Bipolar Support Groups.com blog

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co on line support group

Many of us have heard of separation anxiety disorder. Typically when we think of separation anxiety, we think of it as a childhood disorder and not a condition that adults could suffer from (see: Separation Anxiety In Children Going To School). However, findings have revealed that adult separation anxiety disorder does exist. It is entirely possible for separation anxiety disorder to continue into, or even be newly diagnosed in, adulthood.

What Is Adult Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety refers to individuals who experience overwhelming and, at times, incapacitating stress that is associated with being separated from persons who matter to them the most. For children, this is typically the parents. For adults, the attachment figure could be a spouse, significant other or friend. Research studies performed within the past 15 years in both the United States and Australia have concluded that adult separation anxiety is a very real condition. It is now recognized as the mental disorder – Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder or ASAD.

What Are The Symptoms Of Adult Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety occurs when people feel excessive stress when faced with being separated from their home or from a prominent person in their lives. Characteristics of adult separation anxiety include:
Anxiety that is developmentally inappropriate regarding separation
Recurring episodes of overwhelming stress when faced with separation
Extreme worry about the well-being of attachment figures
Extreme worry that a major event will cause a separation from the attachment figure
Refusal to go to work or school because of fear of separation
Worry about being alone without the attachment figure
Refusal to go to sleep without the attachment figure being present
Refusal to sleep outside of the home
Persistent nightmares revolving around separation
Physical complaints when faced with a possible separation
Fear
Dependence on significant other
Sexual dysfunction
Body function disturbances

Who Is Most Affected By Adult Separation Anxiety?

Research indicates that more women are affected by separation anxiety than men. However, men seem to have a greater onset of separation anxiety as adults while many women seem to have had the first onset beginning in childhood. Many factors appear to affect the prevalence of adult separation anxiety including marital status, education level and employment status. Risk factors for developing adult separation anxiety seem to be greater among the following groups:
Individuals that have been divorced or widowed
Individuals that have never been married
Individuals with less than 12 years of education
Individuals that are unemployed

How Can Adult Separation Anxiety Affect Your Life?

Adult separation anxiety disorder can be debilitating. It can affect many aspects of a person’s life and can interfere with relationships, household responsibilities and work. Often times, adult separation anxiety can also cause distress to the object of the person’s attachment. Separation anxiety can affect daily life in many ways including:
Causing fear, anxiety and worry that make it impossible for the person to function normally
Putting stress upon relationships
Preventing a person from forming healthy, stable relationships
Causing disturbances in sleep
Making each day difficult and unclear

What Is The Correlation With Other Psychological Disorders?

Many times, adult separation anxiety occurs in conjunction with other psychological disorders. Research estimates that more than 90 percent of adults with separation anxiety could be characterized as having another mental disorder as well. Additionally, adults with separation anxiety are more likely to have a drug dependency. The most common psychological disorders that are likely to be present with separation anxiety are:
Anxiety disorder
Phobias
PTSD
Depression
Mood disorder
Bipolar disorder
Substance abuse
Drug dependency

How Is Adult Separation Anxiety Treated?

Because adult separation anxiety is a recently recognized disorder, there is no fixed procedure designed specifically for treatment. Typically, adult separation anxiety is treated as any other anxiety disorder would be using medications and therapy. Unfortunately, many adults suffering with separation anxiety never receive treatment or they seek treatment only for other disorders that are happening in conjunction with the separation anxiety. Treatment for separation anxiety would likely be treated with the following:
Antidepressants
Cognitive behavior therapy
Relaxation techniques
Group therapy

What Are Some Tips For Coping With Adult Separation Anxiety?

According to Hal Shorey, a psychologist from Widener University in Pennsylvania; there are different types of attachment styles. Attachment style or type refers to the way in which an individual reacts to separation and was most probably developed earlier in life due to parental relationships and life experiences. The three attachment types are: secure, anxious and avoidant.
Secure, meaning that the person is comfortable with intimacy, is loving and warm. This accounts for just over 50 percent of the population.
Anxious, meaning the person is always worrying about how their partner feels about them and if they are loved.
Avoidant, meaning the person does not emphasize closeness but rather dismisses it.

No matter the type of attachment style you seem to posses or if you are a combination of the three, it is important to begin to cope with separation anxiety as it occurs. If you find yourself in a constant chain of worry regarding separating from your loved one, you have to try to get those thoughts out of your head. Try to remind yourself of where you are and what you are doing. Grounding yourself in this way can help to distract your worry and control your thoughts. Additionally, you may try to distract your thoughts by engaging in another activity that requires brainpower such as reading or writing in a journal.

Separation anxiety, once thought of as only a childhood disorder, has been recently recognized as an adult disorder as well. If you feel you show signs of separation anxiety talk with your doctor or seek counseling.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

Basic Questions

As part of your routine physical exam, a doctor will ask about your lifestyle, relationships, mood, and professional life. It is important that you answer these questions honestly so that your primary care physician can identify whether you are at risk for mood disorders. The doctor will also ask you questions about your drinking, smoking, and drug habits. Again, you need to answer these questions honestly since drug and alcohol abuse can be both a cause and symptom of bipolar disorder.

Detailed Questions

If you seem to be at risk for bipolar disorder or any sort of mood condition, the doctor will ask additional questions for a more accurate diagnosis. The doctor may need details about your family’s health history, especially if mood disorders run in your family.

Be ready to answer these questions ahead of time. Try to keep a log of your mood swings and how long they last. Keep track of how you act and how you feel, and talk to your friends and family about whether they’ve noticed anything out of character, strange, or unusual. Make sure that you have information about any medications that you are taking, especially birth control pills and antidepressants.

Lab Tests

After asking you a series of questions, the doctor will conduct a blood and urine test to rule out physical explanations for your mood swings. A doctor will typically conduct a blood test to check for thyroid problems and a urine test to monitor drug levels in your system.

The doctor might also test for chronic conditions and sexually transmitted conditions such as syphilis and HIV. An EEG measures brain and nerve function and might be required to exclude epilepsy.

Scans

Some brain injuries and tumors produce symptoms that are similar to bipolar disorder. If there is a medical reason to suspect such a problem, the doctor might order a CT scan or MRI. A specialist will start to treat these types of conditions as soon as possible, and your symptoms will likely stop.

Similar Conditions

A variety of conditions produce symptoms that are similar to bipolar disorder. These include depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and emotional dysregulation. The doctor might ask you whether you have experienced any traumatic or destabilizing events. Bipolar disorder is a challenging condition to diagnose, especially since a variety of conditions can cause problems related to mood, energy, and concentration.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

How to Prevent Against This

Bipolar disorder is not a condition that you can necessarily prevent. You cannot control your genetics, and you cannot control many negative situations that occur in your life. The best preventative measure is to stay informed and catch symptoms early before they become worse. Know whether mood disorders run in your family, and listen to your friends and family if they point out any irrational changes in your behavior.

Be honest with your doctor, and stay on top of your annual physical exams. Usually, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your social relationships and your life. Your answers will help identify any problems before they can become worse.

Catching the condition early is important because you will understand why you are behaving a particular way. If left unmonitored, bipolar disorder can cause serious harm to your personal and professional life. Many bipolar patients are at high risk for suicide and violent behavior.

It is important for people to get enough sleep. Melatonin levels and sleeping patterns are related to mood swings and fluctuating depressive episodes. Monitor your sleeping patterns to ensure that you are sleeping enough every day.

Diet Tips

There is no such thing as a “bipolar diet.” In any case, it is important to maintain a pattern of healthy eating, since certain foods can exacerbate anxiety, poor health, and depression. Avoid red meats, saturated fats, trans fats, and simple carbohydrates. Make sure that you are getting enough nutrition and exercise so that you maintain balance in your life.

Treatment & Relief Methods

Bipolar disorder treatments vary according to the symptoms and the condition’s severity. Lithium is a mood stabilizer used to treat the manic phase. Doctors will also prescribe antidepressants to treat symptoms of depression.

A person who experiences delusions may need to be hospitalized. While hospitalized, a patient might receive a course of anti-anxiety drugs. The doctor will discharge the patient to return home once the symptoms are under control.

Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment method that induces small seizures through electrical currents. Patients are typically under general anesthesia for this procedure.

Many patients experience success through support networks and groups. By interacting with peers and discussing common problems, patients, friends, and family are able to cope with the consequences of bipolar disorder. Your doctor should be able to help you find the right support group.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

Symptoms

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary in severity from person to person. Bipolar patients are said to be manic when they experience the following traits: hyperactivity, excessive energy, loss of self control, impulsive behavior, falsely high self-esteem, sleeplessness, bad temper, and dangerous behavior such as overeating, drinking, doing drugs, acting without judgment, spending excessive amounts of money, and being promiscuous. Manic individuals with bipolar disorder have trouble concentrating and focusing on tasks.

Bipolar patients may also feel symptoms that are less intense and more depressive. These symptoms include problems concentrating, diminished memory, lapses of judgment, appetite loss, weight loss, increased appetite, weight gain, exhaustion, lethargy, feelings of hopelessness, excessive and irrational guilt, sadness, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, and social withdrawal.

Bipolar disorder is equally common among men and women across a variety of ethnic and racial groups. In many situations, bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose since the symptoms resemble depression. For the most part, people experience symptoms differently. A person might experience symptoms of mania more strongly than feelings of depression, and another person might experience symptoms of depression more strongly than symptoms of mania.

People who are bipolar might not recognize whether they are experiencing symptoms. In many situations, friends and family members are the first to recognize behavioral abnormalities and symptoms.

Warning Signs

Patients with bipolar disorder are high suicide risks. If you start to experience suicidal thoughts, you should contact a suicide hotline, call 911, or contact your doctor immediately.

Many bipolar patients abuse drugs and alcohol. When you are bipolar, especially if you are taking medications, you should not use these substances. Alcohol and drugs may interfere with prescription medications and antidepressants.

Many bipolar patients cause harm to themselves and others. As the condition worsens, a patient might have trouble functioning in society. Many patients with bipolar disorder behave out of character by committing crimes and lashing out against loved ones. A person might behave violently or irrationally, causing irreparable damage to certain social relationships.

You should seek help if you notice substantial negativity in your quality of life. You should not have to suffer, especially when there are treatments available to help you. When you allow the condition to persist and become worse, you risk the possibility of causing permanent damage to your life.

Many times, friends and family members are the first to recognize symptoms. If you suspect that your friend or family member is bipolar, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible for tips and suggestions. Do not aggravate the person, and avoid triggering a manic episode.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

What Are the Causes?

Bipolar disorder results from a chemical imbalance in the brain as a result of multiple causes that vary between individuals. Studies conclusively show that genetics and environmental factors both play a part in causing symptoms.

Certain genes are linked to bipolar disorder. Most research has not been conclusive, but findings have found potential causes in the genes related to serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and cell growth. No studies report findings with 100 percent confidence.

Many childhood behaviors and habits have been linked to people who develop bipolar disorder as adults or adolescence. There is a strong correlation between depression, mood abnormalities, ADHD, and stimulant use.

Certain environmental components can lead to bipolar disorder. Traumatic events and social relationships are factors that can affect whether a person will be diagnosed as bipolar. Many children who experience abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder have a chance of developing bipolar disorder later on.

Some studies have shown that sensitivity to melatonin is an indicator of bipolar disorder. In the sample groups, individuals with bipolar disorder demonstrated sensitivity to light, causing an extreme drop in melatonin. In corresponding studies, the recovered bipolar patients showed no sensitivity to light.

Certain psychological functions have a role in triggering bipolar disorder. Extreme stress can cause people to experience extreme fluctuations in mood. A person might start to feel critical, depressed, and impulsive. Slowly, a person will bipolar disorder may start to lose self control and behave irrationally.

Who’s at Risk?

Bipolar disorder affects men and women of all ages. Most bipolar patients are diagnosed by the time they are adolescents; however, a person of any age can develop symptoms for the first time. Children can also show signs of bipolar disorder.

It is believed that heredity plays a role in bipolar disorder since people with a family history of the condition are likely to have the condition, themselves.

People develop symptoms for a variety of reasons that are both genetic and environmental. It is difficult to tell who will develop bipolar disorder and who will not.

If you notice that you experience extreme mood swings, you may be bipolar. Do not take your symptoms lightly, especially if you notice ups and downs over an extended period of time.

There are many stereotypes about people who are bipolar, and as a result, people might be afraid to talk about their symptoms. Understand that a large group of people are equally at risk. You should not feel ashamed, especially when there are effective treatments available.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

What Is It?

Bipolar disorder is a problem in brain that causes frequent shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Symptoms vary from person to person in terms of severity and duration. For some patients, feelings of depression and elevated moods may rotate or cycle. For other patients, moods might shift quickly, and for others, feelings of depression and happiness might alternate over a period of months. Patients might feel strong feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and hopelessness followed by extreme periods of happiness. The condition can escalate and include symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and other types of psychosis. Patients might begin to behave strangely or out of character.

Bipolar disorder can cause severe social problems. A patient might be unable to carry out day-to-day tasks, maintain relationships, or hold a job. Some patients have been known to commit crimes while suffering from an episode. Mood swings are unpredictable and can last for several days or several months. Most commonly, symptoms begin in adolescence and young adulthood.

The disorder can affect you and everyone around you: your friends, family, coworkers, and peers. With treatment, a normal life is possible.

The history of bipolar disorder is extensive, and records of the condition date back as far as the second century. It was classified under the term “bipolar disorder” in 1980.

Types

Bipolar I: Patients experience symptoms that range from mania to depression. Previously, Bipolar I was classified as manic depression. Symptoms of depression can last for at least two weeks, and accompanying manic behavior can last for one week. This type of bipolar disorder requires hospitalization.

Bipolar II is characterized by less severe mood swings alternating between periods of hypomania and depression. Manic feelings and behaviors are not symptoms of this condition. Acute cases do not require hospitalization. Medications might be required for long term treatment.

Cyclothymic is a very mild form of bipolar disorder. Symptoms can be subtle and may persist for several years. This form of bipolar disorder may go undetected. Hypomania might be an accompanying symptom. Regular psychiatric treatment might be necessary.

Mixed bipolar disorder is characterized by simultaneous mania and depression. This dangerous mix causes symptoms of racing thoughts and excessive energy along with irritability, anger and guilt. Violent or criminal actions might result from an untreated mixed bipolar condition.

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more periods of severe depression, mania, or hypomania within a year’s time. Rapid cycling can occur within a week or even a day. Most patients begin to experience rapid cycling as teens or young adults. Rapid cycling rates are more common among women.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

The following include typical symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Rapid speech
Rapid actions
Increased sex drive
Inability to concentrate
Guilt
Chronic pain
Psychosis
Loss of interest in daily activities
Out of character behaviors

Sometimes, it is difficult to identify symptoms when you are experiencing them. A family member or friend might point out your symptoms.

Causes & Risk Factors

Bipolar symptoms will experience periods of extreme happiness followed by periods of extreme depression. You might notice that these emotions are becoming worse over time, and you might be having trouble managing your life. A family history of bipolar disorder is one of the biggest indicators of whether you will develop the condition.

Although the precise etiology of bipolar disorder is unknown, doctors believe that a number of genetic and environmental factors are responsible.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to seek treatment for bipolar disorder as soon as possible. If you do not treat the condition promptly, your symptoms may become worse and put you at risk of harm. You need to work with a doctor to find the best treatment options. Some doctors might prefer not to use medication, while other doctors believe that medication is necessary. Some patients need to be hospitalized.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

Bipolar I

People with bipolar I disorder can experience symptoms of varying levels. Some patients experience extreme manic episodes for a period of time followed by extreme depression for a long or short period of time. In the past, bipolar I disorder was known as manic depression.

Typically, patients experience depression for at least two weeks and then will display manic behavior for about one week. This pattern can cycle for an indefinite period of time, and many patients need to be hospitalized in order to keep symptoms under control.

Symptoms of depression include:
Feelings of hopelessness
Diminished memory
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Appetite loss
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Exhaustion
Lethargy
Excessive and irrational guilt
Thoughts of suicide
Social withdrawal

Symptoms of mania include:
Delusions of grandeur
Falsely high self-esteem
Dangerous behaviors
Drinking & doing drugs
Overeating
Acting without judgment
Spending excessive amounts of money
Loss of self control
Insomnia
Behaving promiscuously

Bipolar II

Patients with bipolar II disorder experience less severe mood swings and experience hypomania and depression. Symptoms of hypomania are milder symptoms of mania. People might experience mood swings for varying amounts of time at varying intensities. Most people with bipolar II disorder do not need to be hospitalized, although a large number of patients need medication, therapy, and long term treatment.

It is possible for people with bipolar II disorder to have a manic episode in the future. When bipolar II patients experience mania, it is difficult to diagnose and treat the symptoms effectively.

Cyclothymic

Patients with cyclothymia experience a very mild form of bipolar disorder. The symptoms for this condition are subtle, gradual, and may go without detection for a number of years. Cyclothymic patients rarely experience full-on mania, but they may experience hypomania. Even though symptoms of cyclothymia may be mild, doctors advise patients to seek out regular psychiatric treatment.

Mixed Bipolar

Patients of this disorder experience mania and depression at the same time. This dangerous combination of symptoms can cause racing thoughts, excessive energy, irritability, outbreaks of anger, and excessive guilt. People with mixed bipolar disorder have been known to act out violently and commit crimes.

Rapid Cycling

This form of bipolar disorder occurs when a patient experiences four or more episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania. Some patients experience severe alternating moods within a week or even a day. Rapid cycling is most common among teens, young adults, and women.

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

For the estimated 2.4 million adults living with schizophrenia in the U.S., and the people who love and care for them, it takes courage, compassion, and a commitment to stand and face this serious condition together — always looking ahead with hope.

Whether you’re living with this disease or caring for someone who is, we hope that our site can help provide some resources you need to face schizophrenia head on. Remember, we’re in this together.

It takes strong support from the people that care, too.

Interactive Conversation Tool

Whether you live with schizophrenia or care for someone who does, our Interactive Conversation Tool may help you talk with your treatment team and loved ones about schizophrenia management, including treatment options. We’re building the tool based on input from people like you. So register today, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready to use.

Schizophrenia Is a Lifelong Condition

Most people out there don’t understand what schizophrenia is. But the reality is, schizophrenia is a lifelong medical condition that affects 1 out of 100 adults in the U.S.

Because each person is unique, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be very different from one person to the next. And because schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, symptoms can also change, or come and go in phases.

Schizophrenia is nobody’s fault.
Schizophrenia affects the brain. This can change how people think, feel, act, and live. It’s important to remember that no one chooses to have schizophrenia or its symptoms.
Some commonly reported symptoms include: Hallucinations: sensing things that others don’t, like hearing or seeing things
Delusions: strongly believing something is true even when there’s no evidence of it
Altered emotions: having feelings that don’t seem to fit what’s going on, or having no feelings at all
Withdrawal: no drive or desire to do the things you used to enjoy
Lack of motivation: difficulty staying focused and doing tasks
Disorganization: having disorganized thinking, speaking, or behavior
Cognitive: such as attention and memory problems

A common symptom of schizophrenia is not realizing there’s anything wrong.

Accepting help or treatment
It’s really important to know that a lot of people with schizophrenia may not see there’s anything wrong, because of a clinical symptom called “lack of insight.” The symptom can make people think there’s no need for treatment or medication, which may make it hard for them to accept help from family and caregivers.
Help us develop a support tool that may make a difference. By registering, you’ll receive information about schizophrenia management, including treatment options.

Schizophrenia treatment:
understanding your options

Psychosocial treatments, including one-on-one therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and others, may help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medication is also an important part of a treatment plan to help improve and maintain control of symptoms. Antipsychotic medicines include what are called “typicals” and “atypicals.” Pills and liquid are taken daily, while some injections are given twice a month and others given once monthly.*

The Maintenance Phase is following a treatment plan including taking your medication to help control symptoms and try to prevent acute episodes from coming back quickly. With appropriate medication and support, many people with schizophrenia can aim to lead productive lives. But even in a Maintenance Phase, there is a risk that acute episodes may come back. So, it’s especially important to remember to stay on treatment—even when symptoms improve.

An Acute Phase of schizophrenia is when symptoms are typically severe and may lead to hospitalization. Acute episodes can keep happening, and for some may get worse over time.

Maintenance Treatment*

Daily

Oral Medication

Pills or liquid taken daily by the individual.

Twice a Month

Long-Acting Medication

Injections given by healthcare professionals twice a month.

Monthly

Long-Acting Medication

Once-monthly injection given by healthcare professionals.

*After Initial Dosing

Find out more about a treatment option

Stay informed. And help others.

Discover how you can get resources like our HelpSheets, and assist us in developing a support tool for others like you.

Reach out to any of the people on your Treatment Team for help and support.

Caregiving:
It Takes Working Together

Schizophrenia can be a lonely condition. The world outside often misunderstands schizophrenia, and doesn’t know how much courage and compassion it takes to live with the condition. That’s why it’s so important for family, caregivers, and loved ones to stand together.
How family members can help:
•They can be “advocates,” and help loved ones work with the complicated healthcare system.
•They can remind their loved ones to take their medication, which may help prevent acute episodes from coming back quickly.
•They can partner with their loved one and the rest of the Treatment Team to find an appropriate treatment plan.
•They can be the first to notice warning signs of an acute episode or side effects of medicine.

Some things can make it hard for family and caregivers to offer help. Like when they feel “shut out” because doctor-patient confidentiality doesn’t let them get information about their loved one’s health. Even then, family and caregivers may still offer important information to the Treatment Team.

A Treatment Team can be made up of one or more healthcare professionals — and is the best source of information about your loved one’s condition. Here’s a brief description of who might be on a Treatment Team.
Psychiatrists: The psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, and prescribes and manages medication.
Psychologists, psychiatric social workers, or counselors: These are the professionals who help patients with what’s called psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or family therapy.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants: Many psychiatrists will rely on these healthcare professionals to help manage day-to-day treatment.
Nurses: Are in regular contact with patients, and often work closely with caregivers, case workers, and social workers to discuss a patient’s treatment and needs.
Social workers: Many are trained as therapists and offer counseling and social skills training. Others can help arrange for various social services.
Case Managers: Can help find services and programs that help patients with daily living. They can also help apply for benefits and arrange for training.
Occupational therapists or employment counselors: Once a patient is sticking to treatment and in a Maintenance Phase, these professionals can help them find the skills needed for work or school.
Get involved.

With your input, we may develop additional resources for those caring for someone with schizophrenia.

Additional Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization
1-800-950-6264

Mental Health America
Network of resources for living a mentally healthy life
1-800-969-6642

SAMHSA Mental Health Services
Resource for substance abuse and mental health

Bring Change 2 Mind
Medical advisory panel as well as information on schizophrenia and other mental illnesses

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Find out more and apply for disability benefits

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

WHY EXERCISE?

As our technology advances, it produces more sophisticated, labor saving machinery which requires less physical involvement by today’s employees. However, our bodies were not designed to sit behind desks all day or to depress the accelerator pedal of our cars. Our heart, lungs and muscles need vigorous, regular exercise in order to function properly and keep us physically fit.

When the activity required by our jobs and other duties falls below the level necessary to support good health, we must supplement it with planned activity. Our sense of well being, our ability to perform, and even our survival depends on it.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF EXERCISE

Chronic levels of tension can produce the following physical effects on our bodies:

A. Inability to move freely and easily
B. Reduced circulation
C. Sore, tight muscles
D. Shallow, inhibited breathing
E. Psychosomatic illnesses

Exercise can reduce these negative effects and prepare us physically to cope with future stressors.

WHAT IS AEROBIC EXERCISE?

Whenever you move, your body must use up more oxygen than it requires in a resting state. More oxygen can be delivered to your body by either taking in more air into your lungs or by increasing your heart rate. Any vigorous, extended exercise that demands more oxygen than you customarily consume, but not more than you can take in is considered aerobic exercise.

TYPES OF EXERCISE

The key to aerobics is continued movement and motion. Any exercise which fulfills these requirements, while increasing your oxygen consumption is appropriate. The following are all appropriate:

1. Fast walking
2. Jumping Rope
3. Running
4. Cycling
5. Jogging
6. Swimming
7. Stationary running
8. Handball, Squash

http://www.bipolar4lifesupport.co

Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD the following are some tips on how to move forward without the guilt or blame:

Learn About ADHD — Being informed about your child’s diagnosis will also help you to better understand your child’s behavior.

Maintain A Positive Attitude — Remember that your child is not his ADHD. S/he has many wonderful qualities and it is important to praise them. Acknowledging your child’s positive traits will help to keep up his/her self-confidence. It will also serve as a reminder of the qualities you value in them during more stressful situations.

Have Patience — At times, your child’s behaviors might be frustrating, worrisome, or embarrassing. Be aware of those behaviors that will not have significant negative consequences and choose to let them go. Be flexible and understand that many of your child’s behaviors are related to their ADHD.

Take Care of Yourself — Be sure to take time for your own relaxation. Parents of children with ADHD benefit from planned personal time. Setting aside time to release stress will increase your frustration tolerance, helping you to deal with problem behaviors in a calm, productive way.

Know That You Are Not Alone — Support groups for parents of children with ADHD can be found in most areas, as well as online. Having a community that understands what you, your child, and your family are dealing with will be helpful in learning new, productive ways to build a path to success. Reach out to these groups as well as mental health professionals who can help you determine the right treatment options for your child.

The Attention Deficit Specialists at CEPD can help you and your child to get on and stay on the road to success. Together, we can determine what problem behaviors can and should be addressed, develop and implement a plan to change those behaviors, provide emotional support for you, your child, and your family, and work on strengthening your child’s ability to focus his/her attention.