Wednesday, September 27, 2006

 

realize self help than you may have first thought

This article explains a few things about self help, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know.

The best help is the kind you give yourself. The only thing you can control in life is your own attitude, actions and reactions, so start there. What part do you play in the cycle that leads to abuse? Try to avoid the things that set your spouse off. This does not mean to give up and roll over, but it does mean learning to express yourself cleanly and not to provoke. In most disturbed relationships, there is some pattern of action and reaction that builds to an eruption. Try to understand your part and stop the cycle.

Don't be a victim. Spouse abuse is a very common problem, so you are not unique or alone. Nearly every community has professionals, agencies, and support groups that have a great deal of experience and special knowledge about domestic conflict. This is your most important source of help and support. Get in touch with them. To find a local support group, ask a minister, call the police department or a social services agency. If one group or counselor isn't what you want, try another.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to self help than you may have first thought.

There are many practical steps you can take. Maybe you can get help from friends and family, possibly have someone move in with you for a while, or get a roommate. In general, abuse is drastically reduced when other people are around. One obvious practical solution is to move away, either for good or at least until things cool down. Or change all the locks, bar the windows and get an unlisted phone number. Or get a big dog. Or take self-defense classes. If necessary, hide--it may be better than being someone's easy target. The main thing is this: do whatever you must to create your own peace and safety; do not depend solely on police or court orders to solve your problem.

Those who only know one or two facts about self help can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Monday, September 25, 2006

 

self help is good for your own

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of self help is certainly no exception.

Anxiety disorders can be controlled using self-help tools. Self-help is the first remedial step you should try when dealing with anxiety disorders. Anxiety is not a mental illness; it is only a natural response to some alarming stimuli. But when the body starts responding in a disproportionate manner, anxiety assumes the dimensions of a behavioral disorder. Unnecessary anticipation and overt alertness can disturb the normal life of a person.

A self-realization of the situation and early diagnosis can rectify the disorder. Anxiety self-help tests available on the Internet can be used to diagnose the disorder yourself. You can also decide on a course of treatment in tune with the severity and stage of the disorder. Most anxiety disorders in the beginning stages can be rectified through self-help techniques.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Anxiety self-help is actually an empowerment of the mind. Assertive self-talks help improve your self confidence significantly. Simple modifications in your daily routine can contribute greatly to the improvement of your state of mind. Time management also helps you live a balanced life. Sharing your feeling with someone is an important way to relieve your anxiety. Involvement in favorite activities is another way to divert the mind.

Self Help and Parenting Gurus are too quick to appease; slap the kid! Perhaps it these self help psychologists who told us to try to win the hearts and the minds of the International Terrorists and show them some respect and then they would calm down and see the light and stop killing innocent people. That obviously is not working and it only lets them know they can act out without any serious discipline. Are we causing more International Terrorists by all this political correctness of human behavior? Consider all this in 2006.

Those who only know one or two facts about self help can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

 

self help topic is very good to read

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of self help, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of self help.

Alcoholics face a difficult decision when they finally come to the realization that they need help. Many prefer to try a self-help approach to alcohol rehabilitation. There are several self-help programs to choose from. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is, without a doubt, the most popular self-help group dedicated to alcohol rehabilitation. It is the largest self-help group and is dedicated to assisting an alcoholic deal with alcoholism on a day-to-day basis.

Alcoholics Anonymous uses the twelve-step program written by its founding members. Group meetings are held in local communities in several locations, and a person can go to as many as he or she wishes. Newcomers usually are introduced to the “buddy system” shortly after attending their first meeting. The buddy system pairs up a newcomer with a sponsor who has been sober for a year or more. The sponsor gives support on a 24 hour a day basis.

A self-realization of the situation and early diagnosis can rectify the disorder. Anxiety self-help tests available on the Internet can be used to diagnose the disorder yourself. You can also decide on a course of treatment in tune with the severity and stage of the disorder. Most anxiety disorders in the beginning stages can be rectified through self-help techniques.

See how much you can learn about self help when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.

Regular exercise is recommended for a sound mind and body. Relaxation training can soothe your mind and free it from anxiety. Breathing techniques and muscle-relaxation techniques can be adopted to supplement-relaxation training. Meditation has the power to remove all unnecessary tensions haunting your mind. Taking to spirituality is one of the a time-tested method of relaxing your mind.

Self-help guidance kits are also available. They include motivating books along with audio and video tapes. Guidance can be sought through the telephone and Internet. A personalized, mineral-enriched diet is also recommended for anxiety relief.

You can't predict when knowing something extra about self help will come in handy. If you learned anything new about &keyword% in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

 

latest info from self help experts

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about self help to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from self help experts.

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, fear, or worry. Most everyone experiences temporary anxiety, a feeling of nervousness or fear, as a normal reaction to a stressful situation at some point in life. While anxiety is a natural response to some situations, it can develop into a debilitating disorder in some people. It is estimated that about 13% of the United States population has anxiety. Most peope suffering from anxiety do not consult a doctor as they believe only "mentally sick" people need to visit a psychiatrist.

What are subliminal messages? A subliminal message is a message displayed for such a short period of time that your mind does not consciously register what it sees or hears. Instead your mind registers it sub-consciously. This means that your conscious mind cannot build and use arguments against the ideas exposed and thus you can be more susceptible to the unconscious idea. We’re talking about mind control from the outside that is working below the threshold of our awareness.

The more authentic information about self help you know, the more likely people are to consider you a self help expert. Read on for even more self help facts that you can share.

Like many others you may ask, is it really possible that the content or meaning of an event can affect people’s behaviour without their being aware of this event? The commercial and advertising businesses would probably pay millions to confirm whether or not such techniques are more effective than promotional communications of which people are aware.

The important thing is to understand that anxiety can be treated and that living with constant anxiety is not necessary. Untreated anxiety disorders can push people into avoiding situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. People with anxiety disorders are likely to suffer from depression, and they also may abuse alcohol and other drugs in an effort to gain relief from their symptoms. Job performance, school work, and personal relationships can also suffer.

This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

 

read more book about self help

The following article presents the very latest information on self help. If you have a particular interest in self help, then this informative article is required reading.

People think they can benefit from the advice of professionals who have passed through the different stages of the problems they now suffer. There may be different inhibitions that prevent persons from achieving their full potential. They think with some professional coaching and advice they will be better equipped to achieve the goals of life including professional and personal goals. They believe the words of professionals that achieved what they wanted to in their lives. Different people experience stress, lack of time management skills, lack of interpersonal skills, laziness, lack of concentration, lack of self awareness, poor memory etc are that needs professional support.

Self help books with life experience of different people can motivate people in a new direction. However attaining professionals skills like programming skills can’t be achieved through self help books. There can also be areas of personal improvement that can’t be fully addressed by self help books. May be self help books can assist a counselor in motivating a person in such a way that he or she wants.

Psychologists and psychoanalysts talk too much about childhood and emotional pain, which are a part of life. Men need to grow up and deal with it, press on and have the dedication, commitment and perseverance to keep ongoing. It is not OK just to show up and to be part of the team. You must play to win and give it 110 percent.

Real men are not weak men and real men give over 100 percent. You must press beyond your abilities and you must not be weak. Self help psychologists confuse men into believing they can or should control every single little on motion that comes along.

If your self help facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important self help information slip by you.

Self help books come extremely helpful in areas like developing self confident, self esteem, interpersonal skills, self motivational thinking, morale boosting, persistence, positive thinking, staying away from negative influences and everything that is required for the success in personal, professional, family and social lives. There can be different self defeating behaviors that need to be addressed permanently.

All so called self help books may not give the same results. There are self help books with pragmatic approach to individual traits modification. Such books will help you quickly identify problem areas and tell you about the steps to be taken to overcome such issues. Then there are self help books that will tell about the problems and no clear way to a solution. Such books are not very useful. You need practical solutions to the problems you encounter.

However, the brain makes chemicals in certain amounts and it does so for a reason, real men should except this and channel that energy to over come obstacles in their life rather than acting like a bunch of pusses trying to find some emotional trigger to subdue. Psychologists and self-help consultants are making men weak and that is bad for our nation. Please consider this and 2006.

Is there really any information about self help that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

 

what do you think of self help?

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your opportunity.

People think they can benefit from the advice of professionals who have passed through the different stages of the problems they now suffer. There may be different inhibitions that prevent persons from achieving their full potential. They think with some professional coaching and advice they will be better equipped to achieve the goals of life including professional and personal goals. They believe the words of professionals that achieved what they wanted to in their lives. Different people experience stress, lack of time management skills, lack of interpersonal skills, laziness, lack of concentration, lack of self awareness, poor memory etc are that needs professional support.

So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about self help. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Self help books with life experience of different people can motivate people in a new direction. However attaining professionals skills like programming skills can’t be achieved through self help books. There can also be areas of personal improvement that can’t be fully addressed by self help books. May be self help books can assist a counselor in motivating a person in such a way that he or she wants.

Did you know choosing a career is much easier rather than developing it? Landing a suitable job may take less than a year but making a career is for the rest of your working life. Once you land up at your chosen career, you must try to manage it carefully by gaining deeper knowledge and skills, working ethically and with integrity, and climb the ladder of success, to achieve your goals by rising to a higher level or position in that organization. Slightest initial complacency would mean a longer stay at the same level for a long time, develop leadership qualities within and rise to higher level. Work conditions and ethics permit that you can have multiple careers to explore your capabilities. Be good at decision-making and this will be the step forward to boost your career. Never give up hope, as the saying goes `In every difficulty lies an opportunity’.


Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on self help.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

 

“Self help peer groups” for HIV patients

If you're seriously interested in knowing about self help, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about self help.

There are six Bhutanese HIV patients sat down with health officials to share their experiences and lessons on coping and living with the infection.

What came out during the interaction was the usefulness of maintaining a state of good mental health through meditation and regular prayers. “All of them stated that family support and understanding was crucial for healthy living,” said a health official.

Adopting healthy habits such as a good diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and alcohol was also recognized as being very useful in staying healthy.

It was the first time Bhutanese HIV patients came together as a group to share their views with health officials.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

According to a health spokesman, the participants considered “self help peer groups” among people living with HIV/AIDS as an immediate strategic option. The participants expressed that other people living with HIV/AIDS could immensely benefit through such meetings and workshops. They hoped that more would join the network of Bhutanese people living with HIV/AIDS.

The first meeting was facilitated by the National AIDS programme of the Ministry of Health.

As of July 2006, the number of Bhutanese infected with HIV had reached 90. Of the total, 12 had died. The first HIV positive case in Bhutan was detected in 1993.



You can't predict when knowing something extra about self help will come in handy. If you learned anything new about &keyword% in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

 

self help: Self-Help Tips For Dealing With Depression

Most of us have been there at some point. We're overcome by a feeling that doesn't seem to want to go away. Some event or circumstance may have brought this on, or it could possibly be a condition that we're predisposed to. Depression.

It can be quite debilitating to some people. So much so that they get to the point where drastic measures need to be taken to protect their well-being. Most often at this point harsh drugs would be prescribed to control the depressive state.

However, for those who may not quite be at that stage, but are looking for a way out of their depression, there may be steps they can take to help lift the cloud. Here we will explore some options for self-help.

First of all, think positively. It sounds easy, but this may be the most difficult step for a person suffering from depression to take. Whenever you find yourself drifting into thoughts of self-doubt, do your best to correct yourself and channel your thoughts to something more pleasant. It can be tough at first, but the more you work at it, eventually the easier it will be. The mind CAN be trained to think positively.

Do something nice for someone else. Often times the act of performing a selfless deed can be quite rewarding. Help a friend if they're in need, or if you're feeling really ambitious, join a volunteer organization and begin a regular routine of chipping in some of your valuable time. You'll be helping those in need and the sense of satisfaction you take from it can be more rewarding than you think.

Exercise. Exercise is a terrific stress reliever and has the power to help foster a more vibrant attitude. If you're feeling the effects of depression, get up and take a walk, or start a regular exercise routine. Set goals for yourself fitness wise and watch the results. Your sense of accomplishment at meeting and even surpassing your goals can be quite uplifting.

Sing. Find a song, or CD you enjoy with an uplifting beat to it. Turn your stereo up and let fly. Have fun with it and before you know it, the blues will melt away.

Chocolate. It may sound silly, but eating chocolate has been found to help lighten a person's mood. Chocolate helps release endorphins, which help foster improvements in well-being, as well as help relieve pain. So indulge in your favorite chocolate when you're feeling blue.

Associate with happy people. The more you associate with more cheerful friends and family, the less chance you have of feeling down. So spend time with people you enjoy as often as possible.

These are just a few tips to help you along. If you have tried these tips with no success and you find that your depressive state has not improved, or has gotten worse. You would be strongly advised to see your doctor as soon as possible. You may suffer from a chemical imbalance or a disorder that may require professional treatment. If left untreated your condition could lead to serious harm to yourself or someone you care about. So if you feel you're at risk, seek help immediately.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Depression

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Sunday, September 10, 2006

 

self help: Self-help planning project discussed

Ukiah Daily Journal Staff

The Daily Journal

The Mendocino County Planning Commission met Thursday to discuss the possibility of a new development by the Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) on Lake Mendocino Drive, north of Ukiah.

The development, if approved, would consist of 62 lots ranging in size from 3,580 square feet to 15,310 square feet in two phases of a self-help housing project. The area in question is approximately three miles north of downtown Ukiah on the north side of Lake Mendocino Drive and approximately one-half mile east of North State Street at 500 Lake Mendocino Drive.

One of the most discussed problems that the county planning staff had with the development was that there was no park in the project. According to Diann Simmons of RCHDC, if there were a park included in the plan it would cause quite a few problems.

"We have already lost $500,000 because of the delay, and if we were to say lose two lots to make a park we would again lose another $250,000 in funding," she said. "It would also increase costs for the homeowners from $7,000 to $14,000. We would have a lot more cost associated and it would not allow some people to even be in the program.

Simmons also said that if the project continued to be delayed the development would not be built.

While that was one of the concerns of the planning staff, the requirement of the park could be waived to allow the building of this project because it is an affordable housing development.

Commissioner Don Lipmanson had specific concerns with the staff reports that covered the effects of this development on animal life and wildlife, schools and the exposure of people or property to geological hazards, because the Maacama Fault runs parallel to the eastern property line.

He also had concerns with the future stability of Coyote Dam and asked why the RCHDC didn't develop this subdivision with the homes sharing walls to open more space in the development.

While Lipmanson had concerns, all but one person from the audience who attended the meeting applauded the RCHDC and hoped and wished that there were more developments like this one so low-income families could afford to buy homes.

"I am a county employee, and this is the only shot for me to buy a home for me as a single parent," said David Barnett. "I hope that you can find some way to make this work."

"I would give anything to own my own home," said Lori Powers.

"It's an experience to own your own home," said David Garcia. "This project could be a dream come true for me and many other families."

The public hearing was left open because many who attended the meeting were unable to speak because they had to leave for other engagements. All who stayed for the full meeting had the opportunity to voice their opinions.

The issue was continued to the Oct. 5 Planning Commission meeting, and the commissioners are tentatively scheduled to do a site visit prior to that meeting.

For more information about the Mendocino County Planning Commission and a more detailed description of this or other planning issues, visit www.co.mendocino.ca.us/planning/ or call 463-4281.

Friday, September 08, 2006

 

self help: Self-help housing key to better life for special needs mother

Published: August 31, 2006

By LAURENT L.N. BONCZIJK
Of the News-Register

CARLTON - Eying home ownership for the first time at age 32, Bi-Mart clerk Cathy Martin has special needs. That's because her autistic 10-year-old son, Joseph, has special needs.

Totally nonverbal, one of the ways he expresses his pent-up feelings is fleeing with reckless abandon. He might bolt at any moment, and has no appreciation for concepts like the importance placed by others on their personal privacy or the dangers posed by swift-moving traffic on local streets.

He is also prone to breaking glass anywhere he can find it. He wouldn't hesitate to run headlong into a set of sliding glass doors, given the opportunity.

In one respect, the nonprofit Yamhill Community Development Corp. is an unlikely place to turn. That's because the self-help housing agency keeps its costs down by building every house to the same specs and buying in bulk.

But in another respect, it's the perfect place to turn. That's because the program is designed for people exactly like her - people facing such tough life circumstances they've never been able to achieve the American dream of home ownership.

The program's client families understand how much it means to have a place you can call your own. So they are willing to make accommodations.

Because Joseph runs, Martin needs double-deadbolt locks on the exterior doors of her new Carlton home. Because he breaks glass, she needs tempered panes throughout.

The other 10 homes in the first phase of the 43-lot Rolling Hills subdivision will feature sliding glass doors off the kitchen. But Martin needs a solid door instead.

Not only did the other home owners graciously agree to accommodate her, but the McMinnville Lumbermen's eased the way by donating the expensive tempered glass she needs. And she couldn't be more grateful.

Martin is a divorced mother of two. She also has a 13-year-old daughter, Katrina, who is living with her father in neighboring Yamhill.

This summer, Joseph is staying with his grandmother. A school district employee, she had the time to devote.

That's a godsend, as Martin has a 55-hour commitment to keep each week - 40 hours earning a living at Bi-Mart and 15 hours making the sweat-equity investment required of all Community Development Corp. clients.

In fact, it would be even greater were it not for Martin's dad. Clients must commit to 35 hours a week working on their houses, but up to 20 can come from friends, relatives or community volunteers, and he has been helping her meet that requirement.

When her mom returns to work, Joseph will be returning to school. It won't be easy, but Martin will be able to manage once he's back under professional school-day supervision.

Babysitting and day care aren't really options, given Joseph's propensity for running away and breaking glass. She just can't bring herself to entrust his care to others, no matter how well-meaning.

"Joseph's needs also limit what I can do professionally," Martin said. She said she had to turn down a promotion because she couldn't work the shift it required.

But she said, "I miss him. Not being able to have my son with me (this summer) is the hardest part.

"The program, and everything that I am doing, is for Joe. I want to have a safe place for him to live."

If something ever happened to her, Martin fears Joseph could end up in an institution. She sees the house as a hedge against that, figuring it would bring enough on the market to help finance his care in a community setting.

Martin said she has warned her partners in the program to be on the lookout, should Joseph ever escape.

"He has no concept of personal space or privacy," she said, so he could end up in someone's kitchen. She said she's warned future homeowners in the Rolling Hills development that if they find a wordless little boy rummaging around in their fridge, he belongs to her.

Martin said most people have no appreciation for the special challenges she faces with Joseph.

He once needed some dental work, she said, and that requires the services of an anesthesiologist. He has to be completely under.

It took three months to get an appointment with the right parties in place, and Joseph suffered in the meantime, she said. "This was a time when we were having a lot of window breakage," she said.

But Martin said, "I try to focus on the little boy in there, not the autism - a little boy who loves Mickey Mouse and Disney stuff."

He loves listening to music by the Australian rock band AC/DC. He also loves riding horses.

But he hates the sound of a bell. It frightens him.

Joseph has some unnerving habits, such as eating Kleenex and sticking rocks into bodily orifices.

The latter sometimes requires trips to the doctor's office. "Employers don't really like it when you have to leave in the middle of the day to take your kid to the doctor to get a rock out of his ear," Martin noted.

He will eat almost anything, whether he should or not.

But he does have preferences, both positive and negative. And he is able to express them after a fashion.

He likes orange juice. Sometimes he will take it out of the fridge and bring it to her so that she can pour him a glass, Martin said.

He's not so fond of eggs. And he might let you know by throwing them every which way.

Relatives have sometimes been forced to lock him out of the fridge and pantry, she said.

While Joseph cannot speak, he can communicate.

At school, his instructors are teaching him to use pictures to indicate his needs and desires. At home, his mother often resorts to a form of 20 questions, simply making guesses until she gets it right.

Martin sees the new family home now taking shape in Carlton as the key to a brighter, more secure future for her and her son. And that's something she shares with most of her fellow self-help housing clients.

"We are trying, we are really trying," she said. "We are single moms and dads trying to have a decent place to live and raise our children."

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

 

self help: Self-help workshops to focus on safe-sex practices, relationships

Dwan Brumfield
Issue date: 9/6/06 Section: News

The Professional Counseling Center will begin offering self-help workshops for male and female students next week. Participants will be able to talk openly and learn about a variety of issues surrounding safe-sex practices and maintaining emotionally healthy relationships.

The men's workshop will be led by Dr. William Price Curtis, director of the Professional Counseling Center, every Monday from 3-4:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 11.The women's workshop will be co-facilitated by Dr. Yvonne Montgomery, a licensed professional counselor and professor of psychology, and Neniva Haysbert, a Langston University student who has a degree in psychology and will be receiving her master's in rehabilitation counseling this spring. Their meetings will be held every Wednesday from 3-4:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 13.

This is the second year the self-help workshops have been offered. The groups will first learn about safe-sex practices to prevent illnesses such as HIV.

Price Curtis feels that educating students on the HIV virus is important in light of the HIV crisis in this country and particularly in the African-American community.

"The very first thing we do is make sure the participants have good authoritative information about the virus," he said.

Price Curtis will cover how HIV is contracted, how it is not contracted, the importance of testing, and what the results mean. Students will also learn how to protect themselves from sexual diseases, which include strategies such as only being involved in monogamous relationships and practicing abstinence.

Curtis says there is a lot of abuse going on in relationships today, both physical and psychological; this is one of the reasons why he wanted the workshops to focus on relationships as well as safe-sex practices. Last year's workshop participants appreciated being able to talk candidly about their love lives.

"They are struggling with how to establish safe, meaningful, nurturing and affirming relationships," Price Curtis said.

Dwan Brumfield
Issue date: 9/6/06 Section: News
PrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 2 next > The Professional Counseling Center will begin offering self-help workshops for male and female students next week. Participants will be able to talk openly and learn about a variety of issues surrounding safe-sex practices and maintaining emotionally healthy relationships.

The men's workshop will be led by Dr. William Price Curtis, director of the Professional Counseling Center, every Monday from 3-4:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 11.The women's workshop will be co-facilitated by Dr. Yvonne Montgomery, a licensed professional counselor and professor of psychology, and Neniva Haysbert, a Langston University student who has a degree in psychology and will be receiving her master's in rehabilitation counseling this spring. Their meetings will be held every Wednesday from 3-4:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 13.

This is the second year the self-help workshops have been offered. The groups will first learn about safe-sex practices to prevent illnesses such as HIV.

Price Curtis feels that educating students on the HIV virus is important in light of the HIV crisis in this country and particularly in the African-American community.

"The very first thing we do is make sure the participants have good authoritative information about the virus," he said.

Price Curtis will cover how HIV is contracted, how it is not contracted, the importance of testing, and what the results mean. Students will also learn how to protect themselves from sexual diseases, which include strategies such as only being involved in monogamous relationships and practicing abstinence.

Curtis says there is a lot of abuse going on in relationships today, both physical and psychological; this is one of the reasons why he wanted the workshops to focus on relationships as well as safe-sex practices. Last year's workshop participants appreciated being able to talk candidly about their love lives.

"They are struggling with how to establish safe, meaningful, nurturing and affirming relationships," Price Curtis said.

Monday, September 04, 2006

 

self help : Tip For When You're Stressed

This is a fantastic tip from Touch For Health to help you when you're stressed, angry, anxious, or upset. Try holding your frontal eminences. These are bumps on your forehead that many people hold instinctively when they're upset.

For those of you who don't do this naturally, let me help you locate them. Feel up from the middle of your eyebrows going towards your hairline. Your forehead comes outwards before it curves back in towards the hairline. Hold your forehead at the points where it is furthest out - about 3cms (1.25 inches) above the middle of each eyebrow.

While you hold these points think about the stressful event. It can be something that has already happened, something that is about to happen, or something you fear may never happen! Gradually you should find that the stress lessens.

You can use it for small things, but you can also use it for more traumatic events too. If the thoughts/images are too overwhelming initially, imagine you are watching it on a TV - you can always switch it off if becomes too stressful - you're the one in charge. You can watch it in black and white if that feels easier too. Use it to defuse anything that you feel anxious, stressed, angry or fearful about.

You may want to do it several times covering different aspects of the problem. You can do them one after the other, or at different times, whichever feels best for you.

As you hold the points and think about/imagine the event, you will probably start to feel calmer - you may even find that you start to feel a little bored thinking about this scenario that previously stressed or angered you so much.

Why does it work?

These particular points on the forehead, known as frontal eminences, are reflex points with connections to the central meridian (involved with the brain), the stomach meridian (and your stomach often churns when you're anxious or angry), and the bladder meridian (trips to the loo/bathroom are often necessary when we're apprehensive).

I recently explained this self-help technique to a business colleague - a keen mountain biker who'd had a serious bike accident at 30 miles an hour and had broken his skull and collar bone. This is what he wrote to me later:


"I don't know how to thank you enough for the technique you described to me over the phone the other day, it helped me enormously!"

The following week he sent me this message:


"Your tip worked once again last night - went out (in the pitch black with my Light&Motion 'daylighter' light) and did some serious single-tracking and downhilling!!! I never thought I'd be doing that again - ever! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was brilliant!!!!!!!"

Fortunately you don't have to break a lot of bones to try this tip - it's great in all sorts of situations - before you visit the dentist or make an important speech; after you've heard some bad news or had a fall; when thoughts about the past are upsetting and disturbing or when you are worrying about the future.

It may be hard to believe that something this simple could be effective in removing anxiety and stress, but try it and see.

By Jane Thurnell-Read

self help : Tips For Dealing With Depression

Most of us have been there at some point. We're overcome by a feeling that doesn't seem to want to go away. Some event or circumstance may have brought this on, or it could possibly be a condition that we're predisposed to. Depression.

It can be quite debilitating to some people. So much so that they get to the point where drastic measures need to be taken to protect their well-being. Most often at this point harsh drugs would be prescribed to control the depressive state.

However, for those who may not quite be at that stage, but are looking for a way out of their depression, there may be steps they can take to help lift the cloud. Here we will explore some options for self-help.

First of all, think positively. It sounds easy, but this may be the most difficult step for a person suffering from depression to take. Whenever you find yourself drifting into thoughts of self-doubt, do your best to correct yourself and channel your thoughts to something more pleasant. It can be tough at first, but the more you work at it, eventually the easier it will be. The mind CAN be trained to think positively.

Do something nice for someone else. Often times the act of performing a selfless deed can be quite rewarding. Help a friend if they're in need, or if you're feeling really ambitious, join a volunteer organization and begin a regular routine of chipping in some of your valuable time. You'll be helping those in need and the sense of satisfaction you take from it can be more rewarding than you think.

Exercise. Exercise is a terrific stress reliever and has the power to help foster a more vibrant attitude. If you're feeling the effects of depression, get up and take a walk, or start a regular exercise routine. Set goals for yourself fitness wise and watch the results. Your sense of accomplishment at meeting and even surpassing your goals can be quite uplifting.

Sing. Find a song, or CD you enjoy with an uplifting beat to it. Turn your stereo up and let fly. Have fun with it and before you know it, the blues will melt away.

Chocolate. It may sound silly, but eating chocolate has been found to help lighten a person's mood. Chocolate helps release endorphins, which help foster improvements in well-being, as well as help relieve pain. So indulge in your favorite chocolate when you're feeling blue.

Associate with happy people. The more you associate with more cheerful friends and family, the less chance you have of feeling down. So spend time with people you enjoy as often as possible.

These are just a few tips to help you along. If you have tried these tips with no success and you find that your depressive state has not improved, or has gotten worse. You would be strongly advised to see your doctor as soon as possible. You may suffer from a chemical imbalance or a disorder that may require professional treatment. If left untreated your condition could lead to serious harm to yourself or someone you care about. So if you feel you're at risk, seek help immediately.

by Michael Russell