Learn How to Deal With Stress and Beat Depression Through Acceptance

If you're reading this, then you likely already know that stress and depression go hand and hand. Stress is the feeling you get when you feel that something really important is out of your control and you just have to do something about it-no matter what! Depression is what you feel when you've driven yourself crazy trying to make things right and despite your best efforts, you come up feeling defeated. This may not seem like good news, but the fact is there's a silver lining. Since they are so intertwined, you can learn how to deal with stress and beat depression in one fell swoop-through acceptance! Here's how.

• Accept what you can't change.

You've heard it before. It may even sound cliché by now, but it's true. One of the very best things you can do to beat depression and stress is to accept what you can't change. You know what I'm talking about. There are circumstances in all of our lives that we so wish that we could change or even make disappear altogether. How much time and energy do you spend dwelling on these things? If the answer is more than a second or two, then you need to practice acceptance in order to truly learn how to handle stress. After all, why fret over things that you have no influence over?

• Accept who you can't change.

Are there people in your life who make you crazy or worse, make you feel bad about yourself? Most people are well aware that circumstances aren't the only aspects of life we wish we could change. If you're like most of us, then there are probably people in your life you wish you could make over as well. Let this feeling go. People can change, but only when they want to, and you have no control over their will. Make up your mind to accept the person as-is or distance yourself from them. It can be a difficult thing to do, especially if you're worried about hurting someone's feelings or perhaps you truly care for the person. Above all, put your own wellbeing and emotional health first if you want to beat depression and effectively manage stress.

• Accept yourself-and change.

While you can't always change your circumstances or the people in your life, you can change one thing-yourself. The key is to accept yourself along the way. We all have things about ourselves we'd like to improve. That's healthy. But if you want to beat depression, then you're going to have to learn how to love yourself through these changes. That means celebrating small accomplishments and keeping self-criticism in check.

Knowing the difference between what you can and cannot change is not only the key to knowing how to handle stress and beat depression, but it is also one of the great lessons in life. Once you've learned it, you'll experience more peace and contentment in your life than you ever thought possible!

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Fight Stress and Improve Your Health

Everyone has the notion that stress is detrimental to our wellbeing, but do you know what you can do to help relieve this stress? You might have some ideas, but putting those ideas into motion is a bit more difficult. Exercise, fun activities, and even sleep can help reduce the stress you are facing. Fitting these things into your lifestyle can be tough though. For the elderly, however, fighting stress is an essential part of your healthy lifestyle. By having a stress fighting plan in place, you can improve your mental and physical health. For those at risk of getting sick-such as the elderly-beating stress becomes especially important.

Exercise is a great way to ward off the ill effects of stress. The hormones released by rigorous exercise do a lot for your physical health, but they also have a positive impact upon mental health. For example, exercise improves your brain's neurotransmitter numbers. These help your neurons (brain cells) function more efficiently and this can improve your mood. An improved mood is obviously a good way to deal with stress.

Cortisol levels can also be elevated by stress. Cortisol is a chemical that naturally occurs within our bodies, but it is closely linked to belly fat levels. In fact, cortisol is so closely related to stress that it has been dubbed the "stress hormone." While some cortisol is a necessity, too much can lead to weight gain-the bad kind. In the elderly, increased body fat can lead to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. In addition to this, increased cortisol levels are linked to a decline in cognitive abilities, decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass, blood sugar imbalances, and high blood pressure. These things are all incredibly dangerous to the senior citizen population.

Stress can be relieved in other ways besides exercise. If you aren't getting enough sleep, stress might be the cause of this, but stress can also be relieved through sleep. This is a vicious cycle. Still, attempting to get around eight hours of sleep per night is important-even if you don't hit that number, trying is important. Resting is not as beneficial as sleep, but it is still important. Aim for eight hours of rest each night and you will see your stress melt away. Just make sure that you don't spend your sleepless hours tossing and turning. Try and use relaxation techniques or meditation to get your rest. A lack of sleep is connected to a weakened immune system-something that the elderly are already prone to. Getting sleep can keep you healthier as it lets the body repair itself.

Finally, have fun. Nothing relieves stress by unwinding and forgetting your troubles. This is a temporary fix, but it's extremely important. Fun pays off in a big way and it makes your life a lot more enjoyable. This, obviously, is a beneficial thing.

Matthew G. Young is a freelance writer who specializes in financial, sports, and health-related topics. To learn more about in home health care visit Paradise In Home Care

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Easy Tips For Better Mental Health

Mental health is the person's emotional well-being or mental balance to realize the person's abilities, capability to cope and productivity in making contributions to the community. It describes the capacity to express emotions and ability to adapt to the environment's demands and changes.

It refers to the overall psychological well-being of a person. This includes the way a person feels about themselves, the value of their relationships, and their ability to handle feelings and manage difficulties. Just because a person do not have mental health problems does not mean that the person already has good mental health. Having a good mental health means having positive characteristics present in a person's life.

People, who have good mental health usually have a feeling of contentment, can bounce back from drawbacks and adversity, flexible and willing to learn new things and to adapt to different kinds of changes, have a good balance in activity and rest, have self-confidence and have high self-esteem. To maintain or strengthen the mental health, it is important to evaluate a person's needs and feelings. Keep a balance between everyday responsibilities and leisure. A mentally sound person means being able to deal with life's challenges when it arises.

Try to stay calm by pleasing the senses. Listen to relaxing music or get a good massage to relax the body and the mind. Massages can reduce overall stress. People who are under a lot of stress are less healthy that people who are relaxed. Massage therapy has been a proven way to reduce stress.

Challenge that creativity, start becoming productive. Start doing things like painting, gardening or learning a new instrument. Constantly put that brain to work to keep it healthy.

Never forget to have some leisure time. When a person does something that feels good it balances the emotional and mental health of a person. Use this time to meditate and take a break from all the stress around. Appreciate beauty and positive blessings all around.

Try to limit those unhealthy habits like worrying, having negative thoughts and welcoming stress. It is a waste of time, it can drain energy and it can trigger depression and anxiety.

Learn how manage stress and keep it under control. Stress is a part of life and cannot be avoided but knowing an effective stress management strategy will help in bringing and keeping a good life balance. Build good relationship and connect with other. Having a good long-term relationship with others can help in keeping life balance. This also helps in improving a person's emotional intelligence which is good in resolving conflicts.

There have been many therapeutic methods and books that offer to improve a person's mental health. But it is important to remember that every person is different. What may work for others may become too stressful to another. So it is better to know oneself before following everything that other people may say.

Sunnez enjoys researching and writing articles on vast and varied subjects from massage chairs to teeth whitening

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Mental Health 101 - How Stress Can Damage Your Brain More Than You Know

Stress is a feeling of imbalance due to events that have a negative effect on a person. It is however, a normal way that the body responds to such events. This happens because the body prepares its defense system to counter the feared danger; this is a process to ensure mental, physical and mental health.

It is important to note that the body doesn't differentiate between physical and psychological stress. When a person is under stress due to a traffic jam, or a lot of bills, a busy program or when arguing with a colleague, the body reacts in the same way it will react to a life or death situation.

Since stress can be said to be an alert mechanism to the body's defense system, it helps the body in different ways. First, it helps one to stay on the line of duty, alert and with energy. In addition, in emergency circumstances, it can save life by giving an individual additional power for defense and many other helpful ways.

However, when stress goes beyond a given limit, it turns to becoming a damaging factor on issues of life such as health, relationships and productivity. In this condition, a person is said to suffer from mental illness. Sometimes, this leads to a nervous breakdown. At this stage, forces in the mind push and pull against each other, thereby, thoughts and emotions are swayed. Hence, the person feels not in control his or her life.

When the person is a state of instability, they depend on their emotions to create sadness, which develops into negative thoughts. At this instance, the person should be able to come up with a solution, but if the solution is not found, and the negative emotions become overwhelming, then mental illness is said to occur.

Prolonged season under this kind of mental state coupled with a faulty area in the mind leads to additional thoughts. If the problem is unknown to the victim, it creates a raised level of stress and copping mechanism goes down. What happens is that stress changes the equilibrium in the brain and this applies pressure to the mind. Consequently, if the instability is not corrected, the mind faces chemical imbalances leading to tumors and diseases, thereafter.

A psychological response to a prolonged experience of high level stress that reoccurs is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A person experiences anxiety, nightmares, sweats at night and avoid social gatherings. In addition, the victim will suffer from daily abnormal stress and they will be trying to avoid it at the same time.

Post traumatic Stress Disorder now becomes a very serious mental health problem since the victim has suffered extreme trauma, therefore, making it easy to be attacked by diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attacks and other medical complications.

Chronic stress interferes with every system as early, be it digestion, respiratory, reproduction and speeds aging. In addition the stress can re-write the victims brain and enhance vulnerability to more anxiety, panic and depression.

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Mental Health - Tips For A Better Life Style

Mental health is a state of emotional well being or an absence of any mental disorder. It is also the ability of a person to cope with normal stresses of life and make a contribution to the society. Recent studies also state that a mere absence of any mental disease doesn't describe a sound mental health. It is only the health of the person's mind. Hence, a person suffering from any one of these, social, physical or cultural impacts on oneself cannot be in a fit emotional state. Psychology is the study of mental health. The professional psychologists study the behaviour the human mind to establish the nature of the disease a person is suffering from.

Different people have disparate mental wellness. Researchers refer to the mental health as an attribute that enhances emotional well being and the ability to live a full and aesthetic life, combating changes and challenges effectively.

To maintain a sound mental health, one must follow many good, simple practices. Physical health is one important factor determining the quality of the mind. A robust healthy body will help in maintaining a sound mental state. Other little factors determining mental well being are good eating habits, enough sleeping hours, stress-free working and innovative recreation.

Simple meals through the day go a long way in ensuring that both the mind and the body stay fit. Skin must be kept clean by regular baths and a sound sleep must be enjoyed every single day, in an airy, comfortable room. Physical exercise is a fine way to maintain the balance of thoughts and actions. Exercising the muscles every day and making some time alone to even exercise the mind using meditation or relaxing to soothing music.

These practices help in controlling conflicting emotions like worry, anger and fear. Alcohol and drugs must be avoided at all cost to have a good emotional balance. Laughter is a significant part of one's life. A good humour brings alive a happy mood that keeps mental trouble at bay. On the contrary, criticism can be taking its toll on a person's mind. Courtesy and friendship show the good nature of a person and keep him stress free.

Moreover, one must find happiness in what one is supposed to do, as this keeps one in a fine feather. Satisfaction and pleasure in one's duties adds to the positive healthfulness of the psyche. Apart from the duties, a person should maintain an active social life that can help him de-stress from the hectic schedule of work. Helping others, finding time to meet friends and have a hearty laugh with them and visiting parents and other relatives are sure fire ways to calm oneself.

Confidence building is another way to maintain a clean bill of health. By knowing our strengths and weaknesses, we must learn to accept them. Financial problems are another stress causing factor. We must learn to spend for our needs alone and not for our wants. All these followed every day will keep our mind happy and hale.

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Effects of Alcohol on Mental Health & Secret Tips to Reverse the Damage

Drinking alcohol can intensify emotions, both positive (happiness, joy) and negative (anger, depression).

The are strong links between drinking alcohol and anxiety, depression, and most worryingly suicide.

Mental health is our ability to enjoy life and also deal with challenges that come our way. If we have good mental health then we are able to get on and do the things we want to do in life.

Alcohol & Sleep

Sleep is how your body maintains itself. Getting the right amount, particularly deep sleep, is crucially for mental and physical well being.

When we're a bit stressed out most of us like to have a couple of drinking before bed to send us off to sleep. The thing is, although alcohol does get us to to sleep quickly, it actually reeks havoc on the overall quality of our sleep. Probably one of the biggest effects of alcohol, due to the many knock on effects.

We are much more likely to wake up in the night to go to the toilet but more importantly alcohol disturbs our brains natural brain rhythms and prevents us going into the deep sleep that we need in order to feel refreshed and fully rested in the morning. Most people agree that being tired makes life more difficult to cope with and contributes to overall stress levels.

Alcohol and Stress

Many people turn to alcohol to deal with stresses in their lives. This can often make the problems worse. Hangovers can make it difficult for us to function properly, leading to more stress which can compound over time and lead to serious mental and physical health problems.

3 Ways to Help Prevent Alcohol Damage.

Drink sensibly. Try to stick to 1 unit per hour as this is the rate at which the liver will process alcohol that you consume. A good trick for achieving this is to alternate every alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink. Another good idea would be to stick to under 5 units per session.

Eat a full diet. A diet rich in everything your body needs to maintain optimal physical and mental health is essential. Most of us know what a good diet is - the hard bit is sticking to it.

Take a supplement used by astronauts. Ever since the first mission to the moon NASA have been supplementing their astronauts diets with an edible plant known as AFA to help reverse damage done to their brains from the rigors of being subject to G forces. AFA has considerable health benefits, most remarkably the ability to support the bodies natural system of renewal -adult stem cells. AFA can help you to reverse damage done by alcohol.

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Overcome Depression Mental Health Problems In The Workplace

The workplace can be a very tiring environment for anyone. The pressures from bosses, coworkers, and long hours can be very toxic to one's mental and physical health. Burnout usually occurs to those who can't keep up with the demands of the workplace for whatever reasons. Though stress is present in our every day lives, excessive amounts of it can cause negative effects. Too much stress in the workplace causes a whole lot of health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, physical fatigue, and increased tension. It can also dramatically decrease a worker's productivity. Workplace stress can also increase one's risk of serious physical and psychological problems!

Symptoms to watch out for include anxiety, depression, stomach problems, decreased sex drive, fatigue, insomnia, and back pains. If one experiences these symptoms, they should take a breather and contact the management and tell them about the problem they have.

Research shows that approximately one third of today's workers experience high levels of workplace related stress. Absences often stem from stress-related illnesses and this costs employers a lot of money. To improve productivity and employee relationships, some major companies now offer programs to help reduce work stress. They offer counseling, and stress risk assessment for their employees.

Social events such as regular get-togethers, parties, and field trips also help in the treatment of some office tension. These can also be opportunities for having a stress awareness program among employees. Higher salaries and regular promotion also helps a lot in the motivation of employees and in boosting their confidence. Some companies have even taken the direct route by offering less-stress programs for their employees like flexible working hours, and career leaves. Motivation is very important, that's why employers should be sensitive to the mental health needs of their employees. If they want maximum benefit for their company, they should invest in the protection and well-being of their employees' mental health. Studies show that most companies with mental health well-being programs even save a lot of money because of dramatically reduced absences, and improved productivity.

Treatment for stress depression are varied and numerous. There a whole lot of ways for employees to cope with workplace stress. The company should be forced to have a mental health program, but a program is usually not enough. One has to harness positive thinking and be able to take responsibility for one's own health. Better communication with employers and an overall positive outlook on work can dramatically reduce stress at the workplace. If you are experiencing workplace stress and/or are suffering from depression it is very important to access the correct help immediately. The sooner you seek help for your depression related symptoms the sooner you can be on the road to recovery. The longer a mental health problem is left untreated the more intricate and complex the problem becomes. Early intervention is very important.

Remember, people can and do make recoveries from depression and go on to lead their best lives imaginable.

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14 Ways To Get Better Sleep And Improve Your Mental Health

Do you feel depressed or anxious? Do you have difficulty concentrating? Are you often irritable? Forget pills and therapists - you may not be getting adequate sleep.

In "Are bad sleeping habits driving us mad?" (New Scientist, 2009), author Emma Young discusses how current research suggests poor sleep may cause psychiatric illnesses or lead to incorrect diagnoses.

Researchers were always aware of a correlation with poor sleep and mental health; however, "The assumption that poor sleep was a symptom rather than a cause of mental illness was so strong that nobody questioned it."

The article continues citing research indicating insomnia may be a cause of depression and put people at greater risk for future mental health problems. Poor sleep may induce abnormally elevated or irritable moods indicative of manic episodes present in Bipolar Disorder. Sleep disorders could also impair attention which may be misdiagnosed as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Sleep disruption may contribute to behavioral and psychological problems in several, yet undiscovered ways. Two of them are:

• Stress hormone levels increase and contribute to feelings of anxiety.
• The brain's ability to process emotion and react to emotional stimuli in an appropriate way is disrupted.

If you are having trouble sleeping consider these 14 ways to improve sleep quality:

• Exercise - At the minimum, engage in moderate exercise 3 to 4 times per week for 30 minutes. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. However, avoid exercising 2 to 3 hours before going to bed, the increase in endorphins may interfere with your ability to fall and remain asleep.
• Weight Loss - Losing weight can improve or reverse mild cases of sleep apnea.
• Reduce Sugar Consumption Before Bed - sugar raises the body's insulin level to metabolize it which leads to increased energy.
• Drink Water - dehydration will cause you to wake up thirsty.
• Decrease Caffeine/Nicotine Use - both are stimulants and will keep you awake.
• Decrease Alcohol Use - it may help you pass out, but you will remain in the first stages of sleep and never enter the more deep, restorative phases. Alcohol also causes dehydration.
• Limit television and internet use - develop a bedtime ritual that allows you to wind down and relax, providing the body with cues for sleep preparation. Heavy computer and television use before bedtime may effect sleep demand and sleep quality.
• Learn Relaxation Techniques
• Develop A Natural Circadian Rhythm - go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Go to bed and arise the same time everyday to establish a regular rhythm and sleeping pattern. Don't overcompensate by sleeping in on weekends to make up for missed sleep.
• Avoid Naps - if you must take one make it early in the day and set an alarm clock for no later than 1 hour.
• Create A Peaceful Environment - keep your bedroom clean, uncluttered, and stress free.
• Only Use Your Bed For Sleeping - doing anything else can confuse your body's association with when it needs to be alert and when to prepare for rest.
• Take A Warm Bath - after a warm bath the body's temperature drops. A decrease in body temperature is associated with sleep.
• Use A Comfortable Bed And Pillow - this is the most obvious, but probably the most overlooked. Make certain your current bed and pillow are not the reason for difficulty sleeping.

Damon Clark is a Clinical Psychology doctoral student and co-founder of the Honolulu, Hawai'i based health and fitness business SOHI Fitness

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Mental Health - Tips to Recover From Burn Out

All work and no play can do much more than make Jack a dull boy. Long periods of overload, stress, frustration, poor working conditions or feelings that there is no light at the end of the tunnel can trigger brain drain, or even worse -- physical illnesses such as ulcers, indigestion, headaches, heart conditions, stroke and cancer.

Brain drain doesn't happen overnight. But, if you are not paying attention to the signs, it can hit you like a ton of bricks. Your best defense is to know your stress threshold, recognize when you're about to cross it, and take action immediately to release it. Sometimes it could be the little tips and actions that could save a lot of difficulties down the road.

Here are some tips on how you can recognize and address the condition when it arises:

Signs of burn out

• Mental exhaustion
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Avoidance
• Depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Lack of enthusiasm with daily activities
• Reoccurring headaches or backache

Short-term remedies

• Eat healthy meals that include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Lay off the sugar.
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid caffeine and tobacco.
• Take regular breaks to walk, stretch, and calm your mind.
• Face your problems. Talk, don't confront, others involved.
• Set priorities.
• Join a yoga class, meditate, practice breathing techniques.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes every day.
• Find a quiet place and read a good book.
• Listen to calming music.
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, no more, no less.

Long-term remedies

• Take a vacation at least twice a year.
• Talk to a professional to learn how stress-reducing behaviors.
• Retrain your brain to see the positive aspect of every situation

While it is important to attend to all the 'stuff' that is going on around you, it will be counterproductive if you burn yourself out and cannot function effectively. Occasionally, do take step back and re-evaluate the situation. If you see that matters are spiraling out of control, it may be time to re-prioritize and simplify your life. After all, will the situation be better if you are incapacitated due to depression or illness?

ACTION STEP

Don't ignore your brain. Regular mental exercise can improve concentration, memory and sustained mental clarity when under duress. Research says long-term benefits include reduced risk of Alzheimer's or dementia. Read a good book, solve brain-teasers, do crossword puzzles, learn how to play an instrument, play with words or numbers.

Anna Tracy is a highly sought after internet success coach. She has helped thousands of people worldwide achieve their dreams of earning multiple sources of passive income online. To find out how you too can achieve the same dream, please click here for a free copy of Anna's international bestselling "Make Money Online" report. This report outlines the latest proven and practical ways that thousands are using to generate a lucrative income online.

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Popular Online Mental Health Counseling Courses!

Are you aware of the popular online mental health counseling courses? Read on the following details to brush your knowledge about the same in a brief manner:

Legal Issues and Ethics in Counseling Course:
In this type of course study, the fundamentals of mental health and professional counseling are highlighted and explained. In this type of course, topics related to general trends in such problems and professional counseling, the role of counselor in social and cultural settings, client advocacy and counselor, the general professional standards of ethics, and philosophy and history of mental health counseling are briefly handled.

Counseling Introduction Course:
In this course, students learn the principles of the such issues' counseling profession that include theories, philosophy and history, with a backward of the professional issues, credentials and the actual practice.

Substance Abuse Counseling Course:
In this course, students need to focus on psychological aspects of addictions that mainly include greater dependence on prescription medications, alcohol and illegal substances, with discussion of current research. Here, students get to know about different methods of diagnosis and treatment plans such as behavioral change.

Counseling Skills Course:
In this type of courses, students are made to learn from different video and audiotape, role-playing and such other training methods. Here the goal is to help students develop skills that are useful in mental health counseling, including communication, sincerity and empathy.

Professional Counseling Internship Course:
In this type of online course, it is very much is required for completion of all other available counseling programs. Here students indulge themselves into finding appropriate settings, finding good treatment centers, community agencies, hospitals or educational institutions, and such others.

To learn more, please visit online mental health course and get the details about Online Parenting Classes Florida.

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The Best Mental Health Counseling - Seven Steps to Stress-Less Success

1) Create a life vision and visit it daily

What I mean by a life vision is this: Where are you going? Where are you going in life? And what are you doing all this for? What's the target? Many people don't have this target or vision in their lives. They're just in motion. They don't really know where they're going.

That's not necessarily the worst thing in the world, but oftentimes what happens to people who don't have a destination or a target, is that they burn out. They don't have any purpose for doing what they're doing. Additionally, when I say visit your vision daily, it's to really think about it and visualize your vision.
It would be great if every morning you gave a couple minutes of thought, or meditation, and visualized your vision; meaning that you actually see yourself living in that fully fulfilled place, wherever it is and in all parts of your life, not only just your world of work but your health and relationships, all parts of your life.


2) Live from the goals that reinforce your vision

If you have goals but they're not in alignment with your vision, or they don't reinforce your vision, then somehow there are some wires crossed and you won't fulfill either your vision or your goals. When there are wires crossed, we oftentimes have what we call a values conflict. And a values conflict can be extremely draining and extremely stressful.

It's time for you to get clear, about your vision and to set the goals that are in alignment with your vision so they really help support and reinforce your vision and help you fulfill your vision. Write them out, and then check in with them occasionally to make sure that you're actually living in alignment with them.


3) Learn and implement your personal boundaries

When you really break it down, boundaries are really about knowing what to say "Yes" to and knowing what to say "No" to, and being very clear about where there needs to be a "Yes" and where there needs to be a "No." Of course, then you need to make sure you follow through with your boundaries.

Some boundaries may be boundaries you just have with yourself, and some boundaries might be boundaries you have with other people, events, situations or scenarios. Boundaries are designed to help keep you in balance and to help keep you healthy and energized. That's the whole purpose of boundaries. If you want more balance and less stress in your life, clearly defined boundaries and implementing those boundaries will help get you there.


4) Participate in supportive communities

I can't emphasize this part enough. We aren't designed to do life by ourselves. We're social beings, yet so many people get into a certain lifestyle pattern and they don't invite other people in to help them or to support them. I want to encourage you to look at your support system and to really evaluate it. This is a great time to take a good look and really inventory your life. If your support system that's lacking, then it's a great time to start beefing that up, because you're going to find that your support communities will really help you to not only achieve your goals, but they'll also help you with things like boundaries.
They'll help you with things like creating a powerful vision. They'll remind you and help hold you accountable, and they'll help you to see your blind spots, those areas that you might not otherwise be aware of.

5) Feed your mind, body, heart and soul

Feed your mind with good thoughts, positive thoughts and with images of success and happiness. Feed your body and take good care of it. Feed your body good food, regular exercise and rest. Make sure your body gets the maintenance that it needs. And your heart, how do you feed your heart? Let me ask you this: What is it that really gets you passionate? What is it that really lights you up more than anything else? Whatever that is, that's your heart energy.

Make sure you're feeding yourself with that heart energy, that passion that may be totally unique to you, but yet it's passion for you. And then your soul, what is your spiritual path? What feeds you spiritually? For some people it might be something as traditional as going to a church service. For other people it might be practicing yoga.
 For others it might be dancing or singing or writing. And for even others, it's going out in nature or watching a sunset. Whatever it is for you, make sure you feed that part of you. Make sure you feed all these parts of you.


6) Keep what is most important most important

There's an old saying that goes like this: The most important thing about the most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing. I know that may sound like a bunch of doubletalk, but it isn't. What this is referring to is what it is that you truly value. This is what defines your boundaries and reinforces your vision and your goals. If there is something you truly value but you don't protect, it's then easy to lose track of your values and get led astray. Know what it is that's most important. Know what it is that you truly value, and then keep and maintain that. Make sure that most important thing is kept the most important thing for you.


7) Consciously breathe, smile and laugh

Breathing is something that we take for granted. We have become a culture of shallow breathers. I discovered this for myself as result of practicing yoga. One of the primary emphases of yoga is on breathing. I personally realized how unconscious I had become about my breathing. But by practicing yoga I began to really tune into my breathing and how big of a difference, a profound difference, it's made in my life to be a conscious breather.

 I encourage you to do the same, whether you take up yoga or not. And then there's smiling. When you smile, you automatically release endorphins, which are the "feel good" neuro-hormones. Smiling will always make you feel good. And laughter, I believe, probably speaks for itself. Laughter is such a wonderful medicine. Laughter is actually probably one of the best natural medicines we can ever engage in.



There you have it: The Seven Simple Steps to Stress-Less Success! NOW, go do it...live it..and love it!

I provide mental health counseling, marriage counseling and relationship counseling to help professionals and their families eliminate stress, maximize success and create extraordinary relationships at home, at work and in the community. As a mental health counselor, marriage counselor and relationship counselor my number one goal is to help people as painlessly a possible complete the therapeutic process.

I've been offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. My programs are focused on empowering people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships.


You'll always find FREE Life and Relationship Success Special Reports at http://kendonaldson.com/. I'm also the author of Marry YourSelf First! Say "I DO" to a Life of Passion, Power, Purpose and Prosperity.

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How to Find Sound Mental Health and Evolve in a Crazy World

The information you have in dreams helps you in so many ways that you will surely realize that your dreams are sent by God. When you translate the meaning of dreams according to the scientific method of dream interpretation you verify that all dreams contain meaningful messages.

These messages give you detailed information about what is happening in your psychological system and in the world around you. They also talk about your past, your traumas, and the problems you are facing now. Thus, you understand from the beginning that the unconscious words reflect the truth.

God knows everything about you, your life, and everyone around you. You find solutions for all problems in dreams.

You may have the tendency to dislike believing in God's existence because you follow the atheistic and materialistic mindset of the modern civilization. You probably consider science more important than religion. Perhaps you believe that it is strange to read a document about a scientific method of dream interpretation, which declares that our dreams are produced by God. God is not a scientifically proven truth.

However, the accurate translation of the meaning of dreams based on the scientific method translates God's words because it is based on real research, and not on the dream interpreter's imagination. Carl Jung looked for the meaning of dreams like an archeologist who was trying to understand the meaning that the dream images had for the human race. I precisely followed his steps, proving that his method is efficient and real.

I was cured from my severe neurosis, which already had characteristics of schizophrenia, and I became a psychiatrist and psychologist. I started curing others through dream translation without payment, since September of 1990. I completed Carl Jung's research and I simplified the dream language before publishing my work online, in 2007 and 2008, after nineteen years of studies and real cures through dream therapy.

I looked for the meaning of many dream symbols that Jung didn't explain. I also discovered the wild side of the human conscience, which generates mental illnesses within our human conscience.

I could better understand the dream language because I was a literature writer since my childhood and I had an extraordinary literary talent. All my writings were inspired by the unconscious mind, which sends us therapeutical dreams and gives us artistic talents with the intention to help us escape craziness, and have the chance to evolve.

I also was a designer since my childhood. Many of my drawings helped me better understand my psychological reality. I found important dream symbols in my drawings and in all the personages of a literary book I started writing after suffering from a tragic car accident, when I was 15-years-old. This book helped me completely understand the meaning of the symbolic dream language and relate the information I had in dreams to our mental health, based on Carl Jung's lessons.

My work proves to the world that Jung was a special scientist. The real importance of his work was not properly evaluated by the ignorant, superficial, and hypocritical world. My work proves to the world that Jung discovered the right code for the comprehension of the real meaning of the dream language according to the meaning given by the dream producer; the unconscious mind.

Only Jung didn't distort the meaning of dreams with his suppositions, like all the other dream interpreters and scientists of the world. Everyone must learn his method of dream interpretation based on my simplifications, after continuing his mission.

The real translation of the dream language accurately transcribes God's words. This is an important scientific proof of God's existence, which can be verified into practice when you learn the dream language and you start understanding the meaning of your own dreams.

You verify that your dreams talk about your past and about all the details that were important for you. You understand from the beginning that your doctor already knows everything about your psychological system and how you can be cured. God is an excellent psychiatrist and psychologist; the only one who can cure invincible mental illnesses.

My work also proves to the world that human beings are unable to cure mental illnesses without divine guidance because there is craziness into the biggest part of the human brain.

This means that we are absurd from birth. Absurd creatures cannot understand how to find sound mental health without being guided by a mentally healthy and wise mind; the divine unconscious mind. We indispensably need superior guidance.

Alone we will never find peace. We are unable to put an end to terror, violence, immorality, poverty, hypocrisy, indifference, and greed because we are absurd and evil. Craziness and evilness are synonyms.

We are wild and under-developed primates who have inherited a satanic anti-conscience. Our anti-conscience keeps trying to destroy the human conscience we received from God. We received this conscience from God in order to transform our wild side into human content by obeying God's guidance in our religion and in our dreams.

However, we refuse to respect our religion. On the other hand, only now I am scientifically proving God's existence thanks to the fast dream translations based on my dynamic method, derived from Carl Jung's complicated method of dream interpretation.

His method is so complicated and obscure that it doesn't have a practical value for average people. Only now that I simplified the dream language can you easily understand the dream language and have a direct communication with God without complications.

My work solves a basic problem because it is the result of my obedience to God's guidance. I would never be able to simplify Jung's method without divine guidance. My work is God's gift to the world. I was an obedient servant.

God is the best psychiatrist you can find, but God also is your spiritual guide. You have to transform your personality and become a better person. You have to understand the meaning of goodness, so that you may defend its importance into practice.

Your goodness is more important than anything else for your evolution as a human being, but you tend to believe that goodness is something you should give to those you like. You disregard those you dislike, and you never show compassion before their pain.

God will show you that you have to behave like an angel in all occasions, with everyone, even with your worst enemies. And not only that; you have to love your enemies the same way you love your children even when they do something you dislike.

You have to show compassion to everyone, without exceptions.

Your goodness helps you keep your mental stability because it doesn't let you agree with the satanic ideas sent by your anti-conscience whenever you face challenging situations. When you try to become a perfect human being you don't make costly mistakes that can put your mental stability in danger.

However, trying to become a better person in a crazy world is a dangerous adventure you cannot face alone. It's very hard to be good in a selfish world, especially because you have inherited absurdity into your own brain. You have to obey the wise unconscious mind that produces your dreams, even if you will disagree with God's wisdom.

God will save your sanity and help you use all of your brain power. Even if in the beginning you won't understand God's plan for your psychotherapy, you should always believe that God knows what is better for you because God is wise and saintly, while you are an imperfect creature. Many times you won't be able to evaluate God's wisdom from the beginning because you ignore how your future will be unfolded, and many other things that God cannot explain in a few words.

Christina Sponias continued Carl Jung's research into the human psyche, discovering the cure for all mental illnesses, and simplifying the scientific method of dream interpretation that teaches you how to exactly translate the meaning of your dreams, so that you can find health, wisdom and happiness.
Learn more at: http://www.scientificdreaminterpretation.com

Click Here to download a Free Sample of the eBook Dream Interpretation as a Science (86 pages!).

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5 Ways to Promote Positive Mental Health

Positive mental health is a great way to ensure you lead a long, happy and healthy life. Maintaining your mental health is easier than most people think and will have a significant impact on your everyday life.

Would you like to have more energy? What about a good night sleep? How you would like to go an entire year without catching the flu once? Achieving a positive mental health state will not guarantee these things, but it sure will help.

Here are the top 5 things you can do to help promote positive mental health in you and your children:

1. Eat Healthy. Eating fast food 3 times a week and downing a few cold ones before bed might be easier than making a home-cooked meal and more enjoyable than drinking a cold glass of water but it won't do a whole lot for your health. Eating home-cooked foods (especially fruits and vegetables) and staying away from the fast food joints will help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you desire.

2. Drink Lots of Water. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, average individuals are expected to consume at least eight glasses of water a day. And while this seems like it may be a lot, it's actually not. Eight glasses is almost equivalent to filling up your water bottle a few times between waking up and going to bed. Remember, if you work out, you will need to increase your water intake to compensate for the water you're burning off while exercising. Drinking water will detoxify your body and restore it back to a healthy state - especially after drinking coffee or alcoholic beverages.

3. Kick the Bad Habits. We've already mentioned it a few times but eliminating significant alcohol intake will have positive results on your mental health. Likewise, kicking other bad habits like smoking and drinking considerable amounts of coffee will also help keep your mental health at its best.

4. De-Stress. Stress is one of the leading causes for poor mental health. When you're stressed out, your body has to work harder to keep up and, overtime, it will take its toll on your body and your brain. Next time something stressful happens, try lighting some candles and taking a bath. If that doesn't work for you, try letting off some steam by going to the gym or going for a run. Keeping a positive frame of mind will promote positive mental health and eliminate undue stress on your brain.

5. Book Regular Check-ups. Unfortunately, you can do all of the things listed above and still suffer from mental health problems. In fact, you might have a mental illness and not even know it. Make sure you're mental health is in good condition by booking regular appointments with your doctor. He/she will be able to confirm whether you're lifestyle is healthy or identify where you may need to make some changes.

Adella Klein is dedicated to Healthy Living and wants to be the same. When she's not speaking to adults and children in her community about the importance of positive Mental Health, she's sharing her knowledge with the world by contributing to One Healthy Lifestyle.

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What Are Mental Health Problems?

A mental health problem is likely to relate to the more day-to-day worries that most people experience to the more serious and long-term conditions. Most people who experience a mental-health issue throughout their lifetime are certain to be able to overcome the problem if the necessary help is provided at an early stage.

Since there is such a range of mental health issues they are generally split into certain groups to make it easier for the medical professionals to refer them to the right doctor for the necessary long-term treatment and care. If the symptoms are diagnosed correctly at an early stage, this should make sure the quality of life for the patient is that much improved.

In general, a mental-health problem is split into two different categories known as the psychotic and neurotic symptoms. A neurotic related symptom is likely to relate to a very severe case of a more everyday or normal emotion, like a feeling of panic, anxiety or depression. Any of the conditions that are categorized within this group are likely to be called the more common mental health complaints.

And relating to the psychotic symptoms which are much less diagnosed in a patient, these are likely to relate to issues that are starting to interfere with a patient's view of reality, and might cause significant hallucinations in smelling or hearing things that aren't actually present.

A great number of mental health issues are common. For instance, a case of depression and anxiety is likely to impact one in 10 people, and this is a condition that can be very long-lasting and severely reduce the life quality of those experiencing the symptoms. It is estimated that about one-quarter of the population will experience some sort of mental health issue throughout their lifetime.

In relation to the more severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia or bio-polar disorder, this is likely to be experienced by one or two people out of every 100. A severe mental illness is likely to relate to those symptoms where a patient completely loses touch with reality and starts to feel unrealistically powerful, has irrational or unusual views, or starts seeing or hearing things that aren't actually there.

Mental health issues can be very difficult to give relevant treatment and care since it is very unlikely that any two patients are going to act in the same way once diagnosed with the a particular illness.

Get a lot more information on the many different mental and physical diseases known to impact the health.

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Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week - Free Depression or Anxiety Tests

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, during which the free National Anxieties Disorders Screening Day is held. Consider what Kim Bassinger, Marc Summers and football great Earl Campbell have in common. They have all suffered from an anxiety disorder, America's most common mental illness. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, nearly a quarter of the American adult population will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Unlike normal worries, these individuals can experience a variety of symptoms which can include spontaneous panic attacks, endlessly checking and rechecking their actions, persistent, uncontrollable worry and social anxiety, which interferes with their lives.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders are characterized by fear and anxiety that appear for no apparent reason. Anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Left untreated, these conditions often become accompanied by depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. Although most sufferers never connect with appropriate treatment, effective treatments do exist, which can offer relief within a relatively short period of time.

The first week of every October is designated as Mental Illness Awareness Week, during which the National Depression Screening Day is held. Consider what Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, and Brooke Shields have in common. They have all suffered from clinical depression. 

Depression and manic-depression strike more than 17 million Americans each year, according to figures from the National Institute of Mental Health. Fewer than half, however, actually seeks treatment, despite the fact that treatment can help 80 - 90 percent of those affected.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, restlessness and irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy and thoughts of death or suicide. Manic-depression includes feelings of euphoria or agitation. Clinical depression is more than just the 'blues. It is a real, pervasive condition that even has the potential to be life threatening. 

A sufferer has no better chance to "just snap out of it" than someone, for example, with a seizure disorder simply controlling their attacks.The screenings initiatives are invaluable opportunities for people, who might otherwise be timid about discussing their concerns or symptoms, to do so without feeling pressured.

Click HERE to watch the online video: "The Pain of Depression - A Journey Through the Darkness" For more information about National Depression Screening Day and National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day visit my website, http://www.ThePsychologist.com/yearly.htm You can also find information about free, online / in-person screenings for clinical depression and anxiety.

Gerald Solfanelli is a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist and certified hypnotherapist in full-time private practice, who has participated with the National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day and the National Depression Screening Day, since 1997.

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Help With Depression - Is Mental Health Still the Elephant in the Room

By Emma Mills

Today, more and more people seem to be talking about psychology, therapy and mental health.

This year the media has been extra generous in its portrayal of mental health issues. We've had multiple soap opera plot lines and docudramas detailing the life of the rich and bipolar as well as a vast array of celebrity 'meltdowns'. The lay man is enjoying an informed tour of mental health issues, from the comfort of his front room. Or is he?

Everyone can experience mental ill health- from the famed, to the less than famed; and if it's on the TV it must be ok. As the adverts would have us believe, that elephant in the room has been well and truly exposed, with famous faces around the world admitting to a mental health issue or confessing to using medication for said difficulty.

With all this in hand, one might guess that a girl about town of today's world would be more comfortable than ever before in sharing her own challenges. After all, Ms Wax does it, and makes many thousands at the West End doing so. So what does the research say on this?

As you reflect on these changes in media coverage over the last 18 months, you may find yourself not so pleasantly surprised to learn that according to research from campaigners at platform 51; A 3rd of women take anti-depressants in their life. Of those, a quarter take them for 10 years or more. And most worrying, 18% keep it a secret from their families. 1 in ten wouldn't even tell a partner.

Alternatively, I noticed that niche holistic approaches to mental health were increasing viewed as more acceptable. Twining's are even using the wellbeing concept as a marketing tool- to sell teabags! *After all it does seem more du jour to see an executive coach as opposed to a psychologist. And once you're in in the healthcare system, it's more acceptable to have a psychologist, than a psychiatrist. What is the perceived difference in this varying terminology, and why do treatments involving medications still have this stigma attached despite being so routinely prescribed?

Why is it that young women are reluctant to discuss the use of such medication for mental health difficulties? After all, sales of anti-depressants went up 45% over the last 4 years. That's 23 million prescriptions for anti-depressants a year.

Today's culture is increasingly driven by ambition and achievement; admitting to feeling low, stressed or anxious is just not a desirable option. One might be forgiven for concluding that it is socially acceptable for a celebrity to have a public breakdown or an overdose; But for the average woman of the world, to admit your finding life a bit stressful or god forbid admit that you just aren't coping-is just too much social pressure to bear.

A recent survey polled by the depression alliance suggests that women often report feeling ashamed to discuss mental health concerns with friends and family for fear of being judged, misunderstood or Labelled. It has been reported that young people in today's achievement oriented society can often feel a sense of failure, upon receiving anti-depressants; almost a last resort scenario when one cannot think of another way. And sometimes it is. But a last resort is still a choice and that in turn requires that one exercise initiative also.

People don't like to appear weak or inadequate. Seeking help and admitting that they are not feeling good can often be a real struggle as it interferes with one of our deepest fears - of taking up residence in... The out group! Accompanying this fear, is the common misconception that once you've moved into the 'out group', and experienced a mental health difficulty, you will have it/live there forever. This is a massive misconception that many mental health organisations have been campaigning to change.

Over the last ten years, I have been involved in a community project With Leading Mental Health Organisation Mind, and their talking therapies programme. We explore and promote the idea of mental wellbeing as belonging on a continuum. Where one might find themselves high or low or anywhere in-between. We have peaks and troughs, and the key here is-this is normal!

Our places on this scale can move up and down and round and round as often as you change your socks. After bereavement you may find yourself at a low ebb, near the lower end. Will you live there, at the lower end of wellbeing forever? No. probably not!

You may experience a great achievement and find yourself glowing at the highest heights- elated even. Will you be in a state of elation forever- probably not? The same concept applies to mental health issues. Diagnosis or no diagnosis.

Despite all the support and campaigning from organisations like MIND, RETHINK and TIME TO CHANGE It is surprisingly hard to be open about these things. Mental health disclosure takes on a more serious consequence when one explores the workplace: Medical records, insurance and selection criteria. But that kettle can wait for another day.

While some research suggests that women may hide their use of antidepressants in an effort to maintain positive self-concept and appearance both to themselves and to others. It is this very seeking of help that is an adaptive and indeed resilient behaviour. A courage which can only denote a strength of character present in one who is unwilling to settle for feeling less great- then they know they can feel, and deserve to feel.

So, let's each consider our own beliefs around mental health issues and the social stigma surrounding it! Mental health in our own personal real lives, the lives of our clients, the lives of our nearest and dearest and the lives of celebrities and those portrayed in the media - where is the heart of this stigma lying? Are collective attitudes towards ill mental health changing in line with their media presentation? - I'm not so sure, but every little helps right!

I recently watched an old black and white movie in which the leading lady flashed a little ankle and promptly pecked her dashing date on the cheek. A total shocker! She ran away bashful and shy with all those who saw tutting at her promiscuous and socially unkempt dallying.

Our attitudes and acceptance of new ways of behaving do and have changed with the passing of time. What was once a Rare, Risque1920's ankle flash has now become a plethora of raunchy music videos.

I think there may be hope for the subject of Ill Mental health yet.

Emma Mills BSc (Hons) Psych Dyp Hyp Runs a successfull wellbeing clinic in East London. She specialises in the entertainment and creative industries.

If you feel that your mind is becoming a barrier to your happiness and enjoyment of life, get in touch with Emma Mills today via her website, email or telephone and start making the changes you need, to live the lifestyle you deserve.

Areas of expertise include:
Depression
Anxiety & Panic
Social anxiety & Nerves
Break ups
Peak Performance among creatives

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