Like everything else, Happiness is also a Choice

Like everything else, Happiness is also a Choice

The core of every endeavour, every pursuit and every single action of man is to attain happiness. Yet we are a miserable lot in this world. For most of us, it is a mirage which has been eluding us throughout life. If you peep into a center for mental health services, or any mental health center in California, you will be astonished to see so many dejected faces looking for solace.

But, is it really so difficult to be happy in our lives? The fact is, it is not. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

There are several recent studies to vindicate this claim that happiness is a choice and we can choose to be happy at will. Two U.S. academics, Yuna L. Ferguson and Kennon M. Sheldon conducted a study which revealed that people who chose to be happy were happier than those who did not while participating in it. Studies in the field of positive psychology also buttress this belief that happiness is a cultivated habit.

So, how do we find happiness and stay happy? Let us find our way to happiness and stay blessed:

Choose happiness: First thing in the morning, before getting out of the bed, make a choice for yourself. Choose to be happy throughout the day and then go about your business. It is a habit and needs to be reiterated before it gets embedded in your DNA. It is a wonderful feeling and experience when you see happiness sipping into your life from every aspect.

Share your happiness: The Buddha claims, “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” In other words, whenever you are happy let others also have a piece of the pie. Sharing our happiness only increases it manifold.

Be grateful: Practicing gratitude and thankfulness increases happiness. Studies reveal that those who are grateful appreciate simple pleasures of life and enjoy a happy disposition. That is why we take our Thanksgiving Day very seriously. Be grateful for all that you have in your life and count your blessings every now and then. When you lament, it only brings miseries.

Be non-judgemental: Much of our energy and peace is sapped because of being judgemental. We always remain critical of people, situations and events over which we have no control. However, the moment we become non-judgemental much of our stress dissipates and we become a lot calmer. By being non-judgemental we also reconcile to the fact that we have chosen happiness for ourselves. So, become non-judgemental and enhance your happiness quotient.

Now, that you know the choice is yours choose happiness and keep spreading your joy to others as well.

http://www.sovmentalhealth.com/

Identifying Panic Attacks Symptoms

Anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack knows that this is an incredibly distressing thing to endure. The fear alone is enough to make you never want to experience another attack - and physical panic attacks symptoms make the distress of an attack all the more intense. Keep reading for more about the most commonly experienced symptoms of panic attacks and how you can reduce the frequency and severity of future attacks.

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Physical Panic Attacks SymptomsWhat people tend to dread the most about their panic attacks are the physical symptoms. These are often so severe that sufferers actually begin to suspect their lives are in danger. However, the fear of having another panic attack may become even worse than the attack itself.The most common symptom is a rapid heartbeat, followed closely by shortness of breath; many people who experience panic attacks suffer from both symptoms.

These symptoms combine to make many sufferers feel as if they're having a heart attack, especially when they are accompanied by chest pains, which are another symptom which many people go through during an attack.Nausea, chills or hot flashes are also common, as is vertigo sometimes leading to falls. This dizziness can come on very suddenly as can all symptoms of panic attacks, which make them particularly alarming.

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Understanding the differences between panic attacks symptoms and those related to a heart attack is important; if in doubt seek immediate medical attention.Mental Panic Attacks SymptomsThe physical symptoms are only part of the picture. There are also symptoms which occur entirely inside of the mind of the sufferer. Even though there are panic attack symptoms which vary from one person to another and may not occur in every attack, one very common mental symptom is an overwhelming sensation of fear. Essentially, the fight or flight response has been invoked in the absence of any external stimuli.

You aren't sure why you are fearful. Many people find themselves overcome with an urge to flee; others have a dissociative reaction, feeling as if someone else is experiencing the attack rather than themselves and freeze up, unable to do anything. Because of the severity of the physical symptoms of the attack, the fear typical of panic attacks is even worse, with sufferers often convinced that they are dying.Dealing with Panic Attacks SymptomsPanic attacks are typically very short lived, lasting only a matter of minutes.

If you experience attacks regularly, you likely fear another attack. One way to begin coping with the condition is to remember that how you react to the onset of your attack often plays a role in how long the attack lasts and how severe it is.The usual reaction to a panic attack is, obviously enough, fear. It's a self-sustaining cycle which escalates the attack and can make it last longer. You can reduce panic attacks symptoms by using breathing techniques and exercises which produce relaxation in order to calm yourself when you feel an attack coming on.

It's not easy to do this at first since you have to try to relax against the approaching tide of panic. However, if you make meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and other relaxation techniques a regular practice, then you can reduce the frequency of your panic attacks and be more prepared for an attack when it does happen.

http://www.defeatpanicattack.com/panic-attacks-symptoms/

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Causes of Depression

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who experience it need treatment to get better.

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Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Intensive research into the illness has resulted in the development of medications, psychotherapies, and other methods to treat people with this disabling disorder.

Causes There is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression.

The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, important neurotransmitters–chemicals that brain cells use to communicate–appear to be out of balance. But these images do not reveal why the depression has occurred.

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Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression as well. Genetics research indicates that risk for depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors.

In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.SymptomsPeople with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms.

The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

• Irritability, restlessness

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

• Fatigue and decreased energy

•Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

• Overeating, or appetite loss

• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

Medical Treatment

Therapy frequently includes antidepressant medication and supportive care such as psychotherapy. Other less widely used therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy, are used in severe cases...

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Weight Loss Diet How to beat depression and come out a winner every time

First of all, I want to start by saying that depression can be an incredibly serious illness. Nothing listed in this article is to take the place of the advice or medications as prescribed by a qualified physician. What we will attempt to do in this article is simply provide some things you can do yourself to hopefully overcome the symptoms of depression without having to resort to prescription drugs. If you cannot, do NOT feel like a failure sometimes the illness of depression requires taking more serious action so heed your doctor\'s advice at all times.

Stop wasting your time

I think just about everyone feels depressed at one time or another. Perhaps you don\'t get the promotion you were counting on at work, or you were struck down with an illness that makes you feel hopeless, or any of a number of other things derail you making you feel that life somehow just isn\'t fair and you become sad and overall depressed. This is certainly common because of the events mentioned above, but for some of us, these symptoms come on suddenly often not even associated with any specific event at all. Depression can strike without warning and zap your interest in activities you used to love or even life in general. If you notice yourself not reacting positively to things you used to love and feeling like you just don\'t want to do or become involved in anything at all, you may be feeling the symptoms of depression. If you notice these signs yourself, the thing you NEED to do is take action immediately. Below is a list of some things that may help you bounce back to your old self.

Exercise - If you are down, then get up and get active! Physical exercise has shown to be incredibly effective at curing the symptoms of depression. Set a realistic goal for your workout and hit it and this sense of accomplishment will do wonders for your outlook.

Solution for Natural Fat loss

Check your diet - Unhealthy eating, especially a diet high in sugar and processed flour has actually been linked to depression in some folks. If your diet resembles the menu of a local bakery, it may be time for an eating overhaul.

Skip the drink - Alcohol is a depressant not to mention it is toxic to your body. If you are looking to kick the blues, then start by kicking the booze!

                     Stop wasting your time

Give meditation a try - Sometimes the stresses of our daily life can be just too much too bear and if we just had a break to allow our mind to rest and relax, we could get rid of this negative energy that can often lead to a depressed. Meditation can be the perfect answer to help you relieve this stress.

Get your 8 hours EVERY night - Sometimes we become sleep deprived and we don\'t evenknow it. If your body has not had enough sleep, then you can bet it will catch up with you. Sometimes the symptoms you may be feeling that mimic depression may simply be because your body is exhausted. Try to make sure you get enough sleep every night as regularity is really the key here.

Make a list of things to be grateful for - Listen, sometimes it is hard to see depending on what we have going on in our life, but there is always someone out there who has it worse than us. If you put down on paper the things you have in your life that you are grateful for it can help put your mindset into perspective. Your family, your job, maybe a skill that you posses, put it all down. Keep this list with you and refer to it whenever you are feeling down.

I want to reiterate how serious depression can be. The tips above can and do help some who put them to use. The key thing is to do SOMETHING. If you are proactive and take action at the first signs of depression, then you can overcome it and come out on top!

http://www.loseweightlossdiet.com/

Your Social Anxiety Solution

Anxiety is a severe disorder that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. These disorders affect how we feel and behave, and they can manifest real physical symptoms. Fear is a normal emotion, is what make us humans, while severe anxiety can be extremely debilitating, having a serious impact on daily life.

 Anxiety is considered a problem when symptoms interfere with a person's ability to sleep or otherwise function. Generally speaking, anxiety occurs when a reaction is out of proportion with what might be normally expected in a situation.

http://go1.in/AnxietySolutionCoaching

Social anxiety  was affecting me on a daily basis and living in fear everyday of what was going to happen . After trying a few self help things on the internet that were a complete waste of money, I was beginning to accept that this might be the way my life is always going to be. I wanted nothing more than to find a cure for this.

Through our lives, we  normally experience different emotions all the time, emotions is what make us human, and fear is one of them.

 But sometime , we feel and experiment very intense negative  emotions like shame, rejection, frustration, sorrow , unworthiness , extreme sadness, and so on.

When we are feeling these intense emotions, the energy of these emotions became trapped in the body; can occur any time, at any age, and they can be inherited too!!

Trapped energy can cause us chronic inflammation, anxiety, self-sabotage, and depression.

After many therapy sessions with psychologists , I found Sebastiaan’s program coaching on a blog  ; I definitely notice a difference, I’ve become comfortable in busy places, cinemas, cafe , restaurants, concerts,

All you need to do is read the information and follow along with the video’s and audio’s.

your anxiety will disappear in a couple of days,i felt calmer, in peace , That really is an amazing life changing feeling, I feel like a different person; you can change your life too , To have more information go to : 

Social Anxiety Solution

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Understanding Anxiety

11 Points for Mental Health Care Reform

Due to greater understanding of how many Americans live with mental illnesses and addiction disorders and how expensive the total healthcare expenditures are for this group, we have reached a critical tipping point when it comes to healthcare reform. We understand the importance of treating the healthcare needs of individuals with serious mental illnesses and responding to the behavioral healthcare needs of all Americans. This is creating a series of exciting opportunities for the behavioral health community and a series of unprecedented challenges Mental health organizations across the U.S. are determined to provide expertise and leadership that supports member organizations, federal agencies, states, health plans, and consumer groups in ensuring that the key issues facing persons with mental health and substance use disorders are properly addressed and integrated into healthcare reform.

In anticipation of parity and mental healthcare reform legislation, the many national and community mental health organizations have been thinking, meeting and writing for well over a year. Their work continues and their outputs guide those organizations lobbying for government healthcare reform. .

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

1. Mental Health/Substance Use Health Provider Capacity Building: Community mental health and substance use treatment organizations, group practices, and individual clinicians will need to improve their ability to provide measurable, high-performing, prevention, early intervention, recovery and wellness oriented services and supports.

2. Person-Centered Healthcare Homes: There will be much greater demand for integrating mental health and substance use clinicians into primary care practices and primary care providers into mental health and substance use treatment organizations, using emerging and best practice clinical models and robust linkages between primary care and specialty behavioral healthcare.

3. Peer Counselors and Consumer Operated Services: We will see expansion of consumer-operated services and integration of peers into the mental health and substance use workforce and service array, underscoring the critical role these efforts play in supporting the recovery and wellness of persons with mental health and substance use disorders.

4. Mental Health Clinic Guidelines: The pace of development and dissemination of mental health and substance use clinical guidelines and clinical tools will increase with support from the new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and other research and implementation efforts. Of course, part of this initiative includes helping mental illness patients find a mental health clinic nearby.

MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

5. Medicaid Expansion and Health Insurance Exchanges: States will need to undertake major change processes to improve the quality and value of mental health and substance use services at parity as they redesign their Medicaid systems to prepare for expansion and design Health Insurance Exchanges. Provider organizations will need to be able to work with new Medicaid designs and contract with and bill services through the Exchanges. 

6. Employer-Sponsored Health Plans and Parity: Employers and benefits managers will need to redefine how to use behavioral health services to address absenteeism and presenteeism and develop a more resilient and productive workforce. Provider organizations will need to tailor their service offerings to meet employer needs and work with their contracting and billing systems.

7. Accountable Care Organizations and Health Plan Redesign: Payers will encourage and in some cases mandate the development of new management structures that support healthcare reform including Accountable Care Organizations and health plan redesign, providing guidance on how mental health and substance use should be included to improve quality and better manage total healthcare expenditures. Provider organizations should take part in and become owners of ACOs that develop in their communities.

MENTAL HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE

8. Quality Improvement for Mental Healthcare: Organizations including the National Quality Forum will accelerate the development of a national quality improvement strategy that contains mental health and substance use performance measures that will be used to improve delivery of mental health and substance use services, patient health outcomes, and population health and manage costs. Provider organizations will need to develop the infrastructure to operate within this framework.

9. Health Information Technology: Federal and state HIT initiatives need to reflect the importance of mental health and substance use services and include mental health and substance use providers and data requirements in funding, design work, and infrastructure development. Provider organizations will need to be able to implement electronic health records and patient registries and connect these systems to community health information networks and health information exchanges.

10. Healthcare Payment Reform: Payers and health plans will need to design and implement new payment mechanisms including case rates and capitation that contain value-based purchasing and value-based insurance design strategies that are appropriate for persons with mental health and substance use disorders. Providers will need to adapt their practice management and billing systems and work processes in order to work with these new mechanisms.

11. Workforce Development: Major efforts including work of the new Workforce Advisory Committee will be needed to develop a national workforce strategy to meet the needs of persons with mental health and substance use disorder including expansion of peer counselors. Provider organizations will need to participate in these efforts and be ready to ramp up their workforce to meet unfolding demand.

http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/cs/mission_and_vision

Anxiety Treatment - The Natural Remedy for Anxiety Relief

L-Theanine, naturally occurring in green tea, proves effective in dealing with anxiety symptoms and providing anxiety relief

Anxiety is a state of intense fear, uncertainty, uneasiness, or apprehension due to anticipation of an imagined or real threatening future event. Anxiety can be both physically and psychologically devastating to the Anxiety sufferer's life. Anxiety is often sub-categorized according to the focus of the perceived threat. There is social anxiety, separation anxiety, dating anxiety, performance anxiety, math anxiety, etc. Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand and can result in anxiety depression as the individual feels powerless to receive any anxiety help.

There are a variety of anti-anxiety treatments to consider in overcoming anxiety. For some, anxiety medications prove to be a source of anxiety relief. Other's prefer not to use any of the anti-anxiety drugs and opt for more natural cures for anxiety management. These may include herbs for anxiety, acupuncture anxiety treatments, anxiety vitamins, aromatherapy for anxiety relief, even hypnosis has has proved beneficial overcoming anxiety.

This article discusses the perhaps little known amino acid L-Theanine as a natural remedy for anxiety relief.

L-Theanine is a unique free form amino acid found only in the tea plant and in the mushrooms Xerocomus badius and certain species of genus Camellia, C. japonica and C. sasanqua. Often drinkers of green tea report a feeling of calmness they feel after ingesting a cup or two even though green tea has roughly half the caffeine of coffee. This is due to the high L-Theanine content.

In addition to reducing anxiety symptoms, studies have shown L-Theanine may be effective in promoting concentration, supporting the immune system, improving learning performance, lowering blood pressure, increasing formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and increasing brain dopamine levels among other positive benefits with no known downside.

Studies in cooperation with Taiyo Kagaku Co., The University of Shizuoka, and The Family Planning Institute of Japan have shown that women taking 200 mg L-Theanine daily have lower incidence of PMS symptoms. These symptoms include physical, mental, and social symptoms. Overall, a significant alleviation of PMS symptoms by L-Theanine was observed. 

While still under investigation, L-Theanine appears to have a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). GABA blocks release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, playing a key role in the relaxation effect. 

Everyone knows the effects stress and anxiety can have on an individual's physical state of well-being. Fascinating neurochemistry research has revealed that given a shot of GABA essentially turned back the clocks in the brains of older monkeys, whose brain function briefly operated at levels normally seen in monkeys less than half their age.

GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid, is a neurotransmitter chemical that is essential for optimizing how brain cells transmit messages to each other and acts to put a damper on unwanted brain signaling activity. Although GABA's age-related decline has not been documented in humans, a host of studies in mammals, including other primates, suggests that a similar process is at work in people.

Monkeys ages 26 and 32 -- considered old age for monkeys -- that got GABA directly delivered to their neurons responded to visual patterns, such as flashing vertical and horizontal lines, in much the same way as monkeys aged 7 to 9 years old did. 

Without GABA delivery, the monkeys' aged brains had more difficulty firing neurons that specifically gauge various aspects of depth perception, motion and color. Instead, older monkeys have more random firings that make it difficult to observe visual nuances. In younger monkeys, GABA had no effect since their brains already had optimal GABA functioning.

L-Theanine is considered to be safe based on its historical use as a component of tea and on favorable toxicology studies. Tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide after water, and has been consumed for thousands of years by billions of people. It is estimated that a heavy tea drinker (6-8 cups daily) will consume between 200 to 400 mg of L-Theanine daily.

While dosage for depression and anxiety disorder remain individual, it is recommended to take 100 to 200 mg 1 to 3 times daily for anxiety relief. Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that L-Theanine is effective in single dosages in the range of 50-200 mg. It is suggested that subjects with higher levels of anxiety take a dose at the higher end of the effective range (100 - 200 mg) for overcoming anxiety.

http://www.vitamincountry.com/

Depression mental illness by Jean Taylor

Do you suffer from depression? Are you close to someone who suffers from depression? Do you try to hide this fact from the rest of the world? Depression is a mental illness. MENTAL illness. Oh that can't be admitted to anyone! Why not? We accept that our physical body becomes ill, gets diseased, sustains injury so why not our brain?

There is such a stigma attached that we are kept from disclosing to others what is wrong. Others appear to think that a sufferer is either "mad" or needs to pull himself together.

Fortunately society is coming round to the realisation that depression is as much an illness as cancer. For this reason it is becoming easier for the sufferer to seek help by admitting to himself that there is something wrong which needs medical attention.

How do you know when to see your doctor, or persuade your family member or friend that she should seek help? Well depression can come suddenly or creep up gradually so you will decide by what you see or feel. Sudden depression can descend as a full blown mental illness for which the doctor, or ambulance, will immediately be called. In these cases it is taken out of the hands of the sufferer.

Supposing though it has crept up very slowly and is held at bay at certain times but comes out at others. Then you will need to look for various symptoms. Make out a check list and actively observe what is happening.

 Mood is depressed. By this I do not mean that the sufferer is a bit blue. This is an ongoing sadness and emptiness. Can be expressed by appearing very tearful. Cannot be shaken off.

 Feelings of worthlessness. Not wanting to tackle anything because of the sureness that it will not turn out right as they are useless at everything

 Lack of interest. Cannot get enthused by tasks or events which have in the past been a joy. Doesn't want to do anything about it. Maybe does try but can't get involved. Takes no pleasure in anything. Everything is pointless.

 Lack of concentration. Unable to keep the mind focused on the task in hand. May flit from one thing to another without achieving any end result.

 Can't sleep, or sleeps too long. Depression often turns a person into an insomniac. Can't get to sleep easily. Then wakes often throughout the night taking a long time to get off to sleep again. Can have trouble waking and getting up when morning comes.

 Lethargy. Throughout the day feeling tired and lacking in energy

 Weight loss. There may be a lack of interest in eating and drinking and over time this will result in weight loss without conscious dieting or exercise. Tempt with little and often but don't expect the sufferer to tuck into a three course lunch.

 Thoughts of death and/or suicide. May have ideas as to committing suicide or even some sort of plan.

If you keep a record of what you see or feel over a two week time span you will discover just how much affect this mental illness is having. Don't expect to see all these symptoms. Also it is not always easy to spot as there may be quite a lot of cover up if the sufferer is at a stage where he can attempt to put on a front for others to see.

Let's suppose that the sufferer is someone close to you, perhaps within the family. You see them everyday. You will be able to keep an eye on the condition so that you are aware of what is happening when the sufferer is entering an episode of depression. The person himself does not always notice. If you can see an episode starting you can suggest the taking of the prescribed medication.

Be prepared. Depression very, very rarely goes away forever. It recurs. Just be ready to take action on behalf of the sufferer.

Knowing about this illness helps both sufferers and carers. For more information about depression, visit Depression FAQs

Social Media is Helping Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness

"Social media can help deal with the stigma surrounding mental illness by allowing people anonymity and also offering a forum and a place to connect both for those who want to remain anonymous and those who would speak openly about their experiences." — Jackson Wightman,PR Daily

What Would Jefferson Say?

Jacob Payne, a high-profile political blogger from Kentucky recently filed a lawsuit against an anonymous blogger asking a local judge to order this individual to come forward to identify himself/herself and to cease and desist the publishing of critical comments that Payne considers "defamatory".

This is just one of many similar legal challenges making their way through the judiciary system in recent years.  Every one of these cases questions the basic rights granted by the First Amendment as they may apply to Social Media and the Internet.

Each side attempts to argue whether or not anonymous blogging is protected under our Freedom of Speech.   Supreme Court justices struggle trying to reconcile twenty-first century Social Media technology with our eighteenth century Constitution.  What are the relevant contexts and the original intent within components of debate separated by more than two centuries of cultural change?  This is an especially difficult task since the Web is something that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could never have even imagined.  Having never conceived of such a technology, could they ever have been expected to grant rights and protections about Social Media?   And, then there is the issue of anonymity?  This they may have given some thought to back in 1776.  In fact, a pretty crafty patriot by the name of Francis Marion often went by the name "Swamp Fox," and no one but the redcoats seem to complain.  By the way, Marion was the character loosely portrayed by Mel Gibson in the "The Patriot."

One Person's Challenge is another Person's Opportunity

Perhaps, the most important Supreme Court case to date is McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Comm.  In that case, The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the First Amendment right to speak anonymously: "author is generally free to decide whether or not to disclose his or her true identity."

McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission is actually a very critical ruling as it indirectly relates to the use of Social Media as a therapeutic tool to aid in the socialization of those with mental illness.  The protection of anonymity is key in facilitating critical interactions in Social Media.  These positive interactions help to break down many of the stigmas associated with mental illness.  It is their anonymity that allows the mentally ill to explore the Web, interact with others and openly express themselves in a manner that offers them protection from a variety of internal (psychological) and external threats (stigma).

According to Web Rights Guru, Ethan Zuckerman: " Social Media gives people an anonymous forum to talk about the fact they are having difficulties, maybe think out loud, and reflect. Because the Internet has become such an interactive forum they can hear from others and they realize, ‘Wow, I am not the only one.'

While the ability to cloak ones identity from the masses when sharing personal experiences on the Web is most desirable for some, regardless of their mental health.  But, not everyone with mental illness prefers to remain anonymous in Social Media.

Steven Schwartz, struggles with BiPolar disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.  A former Canadian journalist, Steven authors a popular blog called "the bipolar badger."  In his posts he openly shares his personal experiences dealing with mental illness…and he is brutally honest about it all.  That is not to say that he is unable to laugh at himself and share entertaining anecdotes in his writings from time to time.  Steven seems to believe that revealing himself and being who he really is equates to his own well being; the enlightenment of himself and countless others; and the general good.

For putting his neck on the line, the mental health community owes Steven Schwartz many accolades and many thanks.  But this is just Steven's story.  For others, it is the anonymity that they crave allowing them to shield themselves from the insensitivities they may face from day to day. There is much hurt resulting from unfair stereotyping and the acceptance by others of inaccurate and improper assumptions made about those who struggle with mentally illness.There is little doubt that Schwartz undergoes healthy catharsis as he openly and honestly expresses his personal thoughts and emotions.  Admirable is Steven's stated goal (within his blog) to personally help make a difference in the ongoing campaign to reduce the stigma, shame and misconceptions associated with having mental illness.

Technically Protecting Your Anonymity

All people need to talk with and learn from others about themselves and about the world around them. This is regardless of whether they wish to reveal themselves or remain anonymous.  This is not just a need of the mentally ill; it is a basic human need.  And, as we have learned from the courts; all of those who appreciate democracy place a very high value of their Freedom of Speech along with their right to remain anonymous when sharing their views, publicly.  Those who are mentally ill and who are able to grasp these concepts are among them.

So what basic tips can be offered to protect one's anonymity over the Web these days:

1. Use pseudonyms tied to free, international webmail and blog hosting sites.  These are less easily traceable than the better known fee-based, domestic services
2. Use public computers, wherever possible.  Schools, libraries and Internet Cafes are among the places that offer Social Media access for free or at reasonable cost.
3. Use anonymous proxy servers like those found on a list of public proxy servers.  Chances are you may need help choosing and setting up a proxy server interface, but once this is done it is nearly impossible for your IP (computer /location/identity to be traced)
4. Use a stealth blogging site like "Invisiblog," which allows blog posting by specially created E-mails (Mixmaster) rather than by direct uploading of written material.   It really helps to cover one's personal trail.  There are also ways to further encrypt one's Web contributions with online services such as GPG.  It will take some effort or the need to ask for help setting some of these tools in motion, but it is worth the added attention.

 If Social Media continues proving to be an aid in the overall treatment of Mental Illness, it becomes increasingly important for everyone in the mental health community to advocate for the protection of anonymity on the Web.  This will be a tough battle as the courts must be consistent in their rulings and it will be nearly impossible to create a double standard here.  Can anyone really separate the malicious creep who posts attacks – anonymously – on the Web to avoid detection and prosecution from the mentally ill, who may also let loose from time to time –anonymously- to avoid identification and stigma?   This will be a real challenge.  At stake may be more than the gold standard of Freedom of Speech; it may be the platinum value of good mental health.

http://advancedbehavioral.com/

                                                                        

Anxiety - Mental Health

Some people don't even realize that they are having anxiety attacks, until they know what the definition of one is. An anxiety attack is a strong sensation that creates fear in oneself, as the symptoms can seem like you are actually dying. If you are someone who suffers from these kinds of attacks, it is important to know as much as you can about them as to help control them. Thus the more you learn and know the quicker you can begin to control your anxiety attacks. 

  

The cause of anxiety attacks can vary from person to person. They may be caused by an upsetting event in someone's life or a fear of something they have experienced growing up. Stress is a big contributor to anxiety attacks, but the possibilities are truthfully endless. Medication is a known trigger of an anxiety attack, and being less than active is known to be a contributor as well. In reality, there is not a particular known reason for people who experience these attacks, they are in short a body's way of dealing with an overwhelming feeling in one way or another. 

  

One of the main symptoms of anxiety attacks is extreme fear. Now, fear may be acknowledged as a symptom of anxiety, but in reality it is just the end result of the real symptoms. Before fear sets in, you are likely to experience one or more symptoms of anxiety, which lead you to the fear. Chest pain due to a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness are all symptoms you may experience before the fear sets in. In the end, any uncomfortable sensation that is realized which makes you become fearful for your life is considered a symptom of anxiety, and therefore should be treated as such until you can confirm your suspicions. 

  

Because so many symptoms that are realized during an anxiety attack are similar if not exactly like those of some other kind of condition, it is almost impossible to determine if what you have been feeling is due to anxiety attacks, or another condition. This is why it's important to see a doctor and explain your symptoms, so that your physician can run the necessary tests in determining whether you have an underlying medical condition that needs to be dealt with or whether it is more than likely anxiety you are dealing with at which point you can work with your doctor in finding ways to control it. 

  

Once you and your doctor have worked together you can be on the way to resolving your trouble. If it is an anxiety attack there are many approaches you can take to help. Discuss your approach with your doctor. In many cases awareness is the first step you can take to stop your anxiety.

what are the mental disorders

Five Benefits of Learning about Mental Health

Mental health is a term used in reference to a person's emotional and psychological well-being. Mental health problems may include serious depression, anxiety, hallucinations, violent behavior or suicidal thoughts. A person with a serious mental health problem is unable to cope adequately with life and cannot be coaxed into 'snapping out of it'.

Approximately 60 million people in the United States experience mental health problems each year. One in seventeen lives with serious mental health conditions and less than a third seek treatment. Here are five reasons why you should learn about mental health.

The first step in fighting mental illness is education. Mental health problems, as stated above, are common. If you learn about symptoms and warning signs and familiarize yourself with different diagnoses and treatments you will be better able to cope with any mental health issues that arise in your life or in the lives of those people you care about. Early identification is the key to recovery. Mental health treatment can involve a combination of medication and therapy. Diet, exercise, sleep and social support also plays a role in recovery. Being able to recognize the symptoms of various mental health problems is crucial in the early identification and subsequent treatment of any mental health problem.

Mental health awareness and subsequent treatment reduces medical costs. Numerous studies have shown that when people seek mental health care, their use of medical services declines. People with untreated mental health problems visit a medical doctor twice as often as people who receive care for their mental health problems.

Untreated mental health issues negatively affect one's overall health. Excessive anxiety and stress can greatly contribute to physical problems including, high blood pressure, heart disease and ulcers. Living under the strain of anxiety and stress can also weaken the immune system - making people much more vulnerable to all types of physical ailments ranging from the common cold to cancer. Improving your understanding of mental illness is the most effective way of battling stigma towards those who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Mental illness can be very hard for some people to understand which can very easily lead to prejudice and discrimination. People who have friends or family members with mental illnesses benefit from learning about mental health because it helps them to understand the causes of the problem and the suitable treatment options available.

Just as people can have physical problems, so can they have mental health problems. It is very important that we as a society accept this fact and teach our children from a young age that not feeling well psychologically or emotionally is 'OK' and that there is help available. Mental illness is a part of life as millions of people are affected each year. Education is the key to bringing mental health issues out of the shadows. De-stigmatizing mental health problems will help those who suffer from emotional and psychological problems in getting the help they need so that they can lead healthy and happy lives.

http://www.askdro.com/

Weight Loss - The Mental Process

When you go on a diet and decide you want to lose some weight, most people think "I'll stop eating so much, maybe do a bit of exercise and be my ideal weight in just a few days". Sadly, these people end up disappointed and usually heavier than when they started.

Dieting is not just a physical process but a mental one too.

If you do not have the mental processes right then your diet will be a struggle and possibly fail. By having the right mental approach and being in control of your brain you can turbo charge your way to your ideal weight.

So how do you get in control of your brain then?

Before I reveal that, you need to know that you are made up of two parts.

You have your conscious mind, which is your ego - the part that chatters on all day.

Then you have your sub-conscious, which is the part that grows your hair, your nails, pumps blood around your body and so on.

This is a very powerful thing to know, because most people fail in their diets because they do not have the sub-conscious mind working with them, and so it sabotages their efforts.

Consciously you want to lose weight, but sub-consciously you enjoy the extra weight for various reasons, e.g. security, lack of attention from the opposite sex, etc.

The first step in making any change is awareness. This means you become aware of the way your brain works and how you think about yourself and weight loss.

For example, lots of people will say, "I'm struggling to lose weight" or "I hate dieting" or something along those lines.

The words you use program your sub-conscious mind. When you say things like this you are giving a strong message to your subconscious mind which takes it all on board.

The same if you say, "Why can't I lose weight?" or "Why am I always eating so much?" or anything like this your sub-conscious mind will give you the answers and tell you why! And how will that make you feel - not so good I imagine!

Being in control of your mind means being in control of what it says to you - it doesn't operate on its own doing what it wants, it operates in a pattern that it has learnt over the years from you. And the nice thing is, this habit - you can change it!

So the first step is to become aware of what you say to yourself when you talk about your dieting and weight. What do you say? Think about this now ...

Is it positive and encouraging? Or is it not?

Over the next week, listen to how you talk to yourself about your weight, your appearance and your diet.

Now you are more aware of what you are saying to yourself about dieting and losing weight, you can start to reprogram yourself and get rid of those patterns.

When you hear yourself say something that is discouraging or negative about yourself stop yourself immediately and change it into something positive and encouraging - something that makes you feel good.

When you start doing this you will soon notice that your diet becomes so much easier and the weight disappears!

11 Points for Mental Health Care Reform

Due to greater understanding of how many Americans live with mental illnesses and addiction disorders and how expensive the total healthcare expenditures are for this group, we have reached a critical tipping point when it comes to healthcare reform. We understand the importance of treating the healthcare needs of individuals with serious mental illnesses and responding to the behavioral healthcare needs of all Americans. This is creating a series of exciting opportunities for the behavioral health community and a series of unprecedented challenges Mental health organizations across the U.S. are determined to provide expertise and leadership that supports member organizations, federal agencies, states, health plans, and consumer groups in ensuring that the key issues facing persons with mental health and substance use disorders are properly addressed and integrated into healthcare reform.

In anticipation of parity and mental healthcare reform legislation, the many national and community mental health organizations have been thinking, meeting and writing for well over a year. Their work continues and their outputs guide those organizations lobbying for government healthcare reform. .

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

1. Mental Health/Substance Use Health Provider Capacity Building: Community mental health and substance use treatment organizations, group practices, and individual clinicians will need to improve their ability to provide measurable, high-performing, prevention, early intervention, recovery and wellness oriented services and supports.

2. Person-Centered Healthcare Homes: There will be much greater demand for integrating mental health and substance use clinicians into primary care practices and primary care providers into mental health and substance use treatment organizations, using emerging and best practice clinical models and robust linkages between primary care and specialty behavioral healthcare.

3. Peer Counselors and Consumer Operated Services: We will see expansion of consumer-operated services and integration of peers into the mental health and substance use workforce and service array, underscoring the critical role these efforts play in supporting the recovery and wellness of persons with mental health and substance use disorders.

4. Mental Health Clinic Guidelines: The pace of development and dissemination of mental health and substance use clinical guidelines and clinical tools will increase with support from the new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and other research and implementation efforts. Of course, part of this initiative includes helping mental illness patients find a mental health clinic nearby.

MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

5. Medicaid Expansion and Health Insurance Exchanges: States will need to undertake major change processes to improve the quality and value of mental health and substance use services at parity as they redesign their Medicaid systems to prepare for expansion and design Health Insurance Exchanges. Provider organizations will need to be able to work with new Medicaid designs and contract with and bill services through the Exchanges.

6. Employer-Sponsored Health Plans and Parity: Employers and benefits managers will need to redefine how to use behavioral health services to address absenteeism and presenteeism and develop a more resilient and productive workforce. Provider organizations will need to tailor their service offerings to meet employer needs and work with their contracting and billing systems.

7. Accountable Care Organizations and Health Plan Redesign: Payers will encourage and in some cases mandate the development of new management structures that support healthcare reform including Accountable Care Organizations and health plan redesign, providing guidance on how mental health and substance use should be included to improve quality and better manage total healthcare expenditures. Provider organizations should take part in and become owners of ACOs that develop in their communities.

MENTAL HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE

8. Quality Improvement for Mental Healthcare: Organizations including the National Quality Forum will accelerate the development of a national quality improvement strategy that contains mental health and substance use performance measures that will be used to improve delivery of mental health and substance use services, patient health outcomes, and population health and manage costs. Provider organizations will need to develop the infrastructure to operate within this framework.

9. Health Information Technology: Federal and state HIT initiatives need to reflect the importance of mental health and substance use services and include mental health and substance use providers and data requirements in funding, design work, and infrastructure development. Provider organizations will need to be able to implement electronic health records and patient registries and connect these systems to community health information networks and health information exchanges.

10. Healthcare Payment Reform: Payers and health plans will need to design and implement new payment mechanisms including case rates and capitation that contain value-based purchasing and value-based insurance design strategies that are appropriate for persons with mental health and substance use disorders. Providers will need to adapt their practice management and billing systems and work processes in order to work with these new mechanisms.

11. Workforce Development: Major efforts including work of the new Workforce Advisory Committee will be needed to develop a national workforce strategy to meet the needs of persons with mental health and substance use disorder including expansion of peer counselors. Provider organizations will need to participate in these efforts and be ready to ramp up their workforce to meet unfolding demand.

http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/cs/mission_and_vision

Easy Ways to Help Raise Self Esteem

For many people self-esteem is a problem that can be a lifelong issue and one that can seriously impact both personal and professional relationships. While many would seek to raise their self-esteem, they may find that this is easier said than done, as this is a tremendously sensitive and delicate issue. In order to raise one's self-esteem, it is critically important to understand the nature of self-esteem and how it develops as well as the important link between self-esteem and success.

Generally, self-esteem is relate to your view of yourself, how others view you, your abilities and your accomplishments. Low self-esteem develops when an individual feels that they will fail at tasks they attempt or when they think that others do not think highly of them and their accomplishments.

Self esteem touches every aspect of our lives; both public and private. Therefore it can impact how we interact with our families, our co-workers and those we are involved with on a social level. Even hobbies can be affected negatively or positively by self-esteem. Due to the fact that self-esteem is an integral part of developing a happy, successful life and career, the lack of self-esteem can result in very serious situations. Low self-esteem has been linked to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways that an individual can go about raising their self-esteem. In situations in which low self-esteem is resulting in thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, it is critically important to obtain counseling in order to address these issues. In milder situations, low self-esteem can be treated in a variety of manners that involve relative privacy.

One of the most successful ways to treat low self-esteem is by addressing and reviewing those issues in the past that may have resulted in a negative mindset. In many cases, the root issues may have involved either accomplishments that were attempted but not achieved or perhaps an individual from the past who caused hurt with belittling comments. Whatever the root issue may happens to be, the key to overcoming low self-esteem involves taking the time to recognize the impact the issue has had on your current life and then casting it away from you. Imagery techniques can be particularly useful in this context. Imagine tossing the source of your low self-esteem far away from you.

Other techniques that are frequently used to raise self-esteem involve detailed record keeping. You may be quite surprised to find that you are good at a number of things. Toward that end, make a point to keep a record of all your accomplishment; even if they may seem minor or insignificant. Review these regularly and eventually your low self-esteem will be replaced with high self-esteem.

Want To Improve Your Health? Improve Your Circulation With Yoga

Yoga has been shown to improve the health of those who practice it, in many ways. These include mental and physical health as well as, for some, spiritual aspects of their lives. Yoga can have dramatic effects on the lives of many people.

And one area where that can be evident is in general blood circulation. Yoga exercises are very good for improving blood circulation and for anyone suffering from a circulatory problem it is well worth considering taking up Yoga, after a suitable consultation with your doctor. And blood circulation is important to so many aspects of our health.

All the tissues in our bodies need to move regularly to function properly. Witness what happens to those who are bedridden and suffer all sorts of problems related to their inability to move around enough.

The practice of Yoga ensures a good flow of blood to the tissues of our body. This in turn ensures a supply of oxygen because blood carries oxygen. And this helps improve the functioning of our organs and our general health. It will help in many areas of our general physical and mental health.

And those who suffer from some mental problems such as reduced memory may well also find that the regular practice of Yoga and the resultant improvement in oxygen supply to the brain from improved blood circulation results in some improvement to their specific mental problems.

This can be true in so many areas of our lives. Yoga can be beneficial during pregnancy for example, and there are many women who suffer from circulatory problems during pregnancy. The practice of Yoga can help maintain the womans overall health and mental well being and this may well in turn give her better physical ability and confidence to help her with the delivery.

And there are all sorts of other physical conditions which can be improved with improved blood circulation which results from the practice of Yoga. Perhaps you will find that blood pressure problems improve, or back pain may improve or even just that you get a better nights sleep.

There are many benefits to be found from a disciplined practice of Yoga, many stemming from improvements in the overall circulatory function. There are even some particular Yoga exercises called Inversions which are especially developed to improve stamina and the strength of the upper body, and these also help improve blood circulation.

Inversions keep your legs above the level of your heart which in turn affects the flow of blood. They should be done after long periods of standing. There are some who should avoid inversions, such as pregnant women, and anyone suffering from a specific medical problem should of course consult their doctor first.

Yoga is a discipline like any other, and so the benefits you get from it will depend on the degree to which you practice Yoga, however if you do so regularly, dont be surprised to find your overall health increasing.

And there are many Yoga exercised that can improve overall health by improving the circulation. Consult your instructor if youd like to learn more about the effects of Yoga on circulation, and find out more about the specific Yoga exercises to help you improve your circulation.

Foods That Can Improve Mental Health

Mental health can be attributed to many things, and one of those things is diet. This has warranted the most attention from the mental health community than perhaps any other form of therapy. Nutritional awareness and increased popularity of non-pharmaceutical solutions to health problems has led to a great deal of press and some pretty strong claims on both sides of the mental health argument.

1. Eating Patterns

It's no secret that eating habits are related to mood - people tend to eat when they are sad or depressed for example. Things like poor nutrition, a failure to eat on an appropriate schedule and other factors are common to both.

2. Low Carbohydrate Diet

Certain diets have a discernible impact on mood and mental health. The popular low carbohydrate diets that are often vaunted as a great means of promoting weight loss, for instance, may increase the risk of depression. This is because foods rich in carbohydrates tell the body to produce chemicals including tryptophan and serotonin. These substances create a sense of well being in a person and their absence can have a dramatic impact on mood. Many people who cut carbohydrates from their diets may experience depressive symptoms as a result of the shortfall in these substances. The impact of carbohydrate intake on depression remains somewhat unclear. Of course, it does serve as an example of the way our bodies interplay with food can influence our emotional state.

3. You Are What You Eat

We have all heard the old clich? that you are what you eat. As with most oft-repeated phrases, its popularity is largely based on its accuracy. What we take into our body does have a profound impact on how well it functions. Although we often tend to think of mental health problems as being divorced from the physical realm, they do originate in the body. It only makes sense to consider how various nutrients and dietary habits may affect depression and other mental health concerns.

4. Vitamins

Certain vitamins also seem to be linked with depression. The B vitamin group, in particular, is often mentioned alongside depression. This is because B vitamins are key to the functioning of our nervous systems. Vitamin B6 is one example. Research has demonstrated that those suffering from depression often have very low levels of Vitamin B6 in their systems (as well as low levels of the aforementioned seratonin). Although most citizens living in industrialized nations generally to manage sufficient dietary impact of B6, certain medications (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy drugs) actually interfere with B6 ingestion.

5.Overhaul Your Diet

Far too many people eat out. It might shock you to actually discover how many calories are in a single hamburger these days. Eating a healthy and well-rounded diet consistent with recognized nutritional recommendations may be a good way of battling depression. A failure to restrict your diet to healthy choices may make you fat, and being fat might make you more depressed - being depressed makes you eat, and the vicious cycle continues. Break the cycle!