Signs that someone is struggling with anxiety disorder

When we feel anxious, it is a normal human emotion that is associated with some happenings in our lives. For instance, if you are given an arduous task to perform and submit within a short time, there is a good chance that you will feel anxious.

Sometimes, this feeling of anxiety can be advantageous because it helps us stay on our toes. Other times, it can be the reason why you would be more observant so that you don’t fall into danger.

Free Man in Blue and Brown Plaid Dress Shirt Touching His Hair Stock Photo

When anxiety disorder is in the picture, it transcends the normal symptoms of anxiety that you may feel on a good day.

Here are some of the signs that someone has an anxiety disorder

Inability to function

One of the ways to know that a person is battling with an anxiety disorder is when they find it hard to function as they use to.

Such people might not be able to meet work-related deadlines, or their performance at school might not be up to par. This is because their mind is not at rest, and they may find it hard to concentrate properly on what they are doing.

Trouble having enough sleep

Another way to know when an anxiety disorder is at play is when you find it hard to sleep. Your mind could be fixated on many things at once, and you will find it hard to concentrate. When this happens to you regularly, then it might be an anxiety disorder.

Sense of looming danger

People with anxiety disorder usually feel that something bad is about to happen to them. This is why they find it hard to be at rest because they think that they will hear a piece of unpleasant news or a disfavorable event is going to happen to them.

Other signs of anxiety disorder may include sweating, trembling, feeling tired and weak, inability to stop worrying, etc. When you notice that some of these signs are recurrent, it is best to seek help from a mental health therapist.

Treatment for Depressed Individuals

Can depression be treated? Of course, it can. Depressed individuals can undergo treatment and completely overcome the condition with time.

Here are 5 treatment options available for depressed persons:

  • Medications

Depressed individuals can be treated with medications as prescribed by one’s healthcare provider. These meds are particularly to deal with the pain, anxiety, worries, and all other things that may be contributing to the depressive state.

They may include antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, but most importantly is that they are medically recommended for use.

  • Psychotherapy

Therapy sessions are another treatment option for persons going through major depressive disorder. Therapists can help identify and provide solutions to the root cause of the depressive state. They can also help depressed individuals develop new habits, skills, and thought processes to overcome depression.

  • Alternative therapies

Asides from psychotherapy, there are other effective therapies for treating depression. One of such is light therapy, in which the depressed individual is exposed to doses of white light which relieves them of depressive signs. Acupuncture, meditation, and the use of herbal supplements are other alternative therapies for treating depression.

  • Exercise

Engaging in exercises for at least 30 minutes every 3 to 5 days can help a person overcome the feeling of depression.

By exercising regularly, your body produces more endorphins, which is a mood-lifting hormone that drives away gloomy or despairing thoughts. Carrying out physical activity in the form of exercise is a free and productive treatment, for depression.

  • Avoid alcohol and drugs

Depressed individuals resort to alcohol and drugs to help solve their problems, but they do just the opposite; they compound it. A simple but effective treatment for depression is to avoid alcohol and drugs and to face the problem head-on, instead of trying to forget it.

Depending on the nature and cause of depression, one may have to receive a particular treatment or combine two or more to achieve results. However, before any step is taken, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

5 Signs that an individual is depressed

Depression has been recognized as one of the top diseases ravaging the world across all age groups and genders. If you have ever wondered how you can recognize someone suffering from depression, here are some signs to watch out for:

1. Loss of Interest and Energy

An individual who is going through depression tends to lose interest in things that they normally derive joy from. Such an individual also struggles to complete tasks because their energy tank feels empty always.

2. Insomnia

Insomnia is a form of sleeping disorder many depressed individuals suffer. Some may sleep away the entire day due to a lack of interest to engage in any activity and as a way of escaping from reality. Others may struggle to find sleep even when their body needs it.

3. Outburst of Emotions

A depressed individual would display unnecessary outbursts of emotions such as anger, tearfulness, sadness, etc. Such emotions can be triggered anytime by anyone or anything.

4. Changes in Appetite and Weight

When you observe that the eating routine of an individual has changed, it may be a sign of depression. Someone who usually eats moderately may begin to eat excessively and consume junk foods more than usual, leading to weight gain. Or you may notice that such an individual no longer eats as at when due and loses weight drastically.

5. Lack of Concentration/Withdrawal

People who are depressed or moving towards depression lose concentration on tasks they would normally do without stress and tend to suddenly forget things easily. A depressed individual also tends to retreat from people and stay self-isolated and secluded.

The best way to identify a depressed individual is through close observation. Also, relating with such a person involves patience and would require that you show support to gain their trust.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

 A mental health counselor is a trained professional skilled in the act of psychotherapy that is also known as Mental Health Counseling.

A mental health counselor develops a relationship between himself or herself and the client. The basis for this relationship is strictly professional and targeted towards ensuring the individual achieves a clean bill of health.

In addition, a mental health counselor employs the use of clinical techniques and research in order to make it very effective.

People who have mental health problems usually find it difficult to accept the fact that they have a problem. So, they would necessarily shy away from it whenever related concepts are mentioned. There is a stigma that comes with having mental health problems and they do not want to be victims of it.

So, to help themselves, they would try to manage their problems without involving anyone. The only person that can help them in this case is a mental health counselor.

What makes a counselor different from any other person? It is the fact that they are professionals who put sentiments and prejudice aside when interacting with a patient.

Mental health counselors are aware of the rejection that people face whenever they face mental health issues. So, it is in their jurisdiction of work to help people deal with this rejection and channel the hate into something productive.

Also, a mental health counselor provides ample support even more than what you imagine. He or she is aware that you might not be getting the needed support from family and friends. So, what he does is fill in for them, till he or she is able to mend the gap between you and your family.

It would interest you to know that, a mental health counselor keeps in touch with you all through the period of your addiction treatment.

Even when you get out of therapy, the counselor still monitors you to ensure that you do not relapse. With the ample life skills that a counselor provides an individual, they would be able to care for their mental health on their own.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE TO THE BODY

If only everyone knew how good exercising was, we would all live healthier lives and have stronger bodies. Exercise comes with lots of benefits that we can all tap into. So, no matter your age, it is great for you to exercise.

To start with, exercise helps you to watch your weight. For people who want to lose pounds by eating less, one profound way to augment your move is to exercise more.

Exercising effectively helps to control the rate at which you gain weight. You burn more calories when you exercise and it is much more beneficial than just sitting without undergoing any physical activity.

In addition to this, exercise assists in fighting health problems and diseases. A good number of people are not aware of this fact. For instance, if you are someone looking to effectively combat your high blood pressure, exercising is one profound way to do this.

When you exercise on a regular basis, it helps you to avert possible diseases that could spring up when you are sedentary.

In case you did not know, exercise helps your mood get better. If you are someone who is always sad and moody, one way to boost your emotions is by exercising.

The chemicals in your brain responsible for happiness are triggered effectively when you exercise. You become more relaxed and happy.

Closely related to this, is the fact that your self-esteem receives a boost when you exercise. You will be proud of yourself and this brings confidence.

For people who do not have high energy levels, exercising is all you need to get back on track. People who have really stressful days will find exercising very useful.

This is because, your muscular strength receives fluid when you exercise. Your tissues also receive essential nutrients and oxygen when you exercise and this allows you to accomplish your set tasks.

Also, exercising is a fun activity. It is one way to make your social life better because you will meet other people like you who are exercising.  

Most Common Mental Health Disorders in America

Your mental health is vital to your overall well-being – it contributes to your physical, mental, and spiritual state. However, the mind is not yet well understood and oftentimes, many mental health illnesses go untreated or even undiagnosed.

With several mental health illnesses out there and several variable triggers for them, it is important to keep your mental health in check and know the warning signs that something might be wrong.

An unstable mental state can lead to a variety of other things – such as physical sickness, self-harm, drug abuse and addiction, among other things.

By definition, mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their emotional and psychological well-being.

In the United States, anxiety is the most common mental illness – affecting 40 million Americans over the age of 18, which is around 18 percent of the population, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

And, lack of treatment of these mental illnesses can lead to lost wages, expensive health bills, more chronic conditions, dropping out of school, and even sometimes death – most commonly as a result of suicide.

A few of the most common mental health disorders in America today are:

  • Major Depression
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Autism
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Eating Disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Substance Abuse

That is a pretty shocking list – and yes, substance abuse is a mental health disorder. With so many potential threats to your mental health, it is obvious that keeping it in check is vital. These mental health disorders could affect anyone – even you.

Keeping Your Mental Health Healthy

So, how do you keep your mental health healthy? Here are a few tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings. Talking about your feelings is a safe way to aid in the release of those feelings. It also offers you a chance to hear them aloud and re-consider your stance.
  • Stay active. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. In order to keep one healthy, you need to keep the other one healthy.
  • Eat well. What you feed your body is also what you feed your brain. Ensure you are getting the proper nutrients and avoiding too much junk food.
  • Take a break. Sometimes you just need to escape, even if it is just to go sit on the back porch for a little while and enjoy the quiet. Just always make time to breathe.

 

6 Tips for Managing Your Stress Level

Have you ever felt stressed out? The answer to that was probably an immediate, big, fat “yes.”

From the time you were a young child, you probably knew what it was like to be stressed. However, this stress only intensifies as you get older, begin to understand the world better and take on more responsibility.

Stress can easily stem from work, school, and even just life with family and friends. Sometimes it can easily be controlled, and other times it seems to just spiral right out of hand. But, managing your stress level is important. Stress puts added work on your body that only leaves you feeling fatigued and irritable, among other things.

 

 

While it is nearly impossible to live your life with no stress – life is just going to be stressful at times – it is not impossible to learn how to properly manage that stress. It is important that you manage stress not only for your health but for your productivity. Stress can cause you to lose your train of thought, become extremely tired, and also cause you to feel scatter-brained which will make it hard for you to focus on the task at hand.

Check out these 6 tips for managing your stress level:

  1. Avoid triggers. Items such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can increase your stress level as they are stimulants. People often think of these as stress relievers but in fact, they are stress promoters.
  2. Get more sleep. Studies have shown that without the proper amount of sleep you are more susceptible to stress. Try to get a good 8 hours of sleep each night to ensure you are well rested.
  3. Participate in regular physical activity. Getting your blood flowing and increasing your heart rate is a good way to relieve stress. It also helps get your body physically in shape with can further reduce stress levels.
  4. Keep a stress diary. When you are feeling extremely stressed and overwhelmed, make note of it. List how you feel, how long you have felt that way and what you think might have caused it. This will help you express your feelings and give you a way to see patterns and triggers.
  5. Learn to say “no.” It can be easy to be a “yes man” and take on several tasks at once. However, you will find yourself being less productive due to stress. There is a time when it is okay to say “no.”
  6. Manage your time. Make a list of everything you need to get done and a schedule for how you will complete it. This will help you better manage your time and get the important projects done first to avoid stress throughout the day.

Drugs and Car Crashes: The Epidemic Killing Thousands

While drug addiction, substance abuse, and drug overdoses affect thousands each year, many of those affected are innocent.

First, there is the addict themselves. But, second, there are the people surrounding them – their family, friends, and coworkers. Lastly, there are the strangers that pass them by each day just in everyday life. The addict mentality is usually one of “I am only hurting myself,” while we know this is not true because they also hurt their family and friends, the pain doesn’t stop there…

Sometimes, addicts even hurt strangers and most commonly in the event of a car accident.

One tell-tale sign that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol is that you become comfortable driving under the influence. You have developed the mentality that you are still a good driver and that the drugs or alcohol are not impairing you severely enough that you cannot operate a vehicle.

However, many people each year are killed by this mentality.

In a 2014 survey done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 10 million people – aged 12 or older – reported driving while under the influence of illicit drugs during the previous year (the year before the survey was completed).

NSDUH also reported that men are more likely than women to drive while under the influence. In addition, those aged between 18 and 25 drive under the influence more often than those aged 26 and above do.

 

 

Even though it is never okay to drive under the influence, many people still do – ultimately, costing many people their lives.

In 2015, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 10,265 died in an alcohol-impaired crash. This number accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

For those suffering from addiction, these are the kind of consequences that could last a lifetime. Driving under the influence, and furthermore causing a fatal accident, could put you in jail for many years.

If you or someone you know participate in impaired driving – whether it be drinking or doing drugs – find ways to change the situation:

  • Offer to be the designated driver, or if you are impaired plan ahead to have a designated driver.
  • Discuss the risks of driving in advance with your friends to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  • Keep the car keys out of sight so no one is tempted to drive after drinking or doing drugs.
  • Always know your limit. Be prepared to stop before you have had too much and are over the legal limit.
  • Seek luxury drug rehabilitation as soon as possible.

 

 

Aaron Fike: A NASCAR Driver’s Struggle with Addiction

If you are struggling with addiction and feel like you’re alone…

Don’t.

Thousands of others, probably quite a few around you that you don’t even know about, struggle with addiction every day. And, even several stars – athletes, musicians, race car drivers – struggle with addiction, too.

 

In 2007, Aaron Fike was arrested on suspicion of heroin possession. Following this event, his story unraveled.

ESPN Magazine Interview

In an interview with ESPN Magazine, Fike, who was 25 at the time, told the media outlet that he had been for eight months. Moreover, his heroin addiction came after a six-year addiction to painkillers. Fike said his drug addiction stemmed from injuries he suffered in a sprint car crash.

In the weeks leading up to his arrest, Fike’s heroin usage which began as a once-a-week experiment had become a daily routine. Fike has also admitted that not only had he secretly been struggling with drug addiction for years, but that he had also shot up with heroin even on some race days.

At the time of his arrest, Fike was with his fiancée. The two were found at an amusement park in their car in possession of an array of drug paraphernalia, including bloody napkins, a 100-count box of syringes and black tar heroin.

Addiction in The Automotive Industry

However, Fike is not the only NASCAR driver who has been found to struggle with substance abuse. Since 2000, there has been a total of seven NASCAR drivers who have been found to have substance abuse problems and have been suspended indefinitely. Of those seven drivers, four failed or missed a drug test and the other three, including Fike, were caught by police.

Wrapping It Up

These events just go to show that nobody is above addiction and you cannot safely assume that someone is not susceptible to it. Addiction can cost you so much more than money – it can cost you your freedom, and in the event of these NASCAR drivers, their job.

Fike’s story is a great example of how addiction usually begins with something small – a gateway. Oftentimes, with drugs, an addict begins regularly taking an easy to obtain and less harmful drug. After that, the addiction and drug of choice just continue to escalate.

For alcoholics, it might begin with only drinking on the weekends, then switch to drinking a few days during the week as well, and before they know it they are binge drinking on a daily basis.

 

 

 

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Mental Health

Did you know that addiction is a mental health issue? It is a mental illness.

Addiction actually changes the brain, therefore disturbing the hierarchy of desires and needs. It actually changes the fundamental way a person’s brain functions. The results of this are impulsive behaviors and aggressive actions.

Some people are more susceptible to addiction as they might have a predisposition for it, but we are all potential victims. In order to ensure we don’t fall into the trap of addiction and just to maintain our overall well-being, it is important that we maintain our mental health.

Mental health seems to be one of those topics most people don’t like to talk about – it is a hush hush subject. Typically, people like to keep their depression and anxiety in a closet and leave it unattended until it bothers them.

 

However, proper care for mental health requires addressing issues up front and finding ways to avoid triggers.

A few interesting things you might not know about mental health – but should know – are:

  1. It has a direct and measurable impact on your physical health and overall well-being.Depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction can take a toll on your body, mentally and physically. It can leave you feeling tired, lethargic, sick and frail.
  2. Most often, your mental health is based on trial and error.You have to figure out what your triggers are and what works best for you. It is all about learning your body and your mental state.
  3. You might be your own best treatment provider.Sometimes all you need is you. However, you should first explore other options to ensure this is the best fit. But, keeping a food, emotion and exercise journal can really be an eye-opener. It is a great way to learn your triggers and to track and reward yourself for good days.
  4. Today, we understand the mind just about as well as a doctor understood a heart about 200 years ago.While we are quite advanced in medicine, mental health is a totally different story. Physicians and researchers are still learning all the ins and outs of mental health and how to improve care for patients. Not all symptoms, triggers and treatment side effects are known.
  5. It is okay to shop around for treatment.Just because someone is the first doctor or treatment facility you went to does not make them the right fit for you. Always keep your options open and explore what is available. It will be most effective when it is the right fit.