tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11937228695693393542024-03-18T05:48:32.374-04:00My Mental Health AdvocateAll who are interested in learning more about Mental Health issues are welcome. I write from experience. I have PTSD, chronic, major depressive disorder (medication resistant), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified type, Generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, unspecified, mild cognitive impairment, social phobia, generalized, unspecified mood (affective) disorder. I am a Mental Health Advocate and certified in Mental Health First Aid. Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-6105215431324908262019-10-14T15:50:00.001-04:002019-10-14T15:50:13.095-04:00Guest Post: Exercise Strengthens the Body and the Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Fitness, in my opinion, is a mental exercise more than just physical.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">– <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Indian actress Anushka Shetty</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Exercise is indeed both a mental and physical activity. We often hear people talking about how </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Working out makes them feel better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Taking walks helps them clear their minds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Running helps them achieve a natural runner’s high.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Clearly, there’s a connection between physical and mental fitness. People who exercise regularly could:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21504730"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21504731"></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Reduce fatigue if they’re undergoing cancer treatment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network says that “exercise increases muscle strength, joint flexibility, and </span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_with_cancer/exercise.aspx">general conditioning</a></span></u></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Provide mental and physical benefits if they’re recovering from addictions. Alcohol and </span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">drug <a href="https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/treatment/holistic-rehab/">addiction treatment centers</a> </span></u></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">often encourage their clients to hit the gym as a form of holistic treatment that addresses their minds, bodies, and spirits.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21503904"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21503905"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Strengthen their bones if they have osteoporosis. As an added bonus, if people don’t have osteoporosis, regular exercise </span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811354/">may prevent it</a> </span></u></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">from occurring in the first place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Thus, exercising regularly may reduce pain and fatigue. It may even prevent it. If we’re less tired and sore, we may be better able to function in general.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21504274"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21504275"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21506388"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21506389"></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We certainly may be better able to handle our mental health. “Depressed adults who took part in a fitness program displayed </span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/">significantly greater improvements</a> </span></u></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">in depression, anxiety, and self-concept than those in a control group after 12 weeks of training,” reported scholars who reviewed research about exercise and mental health.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21504575"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21504576"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21506439"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlt21506440"></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">During exercise, the brain’s pituitary gland and hypothalamus release chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins are similar to the drug morphine, so they may fight pain. They may also </span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/13/health/endorphins-exercise-cause-happiness/index.html">boost our moods</a></span></u></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, because they’re chemicals that also relate to eating, drinking, sex, and maternal feelings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When we exercise, we’re doing something positive for ourselves. Knowing that we’re making progress may make us feel better about ourselves and improve our self-esteem.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">If we feel better about ourselves, we may be eager to continue to exercise to prolong these feelings. We may be less likely to do things that may derail this progress.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Exercise breeds positivity, which spurs further positivity, more exercise, and other constructive habits. Such habits and exercise generate further positivity, and so on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">While we often talk about breaking destructive cycles, this is one cycle we should encourage. Fitness engages, improves, and protects the mind and body in many ways.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>About the author</b></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">: Pamela Zuber is a writer and editor who is interested in many topics, including mental health, </span></span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/">addiction and recovery</a></span></u></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, human rights, gender, and business.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Sources</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Craft, Lynette L. and Frank M. Perna. “The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed.” </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. 2004; 6(3): 104-111.</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC474733/</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Domonell, Kristen. “Why Endorphins (and Exercise) Make You Happy.” CNN.com. January 13, 2016.</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/13/health/endorphins-exercise-cause-happiness/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/13/health/endorphins-exercise-cause-happiness/index.html</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Exercising During Cancer Treatment.” Patient and Caregiver Resources. National Comprehensive Cancer Network.</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_with_cancer/exercise.aspx">https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_with_cancer/exercise.aspx</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Russo, Cosimo Roberto. “The Effects of Exercise on Bone. Basic Concepts and Implications for the Prevention of Fracture.” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism</i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. Sept.-Dec. 2009; 6(3): 223-228.</span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811354/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811354/</a></u></span></span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-21918925834759968682019-04-18T09:28:00.001-04:002019-04-18T09:28:54.679-04:00Guest Post: Substance Abuse & Eating Disorders - Fighting a Dual Diagnosis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many people probably know that conditions such as anorexia and bulimia and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/201402/disordered-eating-or-eating-disorder-what-s-the">disordered eating</a> can wreak havoc on a person’s life. Did you know that other factors can make such conditions<br />
worse?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, using drugs or drinking excessively can make an eating disorder much worse.<br />
<br />
Also unfortunately, many people grapple with both substance abuse and eating disorders at the same time.<br />
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“<a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/substance-abuse-and-eating-disorders">Up to 50%</a> of individuals with eating disorders abused alcohol or illicit drugs, a rate five times higher than the general population,” says the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). In<br />
fact, the combination of an eating disorder and substance abuse is so common that it goes by many terms, including dual diagnosis, co-occurring condition, or comorbidity.<br />
<br />
People with just one of those conditions may find it difficult to treat. If they have both, treatment can be even more difficult, because the conditions may feed off each other. For example, people who feel ashamed or anxious about an eating disorder may get drunk to try to forget their problems.<br />
<br />
Treatment may be difficult, but it’s necessary. It’s also available. People with eating disorders<br />
and substance abuse problems may want to consider entering inpatient dual diagnosis<br />
treatment centers.<br />
<br />
While this name may sound intimidating, breaking it down is important. Similarly, while<br />
treatment may sound daunting, addressing it step-by-step can make it seem less scary and<br />
more accessible.<br />
<br />
As their name indicates, inpatient centers require people to stay at designated facilities while<br />
they receive treatment. This removes people from places, people, and circumstances that may<br />
trigger their eating disorders and substance abuse. It allows people to press the reset buttons<br />
on their lives.<br />
<br />
Inpatient care is also medical care. Eating disorders and substance abuse can be deadly, but<br />
treating them is also a delicate matter. Treatment requires people to make changes. Their<br />
bodies may not be accustomed to such changes, so staying in inpatient facilities that offer<br />
constant medical supervision may make treatment safer and more effective.<br />
<br />
Therapy is also a vital component feature of dual diagnosis facilities. Therapists can help people<br />
determine how eating disorders may influence substance abuse and vice versa. They can work<br />
with clients to develop new eating patterns and new ways to cope with stress.<br />
<br />
Dual diagnosis centers also introduce clients to other helpful people: their peers. Many inpatient<br />
dual diagnosis treatment centers feature group therapy and support group meetings.<br />
<br />
Professionals at the centers often find support groups that people can attend after they leave<br />
their treatment facilities.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2050-2974-2-S1-O64">Peer assistance</a> may be very helpful. After all, people in support groups and group therapy<br />
sessions have experienced eating disorders, addiction, and recovery themselves, so they can<br />
empathize with others in their groups. They may be less likely to judge because they’ve been<br />
through the same things. They can ask for advice or give advice because they’ve been there<br />
and done that.<br />
<br />
Eating disorders and substance abuse are complex problems. Treating them is no less<br />
complex. As with other issues of mental health, finding effective support may be challenging, but<br />
it can make all the difference.<br />
<br />
<b><i>About the author:</i></b> <i>Pamela Zuber is a writer and editor interested in <a href="https://www.monarchshores.com/treatment/dual-diagnosis-rehab">inpatient dual diagnosis</a></i><br />
<i><a href="https://www.monarchshores.com/treatment/dual-diagnosis-rehab">treatment centers</a> and other aspects of mental health, as well as wellness, gender, human</i><br />
<i>rights, and many other topics.</i><br />
<br />
<b>References</b><br />
The Contemporary Psychoanalysis Group, “Disordered Eating or Eating Disorder: What’s the<br />
Difference?,” Psychology Today, February 23, 2014,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/201402/disordered-eating-or-eating-disorder-what-s-the">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/201402/disordered-eating-or-eating-disorder-what-s-the</a><br />
<br />
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), “Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders,”<br />
<a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/substance-abuse-and-eating-disorders">https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/substance-abuse-and-eating-disorders</a><br />
<br />
Wade, Stephanie, Hunna Watson, Jemma Caswell, and Julie Purcell, “Peer Support for Eating<br />
Disorders: A Pilot Open Trial of Peer Support for Children and Adolescents with Eating<br />
Disorders,” Journal of Eating Disorders, November 24, 2014,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2050-2974-2-S1-O64">https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2050-2974-2-S1-O64</a>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-13552093610357350192018-08-14T12:40:00.005-04:002018-08-14T12:40:55.689-04:00Guest Post: Back on Track - How Fitness Helps Recovery<div class="nH aHU" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; position: relative; widows: 2;">
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/addiction-america-numbers/story?id=39934007">Statistics</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"> from 2014 reveal that </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">21.5 million </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">people aged 12 or </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">older had a substance </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">abuse </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">disorder that year alone. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Over the last </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">25 years, the </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">addiction treatment industry </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">has tripled i</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">n size, currently </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">raking in about </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">$35 billion in </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">annual revenue. So it seems </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">that, for all the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">money spent </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">on addiction </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">prevention, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">addiction still hasn’t been </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">prevented. Instead, it </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">morphed into a </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">business, while the failsafe way to getting </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">clean has been endlessly debated.</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">If you are recovering from drugs and alcohol, here are some tips to </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">maintaining a healthy </span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">lifestyle to help you find your way onto the </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://www.recovery.org/relapsed-6-ways-to-get-back-on-track/">right track to recovery</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><b><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Back on Track</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Perhaps the first step in picking up the pieces of your life after an addiction </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">is not so much </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">physical as mental and emotional. People who base their </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">schedules and relationships around </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">drugs for years often feel lonely or </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">rudderless once they quit. One way to overcome this sense </span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">of isolation is </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">to get a </span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/recovering-addict-wants-build-support-network-others/">support network</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"> around you. That might include family, old friends, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">or </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">other recovering addicts.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Also, take care of yourself: Get enough </span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://www.smartrecovery.org/how-to-improve-your-sleep-while-in-addiction-recovery/">sleep</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">. Eat healthy foods such as </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">fruits, vegetables, </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">whole grains, and omega-3 fish like salmon. Declutter </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">your life. That could mean cleaning up </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">your apartment, throwing out clothes </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">you don’t wear, cutting people who are toxic out of your </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">life, or deleting the </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">apps that you don’t use off your iPhone. Whatever steps you take, make </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">sure where and how you live is light, bright, open and full of possibility.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><b><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Get a Routine</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Now that you’ve begun to address your mental health, turn to how you’re </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">doing physically. </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Drugs wear down your body and fully recovering from them </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">means adopting a healthy, active </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">routine that you keep up through the years. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">A natural midway point between attending to your </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">mental and physical states </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">could be yoga, which focuses on deep-breathing, meditation, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">relaxing and </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">staying in tune with your body. Biking, tennis, running, baseball, basketball, </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">swimming and weightlifting are all solid options, too. Pick something you </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">love, because </span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">you’ll keep doing it, rather than view it as a chore. Moreover, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://experiencelife.com/article/how-exercise-heals/">physical activity</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"> has been </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">shown to sharpen memory, lower cholesterol, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">combat inflammation and fight off type 2 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">diabetes.</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><b><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Anger and Addiction</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Mental illness and substance addiction frequently co-occur. According to the </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Journal of the </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">American Medical Association, roughly 50 percent of people who </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">suffer a serious cognitive </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">disorder abuse drugs. Anger, meanwhile, is often </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">symptomatic of a range of mental problems </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">including mania and depression </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">in bipolar disorder, among others. After you go cold turkey </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">from drugs, many </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">factors may still cause you to become angry. These might include unpaid </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">debts, broken friendships, or any that anxiety you may have harbored for </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">years while on </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">drugs.</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://www.thefix.com/5-ways-being-physically-active-can-help-your-recovery">Fitness</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"> has been shown to moderate anger by releasing chemicals such as </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">serotonin and </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">dopamine in your brain. So if you’re recovering from an addiction, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">do any of the exercises </span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">listed above to relax. If you are unable to </span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://www.swiftriver.com/anger-management-addiction/">control your anger</a></u></span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">, </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">decide whether competitive </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">sports fuel your stress or not. For instance, if you know </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">that losing a game of pickup </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">basketball will upset you, you might opt to drive out </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">to a forest to hike through the pine </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">air and feel at peace.</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Finding your way out of the darkness of addiction is nearly a miracle. That’s </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">why it’s </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">important to keep moving. Exercise rewires our brain and helps stave </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">off depression, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">so we can muster the strength to keep on the track that leads </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">toward recovery.</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour" style="color: black;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;">Image via </span></span></span></span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Apj4nSemkzk">Unsplash</a></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i><b>About the Author</b></i></div>
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<span id="m_-3856155888521685664docs-internal-guid-31a69a5a-7fff-a34e-385f-2aa282229661"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>Molly knows what it’s like having a loved one suffering from an addiction. Through </i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>her writing, she </i></span></span></span></span></span><i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">offers support and advice for those with addictions and their loved </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">ones. <span id="m_-3856155888521685664docs-internal-guid-e526c720-7fff-2193-454a-14d6b9a0e5f8"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664highlight" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664colour"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664font"><span class="m_-3856155888521685664size" style="font-size: 10pt;">Molly writes for RecoveryHope. </span></span></span></span></span></i><i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">She’s passionate about supporting those in </i></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com156tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-56396807425315356922018-07-06T14:34:00.000-04:002018-07-06T14:37:25.402-04:00Guest Post: Can Self-Employment Benefit People with Mental Illness?<div class="h7 bg " role="listitem" style="clear: both; max-width: 100000px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px;" tabindex="-1">
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHFiu76G6_cb_jUDUvWiTYDUILMlb8UeS3sEoy_rIaC9kX6_ESBefRKSKV-xXADcu2lEuo9YbwZVgEu-7hBy2be20Ky3tnYBinWfEJn2E_Mqqky24LNtoMcQvuVBR7_EVqeCA12OeK3SK/s1600/mental+health+work+from+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHFiu76G6_cb_jUDUvWiTYDUILMlb8UeS3sEoy_rIaC9kX6_ESBefRKSKV-xXADcu2lEuo9YbwZVgEu-7hBy2be20Ky3tnYBinWfEJn2E_Mqqky24LNtoMcQvuVBR7_EVqeCA12OeK3SK/s320/mental+health+work+from+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is your mental health interfering with your </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">career? </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Conditions like depression and anxiety </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">make it hard </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">to show up to a job day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">after day and give it your all — </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">not to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">mention dealing with office politics and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">other </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">workplace stressors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rather than </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">going through the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">motions </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and letting </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">your mental health suffer, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">consider </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">branching out into the world of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">self-employment.</span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rise of the gig economy has made self-employment </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">possible for countless people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No longer do you have to </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">launch your own full-fledged business to be self-employed. </span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Between apps that let customers hire on-demand services to websites that connect </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">freelancers with paying </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">clients, it’s easier than ever to make money without signing up </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">for an office job.</span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The flexibility of self-employment offers enormous benefit to people with mental illnesses. </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mental illnesses make it difficult to adhere to rigid office schedules — and when you do </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">show up despite feeling unwell, it’s impossible to give it your all. According to Inc, </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">absenteeism and presenteeism due to mental illness cost U.S. businesses an estimated </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.inc.com/matthew-jones/how-mental-health-can-save-businesses-225-billion-each-year.html">$225.8 billion</a><span id="goog_333664263"></span><span id="goog_333664264"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> </span>per year. Workers in the gig economy, on the other hand, can set their own </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hours so they can work when they’re feeling most capable and productive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While not for everyone, working solo can be an ideal scenario for people with social anxiety. </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a self-employment scenario, you control when and how you interact with others. That’s a </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">big shift from an office setting where coworkers drop in on a whim, managers peer over your </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">shoulder, and <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCDV_85.htm">office politics</a> </span>reign supreme. While few people can (or should) escape inter-</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">acting with others entirely, working independently gives you time and space to craft cogent </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">messages and rehearse interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, there’s also the benefit of not working a job that feels like drudgery day in and </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">day out. Whether you have a preexisting condition or not, spending 40 hours per week doing </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">something you dislike isn’t doing your mental health any favors. By striking out on your own, </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">you can pursue an interest or schedule paying work in a way that accommodates unpaid pursuits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite the benefits, working in the gig economy isn’t for everyone. Running your own business </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">requires <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://plexusworldwide.com/sunnyshare/movers-and-shakers/12-signs-born-run-business">specific traits</a></span>: you must be self-motivated so you can set and meet deadlines without a </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">supervisor pressuring you — because while you may have a flexible schedule, you only get paid </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">if the work gets done. You have to present yourself well and interact confidently with clients and </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">fellow business owners, because branding and networking are key to business success. You need </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to be a natural problem solver; when you work alone, it’s up to you to fix any and every problem </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">that arises. And you must be orderly and regimented, because if you can’t follow up on invoices, </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">keep the books, and pay your <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/self-employment-taxes/beginners-tax-guide-for-the-self-employed/L2HLojrj5">taxes</a></span>, you won’t last long in business. If you feel you may fall </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">short on any of the above, find and pay someone trustworthy to handle this for you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don’t have these essential traits, self-employment may not be the path for you. However, </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in 9-to-5 drudgery until the day you retire. An <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/74-of-employers-offer-telecommuting-and-predict-increase_us_5a04c26ce4b0ee8ec3693ffe">increasing number </a></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">of companies are offering flexibility to employees. Flexible workplaces include perks like </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">working from home, flexible work hours, compressed workweeks, and generous paid time off. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even if an employer doesn’t offer these benefits as standard, workers may be able to request </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flexible working accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if they </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">have a diagnosed psychiatric disability. Learn more about <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/employee-rights-book/chapter7-8.html">workplace accommodations</a> </span>for </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">mental health conditions at <a href="https://adata.org/factsheet/health">ADA National Network.</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For many people with mental illness, self-employment is ripe with opportunity — both for a </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">fulfilling career and improved mental health. However, if you don’t have the right personality </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">for it, entering the gig economy could do more <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/avaw7j/freelance-mental-health-self-employed">harm</a> </span>than good to your mental well-being. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before you take the leap and strike out on your own, make sure you’re suited for the path ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span id="m_-139878540142212065gmail-docs-internal-guid-ee3c6a95-1103-2bb7-379c-24ef6b244626"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image via <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/4m66VBr8zns"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Unsplash</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brad Krause </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">graduated from college in 2010 and went straight to the corporate world at the </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">headquarters </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">of a popular retail company. But what started as a dream job soured quickly. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">After four years of working </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">15-hour days and neglecting his health, he decided enough was </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">enough. Through aiding a friend during </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">a tough time, Brad discovered his real calling-helping </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">people implement self-care practices that improve </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">their overall wellbeing. He created </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">SelfCaring.info to share his own knowledge and the many great </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">resources he finds on his </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">self-care journey.</span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-56202902010788411442018-05-19T09:33:00.001-04:002018-05-19T09:33:57.210-04:00Guest Post: Help for Teens Struggling with the Darkness of Suicidal Thoughts: A Prevention Toolkit<div class="normal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX3RvNvoNxc86o4K_OArxncB5QfNa1OoldxmjQEyBHb8RWfaFtrnwmGkaXxbxh-1JG1bfZ7PESYnaKMVygtpdcOOPkix4oNpQRJro1Bt5wrDUnk5DKeENXJW_mnjDpWQ9z-CHfqtOwNvF/s1600/teen+suicide+article.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="879" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX3RvNvoNxc86o4K_OArxncB5QfNa1OoldxmjQEyBHb8RWfaFtrnwmGkaXxbxh-1JG1bfZ7PESYnaKMVygtpdcOOPkix4oNpQRJro1Bt5wrDUnk5DKeENXJW_mnjDpWQ9z-CHfqtOwNvF/s320/teen+suicide+article.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/844b1f2f-0260-4633-893d-757fbfdee25f" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The most common underlying cause of suicidal
thoughts is </span><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/depression.html">depression</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> – a medical condition that affects
millions of people. It’s not a brain defect and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
It is simply a condition that, like other medical issues, can be treated and
managed through treatment, counseling, and various lifestyle changes. For both
boys and girls, depression increases the risk of suicide </span><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.aaets.org/article172.htm">12-fold</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">,
and can lead to negative coping mechanisms such as </span><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.drugrehab.org/suicide-and-substance-abuse/">substance abuse</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. In order to get to the heart
of thoughts of suicide, it’s important to tackle what’s likely causing them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use this toolkit for helpful resources and tips as you navigate this journey to
the top.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Helpful
Resources<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you are struggling with depression and
thoughts of suicide, it can make you feel as if all hope is lost. The funk your
brain is in is tricking you into thinking you can’t do this, but you can! When
your mind is playing games, here are some resources to reach out to:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Access help 24/7 with the Crisis <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/">Text Line</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Put the National Suicide
Prevention <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">Lifeline</a></span> on speed dial.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/home.aspx">Reach out</a></span> to other teens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Browse helpful information at the <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.sptsusa.org/teens/">SPTS</a></span>
website.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Educate yourself about <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://teenmentalhealth.org/learn/mental-disorders/depression/">depression</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Steps to
Take If You Are Having Suicidal Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop and
Think.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First and foremost, if you’re currently thinking
about harming yourself the first thing you should do is take a step back.
Commit to at least 24 hours to let your emotions settle. Suicide is permanent,
while emotions can be fleeting. Take some time to think. It’s vital that you
know that you are not alone. Some of the most admired and accomplished people
have been overwhelmed by depression and contemplated ending their life. Rest
assured that your depression can be treated, driving away thoughts of <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/are-you-feeling-suicidal.htm">suicide</a></span> and that feeling of hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Build Your
Network<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do not try to deal with your suicidal thoughts by
yourself. Reach out to someone. If you want to talk to someone other than a
friend or family member, there are many <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/common-hotline-phone-numbers/">suicide lifelines</a></span> out there that will help you
any day of the year, any time of the day. Talk with your parents or caregivers
about your thoughts. Your biggest ally during this time will be your support
network. If you are worried about how they will react, or don’t feel
comfortable talking to them, consider using one of these <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/just-listen/201508/6-reasons-teens-wont-tell-parents-their-violent-thoughts">letters</a></span> and simply sign your name at the
bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need a number right now, dial
1-800-273-8255.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get
Professional Help<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Building your support network is a great start,
but depression is a mental illness that is best treated by a professional. They
will be able to create the treatment plan that works best for you, and become
yet another member of your growing network of support.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Extra
Tools to Tackle Your Depression<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Get up and <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/3-ways-to-beat-depression-through-exercise/">get moving</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Practice <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://yogafordepression.com/beat-depression-with-a-yogic-breath/">deep breathing</a></span> and <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://shantigeneration.com/3-yoga-poses-to-help-lift-teens-out-of-depression/">yoga</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Adopt a service <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://wagwalking.com/blog/service-dogs-help-anxiety-depression/">dog</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Get a good night’s <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep">sleep</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Fuel your body with the <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2016-01-05/teens-your-brain-needs-real-food">proper nutrition</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to depression and suicide, there is
an established link. Untreated depression is a leading cause of suicide
attempts and completions. If you are feeling depressed, talk to someone. Seek
help from a mental health professional. You are not alone and you can get
through this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo Credit: <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/woman-girl-freedom-happy-sun-591576/">Pixabay.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>By Mariah Kaye Williams</b></span></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><b>Ever since her daughter-in-law was suicidal three years ago, Mariah Williams resolved to fight stressors in her own life and encouraged those she loves to do the same. Mariah now researches and writes daily to promote self-care. </b></i></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-48783547587511886872018-02-01T13:10:00.001-05:002018-02-01T13:10:25.988-05:00How Sleep Deprivation Affects You and Your Mental Health<div class="qtext_para" style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">
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Sleep deprivation can seriously affect all parts of your body - physically and mentally. You weaken your immune system. You can become more vulnerable to respiratory infections.<br />
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Sleep deprivation can cause digestive issues that result in weight gain, and possible diabetes issues. Along with weight gain, you are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.<br />
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Sleep deprivation impairs you mentally with memory issues, cognitive function, moodiness, hallucinations, depression, that can make you more accident prone, and yes, it can even result in accidental death.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>NOTE: If you drive or do anything else that can cause injury to you or someone else, it can be devastating. </i></b><br />
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According to the <a href="https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep/sleep-deprivation/">Sleep Association Organization</a>, Sleep Deprivation is defined as not getting adequate total sleep.<br />
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Even though relatively few studies have been done on total lack of sleep over a long period of time in humans, long term sleep deprivation in lab animals has resulted in death.<br />
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<b>What is a Typical Night for You?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Fall asleep but wake an hour or so later, check the clock, roll over, try to sleep? Toss and turn, check the clock again? A never ending cycle until the morning alarm sounds?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ready for bed, but when the lights are out, you can't sleep? You toss and turn, dozing fitfully until the morning alarm blares?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Working late into the night, ignoring your body's cries for sleep? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Forcing yourself to stay awake with caffeine-laden beverages? Your body's desires for sleep overcome your desire to stay awake, yet you feel like you didn't sleep at all?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Your mind won't stop recycling the day's events, tomorrow's possibilities, or random racing thoughts that won't go away and keep you awake?</li>
</ul>
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<b>What are the Effects of Sleep Deprivation?</b><br />
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If you experience long term sleep deprivation you can begin to <b>hallucinate</b> or <b>trigger a mania episode</b> in those with Bipolar Disorder. <b>Other psychological risks include: impulsive behavior, depression, paranoia and/or suicidal thoughts.</b><br />
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Other affects on your body can include:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Excessive Daytime Sleepiness</li>
<li>Accidents from Lack of Attention</li>
<li>Moodiness</li>
<li>Hunger</li>
<li>Other Health Dangers such as:</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Diabetes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Cognitive Impairment</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Suppressed Growth Hormones</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Memory Lapses</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Depression</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Weight Gain or Loss</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
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Read this article about <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body#1">how Sleep Deprivation affects your body</a>.<br />
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For more information, read <span class="qlink_container"><a class="external_link" data-qt-tooltip="healthline.com" href="http://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body" rel="noopener nofollow" style="background-image: url(https://qsf.ec.quoracdn.net/-3-images.new_grid.external_link.svg-26-aef78ead48f1f1e2.svg); background-position: right 0.3em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 10.5px; color: #2b6dad; padding-right: 15px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Body</a></span><br />
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Read this article to learn the <a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20906153,00.html#time-for-bed-0">11 Signs You're Sleep Deprived.</a><br />
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<b>Have You Tried These to Help Fall Asleep?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Prescription sleep medication?</li>
<li>Over-the-Counter sleep medication?</li>
<li>A Sound Machine or Room Air Filtration System?</li>
<li>Something Herbal like Melatonin? Valerian? Chamomile?</li>
<li>Meditation?</li>
<li>A warm bath?</li>
<li>Reading a book?</li>
<li>Playing a game (or six) on your Smart Phone?</li>
<li>Tea or Warm Milk?</li>
<li>Self-Hypnosis?</li>
<li>Letting the TV stay on?</li>
<li>Listening to music?</li>
<li>Something else not listed here?</li>
</ul>
Did you know that overuse of some OTC Sleep Medications can actually cause you to get less sleep?<br />
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<b>What Can Cause Sleep Deprivation?</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Sleep Disorders that reduce Sleep Time such as Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome, others</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Poor Sleep Hygiene</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sleep Disorders that Interfere with Brain's ability to Stay Awake such as Narcolepsy or Primary Hypersomnia</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Insufficient Total Sleep Time</li>
</ul>
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<b>Are there Some Positive Ways to Help Eliminate Sleepiness if You Suffer from Sleep Deprivation? <a href="https://www.verywell.com/what-is-the-treatment-for-sleep-deprivation-3015326">From 10 Best Treatments and Cures for Sleep Deprivation</a></b><br />
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<b>Sleep</b> - Too obvious, right?<br />
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<b>Activity</b> - <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Research studies have shown that a five-minute walk can improve </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/what-is-sleepiness-and-what-are-the-most-common-causes-3014824" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">excessive daytime sleepiness</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> as measured by </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/what-is-mslt-3015135" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. Unfortunately, this increased alertness may be a transient benefit that comes and goes rather quickly. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Bright Light</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The exposure to bright light has important effects on your body's </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/the-science-of-circadian-rhythms-3014832" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">circadian rhythm</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. The circadian rhythm is a pattern of body functions, including sleep and wakefulness, that is timed to the day-night cycle. There are some conditions such as </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/sad-real-and-treatable-3522410" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">seasonal affective disorder (SAD)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">and </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/what-are-circadian-rhythm-disorders-3014785" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">circadian rhythm sleep disorders</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> that are helped by appropriately timed exposure to bright light. In addition, bright light may help you become more alert if you are sleep deprived.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Noise</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">When we hear something, our brain responds by making us slightly more alert. This can be problematic when we have a noisy </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/the-importance-of-your-sleep-environment-3014944" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">sleep environment</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, but it can be helpful if we are trying to stay awake.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Temperature</b> - </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Unfortunately, there is little evidence to suggest that temperature changes do much to improve our alertness and decrease excessive sleepiness. Studies of extreme temperatures (either very hot or very cold) have an effect for only a few minutes.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Posture</b> - </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Surely it is harder to fall asleep when you are standing up, so posture clearly can have some beneficial effects on sleep deprivation.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><b>Caffeine</b> - </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Aside from simply getting more sleep, the best single treatment for sleep deprivation may be </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="https://www.verywell.com/sleep-4014648" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1396a7; outline: 0px; transition: color 0.15s ease-out;">caffeine</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. This naturally occurring stimulant is found in many common foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, soda pop, energy drinks, and chocolate.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><b>Stimulants</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from caffeine, there are other stimulants available as prescription and over-the-counter drugs that might be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of sleep deprivation.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><b>Motivation</b> - </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You might consider that you are more likely to stay alert and attentive if you actually care about the activities you are engaged in. A boring lecture or meeting at work may be just the thing to put you right to sleep. However, spending time with your loved ones or pursuing a favored hobby may keep you wide awake, at least in the short term.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px;"><b>Group Effects </b>- </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">here is some belief among anthropologists that the effects of sleep deprivation may be lessened when they occur in the context of a group. You might imagine that a handful of sleep-deprived people are able to engage one another in ways to maintain alertness.</span></span><br />
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<b>What are the Treatments for Sleep Deprivation?</b><br />
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Get more sleep!<br />
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Easier said than done, right?<br />
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The best answer is to treat the <b><i>cause of the Sleep Deprivation.</i></b> Is it a sleep disorder? You won't know unless you see a sleep specialist who can diagnose your sleep condition. I suggest if you are experiencing sleep deprivation, you see a sleep specialist immediately. They can rule out other medical issues, find the cause, and treat the real reason for sleep deprivation. Then, you can experience that benefits of adequate sleep and wake refreshed and ready to tackle your day.<br />
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-17163860872217726962017-12-15T01:00:00.000-05:002017-12-15T01:00:03.599-05:00Guest Post: Even Workaholics Need to Take their Travel Days, Science Tells Us So<div class="normal">
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<span lang="EN">The most successful professionals know the value
of hard work. Often, workaholism and professional success go hand-in-hand.
Unfortunately, workaholism and good mental health don’t go hand-in-hand. The
facts tell us that travel provides fresh perspective and mental health benefits
that everybody – especially those who never seem to take time off – could use. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN">To keep stress levels low and to help mental well-being, spouses of
workaholics, and the worker bees themselves, should engage in non-business
related travel from time to time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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(Photo via <a href="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/10/22/17/46/scotland-1761292_1280.jpg"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Pixabay</span></a>)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">The
Dangers of Overworking</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN">The health consequences of overwork can’t be
overstated. The dangers that come with long hours and shift work – such as the
abnormal hours hospital employees face – are many, and they’re not to be taken
lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">A milder consequence of pushing oneself too far
at work is reduced job performance. Even when you think you’re doing a good job
for your employer by staying longer or taking the graveyard shift, studies show
that this is most often not the case. Running on fumes means a product or
service that is<a href="https://hbr.org/2015/08/the-research-is-clear-long-hours-backfire-for-people-and-for-companies"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a><a href="https://hbr.org/2015/08/the-research-is-clear-long-hours-backfire-for-people-and-for-companies"><span style="color: #1155cc;">worse in quality</span></a> than if you were properly
rested or were able to manage your workload more reasonably. But poor performance
pales in comparison to the health risks associated with overworking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The National Center for Biotechnology Information
publishes many studies on health, and one in particular<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629843/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629843/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">shows</span></a> that overly long work hours carry the
risk of obesity, on-the-job injury, and chronic disease. In Japan,<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312902/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312902/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">approximately 30,000 suicides</span></a> per year are
thought to be related to economic and work-related pressures. This is not
fear-mongering, it’s factual, and it should help inform why taking time off
from work for vacation is so important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">The
Flipside: Benefits of Travel on Mental Health<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q2hBJcf9JR1mvXhLA7xvVeo6_ZX6NZ0N6l6BNrLDHVi31nlHjADZKd53pqXJZpSgk-UUa-UQLO3uXPGO0B6hHI0y27O86m9nODPf4aZLLhtB5fqPWz0Nhxnie5_6OSh_ZkxEK5wFh_qO/s1600/guest+post+foot+step.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="975" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q2hBJcf9JR1mvXhLA7xvVeo6_ZX6NZ0N6l6BNrLDHVi31nlHjADZKd53pqXJZpSgk-UUa-UQLO3uXPGO0B6hHI0y27O86m9nODPf4aZLLhtB5fqPWz0Nhxnie5_6OSh_ZkxEK5wFh_qO/s320/guest+post+foot+step.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/12ad8b5e-8717-4420-b44f-bc50848e4d10" />(Photo via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/feet-boots-jump-adventure-fashion-767045/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Pixabay</span></a>)</div>
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<span lang="EN">PsychCentral has detailed<a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/05/27/can-travel-boost-your-mental-health/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a><a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/05/27/can-travel-boost-your-mental-health/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">the benefits of travel</span></a> on our mental health.
The neurological benefits of taking your mind completely off of work-related
responsibilities are immense.Travel forces us to use different parts of our
brain, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory. For example, if you
travel somewhere outside of the States where poverty or other factors mean a
challenging quality of life, you’ll gain perspective on your own problems.
Consider too the benefits of navigating a foreign language or city, tasting new
food and experiencing different cultures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Our biological functions are improved when we
travel, too. The Perfect World Project<a href="http://perfectworldproject.tv/how-travelling-benefits-your-mental-health/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a><a href="http://perfectworldproject.tv/how-travelling-benefits-your-mental-health/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">references</span></a> a study from the University of
Surrey which showed that people experience more happiness when anticipating an
upcoming vacation. New experience helps to sharpen the mind, and travel has
also been proven to reduce stress, which increases our blood pressure and is
common in the overworked population.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Traveling is also synonymous with a fortified
immune system.<a href="http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/how-travel-benefits-your-mental-health/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a><a href="http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/how-travel-benefits-your-mental-health/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">According to CBS</span></a>, your relationships may
emerge stronger, too. The monotony of our daily routine is not always conducive
to romance, and taking a trip with your partner has the opposite effect; it’s
spice for your love life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The best part is that when it comes to travel,
your options are limitless. Not to mention that there are myriad ways to find
the perfect vacation online. Some quick research will yield plenty of results
and make booking your travel that much easier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq7MSCO3JqFSAoC4oDFmxJY2fiJfYDoTV0598ntJTkw3TAG4LH327NojcLayq4LzIMhWDKXFjkG7Ssg5SshC28OcCcxlFTaOJJ4JaHkw74sMxBWpkQfrCI9X8ztaZat_6YqeEYAESMh70/s1600/guest+post+relationship.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="975" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq7MSCO3JqFSAoC4oDFmxJY2fiJfYDoTV0598ntJTkw3TAG4LH327NojcLayq4LzIMhWDKXFjkG7Ssg5SshC28OcCcxlFTaOJJ4JaHkw74sMxBWpkQfrCI9X8ztaZat_6YqeEYAESMh70/s320/guest+post+relationship.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/a43287da-7d7e-4e36-ae96-f945ac8e704f" />(Photo via <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/wedding-beach-wedding-love-1745240/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Pixabay</span></a>)</div>
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<span lang="EN">When you’re planning your trip, part of your
travel arrangements should be securing your home and arranging care for your
pet, especially if you’re a dog owner. Having these pieces of the puzzle in
place will help keep worry and stress low during your absence. Even if it means
hiring a <a href="https://www.rover.com/dog-boarding/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">pet
sitter</span></a>, it’s smart to shell out a little extra dough for your dog’s
benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">It’s often more difficult for us to have fun than
to remain stagnant. Breaking a routine, especially one that allows us to pay
bills and provide a better life for our family, is not always easy.
Understanding the dangers that overworking pose to our health and conversely
the proven benefits that travel has on our mental and physical well-being is
key. It helps us to understand that money pales in comparison to our health and
happiness. So stop grinding your fingers to the bone, plan a vacation, and
start enjoying the perks which begin even before you head to the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jennifer Scott has experienced anxiety and depression since she was a teenager. She</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"> shares stories about the ups and downs of her anxiety and depression at SpiritFinder.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> With SpiritFinder.org, Ms. Scott offers a forum </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">where those living with anxiety and depression can discuss their experiences.</span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></i></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-42868252449563426982017-12-02T09:30:00.000-05:002017-12-02T09:30:03.125-05:00Guest Post: Avoiding Relapse at Holiday Parties<div class="normal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE9YNM28rKMaW29YYIH1N73uHAvaFJotEdqknI2EK7b8ROUwBhDxjcZ2k274j0QlZeA-DihBz70aPnF3N46Db3-uD4nddfUHLoQAmf1Z710hnsZ8Zz3xM-TWUooWZVP_GuY15oE3BBhYb/s1600/avoiding+relapse+at+holiday+parties.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="967" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE9YNM28rKMaW29YYIH1N73uHAvaFJotEdqknI2EK7b8ROUwBhDxjcZ2k274j0QlZeA-DihBz70aPnF3N46Db3-uD4nddfUHLoQAmf1Z710hnsZ8Zz3xM-TWUooWZVP_GuY15oE3BBhYb/s320/avoiding+relapse+at+holiday+parties.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN">The holidays can be a difficult and even lonely
time for many of us, especially those who are living in recovery; either from alcoholism or needing to abstain due to psychotropic medications. Holiday
parties almost always include temptation and pressure to drink. The holidays
can especially be a struggle for those who are very early in their own recovery
process. You’ve worked so hard for your sobriety; how can you make it through
this season without slipping back into relapse? If this concern sounds familiar
to you, you’re not alone. According to <a href="http://www.drugfree.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">DrugFree.org</span>,</a> ten percent of Americans are in
addiction recovery.</span> So many more take medications that interfere with alcohol and alcohol infused treats.<br />
<br />
However, it is possible to make it through the holidays
without relapse. Here are a few tips...</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Have a
Plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">Never go to a holiday party without a <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.adrugrehab.org/7-sober-party-tips/">plan</a></span>
for staying sober. Anticipate any pressures or temptations before they occur,
and know how you plan to respond. For instance, ask yourself, “How will I stay
sober on this day?” Whatever your sobriety plan might be, figure it out in
advance; practice it; and don’t be afraid to stick to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Volunteer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">Helping other people is one of the most
meaningful and fulfilling activities you can do, regardless of the time of
year. Of course, bringing joy to the lives of others has special meaning during
the holidays. Activism and volunteer work puts things into perspective, gives
us a sense of purpose, and builds self-esteem while helping us forget about our
own problems. There are countless ways you can help others this holiday season,
including serving food at a homeless shelter, mentoring a child in need, or
even volunteer at an animal shelter - just to name a few.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Don’t Go<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">When all else fails, simply consider not going.
This is especially recommended if you are early in your recovery process
because that’s when the <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://alcoholrehab.com/alcoholism/holiday-temptations-for-alcoholics/">temptation</a></span> is usually the strongest. Attending
the party might sound like fun. However, more often than not, the temptation of
attending a holiday party is simply not worth the risk of returning to
addiction. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you have to stay at
home by yourself. Instead, you could spend time with a friend who isn’t going
to the party. If possible, choose to go to an AA meeting or meet up with your
sponsor, if you have one. Or go to the movies. Take a yoga class. Go ice
skating with a loved one. If you’re single, take a chance by going on a date.
Or, better yet, throw your own party…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Throw Your
Own Party<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">Celebrate the holidays and sobriety, all in one
party! This is a great way to avoid the loneliness and sadness that people
often feel during the holiday season, while resisting the temptation of being
around alcohol at parties. Hold your own party at your home or at your favorite
event space. Invite your friends, loved ones, and even your sponsor. Of course,
let everyone know in advance that it will be a drug- and alcohol-free event.
Enforce those boundaries. Instead of wine, consider serving punch, apple cider
or non-alcoholic homemade eggnog. Plan games, play music, and perhaps even hold
a potluck or cookie swap. Regardless of what party theme you choose, you can
show yourself - and your loved ones - that it is possible to ring in the
holidays with plenty of fun and cheer… and without the need to drink or the
chance of relapse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">As you can see, the holiday season doesn’t have
to be all about parties, cocktails and hangovers. With some will power, a
strategy plan and the support of those around you, you’ll find that it is very
possible to eat and be merry this holiday season -- without having a single
drink. Hopefully, this gives you a simple guideline for having a happy, healthy
holiday season without slipping into relapse.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">By Henry Moore</span><br />
<span lang="EN"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Henry is the co-creator of <a href="http://fitwelltraveler.com/">FitWellTraveler.</a> The site blends two of his favorite subjects (travel and health) to provide readers with information about how to get the most out of both. Mr. Moore starts every day by looking at photographs of past travel, making plans for future travel, and committing to one new healthy goal. He enjoys travel, running, swimming and baking. His favorite place in the world is Venice, Italy. The next place on his list to visit is: Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.</span></i></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-53628045294891516022017-10-27T01:00:00.000-04:002017-10-27T01:00:27.756-04:00Guest Post - Light Up Your Life with a Hobby and Improve Your Mental Health<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8WvPVf0QeCeqX3RjVXqFxVfrV0iDXE0c4fWCoDYgceRGXc6A8ave-L-69OSTLNaEdjzMihv4ihHp0yZMWtGijwQcXPMJbP5V3HszdqRHSm_Arc4NdhYES_nIY6590igeg4FZVbyFJBm3/s1600/MH+hobby+photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1039" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8WvPVf0QeCeqX3RjVXqFxVfrV0iDXE0c4fWCoDYgceRGXc6A8ave-L-69OSTLNaEdjzMihv4ihHp0yZMWtGijwQcXPMJbP5V3HszdqRHSm_Arc4NdhYES_nIY6590igeg4FZVbyFJBm3/s320/MH+hobby+photo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">We
can all relate to the sinking feeling that comes from being broke. If you
disagree, then you're either a millionaire with too much money or a mystic who
has no need of it. Either way, you're out of the norm.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Other
benefits are less tangible than money but just as worthwhile. Take the
advantages of having a hobby. Believe it or not, a simple pastime can improve
your physical dexterity, give you a </span><a href="http://www.lifehack.org/389502/3-mental-health-benefits-pursuing-hobby"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">sense of accomplishment</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, and enhance your ability to focus. That's a lot
of payback for having fun, don't you think?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The
key to getting the most rewards from a hobby is choosing one that matches your
interests, skills, and, of course, your budget. Otherwise you may find yourself
losing interest soon after getting started. So let's look at how to upgrade
your down time with something you love doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Start
by Finding Out Who You Are</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">One
of the best ways to choose a hobby (or a career or college major, for that
matter) is to take a </span><a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/14-free-personality-tests-thatll-help-you-figure-yourself-out"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">personality test</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> first. Knowing a little about what makes your
mind tick can help you narrow down your options and pick the pastime you'll
enjoy most. Here are some examples:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Are you a creative person? If so, then consider
painting, drawing, or sculpting.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Are you an analytical person? If so, then you may
find chess, sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles are right up your alley.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Are you a hands-on person? If so, then look into
woodworking or model building.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Are you an active person? If so, then hiking,
camping, or sports are all strong possibilities.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Are you an outgoing person? If so, then look into
acting or podcasting.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Work
Out a Budget</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Finding
the right hobby is easy for those who are wealthy. They can always sail around
the world or raise thoroughbred horses. Options are a bit more limited when it
comes to the rest of us, however. We must balance our interests against our
financial resources unless we want to end up in bankruptcy. Here's how to find
an activity that will soothe your senses, not blow your budget:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Consider what you already have. Many people
already possess the tools needed to pursue their interests. </span><a href="https://expertphotography.com/a-beginners-guide-to-photography/"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Photography</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> is a great example of what we mean, according to
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Expert Photography</i>. Some shutterbugs
own thousands of dollars worth of equipment and are always on the lookout for
more. Others, however, make do with an entry-level DSLR or even the camera that
comes with their smart phone. Both types of photographers can take great
pictures, despite what certain salespeople may tell you. So take stock of your
existing inventory before dropping a bundle on fancy equipment. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Look for pre-owned or sale items. Going back to
the example of photography, it's possible to find </span><a href="https://photographylife.com/how-to-buy-used-dslr-cameras"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">great cameras</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> on sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon for
bargain prices, according to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Photography
Life</i>. Choosing a model that's a few years old may give you great
results<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>while saving you big bucks.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Ask established hobbyists for advice. Those who
have spent a few years pursuing your interest will know their way around the
necessary equipment and can help you to get the most bang for your buck. They
may even have used items they're willing to sell for unbelievable prices. You
never know until you ask.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><b>Always
Make Safety First</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Some
hobbies, such as woodworking, require access to power tools or other items that
demand caution when in use. Here's how to </span><a href="https://www.redfin.com/blog/2014/09/5-tips-for-diy-safety.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">stay safe</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> when operating specialized equipment:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry. If your
hair is long, then pin it back.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Stay alert. It's important to never use
power-driven machinery when you're tired or taking medications that can make
you drowsy.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">●<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Take classes at your local community college or
ask a seasoned hobbyist for help.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Hobbies
are a great way to spend your leisure time. A hobby can even turn into a
rewarding full-time career or profitable sideline. Use the tips in this post to
choose the right pastime, then pursue it with all your passion and ability.
Stay safe and happy lobbying.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">By Henry Moore</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Henry is the co-creator of FitWellTraveler. The site blends two of his favorite subjects (travel and health) to provide readers with information about how to get the most out of both. Mr. Moore starts every day by looking at photographs of past travel, making plans for future travel, and committing to one new healthy goal. He enjoys travel, running, swimming and baking. His favorite place in the world is Venice, Italy. The next place on his list to visit is: Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Image
by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/blonde-girl-taking-photo-629726/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Pixabay</span></a></span></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-85525885591018600832017-10-20T01:00:00.000-04:002017-10-21T15:30:14.449-04:00Guest Post - Improve Mental and Physical Health by Taking Up a Hobby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yocOf1XV8xYJf6r8vtEOMfCKhQUy2uqtHu1KohaqMKls_eHFkwhj6HCDBtei2GgJmLICDRkOTL4-DjSLTd6o8xOGBXvK5xvsirk7Y0-O93q8i0QzA9R2ZrctpSV75f2qrdwHFLVdkvT2/s1600/MH+Hobby.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="975" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yocOf1XV8xYJf6r8vtEOMfCKhQUy2uqtHu1KohaqMKls_eHFkwhj6HCDBtei2GgJmLICDRkOTL4-DjSLTd6o8xOGBXvK5xvsirk7Y0-O93q8i0QzA9R2ZrctpSV75f2qrdwHFLVdkvT2/s320/MH+Hobby.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">Working long hours at the office, rushing the kids to
soccer practice, doing the dishes, folding the laundry. No wonder so many
people are overwhelmed by stress! Our lives are hectic -- both at work and
home. So when do you find time for yourself? If your answer is “never,” then
it’s time to take steps to change that and take up a hobby. Carving out free
time to pursue a hobby leads to happiness and fulfillment, and it improves your
quality of life in several ways. Read on for information on how hobbies can
improve your mental and physical health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hobbies for Mental Health</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">When you pursue a hobby, it provides a wealth of
mental health benefits. Hobbies temporarily take you away from work-related
stress, allowing you to briefly forget about your responsibilities. Most people
even feel happier as they pursue a hobby. In fact, studies have shown that
people who pursue hobbies have a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/career-coach-the-value-of-hobbies/2013/05/03/ffa53f2c-b294-11e2-bbf2-a6f9e9d79e19_story.html?utm_term=.416bd30e8b6f"><span style="color: #1155cc;">lower risk</span></a> of depression. They also experience
lower risks of dementia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">If you pursue a hobby that requires you to play
sports or engage in other physical movement, it can be a great outlet for daily
frustrations or anger. As a result, this more positive attitude carries over
into other aspects of your life. You may experience improved relationships with
family members and co-workers. It also prevents you from getting burned out
from your job if you have an outlet for relaxation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">Learning a new hobby can also boost your
self-esteem. When you learn a new instrument or take a cooking class, you feel
better because you’re improving yourself. Pursuing hobbies even boosts mental
fitness. Writing a novel, reading books, learning how to design a website,
completing crossword puzzles, or taking a sewing class <a href="https://www.linkedsenior.com/blog/2012/10/6-health-benefits-of-having-hobbies-leisure-activities/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">improves memory</span></a> and problem-solving skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hobbies Improve Physical Health</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">One study showed that people who engage in
hobbies that require physical activity for at least 20 minutes experienced less
fatigue, and their <a href="https://www.verywell.com/the-importance-of-hobbies-for-stress-relief-3144574"><span style="color: #1155cc;">waist circumference</span></a> and body mass index were
lower. They also enjoyed decreased amounts of cortisol as well as lower blood
pressure. Additional health benefits of hobbies include better sleep, increased
flexibility and a boosted immune system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hobbies Boost Social Interaction</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">Some hobbies require you to join a team or class.
Sharing your love of a hobby with like-minded people provides you with social
benefits too. You get to meet new people, collaborate with them and accomplish
something together. Whether you join a sports team, take a dance class, play in
a community orchestra, or join a chess club, you encounter other people who are
enjoying the same interests as you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Staying Safe While Pursuing Your Hobby</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">Hobbies provide countless benefits, but some
downtime pursuits can be dangerous. For example, if you enjoy woodworking or
building, follow <a href="https://www.redfin.com/blog/2014/09/5-tips-for-diy-safety.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;">basic safety procedures</span></a> to prevent a trip to the
emergency room, as power tools and saws can cause injury if not used in the
right way. Playing sports without wearing the proper equipment can also result
in injury. Going for a hike in the woods? Take a friend with you so you can
look out for each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Deciding on a Hobby</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">People come in all shapes and sizes. And their
interests are just as diverse. So how do you decide which hobby to pursue? It
all depends on what you enjoy. Maybe you’ve always wanted to pick up a tennis
racket but never had the opportunity. Have you always wanted to make your own
scarves or winter hats? Why not try knitting? Maybe you have dreams of being a
famous actor. Well, you may not end up winning the Academy Award anytime soon,
but you can join a community theater and immerse yourself in drama -- onstage
or behind the scenes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">It doesn’t matter whether you like basketball,
ballet, painting, piano, building birdhouses or anything in between. If it
helps you relax and decompress from life’s stresses, it just may be the perfect
hobby for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;">When you feel like you never have time for
yourself and life has become dull and routine, pick up a hobby that will put
some sparkle into your everyday existence. Hobbies enhance your mental health
and physical health, and they influence other areas of your life, helping you
cultivate positive relationships with people at home and the workplace. So
don’t let your life go by without finding something that brings you joy. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happy-trails/201509/six-reasons-get-hobby"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Make time</span></a> for a hobby!l <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN">By <b>Constance Ray</b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span id="m_1316296139709268539gmail-docs-internal-guid-3c0cbdbb-974b-4251-ce29-14b2ee9e347b"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Constance Ray started </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://recoverywell.org/&source=gmail&ust=1508524226958000&usg=AFQjCNGAoa1khY6geFiv6BCNfAbh0YuJ7w" href="http://recoverywell.org/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recoverywell.org</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with the goal of creating a safe place for people to share how addiction has affected them, whether they are combating it themselves or watching someone they care about work to overcome it.</span></span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-78160612988266169372017-09-19T15:35:00.001-04:002017-09-19T15:35:25.071-04:00MST PTSD - My Story<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVAmPm2VdC9dHdj5fBmrbz2qrxe838o2c2AXRWIc13On41ZArEMhH_Wounj8C4umRagKK8tLGlhVOFThGBKjmxOAXfcS211WMFk_hnb6S0ipSH4tCj-ZXi-WtksUqoZ0F0H4i2KPNCVzx/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVAmPm2VdC9dHdj5fBmrbz2qrxe838o2c2AXRWIc13On41ZArEMhH_Wounj8C4umRagKK8tLGlhVOFThGBKjmxOAXfcS211WMFk_hnb6S0ipSH4tCj-ZXi-WtksUqoZ0F0H4i2KPNCVzx/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
I am diagnosed with MST PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder.<br />
<br />
For those not familiar with the acronyms it is this:<br />
<br />
<b>Military Sexual Trauma Post Traumatic Stress Disorder</b><br />
<br />
It's the diagnosis given by the VA (Veterans Administration) to consider me permanently 100% disabled and unemployable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs defines MST as:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Military sexual trauma</b>, or <b>MST</b>, is the term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to refer to experiences of <b><i>sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that a Veteran experienced during his or her military service</i></b>. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The definition used by the VA comes from <b><i>Federal law (Title 38 U.S. Code 1720D) </i></b>and is "<i>psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a VA mental health professional, resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the Veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training</i>."<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2e2e2e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sexual harassment </b>is further defined as "<i>repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.</i>"</span></span></blockquote>
Am I talking about the good natured volley of remarks tossed back and forth between women and men Marines? No, definitely not. I knew joining a male-oriented branch of the service I would definitely be in the minority. I didn't mind that.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEoRXZsSSi3jcYtm_jo4CdnIFwDP5gtvYyGUrTT8HBJo-gkcb_H0yKVwQctZfC7mdGCLvhoVhocfKFfbZic1iD_SlzDvosckJSW93yNiw9Urwa5vrqPZmliIrHiaRTE2x3llLkQa1xAJ2/s1600/fabc8d93a843eb499910b3ce7d267506--ptsd-trauma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEoRXZsSSi3jcYtm_jo4CdnIFwDP5gtvYyGUrTT8HBJo-gkcb_H0yKVwQctZfC7mdGCLvhoVhocfKFfbZic1iD_SlzDvosckJSW93yNiw9Urwa5vrqPZmliIrHiaRTE2x3llLkQa1xAJ2/s320/fabc8d93a843eb499910b3ce7d267506--ptsd-trauma.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
What crossed the line was unacceptable sexual advances, unacceptable touching, sexual advances without consent, and the occurrence that haunts me every single day and night of my life since it occurred:<br />
<br />
Being drugged and repeatedly raped by a number of Marines in their barracks. I have no recollection of the time I left the base with friends in their car, stopping and picking up some male Marines, who offered me a beer and that's it. I regained consciousness - naked, in a bunk with a naked male Marine in the act of sex, with other male Marines looking on. Fear for my life raced through my mind. I vomited, then vomited more. Naked, in need of the facilities, they made me walk naked through the barracks hall to the community bathroom facilities. I raced back, begged for my clothes and left as quickly as I could without inciting more violence.<br />
<br />
Because, that's exactly what it was. <b>A violent act of betrayal and abuse and violation of me and my body.</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Where was I?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Was I even on my base?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>In what direction was the Women's BEQ?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What time was it?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What day was it?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Who were those Marines?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What did they look like?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>How am I supposed to report this?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Where were my keys?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Where was my ID?</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>What if I got pregnant?</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAhsVHU0bBhgNCRUH6lpv8DjHKa9AY_Ai5XjejX9NLQkF1rw18KbWz3vKdENvBOJMaQ8BaZhvLWXXrdejSRKWObaiAqc_6molAB4psgiFDTAe4c302hiiB4qWTdOEkaZssHOuzd3In_Ep/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAhsVHU0bBhgNCRUH6lpv8DjHKa9AY_Ai5XjejX9NLQkF1rw18KbWz3vKdENvBOJMaQ8BaZhvLWXXrdejSRKWObaiAqc_6molAB4psgiFDTAe4c302hiiB4qWTdOEkaZssHOuzd3In_Ep/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
Eventually, I found a guard on duty, asked in what direction were the Women's BEQ's, was able to get in my room by knocking and crossing my fingers my roommates were there, and then taking a shower. A LONG SHOWER!!<br />
<br />
I tried to not think about what happened. I forced it to the back of my mind, stomped it down, and covered it up.<br />
<br />
I didn't report the incident. How could I? Who were the Marines? What barracks was it? I couldn't even re-trace my steps. I had no recollection! No memory. Whatever drugged they used took care of that.<br />
<br />
Instead, as with all the other sexually traumatic events in my life, I pushed it to the back of my mind where I force things I don't want to think about or re-live and went on with my life.<br />
<br />
I did have a pregnancy test - Negative, Thank God!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcasvZB3oXn9DHXCIC3uZVKiU9RkROCXC_v2wlIjDdfOCrhqCxgFUdIGQa1Kftwp7C4aV7ly8XemDR_GtnqtpRJrlwXS9mWFbJu7PEbx2W-m4zj81_9o-Ocm4hAlWTM2omwA1TV2rGVNGM/s1600/742a2e722144dd2ce205f6694df4ccf0--ptsd-trauma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcasvZB3oXn9DHXCIC3uZVKiU9RkROCXC_v2wlIjDdfOCrhqCxgFUdIGQa1Kftwp7C4aV7ly8XemDR_GtnqtpRJrlwXS9mWFbJu7PEbx2W-m4zj81_9o-Ocm4hAlWTM2omwA1TV2rGVNGM/s1600/742a2e722144dd2ce205f6694df4ccf0--ptsd-trauma.jpg" /></a>As for me, I continued with my jobs on base, continued to date, continued to enjoy the e-Club, but with a lot more caution, never accepting a drink from anyone unless it was unopened or I saw it being mixed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcsmO4NGih-rf_Tp84xqgCNEScC3dQjtmiwt9nVBbhnrgvFGThFiJ4SCkBOFN_83Izu0D1jmaqdy_4-MRBdAq9x-KNaj4U9Ax6KhAE2btbXtBFLbfFvpLds4qAojkkSgCcpNzzNOffEjZ/s1600/nur-456-capstone-women-veterans-and-ptsd-24-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="638" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcsmO4NGih-rf_Tp84xqgCNEScC3dQjtmiwt9nVBbhnrgvFGThFiJ4SCkBOFN_83Izu0D1jmaqdy_4-MRBdAq9x-KNaj4U9Ax6KhAE2btbXtBFLbfFvpLds4qAojkkSgCcpNzzNOffEjZ/s320/nur-456-capstone-women-veterans-and-ptsd-24-638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
However, the traumatic event ate through my restraints, surfaced at inopportune times, and began to manifest in more physical issues:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Migraines</li>
<li>GI Issues</li>
<li>Sleep Issues</li>
<li>Eating Disorder</li>
<li>Weight Problems</li>
<li>Memory Issues</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
And:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Relationship Issues</li>
<li>Psychiatric Issues</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<b>MY TIMELINE:</b></h2>
When did this violent violation of my body occur? <b>1980</b><br />
When did I report it to the military? <b>2012</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>32 Years Later</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My lawyers (several law firms) worked for nearly 5 years to get a positive response from the VA. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2017, I finally received the 100% Permanently Disabled and Unemployable rating.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>That's 37 years later, nearly 40 years. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Treatments I Endured During that Time:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)<br />
EMDR - 3 TIMES! Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing<br />
Talk Therapy - Group Therapy<br />
Medication<br />
Relaxation Therapy<br />
Meditation<br />
Hypnosis<br />
Self-Hypnosis<br />
Forgiveness<br />
Prayer<br />
Written Narrative Exposure<br />
Narrative Exposure Therapy<br />
Yoga<br />
Acupuncture<br />
Personal 1 on 1 Therapy<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="qtext_para" style="color: #333333; font-family: q_serif, georgia, times, 'times new roman', 'hiragino kaku gothic pro', serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
I have not tried TMS - Trans Magnetic Stimulation; as it's still considered experimental by my insurance company.</div>
Does that change how I feel? No<br />
<br />
Does that make the pain go away? No<br />
<br />
Did it automatically stop all of the physical issues I had? No<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL2iBPFk6I1rFWTZnqZU2JwQ_hS3B7eoFsQpy-ukgxot2HUfihnV77N5o5qnje1b9syi47uSmShnAx_A5yWt9osKm2J0UXMXIWJMKVxry-axoALKTSm0AYY030gINxdRsb6Kw8DXx-6Xg/s1600/f4b255a7477aeb913d9e71fbaffbd4ac--ptsd-awareness-complex-ptsd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL2iBPFk6I1rFWTZnqZU2JwQ_hS3B7eoFsQpy-ukgxot2HUfihnV77N5o5qnje1b9syi47uSmShnAx_A5yWt9osKm2J0UXMXIWJMKVxry-axoALKTSm0AYY030gINxdRsb6Kw8DXx-6Xg/s1600/f4b255a7477aeb913d9e71fbaffbd4ac--ptsd-awareness-complex-ptsd.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I still have:<br />
<ul>
<li>Migraines</li>
<li>GI Issues</li>
<li>Sleep Issues</li>
<li>Eating Disorder</li>
<li>Weight Problems</li>
<li>Memory Issues</li>
<li>Relationship Issues</li>
<li>Psychiatric Issues</li>
</ul>
<div>
But, with the help of a new psychiatrist, we have discovered the missing pieces that make up my complicated puzzle.... I must explain the MST PTSD to my other Physician Specialists, so that they aren't chasing ghosts to explain my issues. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is hope. There is positive momentum forward.<br />
<br />
For the first time in nearly 40 years, I believe I can find peace. I'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
If you are a victim or know someone who is a victim of MST - please follow the instructions below:<br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003f72; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px;">
How can Veterans get help?</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px 0px 1.25em;">
For more information, Veterans can:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 1em;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em !important; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 10px !important;">Speak with their existing VA health care provider.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em !important; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 10px !important;">Contact the MST Coordinator at their nearest <a href="http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1" target="_blank">VA Medical Center</a>.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em !important; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 10px !important;">Call <a href="https://www.safehelpline.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b6cb2;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Safe Helpline</span></span> </a>at 1-877-995-5247 to get confidential one-on-one help. Safe Helpline provides 24 hour a day, 7 day a week sexual assault support for the Department of Defense community.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em !important; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 10px !important;">Contact their local <a href="http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/" target="_blank">Vet Center.</a></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em !important; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 10px !important;">Veterans should feel free to ask to meet with a provider of a particular gender if it would make them feel more comfortable.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.5em !important; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-bottom: 10px !important;">Veterans can also learn more about <a href="http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b6cb2;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">VA's MST-related services</span></span>.</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-32416662480984490852017-08-25T01:00:00.000-04:002017-08-25T01:00:03.998-04:00Guest Post: Traveling as a Coping Strategy for Addiction Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eon5fe0mQbVw7VGwV6xG62Zv5Qs49zrKHC1QszKPWWyeh12B_H-yVR1ROHbEg25lzcysz2N0Fo3WcGv7Vb17j9fZ8MW8q-G7L6qwNBtS-eFFM56yVhxI4lal_vdLltJQhW4A1BJMI7gI/s1600/Airplane+with+clouds+-+MHA+guest+post.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="975" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eon5fe0mQbVw7VGwV6xG62Zv5Qs49zrKHC1QszKPWWyeh12B_H-yVR1ROHbEg25lzcysz2N0Fo3WcGv7Vb17j9fZ8MW8q-G7L6qwNBtS-eFFM56yVhxI4lal_vdLltJQhW4A1BJMI7gI/s320/Airplane+with+clouds+-+MHA+guest+post.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="normal">
When a person suffering from addiction decides to
enter recovery, they are said to be beginning a journey - one that lasts a
lifetime. This journey is a long one, filled with triumphs and potentially some
setbacks. The path to recovery never really ends for those with addiction
issues - it’s one they must stay on their whole life. But while they are making
this metaphorical journey, they can take some time to make some other, more
tangible journeys as well. Travel has an immense healing effect and is a wonderful
tool for those in recovery. Here’s why.</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Travel as
healthy escapism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">When you have an addiction, you are practicing <a href="https://theaddictionadvisor.com/addiction-the-disease-of-escapism/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">unhealthy escapism</span>.</a> You drink or do drugs in
order to escape from your daily life - your pain, depression, anxiety, work
stresses, or family problems. The fact that we all need to find ways to take
breaks from the daily stresses of life isn’t unhealthy in and of itself - it’s
the method that’s unhealthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">Travel can be that bridge toward a healthier form
of escape. Day-to-day life is hard for anyone - but especially for those on a
recovery path. We all need a break, and travel can provide this “escape” in a
healthy, productive way. You’re not running from your problems, you’re simply
taking a break to gain some perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Get some
perspective<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">Addiction is suffocating. When battling
dependency on a substance, it can seem like all that you know is your addiction
- everything else in the world is blurry or faded. Part of recovery is
understanding that there is so much more to the world than you, your addiction,
and your problems. One of the best ways to gain some perspective on your own
life is to travel. When you visit other places, it’s nearly impossible not to
see yourself as a small part in a large human play. With addiction, the world
is small. With travel, the world is large and full of possibilities. Expanding
one’s worldview is a crucial element of recovery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Mental
rejuvenation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">If you’re in recovery, the chances are you’ve
seen some very hard times in recent memory. Addiction takes the fun out of
life. Recovery is discovering that there is fun and beauty in a sober
lifestyle. Travel gives us the perfect opportunity for this mental rejuvenation.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">When you travel, it’s a constant <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/06/19/healing-power-travel/" target="_blank">source of inspiration</a></span>. You meet new people,
see amazing sights, try delicious food, and learn about culture and history.
You have experiences that you didn’t even know existed. At its core, travel is
simply a lot of fun. Having sober fun is vital when it comes to lifting your
spirits and giving you an emotional boost to continue down your recovery path.
Feelings of depression are one of the most common issues people have in
recovery (as addiction and depression are a vicious cycle), and travel may not
“cure” this but it certainly helps you to understand that there are things in
this world to be excited about. In this, way, travel has quite the <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/halle-eavelyn/how-travel-can-heal-your-_b_5003407.html" target="_blank">healing power</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span lang="EN">In the end, traveling not only expands your
horizons, lets you <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.treehouserehab.org/self-discovery-addiction-recovery/" target="_blank">discover</a></span> new, exciting things, and gives you
some time to mentally rejuvenate - it also grounds you. Spending time away from
your friends, family, and job often illuminates why these things are so
important to you. Sober travel is tough, as we associate traveling with wild
times (and a lot of drinking). It may be smart to make sure you’re firmly on
your recovery path before you venture out on an adventure, but once you are
there’s no reason you shouldn’t experience new things. You can get away for
some perspective but still stay connected to home (<span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/2016/04/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/" target="_blank">literally</a></span>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Henry is the co-creator of FitWellTraveler. The site blends two of his favorite subjects (travel and health) to provide readers with information about how to get the most out of both. Mr. Moore starts every day by looking at photographs of past travel, making plans for future travel, and committing to one new healthy goal. He enjoys travel, running, swimming and baking. His favorite place in the world is Venice, Italy. The next place on his list to visit is: Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/wing-plane-flying-airplane-sky-221526/" target="_blank">Photo Credit</a></span></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-66957744586793270642017-08-19T01:00:00.000-04:002017-08-19T01:00:01.919-04:00Guest Post - Positive Changes Help Cope With a Major Life Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDRrkzqdaKsIJ-KNwqx3wXNqSrAyBnMRASyQq_PjU5Qfr5k9gp2c-RwBTeEngTXPjNAQGNW7K0mJSl60QzGH5B7lpgZA64fuHLv5LLEmbQEzXVevqj9Mvow1FTaYXIZ1d7KLgKZNGZnXu/s1600/woman-blog+guest+post+-+jennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDRrkzqdaKsIJ-KNwqx3wXNqSrAyBnMRASyQq_PjU5Qfr5k9gp2c-RwBTeEngTXPjNAQGNW7K0mJSl60QzGH5B7lpgZA64fuHLv5LLEmbQEzXVevqj9Mvow1FTaYXIZ1d7KLgKZNGZnXu/s320/woman-blog+guest+post+-+jennifer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going
through major life changes can impact us in so many ways; some are positive,
some are negative. In many cases, it’s difficult to know the right path to
choose after such a big change, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and even
depression. However, it’s possible to take these occurrences and use them to
your advantage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
of the biggest life changes we experience include having a baby, losing a loved
one, going through a divorce, getting married, and buying a new home. These
events all run the risk of becoming very stressful times in our lives, but they
also have the potential to change us for the better. Taking a period of
transition and turning it into a reason to make positive changes in our
behavior or way of thinking is a wonderful way to start down a new path in
life. Not to mention that these changes can be highly beneficial for our mental
and physical health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here
are some of the best ways to get started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Get healthy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having
a child or losing a loved one to illness are two of the greatest motivators in
the world for </span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://zenhabits.net/getting-healthy/" target="_blank">getting healthy</a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. Often, new parents or people who are dealing with grief
feel they can’t take the time to focus on themselves, but it’s important to pay
attention to your body and mental state. Lack of sleep is one of the biggest
complaints of individuals who are going through a major life event, so work out
a way to get adequate rest. Take naps often, and stay hydrated. Eat
well-balanced meals, and include lots of fruits, veggies, and proteins to keep
up your energy. <br />
A healthy diet can equate to a healthy mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
also important to get a </span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">l<a href="https://www.babycenter.com/0_eight-ways-to-find-time-to-exercise-as-a-new-mom_626.bc" target="_blank">ittle exercise</a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> every day, even when you’re feeling
low or tired. Exercise can help boost your mood and give you a burst of energy,
and it can actually help boost your mental health as it releases hormones in
the brain that are associated with being happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clean up<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being
in a clean environment can help you feel more in control--which is important
after a major change, when everything can seem to be in chaos--so get organized
and start de-cluttering. Go through closets and cabinets and donate or toss
anything you haven’t used in a while. Give each room a good cleaning and air
out your home. Not only will it be a better environment for your family, it
will help you feel better, too. Having a clean, well-organized living situation
can be beneficial for your mental health; after all, coming home after a long
day to a cluttered home where chores await can amp up your stress levels and
interfere with your sleep cycle. Read on </span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.closetbox.com/blog/spring-cleaning-time-air-out-organize-and-de-junk" target="_blank">here</a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> to find out more about how cleaning
up and de-cluttering can improve your mental well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chuck those bad habits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going
through a major life change can be a great motivator for other areas of your
life, such as smoking, using substances, or allowing toxic people to stay
around. Take stock of what’s really important to you and think about the best
ways to make some changes for the better. If you feel you need help getting </span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.positivityblog.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-bad-habit/" target="_blank">past those habits</a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, reach out and garner support from
your friends and family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Working
on yourself and focusing on what makes you happy can allow you to </span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/170387-11-signs-you-might-need-a-major-life-change" target="_blank">enjoy life</a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> more. Finding a hobby or taking an
interest in something new--such as learning a new language or traveling--will
give you a new view on life and can help you be your best self inside and out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
not always easy to make changes in your life, even when you know they’re best
for you and your family in the long run. Take things one day at a time and
don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t reach your goal right away. Making
changes for the better takes time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Guest Blogger Bio: </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jennifer Scott has experienced anxiety and depression since she was a teenager. She</span><span style="color: black; white-space: pre-wrap;"> shares stories about the ups and downs of her anxiety and depression at SpiritFinder.</span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> With SpiritFinder.org, Ms. Scott offers a forum </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">where those living with anxiety and depression can discuss their experiences.</span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Photo
via Pixabay by </span><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/woman-happiness-sunrise-silhouette-570883/" target="_blank">Jill111</a></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-10677193167959193882017-08-02T01:00:00.000-04:002017-08-02T01:00:06.596-04:00Guest Post -Taking Back Their Lives: Dual Diagnosis Recovery Survivors Share Their Stories<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Taking Back Their Lives: Dual
Diagnosis Recovery Survivors Share Their Stories<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">by Constance Ray</span></b></div>
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<div align="center" class="normal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="normal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN">“</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I am
a strong woman and I can do whatever I put my mind to. ... I'm caring, honest,
and most importantly ... I love who I am today.” - Elizabeth, </span></i></b><span lang="EN"><a href="http://www.drugrehab.org/profiles-in-recovery/elizabeth-sanchez/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10.0pt;">Proud Recovery Graduate</span></i></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The connection between
substance abuse and mental disorder is a strong and complex diagnosis. Left
unchecked, the combination of the two can have devastating consequences. But
how on earth is someone in pain supposed to claw their way free? It feels like a
Sisyphean ordeal with no way out, and so the vicious cycle continues. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Treatment is, without
question, the best way to battle the dual diagnosis of addiction and mental
illness. To the uninitiated, it’s a terrifying and suspect gamble, but with
therapy and group counseling, recovery victims can arm themselves with the
tools and skills necessary to face down their personal demons and whatever life
throws their way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Survivors are proof
that there is life after addiction, and hearing their realizations and discoveries
can be the motivation others need to take the plunge themselves. Consider the
stories of these brave women. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Katherine’s Story<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alcohol had consumed
Katherine’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;">“I drank pretty hardcore and it got to the point where I
was drinking in the morning, </span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">at my lunch, drinking before I went to work, all night
long. I was constantly buzzed or intoxicated. I went to my doctor. She let me
know that she thought that maybe I was bipolar, and I asked her, ‘Why?’”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her doctor pointed out that
Katherine was making a lot of bad decisions and insisted that she take
medication. Resistant to try anything, Katherine went home to reflect, and then
a light went off. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“... I realized that I probably
wouldn’t make any of these decisions if I was sober. I knew that I needed more
help than doing it on my own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Katherine reached out to an
alcohol treatment center, and from there, her life changed forever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Once I started learning more
about my underlying causes and why I did the things I did, getting all the
stuff out — all the guilty feelings, all the stuff from childhood, things I
didn’t deal with — life just started to get a lot better. I started to
understand my addiction. And I’m extremely excited to get out of here and
experience a sober life for the first time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Audra’s Story<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the surface, Audra
had the perfect life: a great job, great kids, a nice house. But it was all <br />
a facade. Inside, she suffered from deep depression and despair that stemmed
from an adolescent trauma. Audra started drinking when she was 12, and at 42,
she finally realized her world was spinning out of control. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I knew I was going to die if I
didn't stop, and I didn't see any way that I could. I took a video of myself in
a really drunken state, and the next day I had my aunt call me and ask me,
'Honey you need some help — what can we do to help you?'” Audra said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day, Audra packed herself
off to a treatment facility. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I knew that I needed help, and I
had faith that God was going to put me in the right place. <br />
Within about a day or two of being [in treatment], I truly believed that this
is exactly where I needed to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sober and prepared to move on with
her life, Audra is grateful for what she has learned about herself, and she is
grateful for the new opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Without the counseling, I don't
think I really could have gotten to the root cause of why I was drinking. I
have learned so much. With those counseling sessions, we were able to open up
all those wounds and just put them on the table and just let them heal
naturally and on their own,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin-right: 2.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Katherine and Audra
are living proof that there is hope for those who suffer a dual diagnosis.
There <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is </i>a way to take back life and
move forward. The process can be arduous, and it lasts a lifetime, but in the
end it’s the survivors who win — not their disease. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN">-- </span><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Constance Ray started </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://recoverywell.org/"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #1155cc; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Recoverywell.org</span></i></a></span><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> with the goal of creating a safe
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<i><span lang="EN">Photo by </span></i><span lang="EN"><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/tunnel-silhouette-mysterious-899053/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc;">Pixabay</span></i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-80629057437130796262017-06-26T01:00:00.000-04:002017-06-26T01:00:44.000-04:00Mental Health Series - Adult Children Bullying Parents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQVCmw4Uabqnmxjr8IEgEd4lVHAJjh8MTe8YkkfUd9aTSgudH7HpLTugTTaAOWYAg6UNNMlYxy2F-iGbkiiFIZJcGsGRdZZ2IY4J2ImSa3yuiRvomtb1JZR_kLT1QX9TnD-s7HS39o14r/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQVCmw4Uabqnmxjr8IEgEd4lVHAJjh8MTe8YkkfUd9aTSgudH7HpLTugTTaAOWYAg6UNNMlYxy2F-iGbkiiFIZJcGsGRdZZ2IY4J2ImSa3yuiRvomtb1JZR_kLT1QX9TnD-s7HS39o14r/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
There are all forms of bullying that are disguised in various ways.<br />
<br />
As a young child, you probably saw or experienced bullying on the playground, riding the bus to school, or in your school hallways.<br />
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Now that there is social media, bullying occurs in a whole other fashion that hurts just as much or more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D1yB5JXIpkDl2WtavX0mEZ0onexh9QgOjSD3b9j3V51jvwG0rwr_8bQ8jFpik0bq1KJLlHN0bL_F643aGCGWDj2RwWIOtK_x8-9kun-OcSJgfJg-apQ1GyV2gTUDOGd7gjtlyl57tIw7/s1600/d8c7085d2137a3c2ee7620b259e9381c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D1yB5JXIpkDl2WtavX0mEZ0onexh9QgOjSD3b9j3V51jvwG0rwr_8bQ8jFpik0bq1KJLlHN0bL_F643aGCGWDj2RwWIOtK_x8-9kun-OcSJgfJg-apQ1GyV2gTUDOGd7gjtlyl57tIw7/s1600/d8c7085d2137a3c2ee7620b259e9381c.jpg" /></a></div>
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And, after becoming an adult, bullying doesn't stop.<br />
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Adult bullying is becoming an epidemic.<br />
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Adult children are bullying their parents... can you believe it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1SYDE-D-eH3Eod1B7huVcAE4cu9zhRTaMir9JpoSSoSew7afQ0ZZY0muoQC8TlaQn30nziYmvygzHFgmqbKbnhUV1AQLQrxfRY1vgSH4KIzCrvEJQt_SNt9PcEfjduh7fz8zjUDEIs8B/s1600/e06bd76813f80f55475ae514383e5a22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1SYDE-D-eH3Eod1B7huVcAE4cu9zhRTaMir9JpoSSoSew7afQ0ZZY0muoQC8TlaQn30nziYmvygzHFgmqbKbnhUV1AQLQrxfRY1vgSH4KIzCrvEJQt_SNt9PcEfjduh7fz8zjUDEIs8B/s320/e06bd76813f80f55475ae514383e5a22.jpg" width="180" /> </a>According to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/singletons/201509/3-types-parents-who-get-bullied-their-own-children" target="_blank">Psychology Today</a>, there are three types of Parents who get bullied by their own children:</div>
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Three parenting styles are most likely to trigger bullying in children.</blockquote>
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<ul style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'DejaVu Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 24px 38px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><strong>The guilty parent.</strong> Something has gone wrong—a <a class="inline-links topic-link" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/divorce" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; padding-bottom: 2px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s; word-wrap: break-word;" title="Psychology Today looks at divorce">divorce</a>, an illness, a financial hardship—and now the parent feels guilty. To ease their <a class="inline-links topic-link" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/guilt" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; padding-bottom: 2px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s; word-wrap: break-word;" title="Psychology Today looks at guilt ">guilt </a>they give their kids too much freedom and not enough limits. This always backfires.</li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><strong>The anxious parent.</strong> This is a parent who is always worrying and expressing anxiety. Children experience a parent’s anxiety as, "I don't believe in you," “I don't trust you," or "you're not a capable person," and this triggers a lot of <a class="inline-links topic-link" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/anger" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; padding-bottom: 2px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s; word-wrap: break-word;" title="Psychology Today looks at anger">anger</a> and resentment toward the parent.</li>
</ul>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><strong>The fix-everything parent.</strong> These parents can't stand to see their children frustrated and constantly step in and solve problems for them. Such parents have good intentions and are often heroic, but the outcome is horrendous. The child remains dependent on the parents and unconsciously resents them for it. They are never satisfied. In fact, the more you give them, the less they appreciate you. Children have a natural drive for independence that needs to be encouraged. The fix-everything parent discourages it and therefore dwarfs the emotional development of their own child. Children of fix-everything parents have a tendency to age but not mature.</li>
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Do you fall into one of these categories?<br />
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According to the blog "<a href="http://adultchildrenbullying.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adult Children Bullying Parents</a>", <i>a bully is an unhappy person looking for a victim to punish. </i><br />
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So, what can you do if your adult child is bullying you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA0HmENZkGPCvGbmFW4lPal8fiqwtNFdCeXPOyYNlcAs1ds-xKMnQiBButUnf5HSUVTN0J6Hw_GgUcdDxFFFx8QYxzjqsDjdsigCIwugfOdRPm6ULmu7LzSgFPi7zAmo-bbUIP0fEAh7t/s1600/9f79ace46335b5ab3f1b57f094c6aee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA0HmENZkGPCvGbmFW4lPal8fiqwtNFdCeXPOyYNlcAs1ds-xKMnQiBButUnf5HSUVTN0J6Hw_GgUcdDxFFFx8QYxzjqsDjdsigCIwugfOdRPm6ULmu7LzSgFPi7zAmo-bbUIP0fEAh7t/s320/9f79ace46335b5ab3f1b57f094c6aee2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here are some suggestions from "<a href="https://hubpages.com/relationships/the-abusive-adult-child" target="_blank">The Abusive Adult Child</a>" hubpage:<br />
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If you are being abused by your child here are some things you need to do.</blockquote>
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1. Make contact with as many people as you can . </blockquote>
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2. Tell your Dr what is going on. If the abuser goes to the Dr's office with you, make an appointment for a private problem that requires a physical like a prostate exam or a personal ladies physical such as a pap smear . That way the abuser will not be in the room at that time and then tell the Dr what is going on. </blockquote>
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3. Tell family members, relatives, and friends, any community support worker you are involved with , and ask for their help. </blockquote>
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4. Call the crisis line in your area, crisis lines are usually manned 24 hrs a day . You can call then just to talk if you need some one to talk to. Make an appointment with an abuse counselor .</blockquote>
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5. If you are ready to end the abuse and the abuser lives with you and they do not pay rent, contact the police and have them removed from your house ., Ask for a restraining order or NO CONTACT order . </blockquote>
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Make plans to not be alone , Here are some suggestions </blockquote>
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1, Find a friend or relative you can stay with until everything is safe . </blockquote>
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2. You could also try and get some one to stay with you. </blockquote>
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3. Hire some one to stay with you for a few months </blockquote>
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4. consider moving to a seniors residence where you will be safe . or seniors only housing complex/ apartment </blockquote>
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You may still love your abusive child and you may feel you are being cruel buy putting a restraining or on them or kicking them out, but things will not get better until you do If your adult child is abusing you or taking advantage of you they are the ones doing wrong , not you .</blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodHEMWfmf_q16Zv6kJyQfPLSLVnEN3mxUe3lIrcv9Dc23Xy5PuHygDuYIDeX2v5y4th58kB8vk1hw7dtPtZQMH_G0YJfy8jkr8bpWZ90Z_-p6nV53_Ge1eicrH12AGQSkvRlQQBLeXV5m/s1600/4c7e9fe90ac45d615d7ea4fd738948f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="564" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodHEMWfmf_q16Zv6kJyQfPLSLVnEN3mxUe3lIrcv9Dc23Xy5PuHygDuYIDeX2v5y4th58kB8vk1hw7dtPtZQMH_G0YJfy8jkr8bpWZ90Z_-p6nV53_Ge1eicrH12AGQSkvRlQQBLeXV5m/s320/4c7e9fe90ac45d615d7ea4fd738948f7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parents, please, stop being afraid of your adult children. The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cathy-sikorski/stop-being-afraid-of-your-children_b_8015316.html" target="_blank">HuffPost</a> agrees!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Parents, please read <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/10/23/the-bill-of-rights-for-parents-of-adult-children/#2cb2476620ab" target="_blank">The Bill of Rights for Parents of Adult Children</a>. You do not have to be disrespected by your own child.</span><br />
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-62509018757701834002017-06-08T12:54:00.002-04:002017-06-08T12:54:57.610-04:00Mental Health Stigma - Can You Pass the Test?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu4HzLZoQIlRawWGJ1T1TXAIB4B52b1v9a0G9QKS9lPf9A6j5JSuP-gX5HuPVTQFXbOVD6-kzVRVsUDYbsV8x50sJGZz5vnolEcWyBbJn2GckOFWFC_7p05ccOW2WJxMVGbv_laFpMwsx/s1600/stigma-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="908" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu4HzLZoQIlRawWGJ1T1TXAIB4B52b1v9a0G9QKS9lPf9A6j5JSuP-gX5HuPVTQFXbOVD6-kzVRVsUDYbsV8x50sJGZz5vnolEcWyBbJn2GckOFWFC_7p05ccOW2WJxMVGbv_laFpMwsx/s320/stigma-pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Are you sure you do not harbor any negative thoughts about people with Mental Health Issues?<br />
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Here is a simple test developed by <a href="http://davidsusman.com/2015/04/30/5-simple-steps-to-reduce-stigma-about-mental-illness/" target="_blank">David Sussman, PhD:</a><br />
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<i style="background-color: white;">Mental Illness Stigma Quiz</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">True or False:<br /><i>1) There’s no real difference between the terms “mentally ill” and “has a mental illness.”<br />2) People with mental illness tend to be dangerous and unpredictable.<br />3) I would worry about my son or daughter marrying someone with a mental illness.<br />4) I’ve made fun of people with mental illness in the past.<br />5) I don’t know if I could trust a co-worker who has a mental illness.<br />6) I’m scared of or stay away from people who appear to have a mental illness.</i><br /><i>7) People with a mental illness are lazy or weak and need to just “get over it.”<br />8) Once someone has a mental illness, they will never recover.<br />9) I would hesitate to hire someone with a history of mental illness.<br />10) I’ve used terms like “crazy,” “psycho,” “nut job,” or “retarded” in reference to someone with a mental illness.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The scoring is simple; one point for every true response. Unless your score is zero, you have had thoughts, feelings, or behaviors which can contribute to increased stigma toward people with mental illness. The higher your score, the more likely it is you have had these types of experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you scored a zero, congratulate yourself. Good job! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you scored anything other than a zero, you may benefit from reading the articles below, or commenting and asking questions. I would be happy to answer.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here are more articles to help you understand and discover new ways to help stop Mental Health Stigma:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://inthemindofamandamacdonald.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/mental-health-stigma/" target="_blank">Mental Health Stigma</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://behavioralhealth.typepad.com/markhams_behavioral_healt/2004/09/stigma_and_ment.html" target="_blank">Stigma and Mental Illness</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/497856" target="_blank">A Surgeon General's Report on the Stigma of Mental Illness: Have We Made Progress?</a><br />
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-63454833378463853632017-05-08T09:13:00.001-04:002017-05-18T14:58:26.431-04:00Psychiatric Advanced Directives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As an advocate for your mental and physical health, it's important for you to be familiar with such legal documents as:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Advanced Healthcare Directive</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Living Will</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Medical Power of Attorney</b></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But, what about a <b>Psychiatric Advanced Directive</b>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people either know about or have created their own <b>Advanced Health Care Directive</b>, or "Living Will." You may also be familiar with the <b>Medical Power of Attorney. </b>If you are not, the following explanation may provide valuable information for you and your loved ones.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">When you create an </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Advanced Health Care Directive</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> or, </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Living Will</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">, you are stating your wishes for the kinds of medical treatment you do or do not want if you become seriously injured or ill and are not able to communicate your wishes at the time of treatment. It's important to understand, that this Healthcare document is completely separate from a will or trust that you create to leave your property to others upon your death. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Medical Power of Attorney </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">differs from the <b>Advanced Healthcare Directive</b> in this way: while the <b>Advanced Healthcare Directive</b> specifically identifies the types of treatment you want or do not want based on your medical condition, the <b>Medical Power of Attorney</b> allows you to </span>specify<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a specific </span>representative<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to </span></span>work with the doctors to make the best treatment choices for you based on the guidance you outlined in your <b>Advanced Healthcare Directive</b>.</div>
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However, those with Mental Health Issues might also want to create what is called, a "<b>Psychiatric Advanced Directive</b>" or PAD. It is also known as a <b>Mental Health Advanced Directive</b>.<br />
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<b>What is a Psychiatric Advanced Directive?</b><br />
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The best definition I could find was from the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592640/" target="_blank">US Library of Medicine National Institute of Health</a>:<br />
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<b><i>"Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) are written documents or oral statements that allow adults with decision-making capacity to declare their treatment preferences and/or to designate proxy decision makers to act on their behalf should they be deemed incapable in the future of making informed choices on their own.</i></b></blockquote>
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<b><i>In the U.S., the Patient Self-Determination Act created momentum for recovery-oriented care, which has led to the enactment of mental health-related advance planning legislation in about two-thirds of the states. Internationally, increasing attention to such tools is found in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and India."</i></b></blockquote>
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has an extensive and comprehensive section regarding PAD's. Here is a link for information and an example of a form to complete for a <a href="http://www.bazelon.org/Where-We-Stand/Self-Determination/Advance-Directives.aspx" target="_blank">Psychiatric Advanced Directive.</a><br />
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The <a href="http://National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives" target="_blank">National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advanced Directives </a>can answer a lot of your questions, especially regarding specific statutes for the state in which you live. Another option is the <a href="https://www.legalconsumer.com/healthcare/welcome.php" target="_blank">Legal Consumer</a> site that includes all types of Healthcare Directives, including Mental Health Care Directives by State.<br />
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Many people don't realize that the ADA, <a href="https://www.ada.gov/" target="_blank">Americans with Disabilities Act</a>, also protects those with Mental Illness.<br />
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<b><i>"<span style="background-color: white;">The ADA covers a wide range of individuals with disabilities. An individual is considered to have a "disability" if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment."</span></i></b></blockquote>
As for me, I have already created an <b>Advanced Healthcare Directive</b>, "Living Will," and identified in writing a <b>Medical Power of Attorney.</b> I will definitely contact my lawyer to add a <b>Psychiatric Advanced Directive</b> to this list of my legal documents. All of these documents are important to have prior to any scenario that may occur when the emotions of my loved ones and clarity on my part can not determine the types of treatment I prefer.<br />
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It makes sense, if you consider the alternative. Who would you rather have in charge of your treatment choices? You, as stated in a legal document? Or, someone who knows nothing about you?<br />
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If you think about it like that, there isn't any reason to hesitate creating these documents, is there? Be pro-active. Be your own advocate.<br />
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<b>IMPORTANT NOTE:</b> Verify your individual state or country laws whether your <b>Psychiatric Advanced Directive/Mental Health Advanced Directive</b> requires notarization.<br />
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<br />Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-17993122825122816422017-04-25T18:59:00.000-04:002017-04-25T18:59:01.733-04:00Mental Health First Aid Certification<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrrRrqfjWlkbj2KXfMEO3cMffLGaOKWWQepoMXrpRatu-wp2-66FveL3R9KwA61YgFxkdSf3DIAPhkT1X8sdRMHVKQqEMNlFi7R4_iQL3CefjF0zivMWa_pqWc3_8iPiiLOkRvk_2dHwZ/s1600/e9b7ce4ef86e33447a98c2028da7ad47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrrRrqfjWlkbj2KXfMEO3cMffLGaOKWWQepoMXrpRatu-wp2-66FveL3R9KwA61YgFxkdSf3DIAPhkT1X8sdRMHVKQqEMNlFi7R4_iQL3CefjF0zivMWa_pqWc3_8iPiiLOkRvk_2dHwZ/s320/e9b7ce4ef86e33447a98c2028da7ad47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When you think of providing First Aid for someone, what is the first thing that comes to mind?<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The First Aid badge you earned while in Girl or Boy Scouts?</li>
<li>Taking CPR classes in high school or during swim lessons?</li>
<li>Keeping a First Aid kit in your house, car or disaster survival box? </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
What do you think of when considering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?<br />
<br />
Kind of puzzling, isn't it?<br />
<br />
I was unsure as well, when I signed up for <a href="https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/" target="_blank">NAMI's Mental First Aid</a> course. As a Mental Health Advocate and Christian Counselor, I was intrigued by the course description. I found it on Facebook under Events.<br />
<br />
Course Description:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack — even if you have no clinical training — Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.</i><i>Taught by two certified instructors, Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing panic attacks, suicidal behaviors, acute psychosis or reaction to trauma. The opportunity to practice – through role plays, scenarios, and activities – makes it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.</i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666a73; font-family: 'Benton Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; orphans: 2; padding: 10px 0px 0px; widows: 2;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; orphans: 2; padding: 10px 0px 0px; widows: 2;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mental Health First Aid course originated in Australia. The United States is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of MHFA "Be One in a Million" campaign.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #060617; letter-spacing: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“With one in four Americans experiencing a mental health or addiction disorder each year, the National Council is committed to making this important training as common as CPR,” said Susan Blue, National Council board chair and president and CEO of Community Services Group.</span></i></span></blockquote>
<br />
Fighting Stigma is the hardest part of guiding those with Mental Health Issues to seek help or for finding help. Many find that fighting stigma is actually harder than fighting the illness.<br />
<br />
Per the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/01/04/trying-to-make-mental-health-first-aid-as-familiar-as-cpr/?utm_term=.6be407099e28" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>, <i>"<span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 41,149 suicides in 2013, making suicide the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States."</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #111111;">Many people with Mental Health Issues suffer in silence rather than face discrimination or ridicule. Stigma appears in many negative forms: prejudice, discrimination, fear, distrust, stereotyping. Stigma affects quality of care.</span><br />
<span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #111111;">There are so many misconceptions, myths, and preconceived notions about Mental Illness that clouds the ability for someone with mental health issues to receive proper care. </span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">The MHFA program seeks to
help dispel the misconceptions surrounding Mental Health issues. Even
after receiving certification in Mental Health First Aid, I must assess my
own preconceived notions, attitudes, concerns, and beliefs regarding mental illness
so that I can effectively offer assistance. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">The most important skill
to have is <i>being fully in the present and listening</i>. One of the
biggest complaints from those with Mental Health issues is that no one takes
the time to listen to them. By being fully present and truly listening can
be the most effective help when guiding the distressed individual to support
and treatment options.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">What I learned during my
training for Mental Health First Aid was the <b>ACTION PLAN</b>.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">Just like in CPR, the
action plan is C-A-B (Chest Compressions - Airway - Breathing) the MHFA
has an action plan, the mnemonic ALGEE.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">A - Assess for risk of
suicide or harm</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">L -
Listen non-judgmentally</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">G - Give reassurance
and information</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">E -
Encourage appropriate professional help</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">E - Encourage self-help
and other support strategies</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">In using Mental Health
First Aid it's important that we:</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">Preserve life when a
person may be a danger to self or others</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">Provide help to prevent
the problem from becoming more serious</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">Promote and enhance
recovery</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">Provide comfort and
support</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">It's important to note
that MHFA does not teach us to be therapists, but to offer and provide initial
help and how to guide a person toward appropriate treatments and other
supportive help.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">Always keep this in mind: <b>IT'S
IMPORTANT TO CARE FOR YOURSELF FIRST!</b></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">It's common to feel worn
out, frustrated, or even angry after providing MHFA to person in distress. Make
sure you are able to talk to someone, de-stress, but always respect the
person's privacy!</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111;">If you or someone you
know would like to take this course, contact your local NAMI office. Or, if
you'd like, you can contact me and I will answer your questions and give you
more information.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-91775687724874065922017-03-15T12:12:00.001-04:002017-03-15T12:12:19.766-04:00Reflections on How I've Handled Having a Mental Illness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgJIok7YLRt3BqaxfjmRyJEDz-kB90k15alOlrLlr5XmSEkjgKcLvI3r91v55KV1Im3OJH0NKGXqHzgWzvN7dEZFkEFTJ31-nmX0kMsvbtwFcSrJwz2_-SdzLkH3khS7GOx5TqgU4GV4_/s1600/reflection+on+how+mental+illness+controls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgJIok7YLRt3BqaxfjmRyJEDz-kB90k15alOlrLlr5XmSEkjgKcLvI3r91v55KV1Im3OJH0NKGXqHzgWzvN7dEZFkEFTJ31-nmX0kMsvbtwFcSrJwz2_-SdzLkH3khS7GOx5TqgU4GV4_/s320/reflection+on+how+mental+illness+controls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">It has been 14 years since my "official" Bipolar Disorder 1 diagnosis. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">In the beginning, I felt like my diagnosis controlled me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Now, I am in control. Sure, there are still moments when I am sidelined by a PTSD episode, or a panic or anxiety attack, but those are infrequent.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Even though I have medication-resistant Depression, I haven't had a depressive cycle or manic cycle that hospitalized me in more than six months. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Living a healthy lifestyle, (eating properly, getting prop</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">er exercise, avoiding stress) all help. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Focusing on helping others rather than focusing on yourself, really works! </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_VWvHNI6TYhicI3hu64OLZ1j_iO8rRmmX0G6K795qMX_bAbuQ3D3jGj5EYLzjwQMn6hqLEnVc20HY88nYHexRgoRrrW4PsEdA9FdRt9bll8DUjS3Ow-SIM8ZVQQJQdHswTUfqgvUjDce/s1600/falling+into+rabbit+hole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_VWvHNI6TYhicI3hu64OLZ1j_iO8rRmmX0G6K795qMX_bAbuQ3D3jGj5EYLzjwQMn6hqLEnVc20HY88nYHexRgoRrrW4PsEdA9FdRt9bll8DUjS3Ow-SIM8ZVQQJQdHswTUfqgvUjDce/s1600/falling+into+rabbit+hole.jpeg" /></a><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Making yourself a priority is important. By that, I don't mean making yourself more important than others, but making sure you are physically, mentally and spiritually well at all times. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">If you aren't, it's very easy to fall into the "rabbit hole" again. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><b>So what can you do to avoid the "rabbit hole?" </b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><b>Try these coping techniques:</b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Live a balanced life. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">ake your meds regularly. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get consistent rest. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Talk to your friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take walks.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meditate.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">See your therapist.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Comply with your psychiatrist.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Count your blessings.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Live spiritually.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Help others.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Volunteer.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">I could go on and on with my list, but I wonder what you would consider doing to avoid the "rabbit hole?" </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Please comment with your suggestions.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Thanks!! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;">Have a Blessed Day!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm1fPGOhIvBQolc8oQOnVj2XDxBKyaDfRrSi3VEy5cOEj1uGmPObE0cOw2QV4R-DK7dk4FPBEA65kDJirOyPm26biWJIbam7XoRrxHwsLiJYNsnT2Dme_iPtbKc7dzy9SmStc1ZlCM2Tg/s1600/+vicki%2527s+signature+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm1fPGOhIvBQolc8oQOnVj2XDxBKyaDfRrSi3VEy5cOEj1uGmPObE0cOw2QV4R-DK7dk4FPBEA65kDJirOyPm26biWJIbam7XoRrxHwsLiJYNsnT2Dme_iPtbKc7dzy9SmStc1ZlCM2Tg/s320/+vicki%2527s+signature+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: San Francisco, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px;"><br /></span></span>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-65237253558160813782017-02-24T01:00:00.000-05:002017-02-24T01:00:31.265-05:00Grief - A Healing Process to Move Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbfOIWBq71g4PdgB36TaFu0cte0QqSmjnxd8rYQAZCjfHvJc42oXIBm6CIIrXAvLisEKQ_jROk9BLi5ShQM2uhuYcGlM4W_-uXTrnTo4o_ryurpNdwJvoX2V6GBrFXofx1KKZ3GGy6utg/s1600/Grief-and-Loss-Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbfOIWBq71g4PdgB36TaFu0cte0QqSmjnxd8rYQAZCjfHvJc42oXIBm6CIIrXAvLisEKQ_jROk9BLi5ShQM2uhuYcGlM4W_-uXTrnTo4o_ryurpNdwJvoX2V6GBrFXofx1KKZ3GGy6utg/s320/Grief-and-Loss-Full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"Disenfranchised
grief"</b>—<i>the pain
of a significant loss that is not openly acknowledged or socially supported.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No one can understood how to grieve for his or
her losses that other don’t understand or that possibly you yourself don’t
understand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, a professor of gerontology
at the College of New Rochelle in New York, who created the term in 1985, said,
“disenfranchised grief could be produced from any number of conditions.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout my life, I suffered from many losses (loss
of innocence, virginity, unborn child, loss of giving life, loss of family, 1<sup>st</sup>
marriage, trust in men, loss of mind to Bipolar Disorder, loss of back to car
accident, loss of friends, aunt, loss of ½ of life when I turned 50, loss of
grandma, loss of adolescence, loss of trust, security, loss of 25 years of
writing and so much more)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’d like to share my meditation healing process
with you. Close your eyes and use your imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Casually strolling through a fragrant meadow the
forest up head calls to me. Mother Nature speaks in my mind that she will guide
me to my healing place. I walk toward the inviting forest. With me, I carefully
carry my “griefs”; reverently and with solitude. The temperature drops as I
cross from bright sunlight to only dappled light filtered by the treetops. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seriousness replaces my playful interest in my
surroundings. I begin the healing ceremony to give those “griefs” held in my
mind and heart for so long a new home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of the “griefs” I carry have been with me
nearly my entire life. Mother Nature tells me it’s time to let them go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not exactly sure where I am going; only
knowing that when I get there I will know it is the right place. Then, I spot
the spongy moss and fragrant. Here the earth is soft and pliable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With only my hands for tools, I dig a hole large
enough to lie into it. The ground is cool, a bit damp, and I smell the rich
moist soil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While lying in the hole, my receptacle, I think
about each grief I hold in my mind and heart. I talk to each one, telling them
I have found a new home for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel each grief as it passes from my body into
Mother Earth’s cradle. There is no moaning, no keening, just a kind of simple
release. As each grief surfaces in my mind, passes through my body and rests within
Mother Earth’s body, lightness, a feeling or sense of closure told me the grief
had left my body and found safety in Mother Earth’s arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The healing process transcended time. Some
“griefs”, reluctant to leave, required a bit of gentle coaching and loving
reassurance that it was time for them to move on, time for me to move on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, my mind and heart, my vessel emptied.
The healing process too quite some time, however not arduous. Slow and gentle –
for my “griefs” and for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slowly I pick my self up and step out of Mother
Earth’s cradle. I brush off soil and some dried leaves. Looking down at the
hole I dug in the ground, Refreshed, motivated, inspired. Eager to leave the darkening
forest and return to the warm, sunny meadow, I kneel, give the earth a soft
caress and stand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My “griefs” and I had come to terms. I had been
their home for so many years; kept them from harm. They in turn kept me from
moving on at times. So, now, they can rest easy in Mother Earth, knowing I’m
still safe, but I will now be moving forward with grace, faith, and
perseverance. I’ll always remember my “griefs.” But, that’s what they’ll remain
now – a memory, no longer a deterrent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With quickening steps, I head back toward the
light I see ahead of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-59004087374008150872017-02-17T07:13:00.002-05:002017-02-17T07:13:13.775-05:00Mental Health Series: Dopamine Agonists and Compulsive Disorders – Not a Good Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZOZRDINFb0-3H-cPCvULOsfEP1HU_3h2noypSr7ZiIWoY6WIspC4G9ivCOtpqtKp6uGkg-cNO6c7pVmTGtN6F3w_7Uvy_xndIKqtXEBrc4JPazFBfG17jW2IESrahJBJgny_q0-C0xvr/s1600/chapter-16-the-dark-side-of-consumer-behavior-15-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZOZRDINFb0-3H-cPCvULOsfEP1HU_3h2noypSr7ZiIWoY6WIspC4G9ivCOtpqtKp6uGkg-cNO6c7pVmTGtN6F3w_7Uvy_xndIKqtXEBrc4JPazFBfG17jW2IESrahJBJgny_q0-C0xvr/s320/chapter-16-the-dark-side-of-consumer-behavior-15-638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have several compulsive disorders: Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Compulsive Shopping. My other disorders
include Bipolar Disorder 1, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety
Disorder, PTSD, and more. Although, of the three compulsive disorders,
Compulsive Shopping hasn’t been given an actual Mental Illness disorder
designation, it is heading in that direction.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember back in 2008 when I realized I had a problem. I
spent over $5,000.00 in one month. Most everything I bought was for my new
granddaughter, but it wasn’t necessary or required. I just went in the stores,
went to my happy place, and resurfaced as I left the store, wondering how I
could have spent so much and why did I have so many packages and bags?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A blog post, <a href="http://smarthappyorganized.com/compulsive-shopping-symptoms/">Compulsive
Shopping Symptoms and Secrets</a> sums up the emotional aspects of why we shop:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0a1364; mso-bidi-font-family: CabinCondensed;">COMPULSIVE SHOPPING
SYMPTOMS<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Compulsive
shopaholics who shop when they are feeling emotional distress<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Trophy shopaholics
who are always shopping for the perfect item<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Shopaholics who want
the image of being a big spender and love flashy items<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Bargain seekers who
purchase items they don’t need because they are on sale<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Bulimic shoppers who
get caught in a vicious cycle of buying and returning<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Collectors who don’t
feel complete unless they have one item in each color or every piece of a set.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">When they are feeling
“out of sorts, shop for a ” pick-me-up.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The blog posts goes on to identify some of the emotional
symptoms identifying compulsive shopping:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Spending more than
they can afford<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Shopping as a
reaction to feeling angry or depressed<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Shopping as a way to
feel less guilty about a previous shopping spree<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Harming relationships
due to spending or shopping too much<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #646464; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans-Light;">Losing control of the
shopping behavior<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to this year, 2016. I have attempted to keep my
compulsive shopping in check, although I still had my moments. However, this
year, it went over the top out of control. My husband I moved an hour north of
where we used to live in Tampa, FL, to an airport community. It was beautiful
and so serene, calming, and relaxing. Everyone had the same interest; nearly
every home had a hanger with a plane or three. The runway went right down the
middle of the community with our roads as taxiways. I’ve developed five gardens
so far in the back yard, and we have visitors such as deer, turkeys, Sand Hill
Cranes, Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, rabbits, and more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We did have to spend quite a bit of money getting the house
prepared to move in as it was a foreclosure that sat empty for five years. It
needed everything from air conditioning units; to appliances; to a septic tank
lift station, to a hanger door. And so much more, this post could turn into a
laundry list of repairs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took a LOT of money.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, my husband’s idea was to put us on a budget to repay all
the expenses incurred, as well as provide various categories for future
spending with limits for each month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was something I just couldn’t grasp. I tried, every month, every week, every day,
but I still was spending my budget in the first week, and moving money around
to compensate for the rest of the month’s shopping sprees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It even got to the point that one weekend, my husband wanted
to Baker Act me into a psychiatric hospital to see if something seriously
drastic could be done. Even if it just kept me from spending for a few days. It
was a last ditch effort to stop my compulsive shopping and a way to save my
husband’s own sanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead we had a very long, heart to heart talk about my
feelings of being controlled by him and the budget, my feelings of not being
worthy as I am a disabled Veteran and am unable to work outside of the home.
What my purpose in life versus what my husband’s idea of my life purpose
differed. I wanted to contribute more money to our income, but my husband felt
that my mental health was more important, and I didn’t need to work, he’d
rather I didn’t, and he preferred that I take care of the house, the pets, the
gardens, and relax. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just couldn’t do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, he accompanied me to my next Therapist appointment and
we talked to him and asked him to help. And, he has, but I got even more help
from my psychiatrist today. I told him about the compulsive shopping and he
immediately focused on<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;"> </span></i><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">dopamine
agonists.</span> It was first prescribed at the end of February 2016 for
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been discovered to have a very nasty side effect. It
increases and causes compulsive activities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">Dopamine agonists<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span>were
first released to the public in 1997. An ABC News article titled <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5374153">Strange Side Effects
Surprise Patients</a>, published July 15, 2008, stated the following:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">Dopamine
agonists, which mimic the brain chemical known as dopamine.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">Dopamine works
in the brain's movement and coordination centers, and it is also involved in
the brain's pleasure response by reinforcing behaviors that provide enjoyment
-- including drinking, drugs, sex and gambling.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The article went on to say that the makers of these <span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">dopamine
agonists</span> have been putting warnings in their medication documentation,
but did not realize that it had gotten this out of hand, as stated in the ABC
News article:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">Scientists have
recently begun to quantify the behavioral changes associated with dopamine
agonist drugs. In a study presented in late June at the International Congress
of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders conference in Chicago, more than
13 percent of 3,090 Parkinson's patients had a problem with compulsive
gambling, buying, sex or binge-eating.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">People who were
taking dopamine agonists had a two- to three-times greater chance of having one
of the four impulse-control disorders.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;">A two to three chance? How about those who already have
compulsive disorders? I can attest the chance of affliction is much higher and
the effects are so much stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;"><b>What are dopamine agonists?</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;">According to the <a href="http://pdcenter.neurology.ucsf.edu/professionals-guide/medications/dopamine-agonists" target="_blank">Parkinson's Disease Clinic and Research Center:</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">There are <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">two commonly prescribed </strong>oral dopamine agonists in the United States:</i><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Pramipexole</i></blockquote>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Ropinirole</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; list-style: none; margin: 20px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apomorphine</strong>, a <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">subcutaneously administered </strong>dopamine agonist, was approved for use in the United States in 2004. The dopamine agonists differ in several respects, including</i></li>
<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;">chemical structure</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;">duration of action</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;">side effects</i></li>
</ul>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bromocriptine</strong> and the recently withdrawn pergolide are <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ergot derivatives </strong>and may rarely cause retroperitoneal, pulmonary, and pericardial fibrosis, and cardiac valvulopathies. Pramipexole and ropinirole have half-lives 6-12 hours and are therefore taken 2-3 times daily.</i></li>
<li><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></b></li>
<li><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Pramipexole and ropinirole </i></span></b></li>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;">Pramipexole and ropinirole are not ergot compounds. Large clinical trials comparing these medications to levodopa showed that they <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">can be used in early Parkinson's </strong>disease and <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">reduce</strong> <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the severity of symptoms</strong>. Over the years, differences in the effects of the dopamine agonists have emerged. One <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">side effect </strong>is <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">daytime sleepiness </strong>and "sleep attacks." Although this may occur with all of the dopamine agonists (and levodopa), it was first appreciated in people treated with pramipexole.</i></li>
<li><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></b></li>
<li><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Apomorphine </i></span></b></li>
<li><i style="font-family: inherit;">Apomorphineis indicated in <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">patients who experience "off states"refractory to modifications of oral medications </strong>such as increasing the dose or frequency of dopaminergic medications or introducting a COMT inhibitor. It has a <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">rapid onset</strong> of action, usually within 10-20 minutes but the <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">duration</strong> of action is <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">short</strong>, lasting for only about an hour. Apomorphine is only available from <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">specialty pharmacies</strong>. Because nausea occurs in the vast majority of patients, pretreatment with trimethobenzamide (Tygan®) is required. Initial titration and observation for side effects (syncope, hypotension) must occur in the physician's office.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;">In January 2014, the </span><a href="https://www.addiction.com/4328/pramipexole-compulsion/">Addiction.com</a><span style="color: #262626;"> website wrote
an article that provides some helpful information about what to do if you’ve
been taking dopamine agonists.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #434343; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Light";">If you’re a patient
taking a dopamine agonist, the options are unfortunately limited. It’s worth
noting that the incidence of these side effects is quite low, but there is
still a chance you’ll develop them. If you’re experiencing symptoms of
compulsive behavior after starting on a dopamine agonist, the best thing to do is
to contact your doctor about it as soon as possible. Compulsive gambling, sex
and shopping all have the potential to financially ruin patients or obliterate
romantic relationships, so the importance of reducing their impact can’t be
overstated. In the event of negative consequences, your physician may be able
to suggest an alternative treatment. Do what you can to better your health!</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: ProximaNova-Regular;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for my mental health, my psychiatrist took me off the
medication immediately. I am now taking supplements to treat my Restless Leg
Syndrome (RLS): Potassium and Magnesium. It will take approximately two weeks
for the effects of the drug to leave my system.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I no longer have this dark cloud hovering over me,
questioning every purchase or thought of purchase. I have a better future to
look forward to with my husband and our plan to get out of debt. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a blessed and happy day.</div>
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Vicki</div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-79809383964222679572017-01-25T22:48:00.001-05:002017-01-25T22:48:58.004-05:00BP Hope Magazine Confirms my Writing Theory <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoxfp5vl66ORuCaMl80JrHDmzj-mLeYVaAgapmRSDz4f8OceOEGXXWhOwgN7Pf9wHmNJ8-qwkXyFflaygGlH3L5F7Y2_OiXqWHs9R191I2c0qB83MQCWb652I-VFfay5GjyjpsMfckU6b/s1600/notebook+and+pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoxfp5vl66ORuCaMl80JrHDmzj-mLeYVaAgapmRSDz4f8OceOEGXXWhOwgN7Pf9wHmNJ8-qwkXyFflaygGlH3L5F7Y2_OiXqWHs9R191I2c0qB83MQCWb652I-VFfay5GjyjpsMfckU6b/s320/notebook+and+pen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been strongly recommending that those with Bipolar Disorder and those that battle other Mental Health issues use journaling as a coping technique. It seems that others are giving the same advice.<br />
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I've even created a self-help guide "Words Heal." I discussed it in the <a href="http://www.mentalhealthadvocate.net/2016/03/mental-health-series-journal-therapy.html" target="_blank">Journal Therapy</a> post.<br />
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BpHope posted an article about the <a href="http://www.bphope.com/the-power-of-the-page/" target="_blank">Power of the Page</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #1e1e1e;">Did you know about the benefits of Journaling? </span></span><br style="color: #444444;" /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Benefits of Journaling</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Medical studies show that writing about trauma or emotions helps people experience happiness, or an increase in health and productivity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxAiCye16rKMOgP5veHBsDG1P6PJaRdHx9pBWivrtDxgOXOwW08l6lp8jl3Sa7ZcR1-olK41TFNH2SA-35S5kGdfbpF1UqVhq0UE76pNsLkILfDNvZ94ped7IOSh-4PjQ9ITDc-nlNN0/s1600/abilityofwriterstestoftheirpower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #4d469c; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxAiCye16rKMOgP5veHBsDG1P6PJaRdHx9pBWivrtDxgOXOwW08l6lp8jl3Sa7ZcR1-olK41TFNH2SA-35S5kGdfbpF1UqVhq0UE76pNsLkILfDNvZ94ped7IOSh-4PjQ9ITDc-nlNN0/s320/abilityofwriterstestoftheirpower.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">James Pennebaker, discovered that people who use writing to make sense of their traumatic life experiences feel happier and less anxious. Through his studies, Pennebaker found that those who made meaning out of their gained insight from writing were healthier than those who simply wrote the details of their day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Simply put<b>: Words Heal</b>. Founder and President of <a href="http://www.writecovery.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">WRITECOVERY, Inc</a>, Vicki M Taylor says, writing is a powerful tool for individuals who are struggling with <b>the healing process</b>.” She went on to say, “Words heal. Once you get the story out on paper, it’s out of your mind and you can move on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaRapNj7eQHI3rOPbQGmy3nD4yPWd4zrvxDKXNikxBnmHIdyLvR91qkl2VaM9OzYWQtwF4CVgLdvBwRP4XL8NNGs2G2cjrdeEjhSb-szX4g2GxZqIek4IuP8sP2epi6jMY71c4ol1etM/s1600/words+heal+bookstore+choice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #4d469c; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaRapNj7eQHI3rOPbQGmy3nD4yPWd4zrvxDKXNikxBnmHIdyLvR91qkl2VaM9OzYWQtwF4CVgLdvBwRP4XL8NNGs2G2cjrdeEjhSb-szX4g2GxZqIek4IuP8sP2epi6jMY71c4ol1etM/s320/words+heal+bookstore+choice.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Writing is a process,” says Stephen King. Although he meant it for fiction writing, he was never more right when it comes to journal writing. Writing is a process. It helps us understand what’s going on inside of us. It helps us sort out the emotions building up inside of us that threaten to blow. We have thoughts racing around in our mind, what do we do? We get out our journal and we write. And write. And write until the thoughts no longer run through our mind but race along the pages of our journal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #535353;">J</span>ournaling can have an overall healing affect on those with physical and mental illnesses.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Doctors see it all the time. The patient uses the journal to track their illness, their symptoms, their thoughts and feelings about what they’re experiencing. Before long, they’re writing about how they’re coping, dreaming about what they’re going to do when they get well, and thinking about ways to help themselves improve their health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOomJ0cAkEqV0yYXos5PiaLqkiLp_3BPM36jZC5t-nDKkkUndrDTBinCwKTX_I2EPdzCuuJlVwm4FSeyQySYPh-4uyi-112YrbMT-Sv_9r-DpEMcR4MzwhUTDy3BC_UM_rmAZ4IBjUwJo/s1600/memories+are+timeless+treasures+of+the+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #4d469c; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOomJ0cAkEqV0yYXos5PiaLqkiLp_3BPM36jZC5t-nDKkkUndrDTBinCwKTX_I2EPdzCuuJlVwm4FSeyQySYPh-4uyi-112YrbMT-Sv_9r-DpEMcR4MzwhUTDy3BC_UM_rmAZ4IBjUwJo/s320/memories+are+timeless+treasures+of+the+heart.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #444444;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">If you desire, you can share your journal with your physician or mental health professional if you feel it might help your case. If not, don’t. It’s yours. It’s private. Don’t be pressured into exposing your private thoughts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’ve never written in a journal before, it’s very easy. You don’t need a fancy journal or pen to start. A 3-ring binder, pen, pencil or even an online Microsoft Word or Text document is just fine to start. <span style="color: #535353;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a simple start to journaling. Try writing first, then move on to more imaginative journals, like visual journaling, gratitude journaling, or even prayer journals.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #535353;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait for a time when you have about 20 – 30 minutes of uninterrupted space. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #535353;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">·<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Indoors or outdoors, it doesn’t matter.</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;">Get comfortable.</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;">Have a beverage close by.</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #535353; text-indent: -0.25in;">You might want to start a ritual. Light a candle. Some Incense. Turn on soft music.</span></span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Open to a blank page. Identify the date. Some people like to identify the location as well. Then take a deep breath. Reach for your pen, set it to paper, and let your mind free.<span style="color: #535353;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd0Se42BMbFa_zLWUoHIvZwUyBHZPcviobesIIcZ0FUIqGVw1BQYylA99PuVooxq7-nfqSLepJjDahOmCcz6LZQ-BuuZWDtEv1ybbAcZNi9QM0lx7aLOeg2kbYKFna3MGr3Tsi8mCQcw/s1600/owning+our+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #4d469c; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd0Se42BMbFa_zLWUoHIvZwUyBHZPcviobesIIcZ0FUIqGVw1BQYylA99PuVooxq7-nfqSLepJjDahOmCcz6LZQ-BuuZWDtEv1ybbAcZNi9QM0lx7aLOeg2kbYKFna3MGr3Tsi8mCQcw/s200/owning+our+story.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Journaling is a liberating experience. <b>Journaling is a healing experience</b>. You’ll find that you’ll live a healthier, more spiritual, and less negative life. Joy will replace passivity. You’ll gain a new perspective, change your negative thought patterns, and find a way to let your inner critic out onto the pages of your journal instead of running around in your head wreaking havoc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you going to write about?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are going to write about anything and everything. It’s your journal. It’s your private thoughts. It’s a “judge free” zone. It can be a laundry list. It can be a bucket list. It can be a letter to the neighbor down the street who always leaves their trashcans in the middle of the street. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My point is this: Whatever pops into your mind, can pop onto the pages of your journal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Try it for a week. See how refreshing and freeing it becomes. Don’t try the whole 20-30 minutes at once. Try for a little five minute practice and see how it works for you. Then, try it again. And again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I bet before long, you’ll have thoughts in your mind and you’ll be longing to reaching for your journal to get them out of your head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My suggestion to you is start carrying your journal around with you during the day, so you can slip away for a few minutes to write a sentence or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You know you’re going to want to. It’s going to feel that good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">I hope that you'll not only heed the advice here, but do your own research about using journaling to heal. Find what works best for you. You don't have to be an English Major to do this. Anyone can put words to paper in any form, syntax, and spelling and grammar be damned!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">If you have questions, I would be happy to help you find a way to get started.</span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-37693822221976180682016-11-16T01:00:00.000-05:002016-11-16T11:55:17.063-05:00Guess Who is Turning 55?<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Remember when ...</b></span><br />
<br />
The 1961 Favorite TV shows<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hazel</li>
<li>Perry Mason</li>
<li>Candid Camera</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7BAJ9SeMoPhdgk37Tyvlpjs_-C934bryndX7d-1pma527u05tGAu1YMHz-fWsTRcZKfBEFf1V_O0uxltYsxW7t4az2OM2Qx-B4I6GZ5FzIXPmwtjyTcZRnIWKYLu2gXiNqaEZj0ovdw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7BAJ9SeMoPhdgk37Tyvlpjs_-C934bryndX7d-1pma527u05tGAu1YMHz-fWsTRcZKfBEFf1V_O0uxltYsxW7t4az2OM2Qx-B4I6GZ5FzIXPmwtjyTcZRnIWKYLu2gXiNqaEZj0ovdw/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7BAJ9SeMoPhdgk37Tyvlpjs_-C934bryndX7d-1pma527u05tGAu1YMHz-fWsTRcZKfBEFf1V_O0uxltYsxW7t4az2OM2Qx-B4I6GZ5FzIXPmwtjyTcZRnIWKYLu2gXiNqaEZj0ovdw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
I<b>n 1961 Sports News</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>World Series Champion - New York Yankees</li>
<li>US Open Golf - Gene Littler</li>
<li>Pro Football Champions - Houston Oilers & Green Bay Packers</li>
<li>Indianapolis 500 Winner - A.J. Foyt / 139.130 mph</li>
<li>Stanley Cup Winner - Chicago Blackhawks</li>
<li>NCAA Basketball Champion - Cincinnati</li>
<li>College Football Champions - Alabama & Ohio St</li>
<li>Heisman Trophy Winner - Ernie Davis from Syracuse</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBU-gOdBz_txzAHB3LprjJJl7-Nh_2q0pbRrEs5LVbT2RxfNY_p0bFI-QJWJUsi2Pq8DG11S86q00jFFwgYJCZ6HfJ9JvAam4tOCYzWPwsOS0YoNXeGaBK8sHQGfNJ1zrUHtJoIAerDU/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBU-gOdBz_txzAHB3LprjJJl7-Nh_2q0pbRrEs5LVbT2RxfNY_p0bFI-QJWJUsi2Pq8DG11S86q00jFFwgYJCZ6HfJ9JvAam4tOCYzWPwsOS0YoNXeGaBK8sHQGfNJ1zrUHtJoIAerDU/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: start;">1961 Interesting Facts</b></div>
<br />
President of United States - John F Kennedy<br />
Vice President - Lyndon Johnson<br />
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Pulitzer Prize Winner - Harper Lee <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Miss America - Nancy Fleming from Montague, MI<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHR3Ix1iKmsKXoQPz-M-dO0oltr8hxZuguzJdV99JSeMzHgYDqtUS9mmRYn_5Ep3bXDp4PcTGZy72LR8rQnN8x-4lNVX_KTfqxByd1_pM03BNruRGO-4eenaqTp7wih2emWU0i6AprsI/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHR3Ix1iKmsKXoQPz-M-dO0oltr8hxZuguzJdV99JSeMzHgYDqtUS9mmRYn_5Ep3bXDp4PcTGZy72LR8rQnN8x-4lNVX_KTfqxByd1_pM03BNruRGO-4eenaqTp7wih2emWU0i6AprsI/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7CowG3VZSQBwRoU6a6QRNYH0BVqbwr4FPXHe8-N57l34Bk-YzjgF7YLf1F8Rpn4tPv7v66H81fWiEBqalRXpNKajJG9pxwUP_1yRek23PwnwkO_-9RegwPtuup4Pi6_N_LeSUJUBceg/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7CowG3VZSQBwRoU6a6QRNYH0BVqbwr4FPXHe8-N57l34Bk-YzjgF7YLf1F8Rpn4tPv7v66H81fWiEBqalRXpNKajJG9pxwUP_1yRek23PwnwkO_-9RegwPtuup4Pi6_N_LeSUJUBceg/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
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A chimp named Enos became the first non-human primate sent into orbit by the US<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FkuYVP02QAKX4a3UidglSjFEkp3pLp7OsbAfdJX2oEfQJe4JoZQIwjjBnkdoFsl3KHz5_Rx-BKsxp0glVWjwBVHscPbNBjmHts-b26RszpNIdDpm-fErgpVIHdE3ZKvjVX72891M7OA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FkuYVP02QAKX4a3UidglSjFEkp3pLp7OsbAfdJX2oEfQJe4JoZQIwjjBnkdoFsl3KHz5_Rx-BKsxp0glVWjwBVHscPbNBjmHts-b26RszpNIdDpm-fErgpVIHdE3ZKvjVX72891M7OA/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
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<b>1961 Cost of Living</b><br />
<br />
New House ..... $12,550.00<br />
Average Income ..... $5,315.00<br />
New Car ..... $2,849.00<br />
Average Rent ..... $110.00 / month<br />
Harvard University Tuition ..... $1,250.00 / year<br />
Movie Ticket ..... $1.00<br />
Gasoline ..... $0.27 / gallon<br />
US Postage Stamp ..... $0.04<br />
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Food<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-f7irDSjsFHnsShrNzOw6FO8r1WQHBlc3HjfQKkw9eYHYJurihG7DtJPiSANXpUz8K1VDmMvjikSyP96CFdIvZ-qff05Y-96CUGyr2yL2BwWEz8BCLdqzhCmHrOt9XHQr9lAattJxIE/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-f7irDSjsFHnsShrNzOw6FO8r1WQHBlc3HjfQKkw9eYHYJurihG7DtJPiSANXpUz8K1VDmMvjikSyP96CFdIvZ-qff05Y-96CUGyr2yL2BwWEz8BCLdqzhCmHrOt9XHQr9lAattJxIE/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
Granulated Sugar ..... $0.89 / 10 pounds<br />
Vitamin D Milk ..... $1.05 / gallon<br />
Ground Coffee ..... $0.85 / pound<br />
Bacon ..... $0.67 / pound<br />
Eggs ..... $0.30 / dozen<br />
Fresh Ground Hamburger ..... $0.40 / pound<br />
Fresh Baked Bread ..... $0.21 / loaf<br />
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<br />
<b>1961 Favorite Music & Movies</b><br />
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<u>Music</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean<br />
Blue Moon - The Marcels<br />
Runaround Sue - Dion<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CXHv8KIlzwbbZi2554bFPr_M6S-MWeLvCKsfYk50meMOtQ6x7KhBDee6xF-WgUtlSFlg6JKKWtJNI63vjxheSv3XmsHNrghp0jGRyJJVn52QRASrIK6euIjo38aLJ9VbeWuKsMwMzDU/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CXHv8KIlzwbbZi2554bFPr_M6S-MWeLvCKsfYk50meMOtQ6x7KhBDee6xF-WgUtlSFlg6JKKWtJNI63vjxheSv3XmsHNrghp0jGRyJJVn52QRASrIK6euIjo38aLJ9VbeWuKsMwMzDU/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Runaway - Del Shannon<br />
Mother-in-Law - Ernie K-Doe<br />
Please Mr Postman - The Marvelettes<br />
Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles<br />
The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens<br />
Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis<br />
Travelin' Man - Ricky Nelson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ao0BYjM6NsK76Gof2UwVgmK4JhYkEJ7Wt71bUxCxTAeJqea2kD7AgZ3JFY2O3V4Z5gV4RwwyV9c-RZ9yrAcyY1io37OyzjALjlQNp6hG7hH5rzaa5OMOdUVz4-MUdB2n-2_ERXmltAM/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ao0BYjM6NsK76Gof2UwVgmK4JhYkEJ7Wt71bUxCxTAeJqea2kD7AgZ3JFY2O3V4Z5gV4RwwyV9c-RZ9yrAcyY1io37OyzjALjlQNp6hG7hH5rzaa5OMOdUVz4-MUdB2n-2_ERXmltAM/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
Movies<br />
<br />
West Side Story<br />
Breakfast at Tiffany's<br />
One Hundred and One Dalmatians<br />
The Parent Trap<br />
The Hustler<br />
The Guns of Navarone<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmff3ba6_TAgmAFNah1Gv-svli9KhOOdGpiIcqeNpg_8CEbWeg4hsTGGBZ5pN9hRWRDz6bN-JNjEQ_znn37lP5_LZ0LR3hBvvDpkmQfgyF6ai8pOgaGkzjruSABvhRE3AoWgZvnI3uFgQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmff3ba6_TAgmAFNah1Gv-svli9KhOOdGpiIcqeNpg_8CEbWeg4hsTGGBZ5pN9hRWRDz6bN-JNjEQ_znn37lP5_LZ0LR3hBvvDpkmQfgyF6ai8pOgaGkzjruSABvhRE3AoWgZvnI3uFgQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Uh, if you haven't figured it out by now, IT IS MY 55TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!</span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-70973852295511754342016-10-23T10:24:00.003-04:002016-10-23T10:24:57.100-04:00Long Term Recovery Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRgEy7lOg6xCLUZDvm1e4uG99NOv-fx-SLdE8AGI8WLoB4unxN_Wg3JVp2sXcqHEBGChyphenhyphenk09mjfC0-3GUznACNrIOmyx-Bk5mxm5NcaVo7pgOMg1SLjz7io4UzHrHOolsQgSNdEhiHe42/s1600/encourage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRgEy7lOg6xCLUZDvm1e4uG99NOv-fx-SLdE8AGI8WLoB4unxN_Wg3JVp2sXcqHEBGChyphenhyphenk09mjfC0-3GUznACNrIOmyx-Bk5mxm5NcaVo7pgOMg1SLjz7io4UzHrHOolsQgSNdEhiHe42/s320/encourage.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
Hi everyone, I wanted to give you a quick check into my life at the moment. I am in a Long Term Recovery Center for a few weeks. I am going to work on Depression, Anxiety, reduce meds, increase coping skills and simplifying my life.<br />
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I hope to check in occasionally to let you know what I've learned and how I'm doing.<br />
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Best of all, I'm getting much needed treatment.<br />
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I am open to questions as well.<br />
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Take care, and I'd appreciate prayers and positive thoughts.<br />
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V.Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1193722869569339354.post-62915167996427421832016-10-05T11:36:00.001-04:002016-10-05T11:36:51.667-04:00It's Attitude of Gratitude SeasonGood Fall Morning to you!<div>
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When the summer fades and the leaves turn, the temperatures cool and we get that feeling that the rest of the year is going to fly by in a blur.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFR5H0PJtDRTDfQXQMBseNwPGUg_n45gBW0Vv1x13bybUt_4xrcAAZalbj45hr8Oor-B5jP4mk520nB1y5Tq6G2GlNGJuqXjKIy-FfXAx7g3hfOYVxchQ9WaiPuGofo_ITgrod1BgeM0p/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFR5H0PJtDRTDfQXQMBseNwPGUg_n45gBW0Vv1x13bybUt_4xrcAAZalbj45hr8Oor-B5jP4mk520nB1y5Tq6G2GlNGJuqXjKIy-FfXAx7g3hfOYVxchQ9WaiPuGofo_ITgrod1BgeM0p/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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It's Gratitude Season. (Did I just make that up?)</div>
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So, I will ask you. <b><i>"What are you grateful for?"</i></b></div>
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The basics are family, God, friends, shelter, food, transportation, and so on.</div>
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When I was hospitalized in a long-term facility, one of our assignments was to list the positive things in our life.</div>
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Would you be able to create such a list?</div>
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Enjoy your "gratitude season"!<br />
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0