At one time doctors would simply give you anti-depressants to deal with anxiety or low mood without addressing the cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a brilliant way to treat mental health problems, either instead of medication or alongside it. It is not the type of treatment where you would lie on a couch and tell the doctor all about your past. CBT totally focuses on the here and now, and how a person is feeling on a day to day basis. It is a therapy which will not cure depression, but it will help you think more positively about things in general by changing negative behavioral cycles.

People who suffer from depression and anxiety etc, think very negatively about life and about themselves. A CBT therapist works with a patient to identify the link between negative thoughts and the effect it has on a person’s mood. A specially trained therapist will encourage a person to concentrate on their negative thought and address it. To ask themselves questions such as ‘why did I just have that thought and what triggered it’ and ‘How does the thought make me feel and how can I change the negative way I feel to a positive feeling’. A CBT therapist will ask the patient to keep a mood and thought journal. They are expected to keep a daily record of any negative thoughts they have and how it affects their mood. CBT basically addresses the way we think, feel and then how we go on to behave as a result of these thoughts. Similarly, if a person occasionally has a nice thought with even a hint of positivity, CBT would encourage internalization of how the nice thought made them feel. This ‘behavioral exposure’ is quite a baptism of fire but has proven positive results.

CBT has a very high success rate for people suffering from certain mental health problems such as clinical depression, OCD, body dimorphic disorder, anxiety and eating disorders. By keeping thought journals as well as talking openly to a qualified therapist, sufferers can begin to change their negative thought patterns by recognizing it when it comes, analyzing it and then letting it go, no longer dwelling on it and letting it trigger low mood. Most people find having a year or so of CBT therapy makes them feel empowered and more assertive, resulting in less negative emotional feelings.

Of course CBT does not suit everyone and is not helpful for all conditions. Some people find it too distressing to write down their thoughts and analyse the way they are feeling as this in itself can bring on an anxiety attack. There are other things to try such as meditation, mindfulness and hypnosis which have all proved to be effective in helping to cope with depression and putting a more positive spin on thinking patterns.

About the author
Grace Pamer is a work from home mom and the author of www.RomanceNeverDies.com, one woman’s on going quest to get the world reacquainted with the art of writing love letters.

Difficulties such as depression and mental health problems or living with chronic pain are part of life. Using mindfulness as part of our everyday lives can help us cope with these things in a better way. Being mindful cannot cure problems and you will still have to take any normal medication, but it helps to change the way in which we think about them. This is because practicing mindfulness refocuses our minds.

We can begin practicing being mindful by taking small steps. Mindfulness is all about being aware of what we are doing at any one given time. So next time you are doing something routine such as eating a bowl of pasta, concentrate on eating the food and ask yourself ‘what is the texture of my food like?’, ‘What flavors can I detect?’. Really try and chew your food and be aware of the nourishment that your body is getting. You can do these exercises in all your daily activities. For example, when you are going for a walk, try and notice your surroundings by asking yourself what you can see, what do the trees look like? Is it cold or breezy? You normally carry out these tasks without giving it a thought. By practicing these rituals while you are living your normal life, you will soon learn that you can feel enriched. Negative thought cycles often caused by depression, will start to become broken. You may usually think that if you answer the door you will have an anxiety attack, but by being mindful and taking slow deep breaths, this feeling will pass and it will eventually become the norm to address your problems without worry.

If your normal first reaction on waking in the morning is negative and you lack motivation then this can be very distressing. Being mindful helps your pain tolerance increase and this has a domino effect because you will automatically fear the pain, anxiety or stress less. The more you fear bad things happening, the more likely it is that they will happen. If you are in a calm, peaceful state this will help you deal with all of your problems.

Meditation is a key part of practicing mindfulness and does not come naturally to most people. Like all things in life, it is a skill which can be learned over time. You should start off by lying or sitting comfortably and try your best to clear your mind (it is perfectly normal for your mind to start wandering after about twenty seconds so don’t worry). If you notice that you are thinking about doing the laundry or something else, try and stop that thought and get back into the deep breathing, concentrating on how your breath comes out of your nostrils, or how your tummy rises and falls with each breath. Practice this exercise at least twice a day just for three minutes. After doing it for a couple of weeks you will notice that your mind does not wander as much and you are able to stay in a meditative state for longer than three minutes. Even if it takes you weeks or even months to acquire this skill please do not worry. Mindfulness is purely non judgmental. You are not letting yourself or anybody else down by not being an expert at meditation.

Once you are comfortable with sitting quietly concentrating on your breathing you can begin to introduce visualization techniques. Think of a lovely place that you can remember. It can be anything at all, perhaps a nice garden that you have sat in, a park you have visited or a stream. While you are picturing this object or place try and imagine that you are there and how it makes you feel. Using visualization exercises regularly lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, making the mind and body feel calmer.

Remember you should practice and practices again at bringing your attention back to your body, to the moment you are in. Making this simple effort gives us the power to expand our awareness from times when we are meditating to living mindfully every day. In other words, the meditation can help keep us relaxed even while we are not in a meditative state. Use your breath while you are trying to complete difficult tasks. Direct your full attention to each in-breath and each out-breath as they follow one another. By doing this you can bring both body and mind into a state of well being and stillness. You will find that after being mindful for a few weeks it starts to come naturally to you. And you will soon notice that your stress levels are not as high, you are having less panic attacks, your OCD is more controlled and you are dealing with your pain better.

Life is not a bowl of cherries and sometimes we can be overwhelmed by depression and distress. Fear, worry, pain, self loathing or hopelessness is part of many people’s daily lives. Practicing mindfulness gives us the tools to cope better with these difficult issues by helping us be more alert, aware, and accepting of ourselves as we are. By being mindful we can learn to live without fear, just live in the moment, and just be.

Mike Sorensen is an audiophile and the author of the www.AcousticFields.com soundproofing blog. Music has always been his greatest escape from the onset of depression.

This type of essay takes on quite a specific format in the form of the introduction, clearly organized main body and final conclusion.

Firstly…

You must carry out thorough research on your topic of choice. Your chosen topic should be of genuine interest to you. There is nothing harder than having to argue on a topic that you hold no interest in. You must be able to demonstrate that your beliefs are reasonable and logical by providing evidence to back up any claims. Have an in-depth understanding of all viewpoints on the topic so that you can substantiate both sides of the argument with sufficient evidence.

Secondly…

Introduce your topic clearly with a brief explanation touching on both sides of the argument and where your view sits. The main body of the essay must include more detail with strong evidence in support of your findings. You must also include evidence to support any other viewpoints. By considering carefully the possible reasons that others share differing ideas, you can gather enough evidence to refute their claims and strengthen your own. In your conclusion you must summarise the evidence you have found and come upon a final decision be it that you are right or simply that you still have strong beliefs but are happy to ‘agree to disagree’.

Thirdly…

The way in which you present your essay can say a lot to the reader. Ensuring that you format your work neatly and clearly will make it far more readable and appealing. Making each section of the essay clearly identifiable allows you to appear professional and the master of your topic. By using a writing program such as Microsoft Word, you have access to all the formatting, font styles and sizes that you need. Word comes as part of the Microsoft Office 2010 Package and also includes Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and many other programs. For students and teachers there are many online Student Software Stores where you can find specially discounted software for students with up to 90% discount on normal retail prices.

It is essential that you know as much about depression as possible, and the range of symptoms that are associated with its different types. This will assist you in finding the most effective methods of self treatment. A helpful book to begin with is “Depression for Dummies,” by Laura L. Smith. This book covers all you need to know from the different types of depression and the symptoms; it also discusses techniques, and methods you can use to cope with the disorder.

There are certain types of depression that are caused by an underlying medical problem; you first need to go to the doctors to ensure that this is not the case. If you have a medical condition that you are unaware of, you will not be able to cure your depression unless the medical condition has first been dealt with.

There are a number of conditions that can cause depression; these include stroke, Lyme disease, diabetes, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, brain trauma and multiple sclerosis.

Depression leads to isolation, this can make your condition worse as you are alone with the negative thoughts which are the cause of your depression. Go out with friends and family, join a support group or become a volunteer. Anything that keeps you in regular contact with people will help to manage the symptoms of the condition.

According to Dr. Segal you should speak to a therapist, the simple act of talking about your problems can help. Your therapist will be able to assist you in getting to the root cause of your condition; when this has been discovered, he/she can develop a treatment plant to help you to cope with the symptoms.

Start exercising for at least 15 to 30 minutes per day. You don’t need to do anything strenuous or go to the gym, going for a walk every day is enough. This helps to relieve stress which is one of the main reasons why people become depressed in the first place. Exercise also releases dopamine and serotonin, these are chemicals responsible for your mood; when released, you will start to feel happier.

There are several relaxation techniques that can treat depression, at the same time as stimulating feelings of well-being. Some of the better techniques include mediation, visualization, yoga and deep breathing exercises. Not all techniques are going to work with everyone. Therefore, you will need to try out different methods to see which of them works best for you. Once you have determined this, you will need to incorporate it into your daily routine in order to experience the full benefits.

About the author
Grace Pamer is a work from home mom and the author of www.RomanticFrugalMom.com, one woman’s on going quest to get her family to go green whilst keeping romance alive in her marriage. Check out her love letters for him section if you need help writing a love letter to your nearest and dearest because of a hectic schedule because ethical living starts at home.

Image via Creative Commons

The right environment

There are numerous drug treatment centers that you can choose to go to. If you are absolutely not comfortable with the drug treatment centre, then odds are you are going to fight your treatment every step of the way. While it is normal that there is some level of discomfort, if you think that it is going to be impossible for you to stay there, then you will want to look into other treatment centres. But don’t just walk out at the first sign of discomfort: look around, ask questions. Get a feel for the place.

The right doctor

As with the actual centre, the first time you meet with your doctors and therapists, there will be a certain level of discomfort and awkwardness. But as you work with them, this should dissipate. But if you find that there is a major personality conflict with a doctor or therapist, then your treatment may not work. Ask up front if it will be possible to switch doctors or counsellors if any issues arise.

The right treatment

There is not just one method of treatment when it comes to drug addiction. There are more than a handful of treatment methods that may or may not work for you. They key here is to be open to all forms of treatment so that you can find the one that will work for you. At first it might be a trial and error method, but you will find one that is a great fit.

Tailor your CV
The most common mistake that job applicants make is updated or adding to their CV as if it were a list. Don’t fall into this trap. In today’s jobs market every application should be unique, and you should ensure that your CV highlights the skills that make you ideal for the exact role you’re applying for. Don’t be afraid to boast a little – save the modesty for another time!

Understand What Recruiters Do
Recruiters have a job to do, just like anyone else, but it just so happens that theirs is to get other people into work. If you can show them that you completely understand the role, that you meet their criteria and that you’re someone who would be good to have around their organisation, then you will have made it easy for them to hire you.

Appearance and Demeanour
How you sell your personality is up to you, but taking care of your appearance and being polite should be considered essential. Being well-dressed, well-mannered and doing your best to make a good first impression will certainly help your chances. Dry-clean your suit, polish your shoes, and maybe even go for a haircut. Make sure you feel great when you go for an interview. Like it or not, your appearance at a formal interview reflects how well you take care of yourself, and recruiters often equate how well someone takes care of their appearance to how well they can take of their work.

Money
Talking about salary or benefits can be tricky at any time, and ought to be avoided unless the recruiter raises it with you. The best time to discuss it, if your questions haven’t already been answered, is after you receive a job offer.

Be Confident and Open
If a recruiter is talking to you then the chances are that they know you possess most of the qualities they are looking for. Most graduate jobs have very high applicant-to-interview ratios, so, if a recruiter has taken the time in their day to contact you, make sure to thank them for it and recognise that it’s because of your experience and qualifications.

If an adult man was depressed and verbalized to others that he desired to end his life, in most cases that threat would be taken seriously by those around him. Other adults would immediately recognize that his thoughts and words were out of character. The danger with teens who threaten suicide, however, is that their threats are often dismissed as being dramatic, attention-seeking or overly emotional because they are frequently in a moody or irritable state. Teens become emotionally distraught very easily in their everyday lives. Like “the boy who cried wolf,” it can be difficult to distinguish when a child is being sincere.

Err on the side of caution

The number one rule of thumb should always be to err on the side of caution. Never make the dangerous assumption that a child is only “doing it for attention.” A common mistake that adults make, when dismissing a child’s suicidal thoughts, is that they look for reasons to justify why a child is so upset. A recent break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend is an excellent example of an excuse that is used to rationalize away these extreme emotions. However, if a child has already been emotionally distressed over other life challenges such as parents divorcing, worries about the future, problems with peers in school or failing grades, the breakup of an important relationship can be the final emotional trigger that leads a teen to feel suicide is the only way to end the pain.

Another common mistake that occurs is when adults fail to see that what they are labeling a cause of depression is actually a symptom of depression. In a recent true story, a 17 year old teenager began engaging in risky behaviors. He was drinking, doing drugs, his grades were failing and he broke up with his girlfriend of 14 months for no apparent reason. Feeling lonely and regretting his mistake of ending this important relationship, he wanted his ex back, but she declined and had moved on. He began threatening suicide to his ex-girlfriend, continually messaging her that his life was hopeless. Initially, she told no one about his suicidal thoughts simply because he asked her not to. Eventually, she told his mother and her own parents, but they did nothing and stated directly he was “doing it for her attention.” Fortunately, the young girl didn’t give up and finally found an adult who would listen. It took two direct suicidal threats and two calls to 911 for the young man to finally be taken seriously. He is in inpatient treatment and is getting the help he needs.

In the above example, adults believed the teen’s regret over breaking up was why he was messaging her “dramatic” suicidal thoughts. However, his breaking up with her out of the blue was actually a symptom of his severe depression, including the other signs such as drug use and falling grades. Many adults and even counselors lack the whole picture of what a teen is feeling inside. Looking for an easier explanation to minimize the seriousness of the suicidal threat puts many depressed teens in harm’s way. In this story, the depression was actually due to severe emotional abuse in his household. He turned to drugs to dull the pain, and pushed away his girlfriend. Outsiders only saw a young man who was distraught over a relationship and drew dangerous, inaccurate conclusions from there.

Adults and teenagers both need to understand that youth who threaten to take their own lives actually do commit suicide. No one who commits suicide truly wants to die, they merely feel hopeless that their internal pain will never stop. Exclaiming to others that they want to die can often be a first step in preparing for the tragic end result of carrying out on those threats. In no instance should anyone dismiss threats, feeling they have an explanation for why a teen is feeling so upset. Every 100 minutes one 15-24 year old will take his or her own life. Many of these young adults will commit suicide because no one took their cries for help seriously, dismissing them as merely “doing it for attention.”

About the Author
Grace Pamer is a mom of 3, avid writer and widley known as the love letters lady. She runs a popular section called love letters for him on her Romantic Frugal Mom blog, a guide which helps couples to compose love letters for their nearest and dearest.

Image via Creative Commons

One of the most important factors of feng shui is light. If there is a substantial amount of natural light filtering through a room, that can also be altered quickly and efficiently, then a person’s mood and thought processes can be greatly improved.

The easiest and most effective way of abiding to feng shui in the home is through the careful selection of window treatments. For a balanced and peaceful mind, a natural environment is needed. The rules of the art state that for a feeling of pure nature and tranquillity, a substantial amount of natural light needs to pass through a room. By engaging in regular outdoor activity as well, a person could even see an improvement to their health.

Roller Blinds are the preferred choice amongst home owners who wish to incorporate an element of this science into their living quarters. This is because they are pretty and appealing whilst also serving the purpose of an adjustable light filter. This adjustment can be made without the use of artificial light, an unwanted factor in the philosophy of feng shui.

There’s little wonder why roller blinds are a particular favourite under feng shui followers. The very selection of window treatments implemented into a room can greatly affect the image, feel and energy felt within it. It is important to consider two things when deciding on which roller blind is suitable for you and your home; practicality and appearance.

Made from rigid fabric, these blinds can be rolled up or down to suit individual preference and alter the amount of light being filtered into a room. Inexpensive, convenient and available in a wide variety of colours, designs and styles, roller blinds are suitable for all rooms within the home. It is incredibly easy to find a blind that suits the interior décor of your home whilst remaining in line with conventional feng shui rituals.

Roller blinds are the ideal choice of window treatments for those who wish to improve their living areas to help with inner body and mind happenings. Be sure to allow yourself to indulge in natural sunlight and peaceful surroundings for an all-round happier, healthier and well balanced sense of self.

Looking back at resolutions made at the start of 2011, researcher Alexander Cherney found that losing weight was the top goal of surveyed Americans, with over 40% listing it as their top resolution. Unfortunately, it’s also at the top of the list of unachieved resolutions.  Along with losing weight, getting fit or exercising more is also a popular resolution, as is eating healthier.

The important thing in choosing a resolution is to pick goals that are achievable over the long-term. It also depends on your ability to develop new habits and the discipline to keep them throughout the year. For example, trying to save money may be difficult when it comes time to find a new apartment. Having the will power to keep your year-long budget in mind will keep you from splurging on the condo you can’t afford in favor of the smaller unit that will help you meet your goals.

Other popular resolutions, according to government statistics:

• Get a Better Job
• Drink Less
• Quit Smoking
• Manage Debt
• Volunteer
• Take a Vacation
• Spend More Time with Family/Friends
• Recyle

photo by Between a Rock, courtesy Creative Commons License

One new company in Canada is emphasizing customer service at the forefront of its corporate vision. Starlight Apartments is the brainchild of Daniel Drimmer, a veteran of Canadian residential real estate. Having built one real estate company into a major player, Drimmer could have easily retired after completing the largest multi-residential transaction of the year in Canada in 2010. Drimmer, however, had other ideas.

Drimmer brings years of experience developing ground-breaking techniques, such as online property tours and the use of social media tools, to his new endeavor. Starlight Apartments burst onto the scene in September 2011 with 5,500 rental units spread across Canada. In the months since the launch, the company has already acquired an additional 60 units in a building in Mississauga, Ontario and plans to have a total of 10,000 units in its portfolio by the end of 2012.

Starlight President Daniel Drimmer believes that their emphasis on personal attention, customer service, and professionalism will set them apart from other real estate companies. They believe in providing a positive and satisfying experience for those searching for apartments on their website, viewing virtual tours on video sites, and interacting with the company directory through conversations on social media sites. Once potential tenants are ready to visit a property in person, expert property managers will be available to answer all questions and help potential customers transition into happy residents. Starlight has chosen several different property managers rather than a single, national company. This ensures that each manager is familiar with the specific city and property and will give residents the personal attention they require.

In this second decade of the 21st century it is imperative that businesses find a way to distinguish themselves from the competition. Focusing on providing a positive customer experience is a good place to start. New and existing businesses alike may find that putting the customer first will help them build a loyal following — one smile at a time.

Image courtesy Payton Chung via Creative Commons license.