Tag Archives: Mental Health

Tips for Overcoming Binge Eating

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Binge eating disorder is characterized by compulsive overeating whereby people consume huge amounts of food and feel powerless to stop. It can be very difficult for a person to overcome binge eating, however if you develop a healthier relationship with food, you can overcome it. Here are some strategies to help overcome binge eating:

  • Manage Stress: It is very important to find alternative ways to handle stress and overwhelming feelings without using food. These can include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies, and practicing breathing exercises.
  • Eat 3 Meals a Day plus Healthy Snacks: Eat breakfast to jump start your metabolism, and follow that by a balanced lunch, and then dinner. Eat healthy snacks in between each meal. Be sure to stick to scheduled mealtimes because skipping meals can often lead to binge eating later in the day.
  • Avoid Temptation: If you have junk food, desserts, and unhealthy snacks in the house, you are more likely to overeat. Fix this by clearing out your kitchen of your favorite binge foods.
  • Stop Dieting: Hunger from strict dieting can trigger food cravings and the urge to overeat. Instead of dieting, try focusing on eating in moderation. Find healthy foods that you enjoy and eat them only until you feel content, not uncomfortably stuffed.
  • Exercise: Exercise will help you lose weight in a healthy way, lift depression, improve overall health, and reduce stress. The natural mood-boosting effects of exercise can help put a stop to emotional eating.
  • Fight boredom: Distract yourself instead of snacking when you are bored. Talk a walk, read a book, call a friend or take up a hobby such as drawing.
  • Get Enough Sleep: When you are tired, you may want to keep eating in order to boost your energy. Try taking a nap or going to bed earlier instead.
  • Listen to Your Body: Learn to distinguish between physical and emotional hunger. If you recently ate and your stomach isn’t rumbling, you are probably not actually hungry. Let the craving pass.
  • Keep a Food Diary: Write down what you eat, when, how much and how you are feeling when you are eating. You might be able to see a pattern emerge that could reveal the connection between your moods and binge eating.
  • Get Support: You will likely succumb to your binge eating triggers if you lack a good support network. Lean on family and friends, join a support group and even consult a therapist, in order to get the support you need to overcome your disorder.

Resource: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/binge_eating_disorder.htm

Name Change for Schizophrenia?

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Experts are beginning to think that the term “schizophrenia” is becoming outdated. Many are agreeing that the term schizophrenia tends to bring up negative images with significant stigma, suggesting discrimination, labeling, isolation and social rejection. Discussions have started to emerge about whether or not to change the term “schizophrenia” to something that is less stigmatizing. The most accepted new term, as of now, is salience syndrome. Many experts agree that salience would most accurately convey the actual experience of individuals with schizophrenia because it describes the internal process of reacting to and processing stimuli. Patients have yet to weigh in on this decision. Constantin Tranulis, M.D., Department of Psychiatry at the University of Montreal assessed their opinions.

Researchers asked 161 college students and 19 patients who were in the early stages of psychosis about the acceptability, validity, and impact of both diagnostic terms: schizophrenia and salience syndrome. The findings showed that no matter which name was assigned, the college students already had preconceived beliefs about the stigmatizing characteristics of the illness, including social rejection and discrimination. However, for patients who actually had the disorder, almost unanimously chose the term salience syndrome over schizophrenia. Their reason for their choice was that the change in name could help to protect them from experiencing the stigma associated with the term schizophrenia. They are concerned though that people will eventually know that salience syndrome and schizophrenia were the same disorder, and overtime, they will be subjected to the same negative stigmas. Tranulis added, “future studies with larger samples are warranted in order to clarify the role of labels on self-stigmatizing attitudes.”

 

Resource: http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/05/12/a-new-name-for-schizophrenia/54719.html

Migraines and Children

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People tend to think of migraines as an adult problem, however kids get migraines too. These migraines may be linked in some way to behavior disorders in children. A recent study found that children with migraine headaches had a significantly higher risk for behavior disorders. This finding is similar to results from previous studies which show that children with migraines have a higher risk for depressive disorders, anxiety, and behaviors such as hyperactivity and attention problems. Behavior problems could be a trigger for migraine attacks in children, or they could be a result of migraines.

“It is hard to tease out the link between problems like depression and hyperactivity from migraine because all these conditions are common in children,” says Andrew D. Hershey, MD, PhD, the associate director of neurology research and professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio. “Both behavior problems and headaches need to be checked out. The most important thing to realize is that children do get migraines. In fact, migraines are one of the top five childhood disorders, even more common than childhood asthma.”

Recognizing Migraine Symptoms in Children

Symptoms to keep an eye on:

  • A pounding type of headache- Children may have pain on both sides of the head or across the forehead
  • Pain that limits their activity or worsened due to activity
  • Pain that is moderate to severe
  • A headache that lasts from one to 72 hours
  • A headache that comes with nausea or vomiting
  • A headache becomes worse by sound or light

Since behavioral problems have been linked to migraines in studies, you should watch your child if they have a headache combined with symptoms like irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble at school, mood swings, crying, withdrawing from friends or family, and lack of energy.

Minimizing Migraines in Children

Have your child follow these steps to help prevent migraines and possibly help prevent behavior problems related to migraines.

  • Drink fluids
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Eat healthy foods regularly
  • Get enough exercise
  • Get enough sleep

By helping your child identify and avoid stress, depression and anxiety, you can also help to reduce his or her migraines and behavior problems.

Until more is known about this link between behavior and migraine, the best thing for you to do is to be aware of how your child is feeling. Speak with your child’s doctor if your child is experiencing any symptoms of migraines or behavior problems.

 

Resource: http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-and-migraine/effect-of-migraines-in-children.aspx

Coping with Depression Setbacks

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As you are on your way to overcoming your depression, it is not uncommon for your depression symptoms to flare up again. You might experience a few bad days, sometimes referred to as setbacks, which are common hurdles in depression treatment that can slow a patient’s progress, says David Blackburn, PhD, a psychologist at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. Setbacks can unfortunately cause a vicious cycle, since they can often worsen a person’s depression symptoms. “They might get even more discouraged than they already are,” Blackburn explains.“  Try some of these strategies when you feel yourself slipping back into your depression:

  • Use Coping Techniques: Try to remember the strategies that you learned during your treatment of depression, such as avoiding thoughts that tend toward the absolute- “I can never do anything right.” Blackburn says that people who suffer from depression should try to take stressful events in stride and stop fixating on situations they have no influence over. “It’s important to recognize that you, as an individual, cannot control a situation or people in it,” Blackburn says. “The only thing you can control is how you respond.”
  • Improve Dietary and Exercise Habits: If you take care of your body, you will feel better, both mentally and physically. Even just a small amount of physical activity will improve your outlook. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetable per day, as well as plenty of whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
  • Ask About Adjusting Your Medication: If you are taking medicine for your depression, setbacks can occur if the medication becomes less effective. Sometimes a simple switch is all that is needed to move forward. If you feel that your medicine is causing your setbacks, speak with your doctor.
  • Consider Psychotherapy: If you have been managing your depression with medication alone, you might find that adding psychotherapy to your treatment regimen might be beneficial. “Medication can improve your mood to the point where psychotherapy can be more successful,” Blackburn says.

 

Resource: http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/depression-help-coping-with-setbacks.aspx

Schizophrenia Tips to Help Family Members and Friends

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Those who suffer from schizophrenia often encounter challenges with their family and friends. Their family often tries to cope with them, but then might become frustrated by their seeming lack of progress in treatment. Some families may reduce their level of emotional support and others may end up cutting off all contact with their family member with the disorder. Friends can also quickly lose interest in continuing the friendship when the person with schizophrenia deteriorates or drops out of treatment. The most common complaint amongst friends and family members of a person with schizophrenia is not understanding how to help them, or give them continued, long-term support. Here are helpful tips to support a close friend or family member with schizophrenia:

  • Become an advocate for the person with schizophrenia: Sometimes only family or friends will be aware of their strange behaviors; therefore, they should be able to assist in the process of evaluating the person with schizophrenia, so that relevant information can be taken into account.
  • Offer strong emotional encouragement and support for continuing treatment: Encouraging and assisting them throughout the treatment process can positively influence their medical care and recovery.
  • Know how to respond to bizarre statements or beliefs: Learn how to respond to strange or false remarks; for the person with schizophrenia, the bizarre beliefs or hallucinations seem real. So, instead of going along with the delusions, acknowledge that things might appear otherwise to them. It is important not to challenge those beliefs and try to move the conversation along to more agreeable topics.
  • Help the person set attainable, simple goals in his or her life: Support and encourage the person with schizophrenia to regain their abilities. Make attainable goals with them and be sure to tell them when they are doing things right. Positivity will work better than criticism.

 

Resource: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/helpful-hints-about-schizophrenia-for-family-members-and-others/

Mutations and Migraines

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Over 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, and unfortunately, scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes them. However, there is new research from the University of California, San Francisco that has identified a genetic mutation that is linked to migraines. The mutation occurs in a gene called casein kinase I delta (CKIdelta), and the study’s senior investigator, Louis J Ptacek, said that this is the first time that researchers have linked a genetic mutation to common migraines. “It’s our initial glimpse into a black box that we don’t yet understand,” says Ptacek, an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of California, San Francisco, in a news release.

The researchers discovered the gene by looking at the genetics of two families with a history of migraines. From the genetics, they saw that a large portion of the migraine sufferers either had the mutated gene or had a parent who carried the mutated gene. In the lab, the researchers were able to show how the mutation affected production of the gene, which has many important functions throughout the brain and body. “This tells us that the mutation has real biochemical consequences,” Ptacek added.

The researchers then looked at the effects of the mutated gene in a line of mice. They found that the mice that had the mutated gene had a lower pain threshold for nitroglycerin-induced pain versus the mice that did not have the mutation. They also mimicked the sensation of a migraine aura in the mice and saw that the mice with the genetic mutation had less tolerance for this as well. Lastly, the researchers found that astrocytes, which are cells that are essential for neuronal functioning and health, in the brains of the genetically-mutated mice showed an increase in calcium-signaling, compared to the astrocytes in the brains of the normal mice. “This is significant because we think astrocyte functioning is very, very relevant to migraine,” Ptacek said. “This is an enzyme, and so it modifies proteins. The question is, which protein or proteins does it modify that is relevant to migraine? How does it change astrocyte activity?” All this research “puts us one step closer to understanding the molecular pathway to pain in migraine,” says Ptacek, and it could help researchers devise better therapies for migraines.

 

Resource: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/01/genetic-mutation-associated-with-migraines/

Schizophrenia Myths and Actual Facts

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It is probably safe to say that there is no mental disorder that is more shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding and fear than schizophrenia. While most Americans can recognize that schizophrenia is a disorder, only few are actually familiar with it. Whether you or someone you know has schizophrenia, or you would like to learn more, gaining a better understanding of the illness helps demystify the disease and is a huge help to those who suffer from it. Here are some myths, followed by actual facts of schizophrenia:

  • Individuals with schizophrenia all have the same symptoms: There are actually different types of schizophrenia. Even individuals diagnosed with the same subtype of schizophrenia often look different and have different problems.
  • People with schizophrenia are dangerous, unpredictable and out of control: When someone with schizophrenia is treated with mediation and psychosocial interventions, he or she is no more violent than the general population. They are more often the victims rather than the perpetrators of violence. Although, untreated mental illness often increases the risk of aggressive behavior
  • Schizophrenia is a character flaw: Lazy, lacking in motivation, lethargic, easily confused, are just some of the qualities individuals with schizophrenia appear to have. However, the idea that schizophrenia is a character flaw is no more realistic than suggesting that someone could prevent their epileptic seizures if they really wanted to. What often appears as character defects, are actually symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Schizophrenia is untreatable: While it is not curable, it is eminently treatable and a manageable chronic illness, just like diabetes or heart disease. The key is to get the right treatment for your needs.
  • Sufferers need to be hospitalized: Most individuals who suffer from schizophrenia do well living in the community with outpatient treatment. The key is the right treatment and adhering to that treatment, especially taking any medication that is prescribed.
  • Individuals with schizophrenia can never regain normal functioning: Unlike for example dementia, which worsens over time or doesn’t improve at all, schizophrenia seems to be a problem that is reversible. There is no line that once it is crossed signifies that there is no hope for a person who suffers from schizophrenia. There is treatment.

 

For more myths and information: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/illuminating-13-myths-of-schizophrenia/

Build Confidence in a Child With ADHD

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ADHD can unfortunately sap a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. It has long been linked with low self-esteem, anxiety, and other emotional and mental health problems. Some research has shown that children with ADHD are up to four times as likely as other kids to develop symptoms of depression as they grow up. Dr. Steven Kurtz, director of clinical services for the ADHD Institute at the New York University Trial Study Center, NYU Medical School, says that these troubles can stem from the lack of control these kids feel over what they experience. According to Dr. Kurtz, boosting self-esteem in kids with ADHD boils down to one simple principle: “It’s really about building skills and reinforcing those skills.” Here are some guidelines to help build his or her skills and self-esteem:

  • Focus on Strengths: The first step to building self-esteem in a child with ADHD is playing to his or her strengths. If the child is struggling in school, find something outside of school that they can feel successful about. As the child gains more self-confidence, give them frequent reminders that they can be successful in school too. Work with their teacher to continue to encourage him or her academically by playing to specific scholastic strengths.
  • Accommodate in School: To help support that scholastic success, Dr. Kurtz says parents must be willing to learn about education laws and request any accommodations that their child may need. Parents and teachers should work together to make sure that learning materials are at the child’s level and that instruction is tailored to his or her needs. That could mean more individual attention or having specific learning aids, such as a laptop or tape recorder available to the child to take notes with.
  • Keep Instructions Positive: Children with ADHD hear a lot of negative words because many people don’t know how to correct their problem behavior. “There’s a mantra that parents sometimes get into, overusing negative words like ‘no, don’t, stop, and quit,” says Dr. Kurtz. “If you find yourself doing this, remember that the key is to tell your child what you want him or her to do, not just what you want them not to do.” This will make it easier for them to organize what they need to do to complete the task.
  • Use Rewards: It is never good to bribe your child into good behavior, however it can actually be a helpful tool to use rewards for parents and teachers of kids with ADHD. “Frankly, I advise parents and teachers to feel comfortable using rewards,” says Dr. Kurtz. “These can be very helpful in getting a positive behavior started. Then, once the child sees that the behavior makes sense, he or she won’t need the rewards anymore.”

Try out these guidelines and help build up your child’s self-esteem and skills.

Resource: http://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd/living-with/tips/adhd-children-building-self-confidence.aspx

Get the Facts: Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults—roughly 3% of the adult population in the United States.  This mental disorder has gained visibility recently as several prominent public figures have candidly discussed their struggles with bipolar disorder.  However, despite this current publicity, most of the US population does not truly understand what it means to suffer from bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder (sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder) is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme moods ranging from mania to depression.  Individuals with may experience quickly changing, highly varied moods, as well as increased risk-taking tendencies.  Bipolar disorder is divided into three subtypes based upon specific symptomologies.

Bipolar I disorder involves serious mood swings and periods of mania that can be dangerous and extremely disruptive.  Bipolar II disorder is less severe and is characterized by more gradual mood swings that are less likely to impair functioning.  With bipolar II disorder, individuals may experience hypomania (a less severe form of mania) and longer-lasting periods of depression.  Cyclothymic disorder is another mild form of bipolar disorder.  Although the mood swings can be disruptive, the highs and lows are not as severe as with other subtypes.

All three forms of bipolar disorder may require lifelong treatment.  Common treatments include medication, counseling, and education or support groups.  Individuals living with bipolar disorder can work with a physician to determine a course of management that is best for their unique needs.  Sharing knowledge about this disorder is an important part of increasing awareness.

In Honor of Suicide Prevention Day

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Each day, almost 3,000 people across the globe commit suicide.  For every one of these 3,000, an additional 20 people attempt to end their lives.  In an effort to reverse these staggering numbers, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has dedicated September 10 of each year as World Suicide Prevention Day.

Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.  International awareness needs to be raised, national prevention policies and frameworks need to be implemented, and support programs to help at-risk individuals need to be accessible through local communities.  On the 10th of September, the world paused in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.  Over 40 countries held awareness events to mark the occasion, focusing on this year’s theme: “Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope.”

Instilling hope and strengthening protective factors are not goals that can be accomplished through a one-day observance, but rather must be cultivated and reinforced each and every day.  Understanding protective factors against suicide is the first step toward suicide prevention.  These factors include:

  • Resilience in coping with adverse life events
  • A sense of personal worth and confidence
  • Effective coping and problem-solving skills
  • Adaptive help-seeking behaviors
  • Strong spiritual and social ties through supportive relationships
  • Healthy lifestyle choices

These protective factors, combined with an earnest hope for a better tomorrow, are essential to the reduction in international suicide rates.  If you see a loved one struggling with depression, mental health, or thoughts of suicide, helping this person fortify these factors and seek professional help can be the difference that saves a life.