Monday 31 October 2011

Popular Mental Health Career Alternatives

Popular Mental Health Career Alternatives
by Walters Nancy

Gone are the days, when just physical fitness was of prime importance. These days, increasing importance is being given to psychological fitness as well. Health organizations are stressing on the need of being psychologically fit. With this, a career in mental health only appears worthwhile. There are various mental health careers that you could go in for.

One very well-liked career option in this context is marriage and family therapist. This work profile requires the individual to understand the nuances of varied relationships of a family. An increasing number of folks battle out relationship issues and face problems in adjusting in a typical family frame. This is where a therapist comes to aid. He/she tries to understand the specific thought patterns of several individuals of the family and therefore helps resolve concerns. Get a master's degree in marriage and family therapy to get started in this profession.

Another well known career option in the field of mental health is social work careers. This one is ideal suited for people who wish to pursue this field along with bringing a constructive change in the society. There are several stigmas such as poverty, domestic violence and the like which are plaguing the society and taking away the mental peace of many. Pursuing this profession could help you understand the agony of the sufferers and help them come out of the hard times. In the process, you too will experience a feel good factor of helping out someone distraught.

The need for rehabilitation becomes amazingly crucial in some situations. Whether it's a case of drug abuse or a broken marriage, rehabilitation becomes essential. This is when the role of a rehabilitation counselor comes to play. Rehabilitation counseling becomes extremely crucial in certain psychological, emotional and physical disabilities. They can usher in a positive approach, helping in improving the general quality of life.

Another popular career choice in the field of mental health is guidance counselors. These counselors basically assist kids during their growing up years to find answers to many questions. As a child or even as an adolescent, we had our fair share of confusions and queries. Guidance counselors help young kids and adolescents with the same. They help ensure that the students are progressing mentally as well as emotionally. They even help students with the career decision-making process. A Master's degree in counseling is required to enter this field.

Further on, you can contemplate joining any company that deals in mental health insurance. Nevertheless, this concept is still at initial stages.

So, if you wish to alleviate stress from the lives of people, you could contemplate taking up any given career option.

Exercise Your Brain For Mental Health

Exercise Your Brain For Mental Health
Studies show that physical activity reduces stress and anxiety disorders that contribute to cognitive malfunctioning. There is further evidence that shows exercise may prevent or delay dementia. This is great news for people who want to preserve their mental clarity as they reach older ages.

Stress can affect our mental and emotional stability by creating an imbalance that causes us to react with tension and anxiety. This tension is not only taxing on the mind, but the body as well -- it can make you feel mentally and physically depleted. Other mental effects of stress include the inability to concentrate, confusion, irritability, anxiety, mood swings and difficulty making decisions.

To combat this it would be most beneficial to cut back on work hours, take more time off, relax, exercise, etc. However, the reality is that this seems to be difficult for our generation to follow through with. As a result, people are looking for ways to help their bodies cope with stress without the negative side effects of prescription drugs and other methods. One of those tools is herbs for mental health like Siberian Ginseng.

You can choose aerobics exercise, swimming, jogging, walking. For some people dance is the best way to exercise. Just putting on your favorite music and dancing actively for 10-15 minutes daily might be enough to satisfy your daily needs for an aerobic exercise. You can also try an African dance.

The Emotional Health is fundamental to the quality of life, and if we are going through a difficult time we can draw some alternative therapies for mental health. There are many disciplines and alternative treatments to improve mental health. Among the most popular and effective are all from Eastern philosophy as acupuncture. The yoga is also an excellent way to overcome emotional problems to improve.

Part of the rationale for the 5-cent increase per drink was obviously the goal of raising the needed funds for the proposed changes in the mental health system. Another justifying factor for the price increase, however, was the fact that since each alcoholic drink will cost more, Canadians will be more inclined to drink lower-alcohol products such as beer and wine instead of liquor.

Now fast forward many years. And I mean 'many' as I am now 56. If I so much as get a whiff of chlorine, I start to get a sense of those wonderful times, and if I actually get in a pool and swim, it all comes back. I know I am not as fit as then, as tan as then, as slender as then. I know my friends - well, those friends - are not in the pool with me, but all the same, it is a delightful reminder of those days.

Growing old is not an excuse to stop exercising your brain. In fact, there are many old people today who possess all the wisdom and sagacity that young people don't have. Yes, their bodies may look frail and wrinkled but their minds are zooming at speeds that you cannot just comprehend.

This adrenaline rush encouraging learning has become neutralized by the flow of activities in modern western societies, wherein the normal individual is seemingly on a constant, albeit generally unnoticed, adrenaline rush. Consequently, stress levels have continuously been on the rise, consequently decreasing the rate at which an individual learns when in a compromising situation, thus decreasing mental wellness levels.

A recent study paired individuals into groups, one of which spent 30 minutes on a treadmill and the other that participated in 30 minutes of rest. Each group's progress was monitored throughout the treatment with a conclusion that both groups reported having less negative feelings at the end of the study, along with less stress and tension.

by Adam Eric

Mental Health Continuing Education - Is Distance Learning Right For You?

Mental Health Continuing Education - Is Distance Learning Right For You?
When it comes to mental health continuing education, distance learning is a great option for some people, but not so good for others. This article looks at the pros and cons of distance learning.

For many people who choose mental health continuing education, ths style of learning is an attractive option. You're not 18 anymore, and now you've got an entire LIFE to coordinate. These programs are tailored to people who work, have families and are otherwise engaged in everyday things. However, it's not for everybody. First, let's look at the advantages of this particular learning style for mental health continuing education; then, we'll consider some of the disadvantages.

You Can Study When And Where You Want. These courses allow you to log in at any time and do your coursework. This is really convenient for those of us with busy schedules. You can also study anywhere, which means that you don't have to spend time traveling to and from school. It's just a matter of turning on your computer wherever you are.

Save Money As Well As Time. You may also find yourself spending less money with distance learning. You can get your mental health continuing education coursework done without having to spend the money on traveling, attending seminars, eating lunch on campus and other things.

Focus Your Time To Use It More Effectively. In a normal classroom setting, you have to sit through the lecture, even if you've already covered it. With distance learning, you move at your own pace, which means that you can skip over things that you've already studied or that don't pertain to you.

Mental Health Continuing Education - Is Distance Learning Right For You? These are the reasons so many people choose distance learning for their mental health continuing education course, but you should be aware that there are some downsides too:

The Technology Can Be Tricky. To make your lectures, discussions and tests, you've got to have a computer that's capable of running all the necessary programs. You also need a certain speed and memory capability. Sometimes, upgrading or getting the necessary software presents challenges you weren't expecting, as well as added costs.

Planning And Time Management. For some people, distance learning isn't such a good idea. It takes a certain kind of discipline to make all of your assignments and take care of all the little things, especially if you've also got a job to think about. You have to be good at planning and time management, and even though you don't have to show up for tests, the deadlines are serious. There are also lots of other little things to remember, like posting to discussion threads.

Teach Yourself. Distance learning is a little bit like teaching yourself. If you're doing a mental health continuing education course through this style of learning, you've got to be a self-starter.

No Direct Access. Another disadvantage is that you don't get to actually meet your instructors or classmates. This can be a big turn-off for students who need that face-to-face contact.

You can get your mental health continuing education certification in a real classroom or through distance learning. Consider the pros and cons of each before you make a decision. You might want to talk with someone who has done a distance learning course for further advice.

ow Can Colds and Flu Affect the Mental Health of a Person

How Can Colds and Flu Affect the Mental Health of a Person
Colds and flu are the most common diseases worldwide. Colds and flu are the most common diseases in the world and millions of people suffer every year. This disease affects the mental health of an individual in different ways and can interfere with daily activities.

Allergens such as dust, viruses and other pollutants cause colds and flu. Some of the symptoms displayed by people known to the sneezing, runny nose, cough and headache and flu symptoms, body and muscle aches, chills and fever are increasing dramatically.

How and why have they created?

People usually get with colds and flu, when your immune system is weakened, he said. Prolonged illness, excessive stress and poor nutrition are important factors that affect a person's immune system. What colds and flu more dangerous is the fact that infectious diseases, which can be from one person to another, which in turn affect the mental health of a person to be transferred.

The call and flu viruses are produced by tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes that are inhaled directly from another person, while still suspended in the air may be transferred.Transmitted by hand contact, such as entering the body through the nose, if the person concerned.

How to keep them away?

If you do not want to affect, colds and flu, mental health, you should keep your immune system healthy. The best way is to prevent people, the common cold and influenza. You should wash your hands regularly with antibacterial soap and keep clean.
There is no safe way to colds and flu with all that prevents caused by more than 200 different viruses. Basically this is no way to control them. However, if you catch colds and flu, have a strong immune system, we must defend.

A strong immune system can be built after the proper diet and eat the right amount of nutrients and minerals. For example, you should consume a lot of green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, sunflower and broccoli, strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin C accelerates the ability of the immune system to fight harmful microorganisms. If you suffer from colds and flu now, about 500 mg of vitamin C per day reduces the duration and severity of colds and flu.

How Can Colds and Flu Affect the Mental Health of a Person , Timor is that healthy cells to combat viruses and avian-known manufacturers. Zinc is a mineral essential for the proper functioning of this gland is essential and can prevent colds and flu. Physical health always attached mental health and understood the requirements for the immune system can help fight colds and flu.

Drinking hot water and other liquids from the fruit is one of the oldest methods to combat colds and flu. Drinking hot water helps to separate the mucosa and reduces mucus formation, common features are cool. In addition to a quick recovery from colds and flu, this approach increases a person's mental health through a lot.

Another technique for relief of colds and flu is the steam of boiling water with a few drops of thyme oil and eucalyptus to inhale. We inhale the steam in an open area. It is, however, must cover their heads and large bowl with a cloth and breathe, so the maximum amount of water entering the nasal passage.

My body feels very badly, in general, if you have to colds and flu, and the functioning of your brain is too weak and thus ruins your mental health to do.

Ginger and Chile is no good at it, the cold and flu at bay, is considered good tonic herbs. This, combined with an excellent combination of garlic, because garlic natural antibacterial properties. Foods rich in saturated fats and dairy products and other nutrient-poor diet, can be very useful. The alcohol and snuff to be avoided at times like these worsen the cold and flu.

There is no doubt that those affected by the cold and flu should drink plenty of water and rest well. However, to combat colds and flu, you need a doctor and be taken to bring the right treatment, antibiotics and other drugs. This way you can restore your mental health very quickly.

Medicine Used For Mental Health

Medicine Used For Mental Health
You join a moderately business office sit back a chair in a well-dressed lobby and bide time until your name to be proclaimed. Finally, it comes and you tend to be assessed by an intake employee, finally sent to a therapist seven days later, and then recommended to that staff psychiatrist. In this short time, you were diagnosed with Bipolar, Depression, which is an element associated with bipolar, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

You also have a historical past of Diabetes, High-Blood Pressure, and Allergies. Now the doctor is not alert to the inflammatory fiber nerve disease underlying the symptoms. You continue to visit the particular mental health experts complaining constantly within your symptoms, and they begin treating you enjoy a Hypochondriasis. (Someone occupied with health issues and most times are exaggerated).you begin feeling confused, disappointed with the therapist, and decide to go to check out a physician that finds a new fiber nerve disease, which proves that you conditions are valid.

Medicine Used For Mental Health However, you were already given prescription medications for psychotic and depressive indicators. You begin taking the medications and suddenly your insurance policies stops payment on the medication Effexor XR. Suddenly, you explode feeling aggressive, wanting to kill, wanting to die, wanting to harm and there is absolutely no explanation since these feelings has never occurred to that magnitude before you took that antidepressants prescribed. Now the problem has increased therefore you are searching desperately for a reply, yet you find nothing. What went wrong you may possibly ask?

Well, Effexor XR is given to be able to patients with depression and bipolar signs or symptoms. Since Effexor is said for you to target the brain chemicals growing the Norepinephrine and Serotonin inside brain, it is claimed to get rid of symptoms of depression and bipolar. Now Effexor XR is infamous (once the medication is definitely stopped abruptly) for increasing behaviors including, suicidal thinking, impulsive behaviors, violent outburst and so forth.

The Prescription has caused increase in Blood making it a bad deal for patients with High-Blood Pressure. Now you went to the therapist to repair a problem and your troubles has increased dramatically at it can be all because of health health care, mental health, medical, and so on. You start feeling that this cannot get any worse, but the doctors continue improving your medicines prescribing Tenormin (Atenolol) for your pain and after prescribing numerous doses of inflammatory prescriptions, which lead to stomach disorders, you are now taking meds to control your stomach. Moreover, it does not stop the following. Next, you are given Impramine HCL to get pain, Tramadol for pain, and rotated between antidepressants eventually prescribed Effexor XR again.

If you are feeling alone about to catch, since many times doctors, mental experts, and health care providers make this mistake excessively many times to count. It is ludicrous to go to mental health experts all to get severe complications exploding your life also , you are the one to blame, when in reality these experts made a significant mistake. Since the mental health skilled obviously had no choice although to eliminate Hypochondriasis, and claim that they were only searching for answers to the problem (building excuses) you finally say I'm searching for another mental health expert, since you have no idea what what you are doing.

You go to the following office; sit, wait, and when you are called you talk to an intake worker, then a therapist, and finally a psychiatrist. You go through the identical procedures wondering if these experts are smarter than the other experts you just quit, and soon find yourself with Effexor XR, Impramine HCL, Tramadol, and a variety of additional medications.

Finally, a colleague of mine named Gisyennsihnu Nhsawessshi benefited from the many tips in this article. You will too, if you take the time to really read through it and learn from that. You will be delighted at the amount of you can learn from the guide in here that could make your life better.Medicine Used For Mental Health

Study: Student Loan Worries Affect New College Students� Mental Health

Study: Student Loan Worries Affect New College Students� Mental Health

Researchers at the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California in Los Angeles say that worries about student loans are having a measurable negative impact on the mental health of first-year college students.

The latest results, from the fall of 2010, of the long-standing annual study "The American Freshman: National Norms" show that the overall mental health of first-year students in college has dropped to a 25-year low, prompted in part by concerns about the economy and paying for college.

Surveyed students among the class of 2014 cited growing concern about the current state of the economy and the need to pay for higher education with student loans as a primary cause of chronic stress.

About half of the study subjects reported that they had had to take out student loans to pay for their education. Researchers say that these students also expressed uncertainty about their ability to repay their college loans after graduation.

Indirect woes related to students' families and the economy also had a pronounced effect on new students. Paternal unemployment was cited as a serious concern of nearly 5�percent of students surveyed, while 8.6�percent of students reported that maternal unemployment was a significant concern.

Researchers report that a growing number of new college students can't rely on family support to finance their education and must take on the burden of paying for college themselves by finding available student loans, grants, and scholarships. Nearly three-fourths of the study participants reported that they received some grants or scholarships to help defray their higher education expenses, the highest reported proportion since 2001.

The study also noted that participants reported feeling frequently overwhelmed as high school seniors and that female participants reported a significantly lower state of mental health than did their male counterparts.

The study, which has been conducted annually since 1966, examines, among other things, the mental health status of more than 200,000 full-time first-year college students at nearly 280 four-year higher education institutions throughout the United States. Participation in the study is voluntary, and the survey questions are focused on the students' self-perceptions of mental health.

Study: Student Loan Worries Affect New College Students� Mental Health Researchers say that the study results should serve as a warning to college administrators that students who are already overwhelmed with worries about financial and family matters when they arrive on campus may respond to high or increasing levels of stress by managing their time poorly, performing poorly in classes, or turning to drugs and alcohol or other self-destructive behaviors in an attempt to relieve stress.

Barely 52�percent of participants classified their perceived mental health status as "in the highest 10�percent" or "above average." This characterization reflects a drop of 3.4�percent from the answers given by first-year students in 2009, and a drop of 11.7�percent from 1985, when mental health self-assessment questions were first added to the survey.

Concerns about the economy and post-graduation employment may be driving students to work harder. The study indicates that participants reported a stronger drive to achieve and higher perceived academic abilities than did past study participants. Nearly three-fourths of study participants said better earning potential was the chief benefit of a college degree.

by Jeff Mictabor
in Finance / PersonalFinance (submitted 2011-02-11)

What is Mental Health: Ways to Check your Mental Health

What is Mental Health: Ways to Check your Mental Health
We all strive to keep our body healthy by eating the right food and doing exercises. More than that, we also strive to keep our spirits healthy by practicing our own idea of spirituality and reinforcing our spirits. However, have you given much though on mental health? Have you thought about how strong your mind is? What is mental health and are there exercises that we can do to make sure that we have a strong and healthy mind?
Mental health is not just about having a mind free of any mental illness just like your physical health is not just about a body that's free of any sickness. In order for you to be healthy, you must have a strong body that can handle work and all the other physical activities. This is the same with mental health. You must not only have a mind that's free of mental illness but is sound and strong for you to enjoy life. Here are a few characteristics of a healthy mind:
The ability to enjoy life
Just like having a healthy body to enjoy the physical aspects of life, having a healthy mind allows you to enjoy life like laugh, watch movies and television, enjoy stories and conversations. A healthy mind is one that takes in the daily experiences and then reflects and recognizes the part that these experiences play in shaping your personality. If you cannot enjoy life and the daily experiences that come along with it, then you are shying away from the experiences that are supposed to be there to enrich you and your mind.
The ability to bounce back
Life will always be full of adversities and the only thing that you can do is to bounce back from these adversities. A person with a healthy mind is able to put things into perspective and act accordingly. You realize that there is a time to mourn but you also realize that too much is not healthy for you or for the people around you. A person with a healthy and strong mind is able to accept and recognize the changes and adversities in life but at the same time, bounce back and return to his own way of life or change for the better.
The ability to realize your goals
A strong and healthy mind is able to help you realize your dreams by way of strategizing, planning or the performance of the actual steps that you need to take in order to achieve your goals. Your mind must have the ability to break down goals into tangible steps that you have to take in order to achieve success.

by Giesele Bohn
in Other (submitted 2011-03-13)

Why Mental Health Continuing Education Matters So Much

Why Mental Health Continuing Education Matters So Much
Mental health continuing education courses are an important element of remaining up-to-date in the occupation you are employed in. As a busy psychologist, social worker, or counselor to move forward in your position and offer your patients all the help they require, you need to know your stuff. The same can be said for marriage counselors and family therapists.

Refresher courses for mental health continuing education can improve your focus and provide you with fresh insight into your job. It is recommended that you view CE units in the best possible light. Whether you choose to take courses at a local school or online, you need to look for modules that are top quality and are budget friendly for you. You also need to find ones that are convenient enough to work into your hectic schedule.

You may wonder who can take and/or should take mental health continuing education courses. The answer is anyone who is a mental health professional. For instance, these courses would be suitable for psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and anyone who works as a counselor. They would also be a good choice for students wishing to find employment in the sector.

Why take mental health continuing education classes? The answer is because it allows you to be aware of what is new in your field. Knowing what is happening is essential for your professional development and it also helps you to better attend to the needs of your patients. Knowledge and theories change regularly in the mental health field, and for this reason all those who wish to work in this area must know what new ideas and viewpoints have come along to replace the old ones. This is both the case when it comes to theoretical perspectives as well as the practical aspects of performing your job duties. All mental health professionals can benefit from what can be learned through taking CE courses.

Why Mental Health Continuing Education Matters So Much, It is important to note that with many jobs in this sector continuing education is not an option but a necessity. If you are not willing to commit to doing everything that a job entails, such as taking part in CE units, then you need to pursue another line of work.

For those who have recently graduated from college or university the thought of more schooling may be downright discouraging. However if you wish to pursue a career in psychology then taking CE classes soon after college graduation is a very smart decision to make. What you should do is to research the profession you want to get into and find out what the educational qualifications are. Once you know that you can figure out what continuing education subjects are for you.

The same can be said for someone who did not attend a postsecondary institution. Making the decision to take continuing education classes as a means of starting down a new career path is very wise. Look for opportunities to advance your education in the city or town you live in and/or online.

( by Anders Abadie)

The Essential Self Improvement And Mental Health Guide

The Essential Self Improvement And Mental Health Guide by Gen Wright


Feeling depressed recently? Somehow, your mental health appears to be suffering. What seems to be the cause of this situation? Let's take a closer look.

Elements that affect mental health.

1) Diet. Although a large number people may not be aware of this, your diet may be causing you to feel depressed. A poor diet can cause all sorts of health problems. And when you health suffers, you can't cope well with daily challenges. Over time, you start to feel more and more depressed. This can happen to anyone.

2) Sleep. Need you been sleeping well recently? There are a large number causes for insomnia. That is not the focus of this article, so we won't go into that. Just realize that if you suffer from insomnia, you can't recover your energy that you need lost during the day. There are 4 stages of sleep and deep sleep (stage 4) is when you feel most rested. If you don't sleep well, you never enter stage 4 and you are likely to feel tired in the morning.

3) Lifestyle or stress. Everyone faces a little form of stress at work. A little stress is actually healthy becomes it keeps the individual active and sharp. But too much stress can be harmful to health - both physical and mental. inconveniently, a large number of us are under constant stress most of the time for work reasons. Far too many people spend long hours at work and they think that they are doing the right thing. They want to work hard to earn more money so that the family can need a better living. That is understandable. However, in the long run, the body cannot undertake such high levels of stress and eventually starts to slow down. Illnesses start to manifest in the form of heart diseases, mental disorders, etc.

The above are the three primary elements that affect mental health. All good guides should therefore be written around these elements. So what do you think promotes good mental health? The answers seem more understandable now that we need discussed the primary elements.

1) Healthy diet and exercise. Having good health means that you need more energy to tackle the challenges thrown at you during the day. Hence, you are less likely to feel stressed and depressed. Spend at least 30 minutes working out in the gym 3 to 5 times a week. Watch your diet closely and do not eat just because you feel stressed out. Measure your daily calories to ensure that you don't overeat.

2) Catch plenty of rest. No more staying up late at night to finish up a little work. Switch off the television. Slow down a few hours before bed time to let the body realize that it's time to rest. Catch at least 8 hours of sleep daily.

3) Manage your stress well. If you feel stressed constantly, perhaps it's time to shuffle your responsibilities to reduce stress. Write them down on a piece of paper and then reduce or eliminate responsibilities that don't really matter.

Friday 7 October 2011

Cheeseburgers for Yom Kippur...

Yom Kippur, the day of atonement,  is a solemn Jewish holiday.  It occurs at the beginning of the new year, and marks the end of a period of reflection.  While it the usual tradition to fast, Danielle Gelfand has a moving editorial in the New York Times where she talks about a tradition she has of eating cheeseburgers on the beach with her mother as they remember her father who died many years ago of suicide.    The author writes:

For the last 18 years, my mother and I have spent Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, at Tod’s Point beach in Old Greenwich, Conn., near where I grew up and where my mother still lives. I’m a TV producer living in Brooklyn now, but I still go back every year. My mom reads my father’s old prayer book while I order lunch for us from the greasy concession stand that stays open into the fall, double hamburgers with grilled onions and French fries.

To those who fast during the holiday, our version of a High Holy Happy Meal might seem sacrilegious, but we didn’t always spend it this way. We used to go to temple like everyone else. But when I was 17, my father, who had just turned 59 and had suffered from depression for many years, shot himself in the head. The police found his body two days later, on the eve of Yom Kippur. 



 

Monday 3 October 2011