Ignite your potential
Bulimia nervosa is where one has recurrent episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors. The following are common signs and symptoms:
Swelling of hands and feet
Weakness and fatigue
Weight fluctuations
Headaches
Nausea
Enlargement of salivary glands
Hyperpigmentation
Dental erosion
Cavities
Seizures
Muscle weakness
Electrolyte inbalances
Anorexia Nervosa is the refusal to maintain body wait at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height. There are a variety of risk factors attributed to anorexia nervosa. here are some common signs and symptoms to look for:
Weight loss/extreme thinness
Preoccupation with food
Lack of energy
Amenorrhea
Constipation
Dry skin and hair
Brittle nails
Headaches
Hypothermia & cold intolerance
Hypotension
Abdominal complaints
Bradycardia
Postural dizziness and fainting
Recently I attended a seminar on eating disorders. In the U.S. it is estimated that 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of becoming fat.91% of college women surveyed in 2001 had attempted to control their weight through dieting. Annually, Americans spend over $40 billion on dieting and diet-related products.
Cultural
There are cultural values that may emphasize self and body. One may equate thinness with beauty and happiness.
Family
One may develop eating disorders if there is a family history of it. The family as a whole may be overinvested in food, diet, weight, appearance, or physical fitness.
Divorce is difficult for the couple and children. These are 5 ways to begin to emotionally survive a divorce.
Understanding feelings
Recognize your feelings of anger, worry, depression, sadness, frustration, and loneliness. Know that these are all normal. Find positive ways to deal with them.
Utilize your support network
This is the time to reach out to those closest to you, as well as your community (whether it be religion or support groups that deal with divorce).
Take care of your body
Health is important. Make sure you have adequate sleep, nutrition, laughter, and exercise.
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty making decisions
Worries excessively
Constant fidgeting
Difficulty remaining seated
Fear of harming self or others
Displays compulsive, ritualistic behavior
Has racing thoughts
Has persistent nightmares
Has sleep disturbance
Substance abuse
Truancy
Lying/stealing
Has appetite disturbance
Excessive exercise/dieting
Destroying property
Breaking the law
Hurting animals
Fascinated with fires
Engaging in risky, life-threatening activities
Grades go down
Loses interest in things they usually enjoyed
Wants to be alone all of the time
Day dreams a lot
Feels life is too hard and is overwhelmed
Talks about suicide
Hears voices
Is not taking care of his/her hygiene
Is giving prize possessions away
Very moody
Feels extremely sad and hopeless without reason
Is angry a lot of the time
Is often tearful
Overreacts to things
Feels worthless or guilty
Distract yourself.
Go out for a walk, call a friend, or meditate.
Create options.
Give yourself permission to do what would be helpful. Take a bath, exercise, engage in relaxation techniques, listen to music, pray.
Be reasonable.
Know that postpartum depression is not something that would last forever, but it is important to receive assistance.
Deal with difficult feelings.
There are many feelings that can arise from post-childbirth. It is important to talk with your therapist about feelings of guilt, failure, low self-esteem, fear, etc.
Here are 5 ways to overcome postpartum depression.
Seek professional help.
Ask your physician for appropriate referrals to specialists. Group therapy and/or individual therapy may also be beneficial.
Accept that you are experiencing postpartum depression.
Remember positive affirmations: “It is not my fault.” “I will not always feel this way.” “I will choose to participate in my treatment and help improve myself.”
Identify patterns of negative response.
Deal with “what is”, NOT “what if” or “I can’t” or “nothing is going to help.”
Set limitations.
Don’t take on too many responsibilities. Also set limits on telephone time, visits from family and friends, etc.
Following childbirth can be an overwhelming moment for a woman. Women may feel happy, excited, but 60-80% of women say they have experienced temporary moodiness (crying or feeling, sad, frustrated). It generally resolves after three to four days, but sometimes the emotional and physical symptoms can lead to postpartum depression. If you or anyone you know may be showing the following symptoms, it is important to consult with a doctor or a professional therapist.
Feelings of sadness most of the time.
Crying at least once a day.
Difficulty concentrating.
The recent tragic death of Corey Haim at only 38 years old has many Hollywood insiders and doctors worried about the number of stars that regularly abuse prescription medication. The following are celebrities who have died from prescription drug abuse.
Marilyn Monroe
She was a famous actress, model and American sex symbol. At the age of 36, Marilyn died in her sleep of barbituate poisoning (overdose of sleeping pills).
Elvis Presley
Elvis was the King of Rock n Roll, but suffered from multiple addictions to prescription medications. He died of a massive overdose in 1977.
