Archives for March, 2013
How To Find Courage In Feelings Of Uncertainty
"I am thankful to all those who said no to me. It's because of them I did it myself"__Albert Einstein
Did you know that rain brings growth to more things than plants and flowers? I have seen just how “rainy” seasons in my life motivated me to grow. Without those “dark valley’s,” I’m not sure I could relate or understand what it takes to hold on in moments of distress....
Did you know that rain brings growth to more things than plants and flowers? I have seen just how “rainy” seasons in my life motivated me to grow. Without those “dark valley’s,” I’m not sure I could relate or understand what it takes to hold on in moments of distress....
What is PBA? Understanding Complex Emotional Symptoms
Some time ago I had a discussion with an acquaintance involving the most perplexing, yet mysteriously interesting behavior. What had been a mystery for this family was revealed a month ago. Their loved one had exhibited inappropriate laughter, crying spells, and emotional outbursts that weren't connected to a mood or psychotic disorder. He also seemed quite delusional at times as well.
Pseudo-bulbar affect (PBA) is a condition (a puzzle) that had this family emotionally drained...
Pseudo-bulbar affect (PBA) is a condition (a puzzle) that had this family emotionally drained...
Coping With Your Loved One’s Delusions
Maintaining a relationship with a loved one who may be experiencing delusions is like walking on shaky ground. Every step you take could land you in an argument or adversarial position. Whether you intend to argue your points or attempt to bring reality to the attention of your loved one, you will always be on the opposing side. Delusions are strong beliefs held to be true despite evidence to the contrary.
Facing A Crisis: Tips On Steps To Take
A crisis is usually defined as a severe situation in which events are expected to be dangerous or unstable. No one likes a crisis or situation in which life is completely out of our control. No one ever gets 100% prepared for an emergency. But the best time to prepare is now, not later.
Taking Psychiatric Medication: How To Help Your Loved One
The introduction of Thorazine, an antipsychotic medication, in the mid 1950s led to multiple changes in mental health including positive (increased levels of independence, reduced psychiatric stay, and control of symptoms) and negative (terrible side effects, over-medicating, prescription drug abuse, and de-institutionalization) outcomes. Leeriness of psychotropic drugs has continued into 2013 and many supporters of medication usage are being met with resistance.
Managing Stress While Job Searching: Families & Veterans
Stress is often high in families while job seeking for individuals returning from the military or suffering from severe mental illnesses. Google this topic and it becomes apparent just how overlooked this population is when seeking employment.
Avoiding An Emotional Hangover: Picking Yourself Back Up
Have you ever noticed your emotions the day after a very stressful day running errands, meeting people, supporting family or friends, working, and meeting deadlines? Have you awakened wondering if you could have done something better the day before? Perhaps you could have spoken more friendly to someone or have greater patience with someone.
Balancing The Argument Against Civil Commitment Laws
While surfing the web I read an article about the “uncivil” nature of civil commitment laws. Civil commitment is the legal process by which an individual with a severe mental illness can be involuntarily committed to a hospital for treatment. It gives families hope if their loved one doesn't think they need help. Arguments against this action dates back to the mid-1950s when civil rights attorneys fought to reduce inpatient...
Facts On ECT: Concerns With Shock Treatment
Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT), termed shock therapy in the 1940s and 1950s, is a type of treatment used in cases of resistant or severe depression. It is often the last resort following a line of treatments (medication, talk therapy, etc.).
ECT is the induction (or encouragement) of a seizure using an electrical stimulus (or electrode) applied to the scalp to create shock-like waves to the brain. Anesthesia or a muscle relaxant is used and a device is placed between...
ECT is the induction (or encouragement) of a seizure using an electrical stimulus (or electrode) applied to the scalp to create shock-like waves to the brain. Anesthesia or a muscle relaxant is used and a device is placed between...
Reduced Inpatient Care And Challenges In Mental Health Treatment
De-institutionalization, the process of reducing long-term stay, has created much controversy in mental health. How do you feel about this historical event? Help or hindrance?
