Saturday, December 18, 2010
Art that Empowers Girls
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tips for Getting Thru the Holidays
Overexpectation. This is the single biggest cause of holiday stress. Unrealistic hopes that everything will be perfect, and everyone will be happy can only lead to disappointment, frustration and even depression. Be realistic and enjoy the true meaning of the holidays, which is about celebration and togetherness – not perfection.
Overscheduling. Most of our lives are already overscheduled, even before adding in holiday visits, religious events, and travel. Make plans carefully in advance and don’t be afraid to say “No!" if you feel burdened.
Overindulging. Eat, drink and be merry…within reason. Overeating can worsen certain health problems and causes unneeded guilt over extra pounds. Enjoy the bounty of special celebrations but don’t go overboard.
Overpaying. Don't confuse “stuff” with love. Make a budget and stick to it. Most of all, remember to give the gift of time to children. Long after the $100 video games are forgotten, kids will remember sledding down hills with you.
Overexertion. Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for food and presents. Shop ahead of time. Use the Internet. And don’t go it alone! Delgate if necessary.
Overbearing Relatives. Family conflicts can resurface during what should be ideal moments. Try to avoid falling into old tensions or old roles. If certain people are problematic, be creative with seating or invite people to different occasions at different times. Set aside differences until after the holidays. If friction arises, leave the room to baste the turkey or take a walk with someone.
Overstressed. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort and stress that takes its toll on your body and mind. Head or backaches, nightmares, withdrawal, irritability and other out-of-character behaviors are a sign that you have taken on too much.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Suicide "Survivor" Awareness Day: 11/20
Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors National Survivors of Suicide Day - reaching out to thousands of people who have lost a loved one to suicide. This Saturday, November 20, 2010, is their 12th year of raising awareness and providing support.
Over 230 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and across the world. An amazing network of healing conferences is available for those who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss. Connecting on this day allows survivors to know that they are not alone in this experience. And perhaps more important than anything else, research has shown that survivors of suicide contribute significantly in better understanding suicide and its prevention. There is great power in the personal narrative.
To find a city worldwide where a conference is being held link here and here
Read more on suicide outreach and about the 10 common myths about suicide here
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Q & A: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Question: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Answer: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pattern of significant depressive symptoms that occur and then disappear with the changing of the seasons. SAD is sometimes called "Winter Depression" or "Winter Blues". SAD occurs when days get shorter around November and reduce with the onset of Spring. Incidentally, SAD can have a "reverse seasonal pattern" where depression occurs in summer months.
Question: What's the difference between Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression?
Answer: SAD is a subcategory of Major Depressive Disorder. Symptoms, though, occur seasonally, so symptoms come in cycles..
Question: How many people are affected by SAD each year?
Answer: SAD affects millions worldwide. The illness is more common in higher latitudes (locations that are farther north or south of the equator) because of their distance from the sun. Research also shows that women are more prone to SAD than are men.
Question: What are the symtpoms of SAD?
Answer: Symptoms include many of the same symptoms of depression: sadness, anxiety, lost interest in usual activities, withdrawal from social activities and an inability to concentrate. The difference though, is that these symptoms resolve each Spring and tend to occur again in late Fall.
Question: What is the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Answer: Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.
Question: What kind of treatments are available?
Answer: Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of Melatonin. Antidepressants are helpful as well. For mild SAD symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or sitting in a pool of sunshine indoors are helpful. Studies have shown that an hour’s walk in sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light. Daily exercise has been shown to be helpful, particularly when done outdoors. Keeping a healthy sleeping and eating pattern is also recommended.
Question: How to Seek Treatment for SAD?
Answer: If you've noticed a pattern to your depression, make an appointment with your physician. Medical tests and exams should be up to date to rule out any other reason for depressive symptoms. Thereafter, a consult with a psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist is necessary. A treatment plan of light therapy, medication, talk therapy or a combination of them may be recommended.
Resources
Seasonal Affective Disorder Association: http://www.sada.org.uk/
Society for Light Treatment :www.websciences.org/sltbr
The Circadian Lighting Association: www.claorg.org
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Empathy: Cognitive and Affective
But did you know there are two kinds of empathy?
Friday, October 15, 2010
Therapy "Service Dogs"
♦ Remind handler to take medication on time
♦ Warm handler’s body during a panic attack
♦ Interrupt repetitive OCD behaviors
♦ Comfort handler during emotional distress
♦ Accompany handler outside of the home
♦ Interrupt dissociative episodes or flashbacks
♦ Protect and safeguard handler during seizure
♦ Provide a safe grounding presence
♦ Interrupt self-harming
Just remember, if you see a Psychiatric Service Dog, ask their handler if the dog is "working". Dogs can be petted and played with only when they're on a break!
For more on Psychiatric Service Dogs go here
Thursday, October 07, 2010
National Depression Screening Day: 10/7
To find a free, anonymous screening site in your area, link here. If you can't find a way to go in person, take an online screening at PsychCentral, Mental Health America or Screening for Mental Health.
It seems fitting that on National Depression Screening Day that I announce that I've been offered a book deal for my nonfiction depression book. I'm happy to report that "Living with Depression: Why Biology and Biology Matter Along the Path to Hope and Healing" will be published in 2011 by Rowman & Littlefield.
It's my hope that "Living with Depression" will help children and adults who experience depression, offer insight to those who love someone who has the illness, and become a resource to others who want to learn more about mood disorders.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Mental Health Awareness Week
For the last 20 years, the first week in October has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Week. The campaign, which begins October 3rd and runs through the 9th, is focusing on the theme "Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives."
The truth is that negative stereotypes and improper understanding of mental illness keep many children and adults from getting the help they need.
If you or someone you love has a undiagnosed or untreated mental disorder, you can find local and national support in Australia , Canada and the USA
For me, every day is an awareness day. But I like how campaigns like this shine a light on mental health.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
World Suicide Prevention Day: 9/10/2010
Did you know that over 1 million people die by suicide each year? That's a death by suicide very 40 seconds.
Suicide is THE most preventable kind of death. Education, resources, intervention and outreach can help children and adults who struggle with staggering sadness, hopelessness and despair.
One of the most far-reaching campaigns is World Suicide Prevention Day. This health education program is sponsored by The International Association for Suicide Prevention, The World Health Organization, The United Nations and many grass root organizations and agencies every year on September 10th.
This year's theme is "Suicide Prevention Across the World"
To learn about the warning signs for suicidal behavior go here.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Chromotherapy
Chromotherapy is the use of color and light to bring health and balance into one's life. As a psychologist, I feel that there are many ways to create a sense of well being. I'm open to all kinds of experiences, and like to hear when people try something new that has been meaningful to them.
Chromotherapy has been around since ancient times. Notably, Egyptians built solarium rooms with colored glass to achieve certain therapeutic benefits. The sun would shine through the glass and flood an ill person with color.
Today, there are many practitioners who use color and light in interesting ways. Some Color Therapists have a box with a mechanism that flickers light into the eyes. They report success in speeding the recovery of stroke victims and people who experience chronic depression. Other Color Therapists recommend the wearing of eyeglasses with colored lenses to achieve benefits of color exposure. Another kind of color therapy example is the practice of Feng Shui, where color is strategically placed into your home and work spaces for optimum balance of energy[1].
Using Chromotherapy doesn't only involve bathing yourself in color in a physical sense. Another form of Chromotherapy is "Color Breathing"[2]. This is a meditative practice that can easily be performed before going to sleep, or when waking in the morning, at work or at home.
With "Color Breathing" you choose a color to suit your needs. Simply hold the color in your mind's eye. Then, as you inhale a deep, slow breath through your nose, you visualize that color. Imagine where you've seen this color before. Imagine the deepness of its hue. Allow yourself to linger in the color in your mind's eye. Then you exhale slowly through your mouth, continuing to visualize and experience the color.
Breathing Colors
Red: Increase energy and power. It has been known to affect the heart by increasing pulse rate, and the muscles by increasing their tension. Red influences vitality and increases body temperature. Red is often associated with excitement and sensuality.
Orange: Has been known to help reduce procrastination, improve attention, stimulate creative thinking and enthusiasm.
Yellow: Like the sun, yellow strongly stimulates happiness, brings on a sense of security, as well as a strong feeling of well-being.
Green: Regulates the pituitary gland, fights depression, bulimia, and other psychosomatic conditions affecting the gastric system. It is useful in calming the nervous system, fights irritability, insomnia and can be used to assist in reducing anxiety.
Turquoise: Improve immune system, increases intuition and sensitivity.
Turquoise is important for respiratory system and in strengthening the metabolism.
Blue: Is one of the best colors to calm, soothe and relax. It has been used to reduce high blood pressure, slow breathing and heart rates.
Purple: Deep hues of this color have been used to Boost self worth, decreases sensitivity to pain, and help with detoxification.
Pink: Helps to heal grief and sadness. Induces a sense of youthfulness.
White: Provides energy and balance by stimulating the production of serotonin, a substance which regulates both sleep and the nervous system.
Black: Is a power color and can bring authority. It can also provide protection, calm, and silence.
Brown: Increases decisiveness and concentration. This color also provides stability, grounding, conservation, protection. Brown can help awaken common sense and discrimination. It brings us back down to earth.
Do you have a favorite color?
Footnotes:
[1] Institute for Chromotherapy - http://www.ifct.net/
[2] About.com "Color Therapy" accessed @ http://healing.about.com/
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Professions With Highest Depression Rate
2.Food Service: Workers have to deal with low pay, few chances for advancement, physically dangerous or exhausting work, and often demanding and unforgiving work environments. As anyone in the food service industry will tell you, it's hard, hard work.
3.Social Workers: Those working in this field are three times more likely to be depressed than the general population, and many are so focused on helping others they don't get the help that they need themselves.
4.Doctors and Nurses: Doctors and nurses score high when it comes to rating their burnout and depression on the job. As hospitals and medical care facilities reduce staff and make cutbacks, these professionals are responsible for a larger patient load, adding to their stress and anxiety.
5.Artists: As cliche as the stereotype might be, artists, entertainers and those in the creative fields have higher levels of depression than the general population. While there has been no definitive link between depression and creativity, those who choose to work in an artistic or entertainment field found it depressing, with 9.1% indicating a depressive episode over the past year.
6.Teachers: Being responsible for teaching the leaders of our future is stressful enough, but throw in having too many kids in a classroom, students with behavioral problems and not enough resources to get the job done, and you've described the experience many teachers have working today. Not to mention getting emotionally involved in the lives of students and wanting to help beyond the limits of your job. These factors and others lead to early burnout and depression in teachers.
7.Secretaries and Administrative Support: Clerical support staff are responsible with keeping a lot of things running smoothly but rarely get the acknowledgment they deserve for doing their jobs well. Some mental health experts say that the high levels of depression in support staff are due to the lack of control they have over their work environment and work flow, but whatever it is that causes it, these workers are more likely to be depressed, take anti-anxiety medication and call in sick to work.
8.Maintenance Workers: No one notices maintenance workers until something is broken or doesn't work. It is this lack of attention, repetitive tasks, and low wages that leads many who work in building maintenance and cleaning to feel depressed and unhappy about their work.
9.Financial Advisors: In an economic downturn, it makes sense that those working in the financial field should feel a little down about the outlook of things, but studies have shown that those working in finance have higher levels of depression than other professions even in good times. The major leading factor? Stress. The stress of working with money, and very often large sums of it, can be too much for some.
10.Lawyers: The demands of a legal career make it easy for lawyers to burnt out and over stressed, often leading to depression. Lawyers are 3.8 times more likely to be depressed than those in other professions and rank among the highest among levels of depression in all careers. Working excessive hours, having little time for family and personal engagement and a highly competitive field all contribute to creating high levels of depression in lawyers."
Friday, July 09, 2010
15 Tips for Mental Fitness
1. Learn to Relax
Allow yourself to let go of inner tensions by giving yourself a “mini vacation.” Give your mind a break by becoming engrossed in a good book, watching a movie, listening to music, taking a walk, working on a hobby, meditating or similar activity that is relaxing for you.
2. Be Kind To Yourself
People are frequently too hard on themselves when things don’t go right. Tune into your self talk, and counteract your negative thoughts about yourself with positive statements.
3. Eat Properly
Nutrition has a direct impact on feeling mentally positive. Limit your intake of sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and alcohol and help yourself stay mentally fit.
4. Find A Friend
Friendships are very important to mental fitness. Working on developing and maintaining friendships is one of the best ways to continue growing as a person. Expressing feelings and ideas to another person can help us clarify what’s truly important to ourselves.
5. Learn to Say “No”
Often people feel the need to respond immediately when a friend or family member make a request. Help yourself set limits by avoiding the quick “knee jerk” response in the affirmative. Instead, let them know you will get back to them shortly. Then do a check of your schedule; ask yourself if you really want to add to your load. Give yourself permission to say “No” when you are too busy to take on additional commitments of your time or energy.
6. Exercise
Check with your doctor about what level is best for you. Even a brisk 15-minute walk, three times a week does wonders for how you think and feel.
7. Do It Now
Procrastination can lead to negative feelings about yourself. One doesn’t have to go to extremes, but it can feel very satisfying at the end of the day to have accomplished a hard task or met a difficult situation head-on.
8. Adapt To Rather Than Resist Change
Change is inevitable and is a necessary part of life. The important thing is to be patient with yourself when you are going through change, and to give yourself time to go through the phases of transition. Realize it takes time to let go of the old and embrace the new.
9. Test Your Assumptions
Sometimes in our interactions with other people, we make the most incredible assumptions and act as if they are true. Rather than assuming, it might be worth the risk to ask directly what was meant.
10. Express Your Feelings
Emotions are a natural response to life. It is important to find ways to express your feelings. Journaling your thoughts is one way that can help you clarify what you are feeling. Once you have identified your feelings, you may find it easier to share them with others.
11. Grieve Losses
Sadness and grief are natural and appropriate responses to the losses which we all experience. Grief over the loss of a love one can be very painful and may last for some time. By being kind and allowing ourselves the time to grieve, we have the potential to be stronger than ever
12. Rest
Get a good night’s sleep. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep, but it should be restful sleep. There are many techniques available to help promote relaxation; or, you might want to check with your doctor rather than assuming your restless sleep is simply something you have to live with.
13. Review Your “Shoulds”
If you feel stuck by some things you “Should” be doing and aren’t, set a time limit by which you will either have them done or get rid of them. Staying stuck in the middle is a good way to punish yourself and cause mental anguish and stress.
14. Have A Laugh
Nurture your sense of humor, especially about yourself. Trying to see the humorous side of things makes even the most difficult situations easier to bear. Laughter is good medicine. Being too serious limits your ability to enjoy life.
15. Ask For Help
If you need emotional support or just someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for it. There are times in life when everyone must look outside themselves for comfort and advice. If friends can do the job, ask them to help. If not, be assured that professional help is available through your employee assistance program.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Empty Nest Syndrome
Empty Nest is most often seen in the Fall when teenagers leave for college, in Summer when kids leave for camp - but can occur anytime a child leaves home (getting married, new job, etc.)
Some parents move through the transition of children leaving home without much difficulty. Others experience bouts of weepiness, loneliness or irritability. These are very normal and natural.
If you find that time has not helped you adjust to your new life, and symptoms are worsening, it might help to seek a support group like Daily Strength Empty-Nest Support Group or consider professional help. Attachment and loss can be an overwhelming experience for some parents. Don't let the excitement of your child's new life make you feel as if you have to hide your heartache.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
10 Tips for Ethical Parenting
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Stalking Safety Tips
Although significant attention has been devoted to adult perpetrators and victims of stalking, there is persuasive evidence that stalking begins at a much younger age. Research suggests that stalking traits begin in childhood and have developmental issues related to attachment, identity formation, and emotional states involving jealousy, envy, and anger. It is important to note that a person who stalks can be someone you know or can be a total stranger.
Things To Do : No one ever deserves to be a victim of a stalker. Every situation that involves stalking is different, but there are a few guidelines to follow if you feel you are a victim of a stalker.
* Convey to the stalker that you wish to have no contact with him/her. It is important not to continue communicating this more than one time. If you do, you are reinforcing the unhealthy attachment.
* Inform friends, family and your employer or school of the situation.
* Inform your local police department that you are a victim of a stalker. This is important to do even if you don't intend to file charges. A record will be created which will serve as a paper trail should you need one.
* Document the situation in which you have seen or had any type of contact with the stalker. This can be done in a personal diary or journal. Save all letters, emails, voice mails or text messages for record keeping.
* Change your phone number, cell phone number, email address, website or blog, if necessary. Consider taking a self-defense class that can help you feel strong and become vigilant to your surroundings.
* Also document any other pertinent information such as car type, license plate number, physical description, etc. These steps can help you if the situation escalates into something more dangerous.
Additional Steps:
* File for a restraining or protective order. Information on filing can be obtained from your local police department.
* Create a contingency plan. You may not think that you are in imminent danger, but the possibility still exists. Your local police or domestic violence center may be able to assist you with a more specific plan.
* Have a list of critical telephone numbers on hand like the local police, friends, family domestic violence centers, campus security, attorney, shelters etc.
* Have a necessities bag. A small suitcase you can keep at work, school, your car, or at a friend's house just in case you choose not to go home.
* Always make sure you're never low on gas in your car.
* Take preventative measures to protect yourself from the stalker. Vary your routine. Don't do the same activities at the same time every day. For example, go to work a little earlier than usual or take different route home.
* Have co-workers, roommates and family members screen phone calls and visitors.
* If possible, do not travel alone.
References
McCann, J.T. (2000). Stalking in children and adolescents: The primitive bond. Washington: APA Books.
Meloy, J. R. (1998). The psychology of stalking: Clinical and forensic perspectives. New York: Academic Press.
Pathe, M. (2002). Surviving stalking. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Phenomenon of Ringxiety
- or - you hear a ringtone that sends you and others into a frenzy to see whose phone it is?
Welcome to the phenomenon called RINGXIETY.
Dr. David Laramie, from California's School of Professional Psychology, is the originator of the term and experiences "Ringxiety" as well. According to Dr. Laramie, people have grown emotionally dependent on cell phones for feelings of self-worth or for needing to be connected. Sound experts, however, believe hearing similar tones to a telephone's ring sends your expectant brain into action. In the psychological field, that's called a conditioned stimulus response.
Avvannavar, M., Kumar, N.S., Shrihari, S., & Babu Are, R. (2008). Mobile Phones: An Anthropological Review of Its Evolutionary Impact The Journal of International Social Research, 1 (5), 81-103
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What is "Alexithymia"?
Alexithymia was coined from the Greek word LEXIS, (word) and THYMOS (feelings), and literally means "a lack of words for feelings". Alexithymia is not a disorder, but is seen as a trait. Some characteristics are:
*Difficulty identifying different types of feelings
*Difficulty distinguishing between emotional feelings and bodily feelings
* Limited understanding of what caused the feelings
* Difficulty verbalizing feelings
* Limited imagination
* Functional, constricted style of thinking
* Physical complaints
* Lack of enjoyment and pleasure-seeking
* Stiffened posture and/or facial expressions
Many individuals who have Alexithymia engage in counterproductive non-verbal activities to communicate their feelings. Activities like cutting, or breaking things, drinking or dabbling in drug use, for example. Learning to recognize feelings, verbalize and communicate them is the goal here. Alexithymia has a strong involvement in mental illness and personality development - but it's not something to be afraid of. If you experience Alexithymia, or know someone who does, there are ways to learn how to strengthen skills.
Psychotherapy can help to show you the way.
Lee, Y. et al. (2010). Direct and indirect effects of the temperament and character on alexithymia: A pathway analysis with mood and anxiety Comprehensive Psychiatry, 51 (2), 201-206 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2009.06.001
Saturday, May 01, 2010
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Research shows that the number one obstacle in seeking treatment for mental illness is stigma. Negative stereotypes and improper understanding of mental illness keep spinning the vicious circle of stigma. To counter this paradox, professional and grassroots organizations, schools, communities, hospitals and even media outlets have joined together in an effort to raise the awareness about mental health.
On the media front, Discovery Health Channel is broadcasting PsychWeek: Six Nights of Understanding. This series takes you into the world of people who experience Anxiety, Rage, Dissociative Disorder, Schizophrenia, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Hoarding, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These individuals and their families give us a glimpse of their life, of their struggles and triumphs. Their courage will help educate about mental illness - and chip away at the stigma that surrounds it as well.
This is what I call "Appointment Television". So clear your schedule or set your DVR. This promises to be a very important series. Click here for complete programming.
If you, or someone you know is struggling, remember, there's no shame in having a mental illness.
Byrne, P. (2010). Challenging healthcare discrimination: COMMENTARY ON ... DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 16 (1), 60-62 DOI: 10.1192/apt.bp.108.006106
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Six Drug-Free Ways To Boost Your Brain
2. Feed it Fat. Our brains are mostly fat and the brain needs fat for fuel. But feed your brain good fats like Omega-3's, nuts and seeds.
3. Stimulate it. To do this you must learn something new and hard. The easy stuff doesn't get your neurons firing.
4. Play with it. Play is very important for brain health. From video games, board games, cards and surfing the net.
5. Serenade it. Music can enhance moods and better sleep and lower blood pressure. Of course, make sure you listen to classical, jazz and other soft sounds - and not thrash-metal
music.
I'm happy to say that I do all of these.
How about you?
Monday, April 12, 2010
What Makes The Villain Scary
I just did an interview with writer Olivia Collette on what makes certain characters in films truly frightening. She and I felt that - instead of stereotyped evil-doers like Freddy Kruger or Michael Myers - the more ordinary and average the villain, the more frightening they become. Think Hans Landa in Inglorious Basterds, Vito Coreleone in The Godfather, Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest, or Ruth Gordon in Rosemary's Baby...
Psychologically speaking, the reason that the ordinary person gives us goosebumps is because we are all human and complex. When we discover that someone just like us can do evil, terrifying things, it becomes unsettling.
I like my villains to have a depth and breadth that comes close to portraying the human experience. I find the slasher, psychopathic characters stigmatizing and demeaning to those of us who have mental illness. In fact, research supports that on-screen portrayals of villains as one dimensional has a negative effect on the public's perception of people with mental illness.
Incidentally, I've written a psychological suspense novel with an antagonist that is complex, quite human and certainly evil. But there's no stereotyping or stigmatizing of mental illness there.
Pirkis, J., Blood, R., Francis, C., & McCallum, K. (2006). On-Screen Portrayals of Mental Illness: Extent, Nature, and Impacts Journal of Health Communication, 11 (5), 523-541 DOI: 10.1080/10810730600755889
Thursday, April 08, 2010
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed in April in the United States, and is dedicated to making a concerted effort to raise awareness about and prevent sexual violence. In the time it takes to read this paragraph, 3 individuals somewhere in the United States will have become a victim of sexual violence.
The first observation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month occurred in 2001, where the National Sexual Violence Resource Center provided resources to advocates nationwide to help get the word out about sexual assault. This awareness day has gained momentum over the years, especially on high school and college campuses. Research states that prevention programs and awareness days help educate the public about sexual assault and sexual violence. For those who want more information, link here
Banyard, V., Eckstein, R., & Moynihan, M. (2009). Sexual Violence Prevention: The Role of Stages of Change Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 25 (1), 111-135 DOI: 10.1177/0886260508329123
Thursday, April 01, 2010
April 2nd is World Autism Day
World Autism Awareness Day falls on Friday, April 2nd, 2010. The campaign urges people to 'Stand Up for Autism,' and brings together Autism organizations from around the world.
For more: go here and here
Hertz-Picciotto, I., & Delwiche, L. (2009). The Rise in Autism and the Role of Age at Diagnosis Epidemiology, 20 (1), 84-90 DOI: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181902d15
Monday, March 01, 2010
The Importance of Proper Media Coverage of Suicide
The way media reports suicide can do one of two things. They can unwittingly create a contagious trend or can educate and help others receive treatment.
Research has shown that how suicide is reported makes all the difference. Below is an excerpt from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
What to Avoid
• Avoid detailed descriptions of the suicide, including specifics, method and location.
Reason: Detailed descriptions increase the risk of a vulnerable individual imitating the act.
• Avoid romanticizing someone who has died by suicide. Avoid featuring tributes by friends or relatives. Avoid first-person accounts from adolescents about their suicide attempts.
Reason: Positive attention given to someone who has died (or attempted to die) by suicide can lead vulnerable individuals who desire such attention to take their own lives.
• Avoid glamorizing the suicide of a celebrity.
Reason: Research indicates that celebrity suicides can promote copycat suicides among vulnerablepeople. Do not let the glamour of the celebrity obscure any mental health or substance abuse problems that may have contributed to the celebrity’s death.
• Avoid overstating the frequency of suicide.
Reason: Overstating the frequency of suicide (by, for example, referring to a “suicide epidemic”) may cause vulnerable individuals to think of it as an accepted or normal response to problems. Even in populations that have the highest suicide rates, suicides are rare.
• Avoid using the words “committed", “failed” or “successful” suicide.
Reason: The verb “committed” is usually associated with sins or crimes. Suicide is better understood in a behavioral health context than a criminal context. Consider using the phrase “died by suicide.” The phrases “successful suicide” or “failed suicide attempt” imply favorable or inadequate outcomes. Consider using “death by suicide” or “non-fatal suicide attempt.”
What to Do
• Always include a referral phone number and information about local crisis intervention services.
• Emphasize recent treatment advances for depression and other mental illness. Include stories of people whose treatment was life-saving or who overcame despair without attempting suicide.
• Interview a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about suicide and the role of treatment or screening for mental disorders as a preventive strategy.
• Emphasize actions that communities can take to prevent suicides.
• Include a sidebar listing warning signs, or risk and protective factors for suicide.
Resources
List of Suicide Hotlines
Suicide Symptoms and Warning Signs
Overcoming Suicidal Thinking
Protective Factors and Resources
Pirkis, J. (2009). Suicide and the media Psychiatry, 8 (7), 269-271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mppsy.2009.04.009
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
March 1st is Self-Injury Awareness Day
Self-injury (SI) – is any deliberate, non suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on one's body to relieve emotional distress.
Self-injury does not involve a conscious intent to commit suicide, though many believe that people who harm themselves are suicidal.
People who SI are often trying to:
* Distract emotional pain
* End feelings of numbness
* Calm overwhelming feelings
* Maintaining control
* Self-punish
* Express thoughts that cannot be put into words
* Express feelings for which there are no words
Who engages in self-injury?
There is no simple portrait of a person who intentionally self-injures. This behavior is not limited by gender, race, education, age, sexual orientation, socio-economics, or religion. However, there are some commonly seen factors:
* Self-injury more commonly occurs in adolescent females.
* Many self-injurers have a history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
* Many self-injurers have co-existing problems of substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder or eating disorders.
* Self-injures tend to have been raised in families that discouraged expression of anger, and tend to lack skills to express their emotions.
* Self-injurers often lack a good social support network.
What are the types of self-injury?
* Cutting
* Picking at skin
* Interfereing with wound healing
* Hair-pulling
* Hitting
* Scratching
* Pinching
* Biting
* Bone-breaking
* Head-banging
Treatment
Self-injury is often misunderstood. Self-injurers trying to seek medical or mental health treatment frequently report being treated badly by emergency room doctors and nurses, counselors, police officers and even mental health professionals.
Finding professionals who specialize in working with self-injury is IMPERATIVE. With proper treatment, new ways of coping will be learned and slowly the cycle of hurting will end. For more information, check out American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse, First Signs and LifeSigns
Lloyd, K. (2010). Understanding Repeated Self-Injury: A Multidisciplinary Approach The Psychiatrist, 34 (2), 77-77 DOI: 10.1192/pb.bp.109.026534
Monday, February 15, 2010
February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month
Generally, eating disorders involve self-critical, negative thoughts and feelings about body weight and food, and eating habits that disrupts normal body function, and daily life activities.
What causes eating disorders is not entirely clear, though a combination of psychological, genetic, social and family factors are thought to contribute to the disorder.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa~ Essentially self-starvation, this disorder involves a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. In severe cases, anorexia can be life-threatening
Bulimia Nervosa ~ This involves repeated episodes of binge eating, followed by ways of trying to purge the food from the body or prevent expected weight gain. People can have this condition and be of normal weight.
Binge-eating Disorder~ This is characterized by frequent episodes of overeating without purging.
Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) ~ A range of other disordered eating patterns don’t fit into the other types of eating disorders. These eating patterns are still serious, and intervention and attention are necessary.
Left unattended, eating disorders can lead to serious health problems or even death.
Orbanic, S. (2010). What Every Therapist Needs to Know About Treating Eating & Weight Issues Eating Disorders, 18 (1), 78-79 DOI: 10.1080/10640260903439581
Friday, February 05, 2010
The Power of Kindness
Research says that witnessing simple acts of everyday kindness, such as one person giving up a seat on the bus, holding a door open for another, or helping someone pick something that dropped to the floor can promote altruism. This pychological phenomenon that makes us feel great, lifts our emotions and motivates us to do good is called elevation. Witnessing an uplifiting act inspires us to do the same for others. In essence, kindness is contagious.
One Million Acts of Kindness Week is February 8th to the 14th. So, go start a ripple effect and be kind. For inspiration go here and to the Pay It Forward Foundation
Landis, S., Sherman, M., Piedmont, R., Kirkhart, M., Rapp, E., & Bike, D. (2009). The relation between elevation and self-reported prosocial behavior: Incremental validity over the Five-Factor Model of Personality The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4 (1), 71-84 DOI: 10.1080/17439760802399208
Thursday, January 28, 2010
5 Tips For Relieving Burnout
1. Re-adjust your priorities. Cast aside things that don't need your immediate attention.
2. Delegate more. Call in the cavalry to help get things done. Consider saying "NO" more and "Yes" less.
3. Invite sensory and calming experiences like music, touch and rest into your day.
4. Bring color and beauty into your world. Buy flowers, look at art, experience nature.
5. Exercise. Get your body moving and breathe, breathe, breathe.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
"One Letter Off" Movies: A Lateral Thinking Exercise
The Lizard of Oz
The Trouble With Hairy
The Dork Knight
Iron Pan
The Beer Hunter
All About Ewe
Ben-Fur
Planet of the Ales
Public Enema
Boys Don't Fry
Lust in Translation
Silence of the Lamps
Drury, S. (2009). Thinking Inside The Box. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 48 (1), 1-2 DOI: 10.1097/CHI.0b013e3181908c2c
Friday, January 01, 2010
January is National Mentoring Month
There are few relationships in life that are more influential than those between a mentor and a young person. I know this from both sides of the coin. You see, I have had many a mentor in my life growing up. A person who took a unique interest in me, fostered my growth and guided me onward.
I have also been a mentor to young children and young adults. The experience has been so rewarding and meaningful to me. In fact, research shows that mentoring is an extraordinary experience for all involved.
Pedersen, P., Woolum, S., Gagne, B., & Coleman, M. (2009). Beyond the norm: Extraordinary relationships in youth mentoring Children and Youth Services Review, 31 (12), 1307-1313 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2009.06.001