Therapist Unlimited Blog

Mental problems are devastating for families and loved ones. In the case of adults, they could affect almost everyone around them. The sanity of an adult shows a lot more obvious and tact symptoms. If they go over the limit, then it is about time that they seek out professional help.

There are a couple of remarkable signs that could spell the sanity of an adult.

1. Change in personality
One of the primary symptoms is the fact that there is a remarkable change in their personality. This can be seen by people who are especially close to them. Family members, close friends and work mates will be able to attest the change in personality for a person who is about to go through some serious mental illness. If a person is usually lively and outgoing, a remarkable change in personality could mean that he became shy and quiet most of the time. This could be because of a tragic event or situation that he went through.

2. Inability to handle problems and activities efficiently.
Another symptom to mark the sanity of the person is his inability to handle problems and daily activities efficiently. This just means that he could not think clearly and the problems are getting the best of him. This is a clear cut example of a person who is about to have some serious mental problems. A person who is in his right state of mind does not succumb easily to problems.

3. Strange ideas
Strange and out of synch ideas is also an early warning sign of a pending mental illness. As they often say, there is a thin line that separates great ideas from insane ones. This is probably it. Most of the time, there are people who think irrationally and they end up making decisions that only worsen the current scenario. Those strange ideas may turn everything that was planned for into waste.

4. Excessive anxiety
Excessive anxiety can be linked to massive panic attack and paranoia. This is the mind’s multisystem response to perceived danger or threat. There is nothing wrong with being anxious about something that is about to happen but being so afraid means that there is something wrong and this has to be checked because it will obviously affect the person’s everyday life and his interaction with the environment and the people around him.

5. Too much depression
It is perfectly normal for a person to be depressed when certain scenarios that inflict pain in his emotions or his physical condition shows up. There times also that people tend to pour way too much emotions to things that are really not worth that much attention. Too much depression could lead to serious mental problems such as post traumatic stress disorder. While it is true that everyone experiences problems from time to time, it is a must for everyone to conquer this problems and work on it. If you can’t seem to cope up with it, then it is about time to seek professional advice before it is too late. There are a lot of anti depressant drugs as well that could be given by psychiatrists.

6. Excessive eating
A person who is down with a lot of problems also has the tendency to eat too much or not eat all. This is their way of punishing themselves most of the time. I personally know a lot of people who tend to devour lots of sweets when they feel depressed. I could still remember a friend of mine who was mourning over a lost boyfriend and after a 2 weeks, she gained over 5 pounds. There are people who think too much that they often forget to sleep anymore. There are a lot of reasons why people can’t sleep but a significant change in sleeping pattern in such a short period of time could signify the start of a mental problem.

7. Extreme behavior
People who are on the brink of losing their minds often have extreme behaviors. What I mean is, in one ordinary day, they can be very spontaneous and the next minute you would see them in a huge slump as if the world just suddenly crushed. Extremes in behaviour is a sign that should not be taken for granted. The fact that there is rapid mood swings only means that this person is undergoing a lot of emotional stress that he tries to suffice this by simply playing around and then if he could not hold it up, he might end up crying in the next minute or two. This sign obviously merits a visit to the therapist.

8. Drug and Alcohol addiction
Drug and alcohol intoxication is the common escape mechanism of people who have problems. They often abuse these two with the thought that when they sleep and are in a state that makes them feel like they are floating in the air, problems will eventually disappear. This is the common notion of teens. In my opinion abusing alcohol and drugs is a sign of weakness. They are afraid to face their problems upfront. I know this because I have gone through the same problems too and believe me when I say, I did not gain anything but regret. Sure it feels great, but the next day, the problem is still there and on top of that, I lack money and I have a really bad headache. I just added to the problem and not really solved it at all. Being abusive and addicted to alcohol and drugs should be dealt with accordingly. This will pose a serious threat in a person’s health. That is what the rehabilitation centers are for - to help addicts and get to the root of the problem.

9. Violent and irritable behavior
Violence is also a common escape mechanism for someone who is faced with serious problems. This symptom speaks well to me after my friend got divorced. It was the worst divorce I have ever seen. There were tons of lies and cheating that went on and it nearly drove my friend crazy. He started throwing his furnitures back and forth and started smashing on the mirrors. It even came to a point that I had to move every item away from him because anything that he can grab and carry would end up being broken or on top of someone’s head. When he became calm, he told me that everything around him seems hostile and that he would want to simply hurt someone because of the pain that he went through. Immediately after that drama, I took him to a doctor. There are other ways to channel a person’s anger. Sure, you can be violent at times but never let it hurt others who are not even involved with whatever happened to you. If you can’t control your fists, then talk to a psychiatrist.

10. Suicidal & homicidal thoughts
Dark thoughts often sum it all up. A person who has the thought of committing suicide or homicide should seek professional attention immediately. This thoughts could easily turn into reality once it has been triggered. So before this troubled person hurts someone or himself, bring him over to a therapist.

These are the warning signs of someone who is about to undergo serious mental problems. If you know anyone experiencing this, then it is about time that they visit a psychiatrist for evaluation. Remember, these signs will obviously lead to serious cases. Before it is too late, take action.

Illicit drug abuse and drug addiction are problems that impact millions of families all over the world. When an individual becomes addicted to drugs, it has the potential to tear apart relationships and ruin lives. Thankfully, to help these individuals and those who love them, there is drug rehab.

What is drug rehab?

Drug rehab (or “drug rehabilitation”) refers to the process of taking an individual who has developed a drug addiction and helping them get clean and sober. Drug rehab programs treat a variety of addictions, including cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, marijuana, prescription painkillers and other highly addictive substances. Rehabilitation is accomplished by a variety of methods that vary according to the facility, but likely include the following:

* Drug detox – Most drug rehab programs offer drug detoxification, the process in which all harmful toxins associated with the drug are given a chance to leave the body. Proper rehab can’t begin until detox has been completed (with the drugs in the bloodstream, the chances for relapse are much higher). Given the discomfort associated with potential withdrawal symptoms, it is always recommended that drug detox is overseen by a medical professional (like those found in a drug rehab program).
* Drug counseling – The central point of drug rehab, group and individual counseling provide the individual with a chance to explore the reasons behind their drug use. Expert drug therapists and counselors work with the individual to help change their behaviors moving forward, so that they make better decisions and stay sober.
* Preparation for life after rehab – The counselors at drug rehab understand that when the treatment program has ended, many challenges are just beginning. That is why drug rehab programs help guide the individual towards after-care programs, which may include additional counseling, 12-step programs (such as Narcotics Anonymous), residence in sober living homes and other methods of easing the recovering addict back into “mainstream” society.

Drug rehab facilities generally fall into two major types: residential and outpatient. At residential drug rehab, the individual stays at the facility 24/7. Here, an addict is removed from the distractions of everyday life so that they can focus solely on their recovery. At outpatient drug rehab centers, the individual still receives outstanding care for their addiction, but attends programs during the day, and then returns home in the evening. Which type of facility an individual chooses depends upon factors such as the style of treatment being offered, cost, and the feasibility of putting one’s life on hold to go away to a residential treatment center.

What does a therapist do for those in rehab?

The therapist plays a pivot role in the recovery of the individual. Drug rehab therapists can either hold individual counseling sessions, which provide an opportunity to get to know the patient and learn the root causes of his or her addiction, or they may also lead group counseling sessions. These group counseling sessions are a wonderful opportunity for the individual to open up, perhaps for the first time, about their drug addiction, and share stories and lend support to others who are in similar circumstances. The therapist oversees these group sessions and makes sure the discussion is kept to relevant topics, and that everyone is benefiting from the dialogue.

To find a caring, knowledgeable drug therapist or drug rehab program for yourself, or someone you love, visit www.therapistsunlimited.com. At Therapists Unlimited, you’ll find information on the finest recovery professional in every state. To locate a drug therapist, drug rehab facility, counseling program or other addiction recovery specialists in your area, go to www.therapistsunlimited.com and find the help you need today!

Are you nuts? Are you going loco? Do people think you are getting berserk out of no reason at all? Then you might want to sit down, relax and ask yourself a couple of questions to check if you are sane or you are really going over the border of being sane and is currently walking that plank of insanity.

There are a lot of practical matters around us that would consider your sanity. Quite frankly, the most simplest things can prove your sanity.

Question number 1: When you are on a blind date and you got invited to their flat for coffee, what would you do?
Like most people will do, they would tag along and enjoy the rest of the day or night. Some would have insane thoughts in mind that they would come along and check on the person, study his or her life, probably murder or rape her, steal something and other crazy thoughts. If this happens to cross your mind, then think again. You really might be losing it.

Question number 2: In a job interview, you got a difficult question, what would you do?
Would you pause and think for awhile or would you rather cry out loud and say that the question was way too much for you? If you are thinking of the latter, then you are not being rational. With that thought at hand, go visit your shrink.

Question number 3: What time do you sleep?
Giving consideration for those who sleep in the morning because of their jobs, it is not excusable for a sane person to not sleep at night. Getting a good sleep keeps the mind working right according to studies. So, if you are not sleeping, it would be wise to consult a professional as soon as possible.

Question number 4: In a restaurant, it’s time to order your appetizer, what would you get?
Without looking at the menu, what is the most logical food to order? A person who orders ice cream for appetizer might as well stand up and start walking to his or her therapist for a one-on-one session.

Question number 5: How much underwear do you wear?
Hygiene is a common sign that a person is sane. It is the way that you carry yourself and take care of yourself. Are you dressing up accordingly and change your undergarments considerably? If that’s the case, then you are totally sane. If you have used up all 4 sides of your underwear, then get dressed and visit your therapist.

Question number 6: What are computers for?
Getting the grasp of the current trend or just possibly knowing what they are for keeps a person’s mind sharp. Current news and events also define the sanity of a person. If you think that your computer is made for juggling, then go take a hike at the nearest mental institution.

Question number 7: How many people have you killed?
You should know how valuable life is. That is total sanity. If you are doing a numbers game on how many people you have killed, then something is incredibly wrong. Serial killers have serious mental problems.

Question number 8: Do you believe in the word “help”?
A sane person knows when he made a mistake and knows when it is time to ask for help. It is logical for someone to ask for help if things do not go the way it is intended to be. As they always say, “no man is an island”. You must learn to live with others and not seclude yourself from the world.

Don’t worry if you have answered some negative parts of the said questions. There are different levels of sanity. Nevertheless, being rational, logical and practical defines most parts of sanity. If you are being rational, logical and practical in your decisions then there is nothing wrong with your mind. If you’re not, then probably you’re beginning to be a nut case.

Video games are indeed very addicting and challenging for anyone. Age does not matter when it comes to video games although it varies with the types of games that people play. Nevertheless, gaming is something that interested a couple of researchers. They said that the addiction of people to games may be put into good use - like health benefits for instance.

For a project that would last for 2 years, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will be paying a dozen research teams up to $200,000 each to conduct the study.The project’s aim is to measure the effects of playing video games on the young and the old.

It could help in motor skills development, perception and many more traits that would benefit the health of anyone.

By the end of the research, I would like to know what game would best fit my emotional or physical state. Hopefully, the challenge will begin when I find the right game for me.

Tobacco companies are now targeting the young population in the Asia Pacific region with their advertisements of linking smoking to glamorous and attractive way of living. This news was according to the UN world health organization.

Tomorrow is World no Tobacco day and who said that the industry in itself is taking advantage of the vulnerability of young people through advertising and influence. It is because of this fact that most of those who are addicted to smoking are teenagers.

The string of messages in billboards, newspapers, magazines, TV and other ads are meant to deceive young people into puffing their very first stick according to WHO. The widespread advertising makes smoking appear to be normal in the eyes of the youth but what they do not know is that it can kill them in the long run.

This is a challenge that has to be dealt with accordingly and perhaps it would be best if they can keep the young people off smoking.

Written by: Lisa Kift

People who suffer with the distressing symptoms of anxiety often experience rumination, or recurrent worry and thought spinning. This can greatly impact sleep and daily living. The negative cyclical thinking tends to have a spiraling effect - where the person ends up at the worst possible scenario - “Something bad will happen to me,” or “She’s going to leave me…,” etc. There is often absolutely no evidence to support the beliefs yet the emotional reactivity they stir up makes them feel very real to the person thinking them!
If you feel invaded by fear based thinking, here are some steps you can take to get the thoughts out of your head right now:

1) Anchor your awareness in the present by taking slow deep breaths, keeping focused on your breathing. Do so for several minutes.
2) Notice your feelings and label them. Think of the “big four,” mad, sad, glad and afraid.
3) Acknowledge the feelings rather than try to push them away as you continue to breathe deeply.
4) Give yourself a break. Imagine how you might be with a friend who was struggling in the same way you are. Would you be compassionate? Empathetic? Be the same way with yourself.
5) Breathe slowly for another minute or so as you refocus your attention to the day.

These steps will provide the framework for a good start in decreasing thought spinning. There are a lot of other great tools that can be learned to use on your own. In my work with people struggling with anxiety, a combination of family of origin exploration and cognitive behavioral therapy has been highly effective in diminishing the effects of many types of anxiety.

Lisa Brookes Kift is an Individual and Relationship Therapist in San Diego who helps people resolve their individual issues and have more satisfying relationships. See more of her mental health and relationship articles, tips, tools and advice at http://www.lisakifttherapy.com.

According to research and study, the number of people being hospitalized due to an intestinal superbug has been dangerously growing by over 10,000 cases every year. The germ itself is resistant to antibiotics and has become a real problem in hospitals and nursing homes.

According to research, this bug was the main culprit for nearly 300,000 hospitalizations back in the year 2005 which is more than double the number back in the year 2000.

Clostridium difficile is found in the colon and can cause serious diarrhea and intestinal problems such as colitis. The spores can be found in feces and are very difficult to kill with conventional cleaners and antibacterial products. It has grown resistant to antibiotics and when patients drink antibiotics to combat it, the competing bacteria die off and the bug explodes.

According to professionals, it is not yet time to panic but it is time to learn the cure for the said pathogen. Constant research is being done to find the best possible remedy.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the experimental drug that was made by GlaxoSmithKline does not make a significant change to lower bleeding in patients that have blood disorder.

Glaxo was seeking for an approval for their drug, Promacta that would supposedly treat a disorder that prevents the patient’s blood from clotting and may cause excessive bruising and bleeding. However, the reviewers of FDA said that according to their studies, the medicine does not provide a robust evidence to support.

According to research, there are about 60,000 people in the United States who have chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura which is an immune system disorder that causes the body to destroy platelets, which in turn help in blood clotting. Some van even cause fatal hemorrhaging in the brain.

FDA will seek opinions from other experts regarding the medicine that Glaxo have manufactured. Hopefully, if things go well, the drug could go out in the market for public use.

The obesity rate among the young spread like an epidemic between the 1980’s and the 1990’s according to a research. The study was published in the journal of American Medical Association.

There were a lot of factors that the study has uncovered. One of which is the fact that poor health and eating practice was exercised by most American kids. They usually consume heavy fat and sugar and have less consumption of fruits and fresh vegetables. On top of that, they even lacked exercise.

The study also uncovered that obese children are at a high risk of heart problems, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. There is a huge chance that they will become obese when they turn into adulthood.

It was a numbers game when if comes to racial and ethnic differences. There are 23% of Mexican origin that are found to be obese and likewise, there are 17% blacks and 16% white.

In a more recent research, the number may have leveled off a bit. It may be too soon to say yet but then hopefully, the food campaign and all those advertisements have done wonders in promoting good diet and a healthy lifestyle.

US government has employed the use of a computerized system to track the safety of drugs and devices. Dubbed as the Sentinel, the program will be used by the Food and Drug Administration to help them identify the dangers of prescription drugs and medical devices that are already in the market.

The key is, everyone will have a say when this goes public. The normal way of reporting to the FDA is only through the manufacturers. When the system goes live, there will be a database that can handle user input. This just means that patients, physicians and other individuals will be able to voice out their needs easily. This will give FDA the chance to learn things that will eventually lead to new warnings that they may have to dish out to the public.

It is still not certain as to how long it will take them to set up the system. I just hope that it would not take long because there are indeed a lot of drugs circulating in the market that have very serious side effects.