Thursday, September 10, 2009

What Mental Health Recovery Means


Recovery in mental health is not used in the same manner in which one typically views recovery. Webster defines recovery as:

1) a return to normal conditions
2) an act, instance, process, or period of recovering
3) Something gained or restored in recovering
4) The act of obtaining usable substance from unusable sources, as with waste materials

These definitions are problematic. What is a normal condition? When is one done with recovering? What is gained or restored? And how could you even begin to refer the human mind as unusable?

Thankfully, many forms of mental disease are no longer looked down upon; nor are those who suffer from them necessarily ostracized in society or at the workplace. Many progressive companies now offer more time to their employees for recovery from mental illness, and there is a decided increase in general social awareness prevalent today.

Considering its increased prevalence today, it is understandable that mental health has become a lucrative money-spinner. Psychiatrists and psychologists are amongst the highest-paid professionals in the modern world. This being so, there is a lot to be said for self-help groups like Schizophrenics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. These offer an amazingly effective therapeutic support systems for sufferers, free of cost.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Psychology and Mental Health - Indifference and Craziness


Exercise and physical activity play a crucial role in both maintaining one's mental health condition and in recovering from a mental illness. Breaking research indicates that exercise actually produces a chemical that stimulates the growth of brain cells, thus allowing for recovery from sever substance abuse disorders. Furthermore, physical activity and mental health recovery coincide in fostering a social network and encouraging self-reflection, both of which are crucial on the path to mental health recovery.

Exercise and mental health further coincide in regards to the alarming statistic that people with mental illnesses, on average, die 20 years sooner than mentally healthy individuals. While there are many factors that go into this involved in substance abuse risk factors, two considerations that one would be remiss to ignore is the fact that those suffering from mental illnesses have a tendency to stagnate and become physically inactive. This has resulted in a large percentage of mental health consumers being considered overweight, which can ultimately result in adult onset diabetes. Diabetes is very dangerous in sedentary individuals who, in a depressant state, care little about taking care of themselves, for such a medical ailment can result in numerous health related issues, some of which can be very serious.

Many people believe that indifference is something natural and perfectly normal. However, what is indifference? What does it really mean?

Indifference is apathy, lack of sensitivity, lack of connection to the objective reality; in other words: it is an abnormality.

This means that one's natural reaction should never be indifference to the stimuli of the environment.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Mental Health Issues in the Young Being Created by Debt


The films are aimed at showing younger people how to avoid the debt trap and the attendant debt worries which come with spending too much on the credit cards and living for today when tomorrow is about to arrive in the shape of credit card bills, late payment demands and summonses to court. The films are in response to a study by YouthNet who looked at 16-24 year olds and suffered mental health issues due to financial worries. The films look at two young adults who find themselves slipping into the spiral of debt. In one instance, an unforeseen overdraft of just £1 leads to a total debt of over £600 as fees and charges are added and mount up while the young man continues to ignore warning letters. Ultimately, it is when he seeks advice from the CAB that he is able to to practically deal with the situation and get on with his life free from the worry and stress the situation created.

At that time I was experiencing all kinds of emotions, sometimes I was sad beyond words, others I was angry or felt guilty (after all I was a Mum I should have been able to make this right) I had times of total disbelief and others of inconsolable grief and despair. All part of the process of dealing with the unthinkable.

I was so lucky to have a good grounding in mental health and wellness, given my past training plus a wonderful support network, yet some days were just plan hard. Over time I had the odd better moment, then maybe a day when I didn't cry, eventually I had more good days than sad days, and finally life took on a new normal. I had chosen to live my life. In fact my son had set a fabulous example he had lived a life of joy and enthusiasm.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Seniors Mental Health & Depression


Depression is the most common mental health concern for older adults, affecting between 15 to 20 percent of older adults living in the community. It is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms such as decreased energy, poor sleep and preoccupation with health problems should be viewed as possible symptoms of a treatable illness and are NOT a result of the aging process.

Treatment for depression works, yet too many people remain undiagnosed and untreated because they don't recognize the signs and symptoms of depression.

A Mental-Health counselor is a trained professional who provides counseling to the people either in groups or individually. A Mental-Health counselor helps to promote and generate the well-being of his patients and makes sure that they are living in normal and best conditions.

In order to become a Mental-Health counselor you will have to acquire mental health counseling degrees. You will have to complete your bachelors degree in psychology with Mental-Health as your major subject. In the mental health counseling programs you will be taught how to use psychology and its different applications in treating the patients and making their life simpler and easier.

In the mental health counseling programs you will be responsible for adopting a holistic approach while helping your clients. You will learn how to study the external environment and how they impact the life of your client.

Friday, September 4, 2009

A Quick Guide To Mental Health Care


Depression is just one of the mental illnesses that people can actually suffer from but it is in fact the most common. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and this can result in mood swings, low self-esteem and self-harm. However, people generally tend to hide it very well so that, when they do get treatment, the ailment has already gone on to the point that the individual sufferer has gone as low as they can possibly go. It is at this point that they actually need mental health care treatment. It is only mental health care treatment that can save them from themselves and restore them to health at this point.

It is not only mental health care treatment that is required at this stage because someone who suffers from depression cannot drag him or herself out of it on their own. They need a good support network and friends and family who understand what they are going through. They often need someone on the outside to show them a degree of understanding too so they know that they are not going mad and are in fact perfectly normal. Mental health care workers are perfect for this role. Whilst some individuals turn their noses up at mental health care workers, it is not fair to consider them as individuals that cannot help. The profession is needed now more than ever so a certain degree of understanding is required on the part of the sufferer too.

Mental health care may also incorporate the need for anti-depressants or other similar medication. Some individuals may be able to resolve their mental health problems without the need for medication, but others will not. However, you should only take something for depression when a mental health care professional prescribes them. It is an illness and is rarely made up because of the stigma attached. As a result, society should have a little more understanding.

Training is another way to enhance your Bichon Frisé’s health. Dogs enjoy the mental challenge of learning new skills. You may be surprised to discover that for a dog, using his brain is more tiring than using his body. Just two or three short (5 minute) training sessions a day will give your dog a good mental workout, making him calmer and more contented.

Training shouldn't be unpleasant for you or your dog. Bichons learn best with positive reinforcement training methods. You can find books on the subject at the pet supply store or bookstore. Look for newer books that discuss reward-based methods like clicker training. You may also want to sign up for dog training classes. Taking a class is a great way to learn the basics, but you must continue the training on your own after the class is done.