Fear of Listeriosis....

Good Morning Folks,   Many scares similar to this have come and gone.......Mad Cow and SARS, for example. As most of you have already mentioned, Listeriosis is dangerous for those who are immune-compromised such as the elderly and children, or individuals who are dealing with a major illness.   Prevention is the best medicine for now.............if it makes you feel better avoid meat products until the coast is clear. Surely there are many other much healthier food choices.   Secondly, keep your immune systems strong by eating well, staying active, drinking lots of water and taking your vitamins. Onions, garlic and ginger are excellent immune boosters and are also very protective against a whole host of other illnesses such as cardiovascular issues.   Finally be aware of any symptoms you may experience and do not hesitate to see your health professional for guidance.   As Diva says.......this too shall pass!     Faryal, Health Educator

How do I manage my depression?

How do I manage my depression? Part II

Members,

Here are a few tips on ways to help better manage your depression:

Becoming Active

MDD makes people feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It's important to realize that these negative thoughts and feelings are part of depression. It is difficult to see things "the way they really are" when you are depressed. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.
In the meantime:

• Set realistic goals in light of the depression.
• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
• It's advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition (such as changing jobs, or getting married or divorced) discuss it with others who know you well and have an objective view of your situation.
• People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
• Remember: Positive thinking will replace negative thinking. Negative thinking is often part of depression and will disappear as you respond to treatment.
• Let your family and friends help you.

By looking for information about depression you are making an important step towards recovery. Don't stop here. Keep looking for information, learn more about depression and seek appropriate treatment.

There are a number of reasons why some people do not seek treatment when they should.

"I don't have the time:" Most of us have busy, active lives. Many of us feel that we don't have time to take care of ourselves the way we should, including going to the doctor and getting help for depression. However, just think of how much time and energy your depression is costing you now. Invest some time and energy in treatment.

"I've tried before but nothing seems to work:" If you've been struggling with depression for a long time you might feel like giving up. However, current treatments are effective. If you keep trying appropriate treatments you'll almost certainly find something that works.

"I'm not sure that I can do it:" In order for treatment to work, you need to work at treatment. You're probably not sure you can do it because you've been struggling with depression for so long. The treatments work. If you want to get better and you're willing to give treatment a good try, not being sure is okay. There's only one way to find out - and that is to give treatment a chance.

Are you struggling to manage your depression?

  Faryal - Bilingual Health Educator

 

 

Been away...

Happy Belated Birthday Koneko!   Hope you celebrated well last nite.........you definitely deserve it!   Good luck working out the minor details and enjoy your successes!     Faryal, Health Educator

Bad PA today. Just venting.

Hi Genejockey,   Just checking in to see how you are feeling so far?   Have you had a coffee yet today? I do believe it's a good idea to cut down on the caffeine..........maybe even substitute with herbal teas instead if you can?   I'm sure you've already considered this but practicing deep breathing or some form of meditation is very useful and is a good coping mechanism when you feel the anxiety rise.   You said you get up, go to work and do things which cause you anxiety.........what things would these be?     Faryal, Health Educator

what a trigger

You've made some good points Genejockey. The lack of awareness and understanding that stems from society does add to the frustration for those dealing with mental health problems.  There is a lot of judgement and ignorance out there. I notice you are from South Africa ( I am originally from East Africa!) and I wonder if cultural norms and differences contribute to this. I know that some cultures (such as my own) don't even dare to discuss the topic................however many are trying to break through this mental barrier because it is necessary.   Maggie and Cornish-dee............it is common for many parents to feel anxious when their kids return to school.........especially for the first few days until everyone adjusts to the routine again.  Try to focus on positive ways of utilizing the time to get other things done or even spending time on your own while the kids are away.   Faryal, Health Educator

Personal success but it sure feels good!

Hi Genejockey and Jhori82,   I believe a big congratulations are in order for dealing with this demon head on and realizing that the intensity and length of the PA's are starting to diminish. It's great that you are challenging your thought processes and finding alternate ways to perceive the situation which ultimately results in a more manageable outcome.   Thanks for sharing your progress...........I'm sure it encourages others that overcoming this battle is possible.     Faryal, Health Educator

Problems with avoidance-Part 2

Hi CM,   Although you were disappointed in yourself for leaving your morning class, you should be proud of yourself for making your 1 pm class despite how you were feeling. It is totally understandable that you felt trapped and unsettled. Try to think of alternate ways to handle this feeling when it surfaces again. What else can you do to gain control and feel better rather than leaving the class altogether? Could you have excused yourself and walked out for a short break........maybe got a drink of water or done some deep breathing on your own? Can you visualize if these strategies would have been helpful for you?   Why do you think you may fall in love with your teacher again? Is it possible that feelings of admiration and happiness are being confused for something more...........it is not unusual that you may feel a sense of affection for your teacher especially if being around him/her makes you feel good and happy. Do give some thought to your feelings and thoughts and where they are coming from.   There is nothing wrong with you having these thoughts so don't be so hard on yourself. Let us know how things go on your next class.   Good luck!   Faryal, Health Educator

Postpartum depression

Members,

Postpartum depression is an illness associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It is thought to be primarily caused by changed in hormones and hereditary disposition. In a recent study, it has also been linked to giving birth to boys & first time moms.

Although some degree of “baby blues” is to be expected, postpartum can be distinguished by the thoughts & beliefs the mother holds of her ability to parent her children.

Did any members here experience postpartum depression? How did you deal with it?

Faryal - Bilingual Health Educator

Problems with avoidance-Part 2

Hi CM,   Every once in a while, each of us has a wild thought that makes us feel strange and agitated. Your teacher is a good-looking guy and very nice.........probably just as your psychotherapist was. When another person invokes a feeling of confidence or makes us feel that they care, it is not unusual to feel a connection with that person. What is happening here is a transferrence of feelings and thoughts from a past experience with a past individual to a new experience with a new individual. You are projecting your previous feelings and the disappointment you experienced afterwards to this experience because somehow you believe the outcome will be the same.   You are not beyond help CM. The very fact that you are aware of this disturbing thought makes you a conscientious person. It is OK to have feelings of admiration for another individual.............be aware of your limits however. You are going to class to learn. Try to focus on why taking this course is important for you.   Although it may be difficult, I do hope you will give it another go. Write down your negative thoughts and own them. Try not to obsess over them. I hope you make it to class next time.   Good luck!     Faryal, Health Educator

Lousy Day

Hi CM,   I think that in her own unique way your mom is trying to be supportive. She does not understand what you are going through and how it feels to have an anxiety attack, unless she has gone through it herself.   I'm sorry her reaction made you feel like a failure but you know this is not true. Perhaps you could approach your mother to clarify the situation. Express to her your feelings in a calm and rational way. It is obvious that you both never meant to hurt or upset each other.   Was there something that triggered you to feel agitated, depressed and panicky today?     Faryal, Health Educator