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Posts under ‘Difficult Issues’

5 warning signs of risk for suicide

  1. Hopelessness

    The person feels that nothing will ever improve. They may feel that they do not have control and that everything is a mess.

  2. Confusion

    The person is often confused and irritated. This low frustration tolerance seeps into all areas of life.

  3. Breaking relations and associations

    The person disengages from their support system. They may not feel the energy to participate or may believe that anything will make a difference.

  4. Low energy level

    The person does little or nothing, spends their time daydreaming, and does not follow through on tasks.

5 warning signs of risk for suicide

  1. Helplessness

    The person focuses on the negative view rather than the positive view of things, which increases feelings of helplessness.

  2. Impulsive behaviors

    The person may make rash decisions without thinking through choices and consequences.

  3. Isolation

    The person makes up excuses and avoids socializing and utilizing other resources.

  4. Physical symptoms

    These include appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, fatigue, headaches, etc.

  5. No routine

    The person does not maintain their daily schedule. They may find it difficult to get everything done as they previously had been able to.

What people should know about suicide risk

With the recent news of celebrity suicides (death of Andrew Koenig (actor famous for role in Growing Pains, Michael Blosil (son of Marie Osmond), and Alexander McQueen (fashion designer)) once again remind us of the seriousness of the issue. Suicide statistics have reported more than 832,500 suicide attempts per year. Understanding suicide begins with understanding warning signs. Here are 5 signs of someone at risk for suicide.

  1. Negativity

    Someone at risk for suicide generally looks towards the negative and feels that things are not going well. They may feel that life is not worth the pain. They have difficulty managing day-to-day activities.

10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

As many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s Disease http://www.publicspark.com/2008/03/24/what-you-need-to-know-when-your-loved-one-has-alzheimers-disease-part-i/. Recognizing warning symptoms is an important step in getting treatment for a loved one who may have Alzheimer’s disease. After recognizing symptoms, it is important to consult with a physician.

  1. Memory Loss

    While everyone forgets a name or a task, frequent forgetfulness with confusion is a sign that something is wrong.

  2. Difficulty performing normal and familiar tasks

    For example, making a complete dinner (which is a nightly occurrence) and then forgetting to serve it.

Coping with feelings of abandonment after a break up

After a relationship is over, one can feel overwhelmed with feelings. One can feel angry, frustrated, sad, and one of the uncomfortable feelings can be a sense of abandonment. Here are tips on ways to cope with feelings of abandonment.

  • Know that it is normal to have these feelings as uncomfortable as it may be.

  • Talk to someone whether it will be your family, friends, or professional counselor.

  • Explore new interests.

  • Foster new friendships.

  • Avoid using drugs, alcohol and food to cope. Use positive coping strengths such as exercise, art, music.

Helping children cope with feelings of abandonment after a new sibling is born

The birth of a sibling for a young child can be a happy occasion, but it can also be a rude shock and create feelings of jealousy and abandonment. Here are some ways to prevent children from feeling abandoned.

How to teach an child with Asperger’s Syndrome to read

This is continued from the previous blogs on how to teach a child with Asperger’s syndrome in the classroom. Here are some tips on teaching a child with Asperger’s syndrome to read.

  • Set a routine

    Spend time creating and planning active, structured visual and purposeful instruction.

  • Be a model to them

    Model what the children with asperger’s need to know and how they need to learn.

  • Help them practice

    Provide them with multiple opportunities for practice.

Teaching a child with aspergers syndrome using a lesson plan that includes games and activities

This is continued from the previous blog on how to teach children with asperger’s syndrome in the classroom.

Here are some websites that provide lesson plans for children with autisic spectrum disorders.

How to teach children with Asperger’s syndrome in the classroom

Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism is characterized by rigidity of thought and behavior, limited verbal and non-verbal communication, difficulty with social relationships, motor delays. It requires great effort by parents, teachers, and professionals to help children with Asperger’s grow professional. Here are 10 tips on how to teach children in the classroom setting.

  1. Setting a routine

    Students with Asperger’s work best with a particular routine, so it is beneficial for the student to have a clear structure and a set daily routine. When anything happens different from his/her routine he/she may demonstrate stereotype behavior such as rocking, shouting or screaming. When routines need to be changed, provide a written time table showing the daily schedule on their table so that they can be warned of change.

Different stages of quitting cigarettes

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When someone is considering smoking cessation, it is important to think about the different stages.

  • Stage 1: Breakthrough

    Smoker has identified themselves as being concerned about their health as well as those around them. This is the stage where smokers are wondering if they should quit or cut down.

  • Stage 2: Resourceful

    Smokers begin to seek and gather information about how to quit smoking. They also begin to explore more healthier alternatives.

  • Stage 3: First steps

    Smokers begin taking steps to change their smoking habits. Ex. cutting down on the amount, getting more exercise, coping through family and friends.