life to the fullest even with the presence of many challenges is what we call healthy emotional well-being. An individual who can cope up with any kind of stress in life, knows his or her capabilities, those who can work productively and contribute something to the community are those people that have a total well-being.

Mental wellness on the other hand, pertains to the capacity of a person to live his life to the fullest. The person involved must be creative in coping with any inevitable circumstances or challenges in life. If we want to further improve the mental wellness of an individual, there are many self-help books or therapeutic systems that offer techniques and strategies that are proven to be effective. In totality, it includes several studies and concepts like religion, sociology, psychology, education, anthropology and developmental psychology.

There is a variety of reasons why there is so called a disorder. This may be brought by a tragic event that an individual had experienced. It can also come from a genetic predisposition, long- term abuse or neglect from other people and brain disorder that is medically related. The most common issue here is depression. Almost all people experience depression at any stage in their lives. For those that have a genetic predisposition or bipolar disorder, they need to have some form of treatments.

If mental disorder is not treated, the consequence can be damaging on the person involved. Whenever a person experience depression, they become less social, sedentary, and they have a hard time to make an informed judgment because they are not able to think clearly, thus they may have the possibilities of developing paranoid ideas and thoughts. If this situation happens to a person, people tend to move away from the person, when in fact, they needed some attention.

We might be curious who gets affected by a mental health disorder, in actuality almost every one will undergo and experience any form of mental health concern or issue at least once in a person's life. It can be in a form of alcohol or drug abuse, common depression, problems with relationships and post traumatic stress. Aside from the patient themselves, even their family members or the person taking care of the patient can also be a victim of such stress.

With all this, how can we treat mental health disorder? The most effective way and the solution are to seek a doctor's help as well as any available mental health specialists or professional. In order to treat mental health disorder, the family of the person involved, circle of friends, psychologists, mental health therapists and psychiatrists has a significant role in order to treat the individual. We can also deal with mental health therapist in order to set goals and plan strategies for our loved ones who experienced the situation.

Sherwin Ree E. Miras has been in the field of handling Utah mental health problems for a long time and maintains a Utah therapy company where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherwin_Ree_E_Miras

Understanding Mental Health To Better It

2010-10-12T01:07:00.000-07:00

Understanding Mental Health To Better It

Mental health is our cognition - our emotional wellbeing. It is how we feel, think, and behave. Based on different studies in the USA, it is said that we have the highest rate of people diagnosed with mental health disorders/problems developed in the entire world. Why is this? Our society is affected by what we do and/or how do we spend most of our time.

Can stress play an important role in this? Perhaps, our society is compared with Europe, which has a low (25%) incidence of mental health problems in comparison to USA (35%).

How does our mental health get affected? It is affected by many things and in many ways; for instance: lack of self love; lack of self acceptance; lack of self esteem; lack of self will; lack of self confidence; etc.

Why is this? Well, because when there is no self love, people do not know how to teach others to love them or respect them; when there is no self acceptance, people have a hard time accepting them as well; when there is no self esteem, people tend to use and abuse them easily and do with them what they want; when there is no self will, people will have no power to face others or any problems; when there is no self confidence, people read this and take advantage of them very easily.

The end result in all of this is a world full of victims and not knowing how to change it! We must learn to stop being so rigid with ourselves and with life itself.

We must have fun, laugh more, enjoy ourselves more, Love ourselves more, be Kind with ourselves more, find Productive things that would help us feel that we have achieved certain level of success.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Silvia_Trana-Felipes

Mental Health Is As Important As Physical Health

2010-09-23T01:34:00.000-07:00

Mental Health Is As Important As Physical Health

It is very difficult to conclude if a person suffers from a mental health issue or not, but there are certain signs and signals that suggest whether someone may be suffering from a particular issue and might be in need of help.

In many of us, depression, stress and anxiety seem to be the major obstacles to just feeling good. Psychological well-being is something that we all have a right to. Sometimes due to a variety of reasons to do with life experiences, physiology, up bringing, environment etc we often find ourselves with a mind-state other than what we desire.

Certain signs of mental health issues can be put into different categories like:

Thinking: Problems with thinking include memory, concentration, problem solving and the processing of information.

Feeling: Problems with feeling can affect appetite, sleep, decision-making and guilt. In serious mental health issues, feelings can include mood swings and irrational onset of feelings such anger or excitement.

Problems at home: The inability to carry out simple household chores or inability to coexist with others in the household or inabilities to cope with housework are some signs of problems at home.

Socializing problems: Social signs can include difficulty in relating to and getting on with others, awkwardness around others and verbal or physical aggression.

Poor Self care: Signs of poor self-care show themselves in appearance, with sufferers not conscious with care of cleanliness or appearance, not eating well or enough, not attending to day to day affairs such as bills or finances and paying little attention to physical health.

Mental health issues require proper diagnosis by a medical professional. Protecting our mental health is just as important as protecting our physical health, and can be cured or drastically reduced with the correct guidance and therapy.

Seeking the services of a mental health counselor can effectively improve your mental health who will work with you through your past and present issues. A good counselor can be a real lifesaver. She can help you by using writing techniques, reading aloud what you wrote, and by talking while helping you to identify the source of your anxiety. She can teach you to overcome them effectively. Counseling gives you valuable tools to handle daily problems and long-term relationships.

Upon some improvement psychological changes are felt with lightness, better sleep, smile, noticing beauty around you, singing, wanting to do something different, etc. When you are able to experience a general feeling of well being, your relationships blossom, people find you attractive and accessible again, even career paths may open and life seems to smile again!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Geriani

Shaping A Child Mental Health

2010-07-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Shaping A Child Mental Health

Its important for parents to realize they aren't alone in raising their children.

A child's emotional and physical development is shapes by genetic and environmental factors alike. Genetic factors can affect a child's ability to learn, play,manage emotions, and interact with people. But a child's environment also plays a pivotal role in early development

Think of all the people your child interacts with on a regular basis-such as siblings, relatives, and other caregivers like babysitters, teachers, and healthcare providers. They each play a key role in your child's development. Likewise, social and economics factors-such as proper nutrition, housing, healthcare, and experiences at school and within the community-are constantly at work to shape your child's development from a very early age. A child's physical health also plays an important role in his or her mental health. Here are the basics every child needs for good mental health.

Nutritious food, adequate clothing, and a healthy living environment.

Plenty of sleep

Regular physical activity, including time to play with other children

Ongoing and unconditional love, praise, and affection

Encouraging teachers and supportive caregivers who provide appropriate guidance and discipline

Self confidence and high self-esteem

When children are surrounded by positive relationships, they in turn learn the value themselves and happily accept who they are; they learn to embrace what makes them unique; they develop a positive outlook on life; and they know they're loved unconditionally. These are the building blocks of good self-esteem, which is important to develop early on in childhood because it's essential to good health throughout life.

Navigating through adolescence

The transition from childhood to adulthood doesn't happen overnight. First, a child must navigate the challenging stage of adolescence. For a teenager who has not yet gained the experience to cope with difficult situations and mounting expectations, adolescence can seem overwhelming at times. When stress and anxiety are not managed properly, they can build and manifest in ways that negatively impact on mental and physical health.

While it's not unusual fot teens to feel irritable, sluggish, and sad for brief periods of time, if you notice any of the following signs lasting for a period of at least two weeks, your teen could be experiencing a minor depression.

Feeling down.

Lack of interest in activities.

Sleeping problems.

Poor concentration.

A recent study by Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric institute reported that teenagers with minor depression have a higher risk of mental health issues later in life. Rates of anxiety, severe depression, and eating disorders were far more common in 20-to 30-year-olds who'd experienced minor depression in adolescence.

If you suspect your teen is going through a rough spell, don't ignore the issue. One in 10 parents thinks those with mental illness can just snap out of it if they want to. But that's not the case at all. And, while you can't force your teen to open up to you, there are some things you can do:

Monitor your teen's level of stress. Record and share how it's affecting his or her behaviour, thoughts, and feelings.

Watch for signs of stress overload.

Encourage your teen to talk-if not with you, then encourage him to open up to someone else he knows and trusts, or find a therapist he's comfortable talking to.

There are also preventative measures that can help your teen learn to manage stress before it gets out of hand:

Encourage your teen to get active in group sports and social activities.

As a family, stay physically active and eat nutritious meals.

Help your teen become more assertive and develop good time-management skills both of which come with practice.

Encourage family members to speak positively about themselves and each other, and discourage negative reinforcement.

Teach your teen to feel good about adequate work versus always striving for perfection.

Encourage your teen to build a network of reliable and supportive friends,

By: rodolphe cote

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How the Environment Can Affect Mental Health

2010-03-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

How the Environment Can Affect Mental Health
By Elisabetta Reist

The environment has really a big role in our mental health. Very often we do not think about, we do not even consider it. But it is the truth.

In fact, sometimes it is the environment that does not allow us to sleep properly. The environment is a large term. It includes many aspects of your life. Just think of where you live. It is a noisy area? Is it, on the contrary, a tranquil area?

How is the air you breathe? Do you always feel calm? Is there any green grass around? Some trees? Or can you not see any green, any nature?

How is your home? Do you feel well in it? Are you happy? Environment means all sorts of things. It is the outside but it is also the inside of a home, of a workplace,

If your home is in a residential area with a lot of green around, you may feel much better than when you go to town. If your home is sober, you will not be affected by a day in town. After having been under the stressing factors, you know that you can go home and relax.

If your workplace is in a noisy area or if the people you work with, are nervous, you may be affected by them.

If you know that your health may be affected by your environment, you will pay close attention to all stressing factors. You will try to avoid them whenever this is possible.

If you work in an area with polluted air, you will try to go for a walk in a park, along a flowing water or along a lake. Walking in a park gives you the possibility to breathe fresh air, and therefore regenerate your breath and "cleanse" your lungs. If your lungs are cleansed, your mental health is also much better because your thinking capacity is enhanced. Your mood is better.

You will soon get aware that the environment not only affects mental health and anxiety but it also affects the body.

On the other hand, this means that our physical and our mental health go hand in hand They are strongly connected.

I think it is well worth to consider the various aspects of the environment and its influences on our Selves.

Try to sense the influence of the environment on your mental health. Try to understand why you do not feel well, why you have got a headache or you feel dizzy. If you get aware that the environment is "attacking" you, the best weapon against it is moving out at least for part of the day. If this is not possible, move out of dangerous environments at least in your free time.

On the other hand, if you feel that your environment is favorable to your mental health and to your calmness, be thankful and try to stay there as much as you can.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elisabetta_Reist

What To Expect In A Mental Health Residential Treatment Center

2009-12-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

What To Expect In A Mental Health Residential Treatment Center

Mental issues today are many and varied. And so is the profile of a typical patient. There isn’t one because even children can be diagnosed with depression and conditions such as dementia and bipolar mood swings can be diagnosed in people of varying ages.

And a spin-off from so many of the mental health problems in people is the family member affected by the condition. A teen with depression for example can mean a large amount of stress for his or her worrying parents. In fact it is not uncommon for family members of a patient with mental health problems to seek medical assistance for the stress they are suffering worrying about their loved one.

Before going to your mental health residential treatment center, you would do well to visit your family doctor and explain your situation to him or her. GPs are well-known for the vast list of contacts in relevant areas of mental health and their advice is most likely to be helpful. If they can’t recommend a specialist, and that would be very rare, they will know someone who can. Don’t bypass your family doctor.

But sooner or later you will at least investigate your local residential treatment center for those with mental health conditions. They are not all the same but most will have a number of specialists including the following: a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a psychiatric nurse, an occupational therapist and a social worker. Each has a different role to play and it will help you to know what each does and for which type of condition.

A psychiatrist is able to prescribe drugs for your mental health condition. Psychiatrists are trained in assessing various types of mental illness and will even have a patient admitted to hospital if they think such a move is necessary.

A psychologist works more on relationships and how a person gets on within a family structure. They can run therapy sessions but do not prescribe drugs.

Some people with a mental health condition find they are unable or less able to perform certain tasks and if so, then an occupational therapist can come to your home, assess your needs and set up a program where you receive whatever assistance is required.

Visiting nurses are common particularly with elderly patients and a psychiatric nurse visits a person with a mental health condition and gives them whatever advice and assistance they can. It might be because the patient has difficulty in making the trip to the mental health treatment center.

Finally a social worker can help in a number of ways such as advising which form of community or local government support services are available.

Mental health problems can be depressing in themselves for both the patient and their family. But you should understand that there is a great deal of support in your community and, in short, help is at hand. Take heart from the range of resources and take advantage of the people and services they provide.

By: Jenna Brooklyn

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Improving Cardiovascular And Mental Health One Step At A Time

2009-08-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Improving Cardiovascular And Mental Health One Step At A Time

One of the most natural things that an individual does every day is to walk. For years, this single act has been linked to improving cardiovascular health. The reason is because, generally, walking is a safe movement that isn’t likely to cause injury. New studies have shown that walking is also a terrific way to improve your mood. The next time you are feeling a little blue, there may be a way to walk it off - literally.

A recent study paired individuals into groups, one of which spent 30 minutes on a treadmill and the other that participated in 30 minutes of rest. Each group’s progress was monitored throughout the treatment with a conclusion that both groups reported having less negative feelings at the end of the study, along with less stress and tension. The difference, however, was found when the group that spent 30 minutes walking also noted an overall improvement in well-being.

While the study further proves the theory that walking is good for mental health, as well as physical, it also lends credence to the theory that people who walk feel better overall. It also proves that an individual does not have to be outside in order to enjoy the benefits of walking. This simple exercise can be achieved with a treadmill or by simply walking in place while tuning into a favorite movie or television show.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having clinical depression or other illnesses should not ignore, or disregard, his/her medical treatment program. Walking is simply a way to sometimes add further improvement to certain conditions. A simple 30 minute walk can benefit an individual’s mood, improve cardiovascular health and combat obesity all at the same time.

In order to be effective, many people find that a daily walking schedule will help to keep them motivated and improve their spirits. In addition, a regular schedule will ensure that there is a time set aside for a walk. It’s very easy to think, “I’ll get around to it later,” but something more often than not will distract individuals away from exercise unless they have a certain schedule that is followed every day.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for an exercise regimen. Every individual should consult his/her physician prior to beginning any program consisting of diet and/or exercise.

By: Aurel Radulescu

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How To Manage Anxiety - 3 Tips For Better Mental Health

2009-06-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

How To Manage Anxiety - 3 Tips For Better Mental Health

Some people are termed worrywarts. They are those who always worry about their kids jumping too high on the trampoline or their husbands driving too fast. Their worries can be brought on by their pessimistic or cautious nature and this is quite normal.

However, when their worries become unrealistic to the point of inducing restlessness, headaches and insomnia, this becomes a whole new field called anxiety. Doctors often give advice on how to manage anxiety by prescribing medications to relieve the symptoms. However, most people would rather use natural methods and cure the root of their problem rather than depend on drugs for help.

There are many ways that anxiety can be curbed without taking prescription pills to stop the headaches or induce sleep. One has to understand that anxiety is a psychological disorder that manifests itself through headaches, sleeplessness, irritability, and difficulty focusing on one task, restlessness, muscle pain and general lethargy and in some cases, nausea. Treating these symptoms will not cure the anxiety.

It will only address the immediate symptoms but it will keep coming back. Managing anxiety is therefore a personal struggle that can be done through a simple change in lifestyle and some techniques that can help you along the way.

1. Positivism - For people who consider themselves pessimist, this might be as alien a concept as, well extraterrestrials. However, acknowledging the fact that there is a problem with how you look at things can help you treat anxiety. Try to look at the positive side of things, the half-full-glass aspect if you will. The mind is a powerful thing often exerting a powerful influence on the body. A state of positive thinking can improve and influence the workings of your nervous system, the digestive tracts, endocrine glands and the circulatory system.

2. Talk about it - It could be a friend, your partner or your parents. It doesn't matter as long as you relive yourself emotionally of the burden. If you have financial worries, it could help talking to your spouse, friend or family and try to figure out a solution to your problem. You can even consult a psychologist who can give you advice on how to manage anxiety. Being pro-active can shift all that worry and concentration to a more productive activity.

3. Engage in physical activities - Hit the gym, go on camping trips with your family or join the local volleyball or soccer team. These activities can help you ease your mind over the problems at hand. It will help you refrain from worrying and the endorphins that you get from exercising can give a lighter and happier mood. You can focus all that nervous energy into something more constructive. How you manage anxiety will only be a matter of mind over matter.

By: Howard Guy

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The Common Threads Of Our Mental Health

2009-06-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Common Threads Of Our Mental Health

Mental disorders are more common than you might think. As a society, we place people into categories so that our world will have a better since of order. For example, if you have symptoms of depression then you are tagged as a depressed person.

Likewise, if you have obsessive thought than you are considered OCD. But what if labeling is wrong? Maybe having a certain disorder isn't unusual or in need of a category. The line between a person with a disorder and one without is becoming blurred.

How many times have you checked the door to see if it is locked? You know you locked it but yet you still check more than once. How about anxiety? How many people have felt some level of anxiety in their life? What about phobias?

How many people do you know who have a fear of heights, spiders, roaches, public speaking or fear of failing? How many times have you felt down and out for a prolonged period of time? The answer to these questions is more than likely a lot.
So we all feel the same things. It is interesting to see that humans, universally, are very much alike. We have a lot of the same feelings, we think a lot of the same thoughts and we have the same desires. Universally, we share common threads, threads that invariably link us to one another. If we didn't feel the same, then we couldn't relate, sympathize or have empathy. There could be no communication. We all have said at some point, “I know how you feel.” This knowledge comes from experiencing and feeling the same thoughts and emotions.

Now, we all know that symptoms in one individual manifest at a greater strength than others. This is where the labeling comes in. We see a common strand intensified and we assume that that person has a problem separate from our own. If someone is sad, then they are just that, sad. But if their sadness is disrupting everyday life then they become categorized. Look, the purpose of this is not to debunk what has been years of research in psychology, but rather it is to make us aware that there is in fact, a common bond.

It is important that we understand that labels don’t define us. We are more than our symptoms. Often times, people with a “disorder” feel ostracized because of the disorder. They feel that because they suffer from depression, for instance, that they are a depressing person. It is imperative that we realize and accept that someone, maybe ourselves, have a label but we are not the label.

By: Eric Richardville

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How Do You Improve Your Mental Health

2009-05-14T04:35:00.000-07:00

How Do You Improve Your Mental Health

When most people think of health, they immediately think about physical health. Many make the mistake that ensuring the body is physically healthy is all a person needs to be healthy. While it is true that being physically healthy can impact a person’s mental health in a positive way, there are many people out there who suffer from poor mental health even though they are relatively physically healthy.

The fact is that a person’s mental health is just as important as a person’s physical health. Both go hand in hand with keeping a person happy and their body healthy. Think about how some people are when they have poor mental health? Their bodies tend to suffer as a result, whether it is by gaining excessive weight or they have developed a devastating addiction; both of these can lead to poor physical health.

Good mental health is extremely important if one wishes to ward of depression. However, if one believes they are suffering from some depression and are feeling unhappy or sad most days, there are some things a person can do in order to improve their mood and their mental health. The first is to get enough sleep. It can never be stressed enough that the average person in North America just doesn’t get enough sleep.

The lack of sleep can lead to fatigue and emotional behavior. It is also important that a person eat well. If the body isn’t getting the right nutrients or vitamins, a person’s mental health can be negatively affected because the body is lacking what it needs. Exercising can also improve a person’s mood and mental health. Changing up the regular routine or going out more with friends can also go a long way in improving the mood.

There are some people, however, who have a difficult time improving their mood and their mental health and the above suggestions don’t seem to work. It could be that the depression is being caused by some issues from the past, could be a hereditary condition or it could be that the person has been depressed for so long they don’t know how else to act. If any of these situations are the case, then consulting an online therapist might be a good idea. All one has to do is go online, do a quick search and then contact a therapist who is offering their services online.

Online therapy is becoming so common these days because it is convenient and it is an easy way of getting help without having to leave the home. Most people feel more comfortable with staying in there own home and consulting through online counseling. An online therapist can easily work with the patient to find out what might be causing their depression and they can then help the patient get out of their depression. Many people who have participated in online therapy for their depression have been successfully treated and are living better lives as a result. Anyone who believes they might be depressed and don’t know how to get out of it should contact an online counselor.

By: Dr. Jennifer B. Baxt, DMFT, NCC, DCC

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A Consideration Of Mental Health

2009-05-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

A Consideration Of Mental Health

Mental health is a phrase that gets tossed about a lot -- this is true especially during the few decades prior to this one -- but its full meaning often gets shorted. Casual mental health discussions usually focus on significant disorders: schizophrenic condition, bipolar condition, sociopathic tendencies, even Alzheimer's disease. But what gets left out in these sorts of discussions is how mental health affects each of our lives, without exception.

Mental health emphasis is typically on disorder. A person with some sort of a condition is mentally unhealthy, while a person free of condition possesses mental health. This sort of thinking is problematic in a couple of ways. Firstly, many people with legitimate mental health conditions go undiagnosed. The world is filled with the mentally and emotionally undiagnosed.

The second problem is that mental health is not simply an absence of a diagnosed condition, or presenting symptoms. In other words, mental health isn't simply about lacking; mental health is equally about having.

Being mentally healthy means a number of things: coping successfully with the setbacks life invariably presents; healthy relationships with loved ones; functional relations regular acquaintances -- coworkers, for example; and integrating successfully into general society. These traits can certainly be absent in people who don't show symptoms or indications of mental illness.

In the event that one does lack these coping and social interaction capabilities, would they be considered mentally ill? Very unlikely under current definitions. But perhaps current definitions should be changed. An argument could be made that the lack of coping or interaction skills does, in fact, indicate mental illness, particularly when acting out, or the use of drugs or alcohol, is a response to poor coping. Habitually angry or addicted people don't typically fall under the label of mentally ill. Were this to change, large numbers of people might be encouraged to get some form of mental health care.

The argument against broadening the definition of mental illness, and encouraging more people to seek psychological treatment, is that seeking psychological treatment for common dysfunction is overkill, is intrusive, and is akin to sedating large sections of the population. But mental health treatment needn't be oppressive, or sedating, at all. This is not a suggestion to pass out pharmaceuticals in bunches -- even more than they're being passed out already.

Mental health treatment, at its core, should emphasize the teaching of coping techniques. This is different than changing a person's reality. Let the reality remain the same: just change the dysfunctional strategies and methods people use to cope. This approach needn't involve using pharmaceutical treatment at all.

Mental health treatment has a long history, and during much of that history pharmaceuticals weren't even available. People don't need to use pharmaceuticals to treat basic emotional and psychological functioning. Let's get that truth out in the open, where it belongs.

By: Scotch Q. Ennis

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Good Mental Health - Perception, Reality, & Solutions

2009-04-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Good Mental Health - Perception, Reality, & Solutions
By O'Della Wilson

Good mental health is a real challenge these days. While we can say it's simply how we 'choose' to look at life and that is an accurate statement to some extent, perception will always differ person to person. It's that perception that leads one person to a different conclusion than another. Reality dictates the many complexities of something so complex [the brain] which still holds many unknowns is not such a simple thing.

Keeping a healthy mind is not always easy with the demands and responsibilities of today's society. While every family has challenges, some will have more than others. For some families the challenges can seem overwhelming. Regardless of what your family's personal challenges might be, a healthy attitude makes for a happier life.

The problem for most of us, is when a crisis hits us personally, we are rarely prepared. Even those with great coping skills can be caught off guard when tragedy strikes.

So how do we change this? Is there even a way to prepare for the expected, much less the unexpected? Simply stated: Yes! Although getting there is not so simple. It is a process, through practice, that is applied on a daily basis. Some days will require great effort to obtain a balance of thought. Other days, the process will flow with great ease. And unfortunately, there will be days where no matter how hard we try, balance will elude us at every turn.

The good news is that we have the power to minimize those days of unbalance and create a positive balance for all others. We must change the way we 'feed' our mind. As with our body, a healthy intake will provide a healthy balance. But first, we must have a plan of progress, to utilize and refine a positive process in our daily lives. Just as sleep, food, and breathing are daily prerequisites, maintaining a healthy mindset must be placed in this category.

Unlike breathing, eating or sleeping, positivity does not come so naturally though. So we must practice a healthy mindset for it to become a naturally occurring presence in our lives. Just as we learned to read, write or use mathematics by practice and use, we can also learn the skills of maintaining good mental health.

The best approach to implementing this practice is upon waking. Your state of mind upon waking and how you 'choose' your attitude in facing each new day, can drastically alter the way your day progresses. If we focus on ALL the things we have before us each day, we will start the day feeling overwhelmed and defeated.
Each new day is a present, a precious gift that affords us the opportunity to improve upon past days. We possess and acquire new experience every day of our lives.

We tend not to think in these terms, but rather we focus on the shortcomings of our prior decisions. This must be your next step (change) to a positive healthy mind.

Rather than focusing on the negative, we must find the positive of every situation. There is a positive side to every situation. And for those times of personal loss, we must focus on the thought of a greater unknown cause. While that might sound cliche' it can be your lifeline in those darkest hours.

Most of us have such a hectic schedule that the slightest variation can alter every successive task that ensues the rest of our day. It is at this point, for many of us, that our thinking and outlook shifts into a negative mode. I have often heard people say, "this has ruined my entire day" or "this has ruined all my plans for the day!" With that shift in thinking where one expects bad things to follow, that is exactly what one will find. We find only what we seek! So, it becomes crucial at that point [altered plans, unexpected events] that we maintain a positive focus.

Each event that alters our plan must be thought of as an 'individual' event; and the last such [altered or unexpected] event of the day. Expecting the rest of our day to exceed our expectations will keep us focused with a positive outlook of expectations.

For those days where it seems everything has gone wrong, we must look at those days as learning tools. Make note of your reaction and how you chose to handle the given situations. Is there a way you could have handled or resolved your situation better? If so, store that memory as a coping skill. If not, you must think of it as a learning tool you haven't yet mastered or an event that served a future purpose. That future purpose being of a significant or better outcome in the long term of all things. Either way, it is not something to 'dwell' upon; thus you must allow your mind to release the experiences.

Think of your mind as a massive database, containing tens of thousands of files with subcategories. The thought can be rather overwhelming. Yet, if our mindset is of a different state, the thought is rather comforting and reassuring. Allow me to elaborate this thought to you:

You enter a large room, lined with one file cabinet after another, row after row. Each of those cabinets contain several drawers, that contain one file after another. Some drawers are packed tightly with folder after folder, each folder contains a massive amount of documents within. Each of those documents contain massive amounts of information and facts. Trying to process all of these aspects, containing all of these facts and information at once ... the impact of all these things at once is mind boggling and overwhelming. The most astute mind can shut down.

Now, let's look at this from a different perspective - You enter a large room, just like the one presented above. Rather than allowing your mind to overload with thoughts of the massive amounts of information here [more than you could ever process or absorb], let's focus instead on our most eminent need for the moment. The information that will 'feed' our current needs. We approach the first few cabinets and find they are labeled, thus a system is in place.

Now we can set our focus on only one cabinet, the one which contains the information we need presently. But, remembering that for every future need we might have, we can return later and focus on that particular cabinet containing the information for that current need. Our perception becomes one of a positive mindset, with the assurance our needs will be met today and in future also. At this point this room is no longer overwhelming, but one of comfort.

With the proper mindset, a healthy mind will follow. With enough practice it becomes habit, which takes less effort. The less our brain is taxed, the more focused we are and the more energy we reserve. This focus and reserve will carry us through those future circumstances of the 'unexpected' that tend to deplete us so completely otherwise. With the proper mindset, one can extract the positive from the negative. The more positive our focus remains, the happier our lives will be. And while there are physical conditions beyond our control, we all possess the ability to maintain good mental health. And, good mental health can actually improve poor physical health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=O'Della_Wilson

Men And The Issue Of Mental Health

2009-03-22T19:02:00.001-07:00

Men And The Issue Of Mental Health

They usually wait six months before getting help or advice and some men, in fact around 50% of them, may even wait a year if they feel ill. Of course, if they break a bone or two, they will attend a clinic, but that’s usually because they have no alternative. If men thought a broken bone would “clear up” given time, they would struggle on with it. This unusual attitude from a normally logical and clever species is down partly to nature, but it also has an awful lot to do with old-fashioned attitudes. Thankfully, modern men are becoming more health conscious than previous generations of men.

A typical modern young dude cares deeply about how he looks and not just about his attire, hair and skin. Underneath the right clothes for him, is the best body in the world and regular visits to the gym ensure that it stays that way. Of course, health checks are becoming more necessary today for insurance and other types of health cover, and these reasons have encouraged more men than ever to have regular physical health checks. Yet they still seem very reluctant to discuss emotional problems.

Even the very word ‘emotion’ sends some men reaching for their keys because they’ve suddenly remembered they should be elsewhere. This reluctance to discuss the issues surrounding emotions and mental health has had disastrous results for some men. In the U.K. alone, suicides outnumber deaths from car accidents in men between the ages of 15 and 34. This is a definite indicator that the mental health needs of men are being overlooked by themselves or by society.

Admitting they’ve had enough will help and little things can be done to ease the stress on their brains. For example, less time on mobile phones will reduce any high blood pressure levels raised because of radio frequency electromagnetic constriction. A glass or two of wine at the end of a busy day is beneficial, but too much alcohol leads to depression. Eating the correct, mood enhancing, foods, such as tuna, milk, yogurt and chicken, all of which contain tryptophan, will help men’s minds. Taking the car less and walking more, or taking the car out of town to a place where they can walk far, take photographs, or just daydream and blow the cobwebs away, will help. Even in the direst of circumstances, laughter too, is a tonic.

By: Curt Sterling

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alzheimers Disease And Mental Health Treatment

2009-02-23T23:56:00.001-08:00

Alzheimers Disease And Mental Health Treatment

One of the most insidious forms of dementia affecting the elderly today is Alzheimer's disease which is characterized by a gradual but increasing loss of memory about normal everyday occurrences. We all suffer slight memory loss which is quite normal but as Alzheimer's progresses this condition becomes much more severe.

The availability of information surrounding the condition has never been greater so it is worth arming yourself if you think someone close may have the early signs of the disease so you can visit your physician at an early stage. Fortunately the advent of the internet has made it easier to find information relating to Alzheimer's disease and what if any, treatments are available but other sources can help to like outreach organizations and of course you doctor.

The slow and devastating progression of Alzheimer's can strike any gender and any socioeconomic portion of society. Public knowledge of the condition grew when the media started reporting on it when the late ex president of America, Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago.

Information on Alzheimer's disease is necessary so that family and friends can keep an eye on one another as we age but now new drugs to slow or inhibit the progression of Alzheimer's are being released into the market regularly in the hope that the disease process may one day be halted and a cure found. To make matters worse, if current statistics are to be believed then ten percent of those over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's at varying stages of development.

This figure rises to fifty percent for those aged 85 years and older but the problem is that Alzheimer's is not a natural age related disease. This figure relates to a massive forty million people in just America having this condition by the year 2050 with costs for each patient around 40 thousand dollars a year.

Additional Alzheimer's disease information studies have shown a hereditary link for acquiring Alzheimer's, and that in such cases, family members in their late 40's and early 50's are contracting the disease. Knowledge of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's can be useful if you notice that someone close is having problems with severe memory loss or is having a problem with basic language.

The condition also has other symptoms which can also be easily recognized such as the person is often confused and cannot think clearly which will often cause mood swings as they do not understand what is going on. Early recognition has been proved to be successful in the slowing down of this incurable disease but it requires we learn what symptoms to look for before we contact a doctor.

Do not delay seeking medical treatment if you believe you know someone whether a loved one or not may have the condition as it can make all the difference.

By: Thulas Sukati

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mental Health Problem

2009-01-15T06:34:00.000-08:00

Mental Health Problem

Research indicates that around 1 in 4 of us will experience some kind of a mental health problem at some point in our lives. We cannot predict who they will be and we cannot identify one single cause but instead it would appear that a combination of biochemical, psychological, environmental and even genetic factors can all play a role in triggering a mental health problem.

The most common types of mental health problems are anxiety related disorders and depression. Many very mild cases of anxiety and depression can be alleviated or even eliminated by learning some simple self help techniques and sometimes it can be a matter of just making some simple lifestyle adjustments. If you are feeling slightly stressed, a bit down in the dumps or a little anxious, then you could try the following to see if they make a difference.

Self help techniques

• Identify any worries you have and speak about how you feel with friends and loved ones
• Cut down on alcohol, smoking, tea, coffee and other stimulants
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Make sure you are getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet in the form of oily fish twice a week or fish oil supplements
• Try to relax or even meditate and spend some time each day just for yourself
• Make sure you are getting enough exercise

However, if you are feeling excessively anxious or panicky or worried or if the way you are feeling is affecting your ability to get on with your day to day routines then you shouldn't try to deal with it on your own. In these cases it won't just go away so you should discuss how you feel with your doctor at the earliest opportunity who may decide to prescribe some medication if he or she feels it might help, or in certain cases you could also be offered some form of talking therapy or counselling or even a combination of treatments.

Anxiety and depression can also mask other potentially more serious mental problems so any indication of mental distress should be taken seriously. Without appropriate help and treatment, mental illness can continue for years and the individual concerned will suffer needlessly. So what are the main symptoms to look out for?

Recognising there is a problem

Most of the following symptoms can be experienced by any one of us at times and can be a perfectly normal part of life. It is when the symptoms are prolonged and persistent in that they have continued for more than a couple of weeks and when they interfere with normal routines and day to day living that some form of depressive disorder is indicated and you may need some sort of treatment or clinical intervention in order to help you get back to your old self.

• Persistent feelings of sadness, loneliness or despair
• Feeling tired or lethargic most of the time
• Feeling unworthy and guilty and deserving of punishment or blame
• Sleep disturbances which can either be sleeping too much or not sleeping at all
• Changes in eating patterns and associated weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of libido and lack of interest in sex
• Feeling anxious and fearful most of the time for no apparent reason
• Emotional outbursts or displaying anger and hostility to others without real cause
• Unable to think clearly or have difficulty making decisions
• Talking or thinking about death and suicide
• Attempted suicide

Another more potentially serious type of depressive disorder is bipolar disorder (manic depression) which is believed to affect around 1 in every 100 people. Bipolar is a lifelong disorder characterised by extreme fluctuations in mood from manic episodes or "highs" to depressive episodes or "lows". There is no set pattern and each individual will experience it differently. Some additional symptoms to look out for include the following:

• An increase in energy and activity, feeling restless
• Experiencing excessively high and euphoric moods
• Racing thoughts, talking quickly, jumping from one idea to another
• Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
• Poor judgment, spending sprees, unrealistic ideas
• A lasting period of behaviour that is markedly different from usual
• Provocative or aggressive behaviour
• Denial that anything is wrong

Conclusion

If you suspect that you or someone close to you is suffering from any kind of mental health problem then it is important to speak to a doctor. Untreated mental health problems can have a devastating effect on just about every area of life including family, relationships and work, not to mention quality of life in general.

Many people are afraid of admitting that they might have a mental health problem and see it is a sign of weakness. This is simply not the case. People with mental health problems cannot help how they feel and behave, but even in the most serious cases, the right treatment can dramatically improve the symptoms and the illness can be controlled. Mental health problems on the whole are treatable and the majority of people who seek help will find that they can regain control of their lives and go on to make a full recovery.

By: David McEvoy

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alternative Approaches To Mental Health Care

2009-01-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

Alternative Approaches To Mental Health Care

An alternative approach to mental health care that emphasizes the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit can play an important role in recovery and healing. Although some people with mental health problems recover using alternative methods alone, most people combine them with other, more traditional treatments such as therapy and, perhaps, medication. It is crucial, however, to consult with your health care providers about the approaches you are using to achieve mental wellness.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the alternative therapies that are getting a lot of attention for mental health. In this practice, your body is regarded as a system of energetic pathways. When one of these pathways is disrupted, it can cause mental health problems. When the acupuncturist identifies the blocked pathway, however, and then inserts a needle into the area, they can help to improve the energy movement, reducing the mental health symptoms. Though this was once dismissed as a false science, more studies are showing that these needle treatments do work - and they can work in the long term. You can find acupuncture practitioners in nearly every city by heading to your local phone book.

Exercise and Diet

While this may not be considered alternative, most people wouldn't think that lifestyle changes could contribute to their mental health. But it's true. Since your body is comprised of a vast number of systems that require the proper nutrition and blood flow in order to work properly, it stands to reason that taking on healthy habits will allow you to also improve the mental health of your body. Nerve cells that are well-nourished may be better able to stay balanced. An attempt to add thirty minutes of exercise to every day and eating a healthier diet is a great start.

meditation

Used for centuries, the practice of meditation is still considered a great way to calm the mind and often still any mental health disorders. By sitting in a comfortable position and simply trying to clear the thoughts from your mind, people have noticed they feel more centered and serene. A person does not have to sit in a lotus position or even chant in order for this practice to work. Take about ten minutes a day to sit in a quiet place in your home (wearing headphones to drown out noises if you can't find peace and quiet) and simply let any thoughts that enter into the mind out again. Whenever you begin to think about something, just let it go and focus on your breathing. In time, you will have fewer and fewer thoughts, helping to relax your body as well as your mental issues.

Massage therapy: The underlying principle of this approach is that rubbing, kneading, brushing, and tapping a person's muscles can help release tension and pent emotions. It has been used to treat trauma-related depression and stress. A highly unregulated industry, certification for massage therapy varies widely from State to State. Some States have strict guidelines, while others have none.

Prayer

When you believe in something greater than yourself, research is shows that you might have a smaller chance of mental health issues. There seems to be something about recognizing the idea that you aren't in control of everything, so when you give that control to someone or something else through prayer, you can begin to find balance in life. By simply sitting down and praying each day, you can begin to establish your place in the world.

Music/Sound Therapy: It is no coincidence that many people turn on soothing music to relax or snazzy tunes to help feel upbeat. Research suggests that music stimulates the body's natural "feel good" chemicals (opiates and endorphins). This stimulation results in improved blood flow, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing, and posture changes. Music or sound therapy has been used to treat disorders such as stress, grief, depression, schizophrenia, and autism in children, and to diagnose mental health needs.

By: Franchis

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alternative Treatments For Mental Health

2008-12-19T00:15:00.000-08:00

Alternative Treatments For Mental Health

Considering all of the prescription medications for mental health issues, it seems like they would be the first line of defense against mental health problems. However, while many of these medications can help, there is some speculation that they may not be as helpful as once believed. With a number of uncomfortable side effects as well as concerns about an increased risk of suicide, more mental health clients are looking for alternative treatments for mental health. By taking the natural route, they hope to avoid the dangerous side effects while still getting the help they need.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the alternative therapies that are getting a lot of attention for mental health. In this practice, your body is regarded as a system of energetic pathways. When one of these pathways is disrupted, it can cause mental health problems. When the acupuncturist identifies the blocked pathway, however, and then inserts a needle into the area, they can help to improve the energy movement, reducing the mental health symptoms. Though this was once dismissed as a false science, more studies are showing that these needle treatments do work - and they can work in the long term. You can find acupuncture practitioners in nearly every city by heading to your local phone book.

Exercise and Diet

While this may not be considered alternative, most people wouldn't think that lifestyle changes could contribute to their mental health. But it's true. Since your body is comprised of a vast number of systems that require the proper nutrition and blood flow in order to work properly, it stands to reason that taking on healthy habits will allow you to also improve the mental health of your body. Nerve cells that are well-nourished may be better able to stay balanced. An attempt to add thirty minutes of exercise to every day and eating a healthier diet is a great start.

meditation

Used for centuries, the practice of meditation is still considered a great way to calm the mind and often still any mental health disorders. By sitting in a comfortable position and simply trying to clear the thoughts from your mind, people have noticed they feel more centered and serene. A person does not have to sit in a lotus position or even chant in order for this practice to work. Take about ten minutes a day to sit in a quiet place in your home (wearing headphones to drown out noises if you can't find peace and quiet) and simply let any thoughts that enter into the mind out again. Whenever you begin to think about something, just let it go and focus on your breathing. In time, you will have fewer and fewer thoughts, helping to relax your body as well as your mental issues.

Prayer

When you believe in something greater than yourself, research is shows that you might have a smaller chance of mental health issues. There seems to be something about recognizing the idea that you aren't in control of everything, so when you give that control to someone or something else through prayer, you can begin to find balance in life. By simply sitting down and praying each day, you can begin to establish your place in the world.

Journaling

You might also find that writing down your feelings is a good way to decompress after a stressful day. Some people also find writing down bad feelings and then burning up the pages is quite cathartic. By keeping a journal of your thoughts, you can begin to see patterns in your mental health and thus begin to make changes in your life to prevent low moods from taking over.

By: Craig Elliott

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mental Health Care

2008-12-10T00:48:00.000-08:00

Mental Health Care
By Mary Rose

Mental Health Care is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. There are various facets to mental illness. The most heard and common are Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, dementia etc.These generally stem out of depression. Let us try and analyze how and why depression sets in.

Depression is one of most common mental illness and can be cured by timely mental health care. It can include both emotional and physical symptoms. Both types are controlled by chemicals called neurotransmitters. Depression does have other symptoms which we usually associate with emotional distress; such as unexplained aches and pains, or digestive problems.

The first step in Mental Health care is to find out how and why these illness occur.Everyone feels down at times, but long-term or severe symptoms may indicate a mood disorder, such as major depression which is also called clinical depression. Dysthymia is a less severe form. Bipolar disorder which was formerly known as manic depression involves alternating episodes of depression and mania. Postpartum depression occurs within a year of childbirth.

Although emotional symptoms have traditionally been used to detect depression, research shows that physical symptoms are also very common and should not be overlooked. The body has nerve pathways that determine how it handles pain sensations and emotions.

The spinal cord is the central 'street' along which the messages go back and forth to the organs, nerves and cells. These messages are relayed by neurotransmitters in the brain, and regulate emotions and sensitivity to pain. However when these neurotransmitters go out of balance, a person can become depressed and is more likely to feel pain or other physical symptoms.

The next step in mental health care is to find out the ways of checking whether an individual is under Depression. The following is the checklist: Is the individual in an irritable mood much of the time? Has he/she lost interest or the pleasure in life? Is the person experiencing constant feeling of excessive guilt? Is there a reduced level of concentration and significant weight gain or weight loss when he/she is not actually dieting?

The other symptoms which can be related to depression are:Unexplained lack of sleep, excessive sleepiness and fatigue. Excessive restlessness or complete listlessness,Recurrent thoughts of suicide,Difficulty in managing diabetes or other chronic illness,Aches or pains that don't improve,Digestive problems, headaches, backaches, chest pain or occasional dizziness and Family history of depression.

The mental health care for the above discussed is to consult a doctor if one manifests five or more of the above symptoms.

Depression and related mental ailments is a biological illness. It needs attention as much as any other illness. Patients need support and patience from friends and family members, while counseling and medication can be treatment options. Medication should be taken as directed by a doctor and may be continued for weeks or months to prevent recurrences.

source :http://ezinearticles.com/?Mental-Health-Care&id=847170

Tips To Recover From Your Mental Health

2008-11-26T18:28:00.000-08:00

Tips To Recover From Your Mental Health

Most of us suffer from mental health problems, though in varying degrees. Although mental ill-health affects so many people, there is still no proper definition as to what mental health problems are and what methods are needed to recover. It is reported that at least 1 in 10 young people and around 1 in 4 adults experience mental health problem at some time in their lives. Mental health can mean a wide range of symptoms and disorders - like depression, anxiety, self-harm, violent tendencies, schizophrenia and various types of mania. The mental health problems can develop at any time in one’s life and each person’s experience can be unique and can last from several weeks to even a lifetime.

People suffering from mental ill-health will think, feel or behave abnormally. This can be confusing not only for them but can affect their relationships, their work or education, and their social life. Having a mental health problem can create difficulties for all family members, friends, and the people they interact with. Mental health problems are usually caused by a variety of factors including breakdown in a relationship, death of a family member or a close friend, bullying, abuse, divorce, separation from parents or loved ones, stress born of a person’s current situation. Mental health can happen suddenly without prior indications or get built up over time.

When people first begin to experience mental health difficulties they may not be able to fathom what is happening. In several instances, people tend to deny that anything is wrong with them or even suppress information. Their reasons for doing this could be embarrassment, a sense of shame or fear of other people’s reactions. There is no denying the fact that mental health results in social stigma. Please remember that there is a lot of support available to help people recover from mental health problems - in terms of counseling, therapy, medication and treatment in hospital. Different treatments are recommended for different types of mental illnesses. With the right support, the majority of people with mental health problems will surely recover.

Mental health saps your energy, hope, ambition and drive, sometimes making it difficult to do even the normal day-to-day activities. Although overcoming depression may not be quick or easy, it certainly is not impossible. Feeling completely better may take time, but you can get there if you make positive choices for yourself each day and draw on the support of your loved ones. Recovering from depression calls for positive action but taking action when you’re depressed is hard. Some simple things you need to do are physical exercise, eating right food and rating regularly, sleeping at least for six hours, going out for walks in open areas, interacting with loved ones, avoiding loneliness, refusing to think negatively etc. . You probably already know that these things will help you overcome depression but following these rules are not easy when you are depressed. This is the Catch-22 situation of depression recovery. The symptoms of depression such as fatigue, despondency, incoherent thinking, and low self-esteem make it difficult to take the necessary steps to recovery. A realistic recovery plan therefore involves taking responsibility for the choices and changes you do have control over and avoiding the things you cannot control.

All forms of mental illnesses are treatable if the patient receives competent professional care. Psychologists are among the licensed and highly trained mental health providers with years of experience studying depression and helping patients recover from it. Unfortunately, there is some social stigma associated with seeking help for emotional and mental health problems as feelings of depression often are viewed as a sign of weakness rather than as a signal that something is out of balance. Persons suffering from mental health who do not seek help suffer needlessly. Unexpressed feelings and concerns accompanied by a sense of isolation can worsen mental health. The importance of obtaining timely professional health care is the need of the only answer for mental maladies.

By: Sharon Samraj

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Teen Mental Health

2008-11-10T23:28:00.000-08:00

Teen Mental Health
by Wouter Van Dyck

Mental disorders that are noticed during childhood or a person’s adolescence are usually seen to last in that person even after the person has turned into an adult.

Researches say that mental syndromes developed during childhood seem to affect the person’s attitude and lifestyle harmfully in the later stages of his life.

This includes physical ailments like asthma or allergies, persistent pain, headaches or migraine, epilepsy and even heart disorders. In some children vision and hearing problems have also been noticed who have underdone some sort of mental health disorders.

Among the adolescent range these mental disorders have been found in the range of depression, substance and anxiety disorders, or personality syndromes in the categories of paranoia or schizophrenia.

Children who have been subjected to stress at earlier ages have been seen to show the symptoms of this condition.

Although parents might not be able to understand the reasons behind their children’s stress, there are a lot of ways in which a child can be subjected to stress. Most of the stress is observed in children from external agents like friends, school and family.

But it may even include serious issues like child abuse, or discrimination or may be, even self generated stress. This stress or anxiety can even be observed in kids as old as two years to kids who are in the pre-school level leaving their parents for the sake of their education.

In recent years, there have been several studies and researches regarding mental health issues in which people with health disorders in their childhood had been compared with people who were in good mental health.

The research was based on the questioning of the volunteering participants, in which they were asked questions about their lifestyle, their physical and psychological health condition, their relationships and about their everyday home and office chores.

The research results have shown that the participants that had past records of ill-health were in worse physical health in their adulthoods compared to the ones who had not gone through any of the mental health disorders.

The ones with mental disorders were also investigated to have had relationship problems and personality disorders in their adulthood in greater number of occasions than the ones that haven’t undergone these syndromes.

Some of the reported problems that the adults with health disorders faced were poor psychological conditions together with problems with their communities and insecurity of their lives and homes.

These patients have been observed to suffer more in all the aspects of their lives than the ones who were mentally healthy.

With the improvement in technology and medicine together with the growing concern of people towards teen mental disorders, we can rescue the future or our present world by treating these adolescents at early stages by recognising the symptoms and the signs.

With early diagnosis and good care, these children can overcome these mind barriers and start living their lives happily, being fruitful to the society and themselves.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Teen-Mental-Health&id=543969

How Does Physical Health Affect Mental Health?

2008-11-04T02:40:00.000-08:00

How Does Physical Health Affect Mental Health?
By Dr. Jennifer Baxt, DMFT

Believe it or not, physical health can have a large influence on a person's mental health. In fact, it is found that people who are more active and more physically fit tend to be happier people overall. While this may not be true for everyone, good physical health can certainly increase the chances of better mental health. Does this mean that better physical health can cure depression? Not necessarily.

There are many different types of depression and different people suffer depression for different reasons. Some depression is genetic, some is caused by a traumatic event and for others there does not to be any specific cause for the individual to be suffering from depression.

Good physical health is just another way for someone to lesson the chances of falling into a depression. For some, more exercise can actually help them with their depression because it gets them more active and allows less time for dwelling on things that bother the person. In fact, some have deemed exercise as a natural antidepressant.

Viewing exercise as a natural antidepressant, one has to wonder how this would affect the mind. Apparently, studies have shown that exercising increases activity in the hippocampus and the frontal lobes, releases endorphins in the body, as well as possibly increases the production of certain types of neurotransmitters that improve a person's mood.

Studies and research is still being done to further the understanding of how exercising and improving an individual's physical health can positively influence the state of their mental health. Besides looking at exercise as a natural antidepressant and looking at other reasons why being more fit can actually improve a person's outlook on their selves, one has to think about the many other benefits of exercising that can make a person happier overall. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress after a long day and difficult day.

It also helps get the body into better physical condition that can make a person look and feel more attractive. It will also help to reduce chances of developing diseases, such as any number of heart problems, cancers or diabetes, which can have a negative impact on an individual's mental health.

The more one thinks about it, the more they realize that the physical state of their body can have an incredibly large impact on their mental state. A person who is not in good physical condition have a tendency to feel more self-conscious of their selves or even have less confidence in their selves. This example clearly shows how a person's physical health can impact either positively or negatively on a person's mental health. While exercise is a great way to try and improve mood, confidence and avoid depression, anyone experiencing depression should still contact a therapist.

Online therapy is available for anyone who needs to talk to someone who can help them work through their depression. Exercise is a decent treatment for some, but an online therapist can also greatly increase the chances of an individual getting rid of their depression. Many people with depression who have seriously wanted to improve their lives and get out of their depression have consulted an online therapist. Online counseling is so effective that most people who consult an online counselor or therapist are successfully.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Does-Physical-Health-Affect-Mental-Health?&id=1439770

A Quick Guide To Mental Health Care

2008-11-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

A Quick Guide To Mental Health Care
By Wade Robins

More and more people are afflicted with mental health issues today. The incidence of mental problems has risen gradually over the last decade as a direct result of the lives we lead. Everyone in society is stressed, rushing around constantly and has no time at all to relax.

Depression can set in as a result of this or of a dissolved marriage, a death in the family, after giving birth and for a huge variety of other reasons. People tend to work through depression as best they can because they do not want to have it on their record as a result of the stigma. That could actually harm their chances of getting employment in the future. However, as society is beginning to get more clued up about depression, it is essential that everybody have provisions for mental health care.

Depression is just one of the mental illnesses that people can actually suffer from but it is in fact the most common. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and this can result in mood swings, low self-esteem and self-harm.

However, people generally tend to hide it very well so that, when they do get treatment, the ailment has already gone on to the point that the individual sufferer has gone as low as they can possibly go. It is at this point that they actually need mental health care treatment. It is only mental health care treatment that can save them from themselves and restore them to health at this point.

It is not only mental health care treatment that is required at this stage because someone who suffers from depression cannot drag him or herself out of it on their own. They need a good support network and friends and family who understand what they are going through. They often need someone on the outside to show them a degree of understanding too so they know that they are not going mad and are in fact perfectly normal.

Mental health care workers are perfect for this role. Whilst some individuals turn their noses up at mental health care workers, it is not fair to consider them as individuals that cannot help. The profession is needed now more than ever so a certain degree of understanding is required on the part of the sufferer too.

Mental health care may also incorporate the need for anti-depressants or other similar medication. Some individuals may be able to resolve their mental health problems without the need for medication, but others will not.

However, you should only take something for depression when a mental health care professional prescribes them. It is an illness and is rarely made up because of the stigma attached. As a result, society should have a little more understanding

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Quick-Guide-To-Mental-Health-Care&id=670925

How to Keep Your Mental Health for Sure

2008-11-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

How to Keep Your Mental Health for Sure
By Christina Sponias

Many people believe that our dreams are only a representation of what happened to us during the day or a disorganized collection of images without any purpose.

However, recent discoveries in biology, neurology and psychiatry, which are related to psychology and the interpretation of dreams, have revealed to us that the interpretation of our own dreams helps us prevent and cure depression, neurosis and worse mental illnesses, because the wise unconscious mind that produces our dreams is the same one that creates the behavioral programs which exist in all animals.

These programs allow wild animals to survive in their dangerous environment even when they are still young, since they have many natural enemies. Even before learning how to defend themselves, they already "know what to do" when they see an enemy or when they are hungry and they have to pursue and attack their prey: These behaviors are instinctive.

The organization of the behavioral programs and the organization which exists in dreams is the same.

As a matter of fact, everything in the nature of our planet is very well organized, exactly because there is a superior brain that organizes everything, otherwise we would live in a chaotic condition.

This superior brain sends us many dreams in order to protect our mental health from the attacks of the wild side of our conscience. The wild side provokes paranoia, dementia, hallucinations and various other disturbances to the human conscience, which in turn becomes totally absurd and unable to control the person's behavior.

The unconscious mind has a saintly character and its wisdom is beyond any doubt. Its guidance is always correct and it can cure any disease, mental or physical, if the dreamer precisely follows the directions they receive in their own dreams.

If you want to acquire mental health, and live peacefully and happily for life, you must first of all eliminate the wild and violent part of your brain and psyche.

You cannot kill it of course, because this is a live part of you. This is the animal that exists inside you, even though you ignore its existence. The anti-conscience, your primitive conscience that didn't pass through the process of consciousness that your human conscience passed through, is an active part of your personality.

This is your wild side, and your human side has to tame it, otherwise the anti-conscience will always bother you and the worse, it will always try to destroy your humanity through craziness.

Your dreams provide you psychotherapy and counselling, exactly because you need them very much! Alone, you'll never be able to tame the beast and reach wisdom, while with the help of the unconscious mind in your dreams, you are going to easily see all the points that have to be improved and corrected, instead of wasting your time searching in the wrong direction and doing the wrong things.

I see from the dreams that people send me to interpret, and from their biographies, that they are too immature.

For example, a young lady who was very sad, told me in her first message that she wanted to die. Later she told me that she was thinking about having a baby. Perhaps it would help her feel needed - she imagined that she would feel better by feeling needed because she was feeling despised by everyone.

What do you think about her idea?

I think that she really needs a psychologist. Fortunately she can find one, the best one, interpreting her own dreams.

If a person has suicidal thoughts a baby would be a disaster in their lives. Only those that don't have kids may imagine that a child can help someone ready to die have courage to live... The baby needs too much care, support and caution in the beginning. Then it makes too much noise, it requires too much attention, etc. and it is the mother, especially, who is always responsible for it.

Even a woman, happily married, feels tired with a new baby, and sad with the alterations in her own body. Post partum depression is very common.

So, if a person is not emotionally strong, the responsibility for another life can only provoke despair.

The joy and the happiness of having a child is not enough to help the depressed mother forget her pain in her constant preoccupation and occupation with the baby.

People make many mistakes in their judgments and their thoughts are quite immature. Everyone needs the guidance of the unconscious mind, exactly because everyone can easily lose their human conscience.

The various deceptions in a person's life only help the anti-conscience destroy the human conscience through craziness.

This is why everyone must care about their dreams and respect the wise guidance they receive from the superior unconscious mind.

Many times we cannot see obvious mistakes and many times the small mistakes cause very big wounds.

This is why the wisest decision you can make today, after learning how important your dreams are and how dangerous the wild side of your conscience is, is exactly to care about your dreams and take notes, interpreting them with the unique scientific method that exactly translates their meaning, so that you may preserve your mental health for sure

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Keep-Your-Mental-Health-for-Sure&id=1161362

How a Mental Health Disorder Can Affect Your Life

2008-11-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

How a Mental Health Disorder Can Affect Your Life
By Ian J Spencer

There are many different types of mental health disorders in this world. Mental disorders do not discriminate, they do not care what color of skin you have, how much money you make, where you live, what religion you practice, whether you are young or old, male or female. The impact these mental health disorders can have on your life can be severe. This is why it is important that you pay attention to any symptoms that you have of mental disorders and seek appropriate treatment for them.

Everyone at some point or another will experience anxiety, especially in the face of life changing events. It is also normal to occasional feel down in the dumps. However, when these feelings fill your days and inhibit your ability to function and perform normal daily activities well, it is time for you to seek help from a medical professional. Below is list of some of the most common types of mental disorders faced by people today.

Panic Attacks

A person that is experiencing a panic attack can be overwhelmed with fear and panic. Depending on the severity of the attack, some people may experience heart palpitations, increased breathing, feeling as if they were going to die, that they are all alone and a sense of helplessness. Panic attacks impact your life greatly because they can inhibit the way you function and enjoy life. When you feel that you are going to suffer from a panic attack soon, stop doing everything and take a break instead. You do not want to trigger an attack and put your health at unnecessary risk.

Phobias

These are anxiety disorders that are associated with an extreme fear of an object, a place or a situation. This fear goes above and beyond what is considered as "normal." When it comes to phobias, there are hundreds of different types of them. They range from fear of leaving the house to the fear of bugs, to the fear of heights and everything else in between. A person that suffers from a phobia will do everything they can to avoid the thing or situation. When they do encounter their fear, they will experience intense anxiety which can lead to panic attacks and all the other symptoms associated with a panic attack.

Depression

It is important to note that depression is more than a period of feeling down, feeling sad and discontented with life. Depression takes place when these feelings last for more than two or three weeks. With depression, there is a loss of enjoyment and happiness. You will feel sad, lethargic, have difficulties sleeping, make changes in your diet, and even contemplate death and suicide.

OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This is another mental health disorder that falls under anxiety disorders. Basically, this is an obsessive or irrational thought that leads to ritualistic behaviors or compulsions. Such as a person who has an obsession with cleanliness will spend an enormous amount of time cleaning and disinfecting. They may even wear gloves, insist that you put on footies over your shoes prior to entering their homes, that if they even let you in. Other examples include constantly checking and rechecking doors to see if they are closed and locked.

As you cans see, suffering from a mental health disorder can affect your life dramatically. This is why you need to be able to identify the problems that you are suffering from and find ways to effectively manage and control them.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?How-a-Mental-Health-Disorder-Can-Affect-Your-Life&id=1353318

Love and Mental Health

2008-11-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Love and Mental Health
By Christina Sponias

Love matters are the first ones that provoke various abnormalities to your conscience and to your behavior.

If you desire to keep your mental health and the person you love near you for life, you have to pay attention to many details you are not considering now.

The details you have to pay attention to are so many that without guidance, you are not going to discover them.

The personality of each person is an entire world. Besides all the characteristics of each one's psychological type, there are many characteristics that are the result of the imitation of other people's behavior and several other factors that determine the person's reactions, which are simply inherited and belong to the cognitive mechanism of the human being, who follows behavior patterns like all animals.

Living with company is not easy.

Sharing your life with someone else is a very delicate question that demands caution and preparation.

If you make a mistake, or many mistakes, you'll easily lose your mental health, because love plays the most important role in your life and when you are in love you are like a blind slave of the person that imprisons your heart.

Therefore you agree to do the most absurd things in order to posses the person you desire, to keep them near you even if they don't want to, to block their freedom, to make them love you too, to force various situations to your favor and many things more, only because you desperately need to be near this person and keep them near you as long as you live.

You don't pay attention to any details and you don't even want to think logically, because you prefer to fly, involved in the magical feeling that the strong passion brings you when you think about them.

However, when everything goes wrong, you lose the floor under your feet.

You cannot accept to stay far from the person you desire so much, you cannot accept their refusal or the problems that don't depend on their will and impede you both to be together.

You can even kill someone if your crazy love will dominate you completely, and you'll believe that this is "the only solution" you have if you want to posses them and live with them forever.

Depression, craziness, despair and suicide attempts will complete your path if you follow this crazy feeling, without paying attention to anything else and without respecting anyone.

This is why love and mental health are strictly connected and if you want to keep both, you have to be serious!

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Love-and-Mental-Health&id=1435932

Mental Health - What is a Panic Disorder

2008-11-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Mental Health - What is a Panic Disorder
By Connie Limon

Panic disorder is an illness characterized by sudden attacks of terror. These episodes are usually accompanied by:

• A pounding heart

• Sweatiness

• Weakness

• Faintness

• Dizziness

During the attack, people may flush or feel chilled. Hands may tingle or feel numb. Nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations may also be present.

Panic attacks usually create a sense of unreality or a fear of something awful about to happen and even fear of losing control. Another symptom of panic disorder may be fear of one's own unexplained physical symptoms.

People who experience panic attacks sometimes think they are having an heart attack, losing their minds, or just about to die. There is no clue as to when or where an attack will occur. Between episodes many people worry intensely and dread the next attack. They can occur at any time. Panic attacks also occur during sleep. An attack usually is at its worst within about 10 minutes; however, some symptoms may last much longer.

Panic disorder affects about 6 million American adults. It is twice as common in women as in men. They often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. Not everyone who experiences "panic attacks" will develop the actual disorder. It is common for many people to have just one episode and never have another. The chance of developing panic attacks appears to be inherited.

Full-blown, repeated panic attacks can become very disabling to those experiencing them. Treatment should begin before the person begins to avoid places or situations where they have occurred. People who have repeated attacks in an elevator, for example, may develop a fear of elevators that would affect the choice of a job or place to live causing unnecessary restrictions upon the person.

Some people's lives become so restricted by panic disorder that they avoid normal activities like grocery shopping or driving a car. Approximately one-third become housebound or unable to confront a feared situation only when accompanied by a spouse or other trusted person. This progressed condition is called "agoraphobia," or fear of open spaces. Early treatment of panic disorder can often prevent agoraphobia.

It is common for people to go from doctor to doctor for years and be in emergency rooms repeatedly before someone correctly diagnoses the condition. This is very unfortunate. Panic disorder is one of the most treatable of all the anxiety disorders. It often responds to certain kinds of medicines or certain kinds of cognitive psychotherapy that helps change thinking patterns that lead to fear and anxiety.

This disorder is often accompanied by other serious problems such as:

• Depression

• Drug abuse

• Or alcoholism

All the above conditions need to be treated separately. Symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Low energy

• Difficulty concentrating

Depression can be effectively treated with antidepressants, certain types of psychotherapy or a combination of both.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Mental-Health---What-is-a-Panic-Disorder?&id=904322

Mental Health - Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

2008-11-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Mental Health - Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
By Connie Limon

Most often anxiety disorders are treated with:

• Medication

• Specific types of psychotherapy

• A combination of medication and psychotherapy

Type of treatment depends on the problem and the person's preference.

What is the first step toward treatment?

• A careful diagnostic evaluation to determine if the symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder or a physical problem

What happens if an anxiety disorder is diagnosed?

• The type of disorder or the combination of disorders present must be identified

• Any coexisting conditions such as depression or substance abuse must be identified

What happens if a coexisting condition is identified?

• If alcoholism, depression or other coexisting condition is identified, these conditions are often addressed first and attempts to bring them under control precede treatment for the anxiety disorder or disorders identified.

If you are a person who has already received treatment for an anxiety disorder, you should tell your current doctor about the treatment in detail. Tell your doctor:

• Names of medication you have used

• Dosage of medication used at the beginning of treatment

• Was the dosage increased or decreased while under treatment?

• Did any side effects occur?

• Did the treatment help you become less anxious

• If you received psychotherapy, describe the type of therapy, how often you attended sessions and whether or not the therapy was useful

It is not uncommon for people to feel as though they have failed at treatment or that the treatment did not work for them. The facts, however, may be that treatment was not given for an adequate length of time or was administered incorrectly. It is also common for people to try several different treatments or combinations of treatment before finding one that works for them.

What is the role of medication?

• It is important to realize that medication does not cure anxiety disorders

• Medication can keep them under control while receiving psychotherapy

• Medication must be prescribed by physicians and usually psychiatrists

What is the role of psychotherapy?

• Psychotherapy is often offered by the psychiatrists prescribing the medicine

• Psychotherapy is also offered by a team of psychologists, social workers, or counselors who specifically provide the service with or without the psychiatrist who prescribed medicine

What types of medicines are used for anxiety disorders?

• Antidepressants

• Anti-anxiety drugs

• Beta-blockers

What is the prognosis for people with anxiety disorders?

• With proper treatment, many people can lead normal, fulfilling lives

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional

soure : http://ezinearticles.com/?Mental-Health----Treatment-of-Anxiety-Disorders&id=914160

Yoga For Mental Health, Mind and Body

2008-11-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

Yoga For Mental Health, Mind and Body
By Mike D Paul

Yoga is a system of mental and physical exercises which were originally developed in India over thousands of years.

Yoga comes in many forms specifically designed to suit different types of people. As a result, some forms of yoga have gained significant popularity outside India, particularly in the West during the past century.

Today there are many different styles with many different goals. Yoga is not a religion. It doesn't require that you fast or abstain.

The Basics.

Yoga is basically the practice of stretching for one hour. Stretching should only take five minutes, other peoples would rather spend the extra fifty- five minutes playing in an actual sport or spending time with their families and friends. Yoga is not just physical fitness training. It is an authentic holistic tradition inclusive of contemplation and meditation. Yoga injuries are unheard of. The meditation techniques are a comprehensive combination of concentration, sublimation and ideation.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety.

Yoga is an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety. See how to get started. Yoga is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a union of body, mind, and energy (or soul or spirit) to bring about a state of equanimity (calmness). Yoga is most effective in dealing with psychosomatic problems. If practiced diligently on a long-term basis it can have a significant effect on a person's health both on a preventive basis and to control and cure existing problems.

Benefits of Yoga.

Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Yoga is all about breathing correctly about integrating that breath into your being. Conscious Yoga doesn't call for you to force or strain your never or sinew. Yoga Slackers are a group of yoga practitioners who practice their asanas not on a mat, but suspended on a piece of 1" flat, stretchy tubular webbing (like rock climbers use) tensioned between two anchor points above the ground.

A Great help for Expectant Mother.

Yoga is an excellent way to "train" for the marathon of labor and motherhood. Practicing Yoga in pregnancy helps to strengthen and stretch muscles, release tension and maintain good posture. Yoga is more than just a form of exercise, but part of a well-rounded philosophy that dates back over 5,000 years. The practice of Yoga can help you to live a healthy, integrated life. Yoga can help liberate your true nature. Please don't use yoga to suppress it.

Is Yoga a Religion?

Yoga is not a religion, it fits with any lifestyle, and in fact yoga is one of the most valuable tools you can learn! It will improve your lifestyle! Yoga is not a competitive sport. Yoga, including postures, breathing exercises and meditation is the science of positive mental health. Practice Yoga regularly and it will strip away the obstacles that separate you from your source. Yoga practice can be invaluable in this process, as it can alleviate tension from and clear energy blocks in the body and mind. So speak to a teacher about developing a practice to suit your needs.

Hands on Process.

Yoga teaching is, to a large degree, a hands-on process. A gentle guiding touch can definitely help you fine-tune your practice. Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. Yoga, Meditation, and other stress reducing wellness practices are critically important in today's world. By making these healing arts easily accessible, people will attain greater health, balance, and harmony in their lives.

Yoga for Kids.

Yoga for kids is an excellent way for a child to exercise and has many other benefits for a child's health. Not every type of yoga can be used as yoga for children though. Yoga is an ancient science of personal self -development that has evolved into an integrated lifestyle program. The practice of Hatha Yoga will release the physical tensions and stress so that you feel energized calm and peaceful.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?YOGA-For-Mental-Health,-Mind-and-Body&id=1414549

Mental Health and Your Dreams

2008-11-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

Mental Health and Your Dreams
By Christina Sponias

The scientific method of dream interpretation discovered by Carl Jung is complicated and obscure. Jung's explanations are not accurate and he gives many examples of literary works and his personal indifferent opinion about what he examines in the human psyche, which distorts the meaning of his own discovery.

Of course, he couldn't do more. He is a big hero and his discoveries were pioneering in the field of psychotherapy. His work was tremendous!

He discovered the following:

1- Dream symbols appear in everyone's dreams. Also, symbols appear in many religious and artistic manifestations in the entire history of humanity and in all the civilizations, symbols that he designated as archetypes.

2- The dreamer who starts analyzing his or her dreams follows a certain path. The images one sees and the adventures one will have are known: everyone passes through the same experiences when examining the content of one's psychical sphere through dream interpretation until each one reaches a certain place that marks the end of the trip.

3- When an author's writing is inspired by the unconscious that produces the dreams, we can interpret literary works just as we interpret dreams and be informed about many ignored aspects of reality.

I found Jung's work ready and I precisely followed his steps, until I was near the end of the journey within my psyche through dream interpretation, but I had to continue, without accepting ignorance as he did.

The unconscious encouraged me to continue through my dream in which everyone reached the other side of a river after stepping on my feet and not directly on the rocks on which I stood. The rocks were in the middle of the river and they could be used as a bridge to the other side, but nobody would go to the other side by stepping directly on the rocks, but only over my feet. I was in the middle of the river, giving my hand to everyone who stepped on my feet to reach the other side that was near the place where I stood.

The interpretation of this dream revealed that I would help everyone have the courage to face the other side of the river, where their anti-conscience exists. This conscience is a part of everyone, although they ignore its content. The rocks represent the indubitable truth. My feet represent my beliefs, my convictions and my moral values. So, everyone would face the anti-conscience based on my beliefs and not directly based on the truth.

The truth is too ugly and depressing. The human being is very far from mental health: humans are in fact monsters, since the anti-conscience is inherent in the biggest part of our psychic spheres.

I delayed presenting my work to the public by 19 years because I was working on the solution all this while. The unconscious is a doctor that can cure everyone through dreams; however, I had to discover the meaning of many dream symbols and understand how to dominate the monster before I could teach you and cure your problems. I also had to cure many people with several different problems in difficult life conditions, by urgently interpreting their dreams because they could not waste any time, so that I could give you practical solutions and be totally different than my mentor in my explanations.

My work is very clear, well defined, simple and precise because I continued Jung's research and I saw what exists in the depths of the psyche.

This way, you can avoid all the dangers that await you in your life since the anti-conscience is constantly trying to destroy your human side through craziness. You can develop your conscience until you become a genius, and stay far from depression, craziness and suicidal thoughts.

You'll preserve your mental health forever, help others because you will be wise and sensitive, everything in your life will be favorable to you and you happiness will be genuine!

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Mental-Health-and-Your-Dreams&id=901459