- Follow the treatment prescribed by qualified mental-health professionals.
- Maintain a balanced and stable daily routine.
- Stay physically active.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take time each day to relax.
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid isolation; spend time with people whom you trust and who care for you.
- Give attention to your spiritual needs. #
Monday, August 31, 2015
Dealing With Mental Disorders
Spiritual Health Is Vital
The Bible does not indicate that spirituality cures medical problems. Still, many families around the world have derived much comfort and strength from what the Bible teaches. For instance, the Bible assures us that our loving Creator is keenly interested in consoling those who are "brokenhearted" and "crushed in spirit."
--Psalm 34:18
While the Bible is not a healthcare book, it provides practical guidance that can help us to cope with painful emotions and distressing circumstances. The Bible can also give us hope for a future when life on earth will be free of illness and pain. God's Word promises: "At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. At that time the lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy." --Isaiah 35:5, 6.
Treating Mental Disorders
Mental-health professionals can treat many mental-health disorders successfully. The first crucial step, then, is to obtain a thorough assessment from a competent health professional who is experienced in treating mental conditions.
Sufferers, however, can benefit from such experience only when they accept suitable treatment. This may require overcoming any reluctance to talk to others about a mental illness. Treatment may include talking to trained mental-health professionals who can help them understand their illness, resolve practical problems, and reinforce the need not to give up the treatment. At such consultations, a family member or friend can play a vital role by providing reassurance and support.
Many people have learned to deal with mental disorders after acquiring a better understanding of their condition and following the treatment prescribed by mental-health professionals. "Before my wife was diagnosed," says Mark, quoted earlier, "we had little understanding of mental illness. But we've learned to take life one step at a time and adapt to our situation. Over time, we have benefited from the support of reliable professionals as well as family and friends."
Claudia agrees. "In the beginning, my diagnosis felt like a prison sentence," she admits. "But even though my illness places limitations on both of us, I have learned that seemingly impossible hurdles can be overcome. So I cope with my mental illness by working together with my treatment team, nurturing relationships with others, and taking one moment at a time."
Understanding Mental Disorders
The severity of symptoms can vary in length and intensity, depending on the individual and the particular ailment and circumstances. It can affect people of any gender, age, culture, race, religion, or educational and income level. Mental-health disorders are not the result of personal weakness or a character flaw. Through appropriate medical care, individuals can be treated and can live a productive and fulfilling life.
Key Facts About Mental Health
- "Mental disorders afflict hundreds of millions of people in every part of the world and impact on the lives of their loved ones. One in four people will be affected by mental disorder at some point in their lives. Depression is the single largest contributor to worldwide disability. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are among the most severe and disabling disorders...Although huge numbers of people are affected, mental disorders remain hidden, neglected and discriminated against." --World Health Organization (WHO).
- According to WHO, many people with mental illness refrain from seeking treatment because of stigma associated with it.
- Although most mental disorders are treatable, in the United States approximately 60 percent of adults and almost 50 percent of youths aged 8 to 15 with a mental disorder did not receive treatment in the past year, reports the National Alliance on Mental illness.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
He finally cracked the mystery of his mental illness. See how he's using music so others can, too.
By: Wagatwe Wanjuki
As a child, he felt like something was wrong with him, but he didn't know exactly what.
He got into trouble a lot. When he was in elementary school, none of the adults around him could figure out why he couldn't just "behave." He was angry. He had tantrums. He felt like he was on an emotional roller-coaster. Fortunately, one counselor helped him discover something that made him feel better in spite of all the ups and downs.
The one thing that helped calm him down was writing.
That counselor helped change his life forever- she told him to keep a journal and write down his thoughts and feelings every day. He started to write short stories and poems, and pretty soon he was writing songs. But without the treatment needed, he continued to struggle.
It took 10 long years- and a variety of medications- before he finally found the truth: He has bipolar disorder.
After he was diagnosed, he was finally able to get the right treatment to manage his condition. And it helped his relationship with his family, too, because they knew exactly what they were dealing with.
He started to use his musical talent to raise awareness around mental illness- especially in black communities.
Mike admits that he struggled with societal pressure to be a "strong black man" who didn't need any help. That's why he's using his music to reduce the stigma around having a mental illness and getting help for it.
Roughly one-quarter of black Americans seek mental health care, in contrast to 40% of white Americans.
But Mike wants to change that. That's why he's donating all the proceeds from his latest single "Gotta Ball" to violence and bipolar organizations.
Money raised from his $.99 single will go to the nonprofits Joyful Heart Foundation- committed to ending violence- and the Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation, which raises awareness for early-onset bipolar disorder.
That's only the beginning. He's also working on making his own foundation.
He and a few friends are creating a nonprofit called WAIT Foundation. WAIT stands for "We're All in Together." He plans to use the foundation to continue to raise awareness around mental illness and other related issues like homelessness and violence.
He hopes reducing stigma around mental illness will prevent people from being afraid to ask for help.
In an interview with the Dallas Observer, Mike said, "Even if people don't donate, at least they're asking the question, and with each question, those stigmas that might deter someone from seeking help will begin to dissipate."
That's music to my ears.
By: Mashay Atkinson Watson
Special Birthday shout out to my best friend, sister, and cousin!! 34 years old today!! U left me 17 years ago and I love u even more today than ever!! God knows how much I love and miss u!! I wish u wouldn't have left me so soon!! But God makes no mistakes and He needed u more!!lly!! #HAPPYBDAYQUITA!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
New children's book that helps kids fall asleep is now a #1 best-seller.
By: Morgan Shoaff
The reviews are pretty wild: "The first time I read this to my 2-year-old, she fell asleep in under 20 minutes!" said one Amazon reviewer. "I have already recommended this book to all my friends with kids. Simply amazing."
"I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes! 3 kids asleep within 10 minutes!" said another.
Kids asleep in 10 minutes from...a book? WHAT IS THIS BOOK--- MAGIC?
It's called "The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep," and it's got the brains of a psychologist behind it.
Written by Swedish author and behavioral scientist, Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin, "The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep" was created with a deeper purpose than your average children's book: to help your kid go to sleep...with science.
"The tale gives suggestions to the child's unconscious mind to sleep," Ehrlin says on the book's site. "The Rabbit who wants to fall asleep works perfectly either at naps during daytime or home at night, in a group or alone."
With sleepy characters like Uncle Yawn and a special language pattern used throughout, he may be on to something.
Parents who experience issues with getting their kids to sleep will try just about anything- and for good reason. It affects the parents' health and well-being, too.
A survey by Worlds Apart shows that parents will lose an average of 16 nights of sleep per month in the first three years of a child's life. It also showed that 1 in 6 parents lost the most sleep during the time they moved their toddler from a cot to their first big bed.
If a book could actually help minimize that...BINGO!
And while it may not be a cure for everyone, or even work for them for that matter, it does help start a different conversation in our world where "how to get your kid to sleep" pulls up millions of results on Google. True Story.
The book is now a #1 best-seller on Amazon. People are reading it, absorbing it, and even sleeping because of it.
From the book's Facebook page to its plentiful reviews, parents are sharing their experiences using the book: many of them successful. You can try it for yourself by purchasing the book on Amazon, or downloading the free e-book version.
Here's to trying new things and figuring it all out together. And who knows? Maybe this book will help sleepy parents of the world gain some much deserved Zzzzzzzs.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Congrats To My Cousin Carlos Thompson and His Beautiful Family!
My heart is a little heavy at the moment...Preparing to take this awesome young lady to the beginning of many doors that will open for her!!! Although I'm a little down, I can't help but to be super proud at the same time!!! #gochase #yourdream #babygirl To God be the Glory!!! -- Carlos Thompson
CLICK HERE TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!!
Monday, August 17, 2015
This Poor Pit Bull Suffered Extreme Cruelty, And It's Written All Over Her Face
This sweet pit bull is used to getting some strange looks, when she walks down the street, but that doesn't stop her from finally enjoying her life. After what she's been through, she deserves it.
Stephanie Paquin and her husband found the poor girl, now going by Khaleesi, while visiting Orlando, FL, during the trip to a local shelter. Paquin runs a nonprofit rescue organization and knew she couldn't leave without the dog.
Khaleesi is missing her nose, nostrils, and sinus cavity, and has no use of her back legs.
They aren't sure how the horrific abuse occurred, but they are determined to help her.
Stephanie Paquin and her husband found the poor girl, now going by Khaleesi, while visiting Orlando, FL, during the trip to a local shelter. Paquin runs a nonprofit rescue organization and knew she couldn't leave without the dog.
Khaleesi is missing her nose, nostrils, and sinus cavity, and has no use of her back legs.
They aren't sure how the horrific abuse occurred, but they are determined to help her.
The thought that someone could inflict this much pain on such an innocent face is baffling.
But Khaleesi hasn't let it break her spirit one bit.
She's still incredibly playful.
They've taken her to see several specialists who gave them good news about procedures to fix both her nose and back legs.
Hopefully, soon enough, she'll be running around with friends at the dog park!
Of course all of her procedures obviously won't come cheap. You can donate here to help with hermedical expenses and stay up to date on her progress over on the Passion 4 Pits Rescue page.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Meet the incredible 8-year-old who just got two brand-new REAL hands.
Meet 8-year-old Zion- the child that lost both his hands and feet after a deadly infection nearly took his life. Now little Zion has made history along the way thanks to an incredible surgery.
Little 8-year-old Zion had his hands and feet amputated after battling a deadly infection. Thankfully, Zion's ordeal couldn't prevent him from remaining a happy and very healthy kid.
Even though Zion's hands are still pretty new, he already has big plans. Like picking up his little sister.
Despite the challenges ahead, Zion has his eyes on the prize. When asked what he's most looking forward to once his recovery is over, he had this to say:
"Pick up my little sister from daycare, and wait for her to run into my hands and I pick her up and spin her around."
Do you hear that? That's my lonely, only-child heart melting. Hey Zion, if you're ever in the market for a big brother, I'm right here.
Little 8-year-old Zion had his hands and feet amputated after battling a deadly infection. Thankfully, Zion's ordeal couldn't prevent him from remaining a happy and very healthy kid.
Now Zion's making history as the world's first double hand transplant patient.
Even though Zion's hands are still pretty new, he already has big plans. Like picking up his little sister.
Despite the challenges ahead, Zion has his eyes on the prize. When asked what he's most looking forward to once his recovery is over, he had this to say:
"Pick up my little sister from daycare, and wait for her to run into my hands and I pick her up and spin her around."
Do you hear that? That's my lonely, only-child heart melting. Hey Zion, if you're ever in the market for a big brother, I'm right here.
The most exciting thing about Zion's story? It doesn't end with him. His historic double hand transplant is only the beginning.
Because he's the first, doctors and physical therapists will be closely monitoring his progress as he heals and learns how to use his new hands. Just think: A few years from now, multiple limb transplants will be old news, as more and more people benefit from this incredible technology.
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