Mental Health Spring Cleaning: A-Z Mood Lifters to Beat Depression

Spring is here, so say the birds, flowers, sunshine. Yet here you sit depressed, wondering what all the fuss is about. Where's that spring freshness you're supposed to feel? If you can't see the light for the clouds, try these A-Z mood lifters to brighten you up. Mental Health Spring Cleaning: A-Z Mood Lifters to Beat Depression

Health Problems I Lost When I Dropped 98 Pounds

I've lost 98 pounds and dropped from size 18/20 to 3/4. Left photo (me far right) is from 2011. Left photo is Jan. 2014. I never had weight problems till I lost two stillborn babies, started early menopause at 41 and took the antidepressant Paxil (Health says Paxil can cause weight gain). Once I started getting fat, it snowballed. With 100 extra pounds, came added health problems. Since I've trimmed down and shed weight, I shed health issues, too. High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, pre-diabetes (insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome), liver swelling, high blood pressure, coordination, heart--here's how.  Health Problems I Lost When I Dropped 98 Pounds

Quit When You Still Feel Ahead to Prevent Burnout

I did it again. Worked past personal stop time I'd set. I meant to get to the store in the window of time while it was nice. A teeny-weeny porthole window in Michigan.

Now I can't because my husband will be getting up soon and I don't want to miss him before he goes to work. There's no way I can make it back from the store in time. And I want to get it done before Snowmageddon hits, again, tomorrow. But no, I ignored my inner prompting and now I'm feeling anxious, burned out, but still like I didn't accomplish enough.

My friends, that still small voice is there for a reason. It's her that keeps us from overwork. When she says stop, listen, for your own good. Read on. Prevent Burnout, Quit While You Still Feel Ahead

Drug-free Coping Tips for Menopause Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Surviving menopause isn't for sissies. Next to menstruation and childbirth, it's the most life-altering event women experience. Hot flashes, night sweats, confusion, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression--I'm juggling them all. From one sister-warrior to another, here are drugfree coping strategies for hot flashes and night sweats. Girls--not there yet? Gear up for when menopause hits. Sometimes it starts earlier than you think. I started at about 44 after my last baby died in utero. I think it's going to start even earlier with hormone treatments so commonly used. Men, share these tips with wives and girlfriends! Help your gal deal with these frustrating conditions.
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Banish Winter Blahs or (at Least) Balance Blues and Bliss

The calendar says "spring." Days are longer. Birds are twittering joyously, emerald shoots peek up from melting snow and spring-new sun shines gloriously. Why then, when the world is coming alive, do I feel blue? Here are reasons, plus spirit-lifters to beat depression or at least balance winter blahs with springtime bliss!  Banish Winter Blahs or (at Least) Balance Blues and Bliss

How I Lowered LDL Cholesterol and Boosted Good Cholesterol without Drugs

Two years ago, I had blood work done as follow-up to a gynecological visit. I'd given birth to two stillborn babies and had put on quite a lot of weight. The purpose of the blood work was to track down possible issues related to weight gain. Tests showed elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and too-low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Both of these conditions pose problems, reports the American Heart Association. My physician said that if I couldn't reduce the bad LDL-C and up my good HDL-C, I'd have to start medication. I took that as a challenge. Using a strategy of diet, exercise and supplements, I got the numbers where they needed to be (and was able to say "told you so" to the doc--aren't I petty?)  How I Lowered LDL Cholesterol and Boosted Good Cholesterol with Diet

How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy

As a mom, I'm generally confident handling childhood hurdles--potty-training, picky eaters, night frights--bring 'em on. There's one issue that shakes my equanimity--teen relationship drama. Whether they're boyfriend-girlfriend connections or same-gender friendships, teenage relationships are often fraught with drama and drenched in anxiety. Frankly, I'd rather beard a lion in its den than deal with drama. Even the term sets my teeth on edge. Disagreeable as they are, relationship problems are part of life. After four kids (and a lot of trial and error), I've assembled some thoughts for parents on helping kids navigate peer relationships.  How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy - Yahoo! Shine

How I Avoid Antidepressants with Daily Mental Affective Meditations

How I Avoid Antidepressants with Daily Mental Affective Meditations In nearly 30 years of mental health exploration, personally and professionally, I've tried many different techniques. Nine years ago, I began a regimen of antidepressant therapy but quit 18 months ago. I've since developed ways to tend to my emotional health without medication. Here's a home-grown technique I call "mental-affective meditations." It employs some 12-step work, cognitive therapy, healing of the inner child and family tree and re-parenting tools. Read on...

Nutritional Supplements to Replace Antidepressants

Nutritional Supplements to Replace Antidepressants I took the antidepressant Paxil for over seven years. According to Drug Alert, Paxil has multiple side effects which I was not informed of when I began taking it. I quit taking Paxil after experiencing many of the listed side effects. When I quit, I knew that I would need to find ways to stabilize chemical imbalances and compensate for the lack of the drug. Here's my nutritional supplement guide to get off from an antidepressant. I take these in combination and have been able to stay antidepressant-free for over 16 months. Read on...

Self-Help Tricks, Mental Health Tips to Quit Antidepressants

Self-Help Tricks, Mental Health Tips to Quit Antidepressants For seven years, I took Paxil (paroxetine) to relieve anxiety and depression. I began to put on an alarming amount weight and with extended use, the antidepressant didn't work as well, either. I decided to quit. I have been antidepressant-free for 16 months. Here are self-help tips and mental health strategies for quitting SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Read more...

Antidepressants Cause Perceptual Distortion, Focusing Problems

Antidepressants Cause Perceptual, Focusing Problems Nine years ago, I began taking the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine), an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to combat anxiety and depression. I weaned myself off from it, when I began to put on weight. Since coming off the Paxil, I've noticed several changes in my functioning, notably in the areas of perception and mental processing. Here's how antidepressants affected my abilities in these areas. Read more...

First Person: Antidepressants, Acetaminophen, Alcohol and Hepatitis Liver Issues

First Person: Antidepressants, Acetaminophen, Alcohol and Hepatitis Liver Issues I have always been healthy. I eat right, exercise, don't smoke and only drink red wine in moderation. I started taking the SSRI antidepressant Paxil several years ago. I also occasionally took acetaminophen after drinking wine. I now have hepatitis (liver inflammation). I'm writing this to warn others about the dangers of these combinations and about how to avoid liver problems. Read more...

Prevent Low Blood Sugar with Nutritional Snacks

Maintain Blood Sugar Level to Beat Depression, Anxiety and Panic Attacks
I have spent the last few weeks weaning myself from SSRI anti-depressants. I've discovered that much of my depression is simply natural body reactions to stress. Low blood sugar affects mood and good nutrition improves emotional health.
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Quitting Antidepressants: Emotional and Psychological Addiction

Psychological and Emotional Addiction to Antidepressants
I've been taking anti-depressants for seven years and have quit them within the last few weeks. While they may not be physically addictive, anti-depressants are definitely emotionally and psychologically addictive.
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Quitting SSRI Medication: Depression and Panic Attacks vs. Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting SSRI Antidepressants: Self-Medicating Depression or Panic Attacks
If you've been taking an anti-depressant, especially an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) for some time and want to quit, you'll want to prepare for certain withdrawal symptoms. Self-medicating depression and panic attacks delays recovery.
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Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: 'Off the Meds' Side Effects and Coping

Tips for Coping with SSRI Antidepressant Discontinuation Sydrome: Withdrawal Dizziness
Are you trying to get off from anti-depressants? Did you know that coming off SSRI antidepressants like Paxil can cause withdrawal symptoms? If you are feeling dizzy, you may be experiencing Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome.
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Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Coping with Withdrawal Side Effects

Understanding Anti-Depressant Discontinuation Syndrome and SSRI Withdrawal Dizziness
For the last month, I have been weaning myself off all anti-depressants, including Paxil which I have taken for seven years. I knew the journey wouldn't be easy, but I wasn't prepared for the intense dizziness I'm experiencing. Here's how I cope
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Lose Weight by Quitting Antidepressants

Want to Lose Weight? Get Off the Anti-Depressants
For the first 40 years of my life, I a) maintained a constant weight of 130 pounds even after four babies and b) did not take anti-depressants. In 2003, I went on Paxil after the loss of a baby. Since then I've been steadily gaining weight.
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GlaxoSmithKline Linked to Weight Gain, Obesity and Cholesterol Problems

Paxil Anti-Anxiety Medication Can Cause Weight Gain and High LDL Cholesterol Issues
Seven years ago, I began taking the antidepressant medication Paxil (Paroxetine, Fluxetine) for anxiety issues. Paxil is now known to cause many side-effects. Weight gain and elevated LDL cholesterol are two problems commonly caused by Paxil.
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GlaxoSmithKlein Antidepressant Paxil Linked to Miscarriage, Birth Defects

GlaxoSmithKline Antidepressant Paxil Linked to Miscarriage, Birth Defects and Spontaneous Abortion
Paxil (paroxetine, fluxetine), marketed by GlaxoSmithKline is a regularly prescribed SSRI medication to manage anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Paxil has been linked to miscarriage, spontaneous abortion and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
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