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

Don't Be Ashamed of Pre-Menstrual Syndome, PMDD

Do you suffer with PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or the even more difficult PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). I've struggled with PMDD for decades before I knew it had a name. Now I'm in menopause but I still get PMS-like symptoms. Do family members complain that you are grouchy? Do you berate yourself for PMS irritability? Well quit it. Embrace PMS. It's a good wake up call for everyone that mom is human. Obviously, I'm not saying wave PMS like a flag to excuse behavior. God forbid we'd use horrific cramps and back pain as excuse (insert sarcasm).  But it's us who struggle most and we deserve a little TLC. Read on. Womens' Health Help: Don't Be Ashamed of Pre-Menstrual Syndome 

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

Using Al-Anon Slogans to Heal Post Holiday Depression

Depression and I go back a long way. Some of my worst bouts of depression have happened during or after the holidays. If you're coping with depression, particularly post-holiday letdown, here are some tips. I've tried many different techniques to heal or at least just cope with my depression. About 10 years ago, I tried Al-Anon, the companion support group for Alcoholics Anonymous. I discovered that Al-Anon principles were useful for treating a gamut of emotional issues, including depression. Some of the most helpful components of Al-Anon, for me, are the recovery slogans. Addiction A-Z lists a collection of slogans for all different sorts of situations. There are general helpful reality checks and mental health tools, too. Read more

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

Al Anon Recovery--How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Heals Negative Thoughts, Depression

I wouldn't say depression and I are friends, but we're definitely old acquaintances. I've tried different therapies to treat my depression. Counseling, journaling, herbal treatments, antidepressant medications, self-help books-each has helped me in some way. The best treatment I've found is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), also called Rational Emotive therapy. The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) says CBT is a collection of techniques which seeks to root out the distorted thinking that causes unhealthy behavior. How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Heals Negative Thoughts, Depression 

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...

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...

Treatment Reviews and Parenting Tips for Children with Eating Disorders

When our daughter developed an eating disorder, I explored treatments extensively. She was treated using a variety of methods. Here are our successes, failures and lessons learned about treatments and parenting tips for children and teens with anorexia, bulimia and bulimarexia. Read more

Depression in Response to Stress and Crisis

Temporary, Situational Depression in Response to Stress and Crisis
The mind also has built-in insulation and safety valves to prevent overload. When a person is faced with an existential crisis or stress, the mind goes into 'safety' mode while it processes the new information. Depression is one such defense mechanism.
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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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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-DSM-V PTSD for Non-Combat Emotional Issues

PTSD Diagnosed for Non-Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Experiences Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD has been called 'combat fatigue' and 'shell shock' in times past. PTSD is usually associated with military personnel and combat experiences. PTSD can also be diagnosed for other stressful experiences. Read More

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: 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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Emotional Health in Summer Heat

Emotional Health and Wellness: How to Beat the Heat and Humidty Blues
Summertime makes people happy: lovely: blue skies, swimming, warm weather....but what about when the weather gets too warm? As the heat index and humidity level rises, so do tempers, stress, tension and emotional problems.
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Overactive Conscience and Guilt Complex: Quit Shoulding on Yourself

Overactive Conscience and Guilt Complex: Quit 'Should'ing on Yourself
Are you plagued by a constant sense of failure? Do you struggle with guilt complex and low self-esteem with no real cause? Sounds like you're a victim of overactive conscience. How can you heal this problem? Quit 'should'ing on yourself.
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