What Is Dyslexia? How Can You Help Your Children Deal With Dyslexia? | Online Docs

Dyslexia is a unique learning disability with neurological causes. These are the main characteristics of poor spelling and decoding skills, issues with accurate and/or fluent word recognition. The development of vocabulary and background information may be hindered by reading comprehension issues and a decreased reading experience, which are secondary effects. These issues are often brought on by phonology impairment in language, which is frequently unexpected in view of other cognitive skills and the effectiveness of classroom training.

An estimated 5% to 10% of Americans struggle with dyslexia, which manifests as delayed reading, spelling difficulties, or word muddles. This learning problem can also affect adults. Some people receive a diagnosis at a young age. Some people don't become aware of their dyslexia until they are older.

Spelling, writing, and speaking clearly can all be hampered by problems with word processing. Children who have dyslexia frequently have normal eyesight and are equally intelligent as their peers. But because it takes them longer to read, they have greater trouble in school.

Why Does Dyslexia Occur?

Hereditary: Its genetic link, the illness frequently runs in families. If you’re parents, siblings, or other family members suffer with dyslexia, your chances of developing it are higher. Variations in the brain's parts that process language lead to the illness. According to imaging studies of dyslexics, certain brain regions that ought to be active when reading don't function as they should.

Children must first learn the sounds that each letter produces in order to read. For instance, "B" sounds like "buh." The sound "M" produces is "em." Then, they discover how to combine those sounds to create words (for example, "C-A-T" spells "cat"). Children with dyslexia struggle to make the connection between letters and sounds, let alone mix those sounds into words. Therefore, the word "cat" may seem to someone with dyslexia as "tac." Reading can be a slow and challenging task as a result of these misunderstandings.

Everyone has a unique form of dyslexia. Some people only have a moderate form, which they gradually learn to control. Some people struggle with it a little more than others. 

What Are Dyslexia's Signs and Symptoms?

Before your child starts school, it could be difficult to identify the dyslexia symptoms. If your child struggles in school with reading, spelling, and following directions, a teacher may be the first to spot the warning signals. Ages and stages of life might affect the symptoms of dyslexia. Each dyslexic youngster has particular talents and overcomes particular difficulties. However, several overarching indicators indicate that your child may require additional support in the classroom.

Symptoms of Dyslexia in kids

Dyslexic children have difficulty digesting language. Language development in preschoolers with this learning disability lags behind that of their peers. Compared to their friends, they speak and write more slowly and occasionally mix letters and words. Preschoolers with dyslexia may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Having trouble memorizing or learning the alphabet's letters.
• Familiar misspelling words. Baby babbling is quite prevalent.
• Not being able to recognize letters. For instance, they mispronounce "t" as "d."

Symptoms of Dyslexia in adults

People who weren't identified as having dyslexia as children may find out they do later in adulthood. Adults with dyslexia may experience difficulties with: Reading, reading quickly, or engaging reading-related activities spelling, memorization, or word retention, Taking notes or recording information.

Difficulty in remembering numbers, such as passwords or pins,

Difficulty learning a new language,

Difficulty in performing math,

Respecting deadlines and maintaining organization.

Diagnosis

Only a Diagnostic Assessment conducted by a qualified dyslexia assessor can lead to a formal diagnosis of dyslexia. If your child is dyslexic or not, this evaluation will let you know. You will get a thorough report highlighting your child's strengths and weaknesses as well as a better understanding of their cognitive profile and suggestions for how to support them. The evaluation's goal is to:

1. To draw attention to the young person's unique learning or working style and what works and what doesn't for them
2. To compile data on writing, spelling, and reading abilities
3. Determining whether there is a noticeable difference between overall level of ability and level of reading and writing
4. To take into account additional elements that could influence learning
5. To determine if any Modifications Are Reasonable

Treatment plan

Several different therapies can help your dyslexic youngster become more proficient in reading and writing. These initiatives aid kids in catching up academically with their peers.

Learning Techniques:

• Children and adults with dyslexia can benefit from the following advice:
• Without any interruptions, read quietly.
• On a computer or CD, read along as you are listening to literature.
• Divide reading and other work into smaller, more doable chunks.
• Become a member of a support group for dyslexic children or adults.
• Eat healthful foods and get plenty of sleep.
• Your youngster will learn how to control their dyslexia as they get older.

The better the chance of success, the younger the child is when treatment begins. But with the correct assistance, even adults with dyslexia can continue to advance their abilities. Treatments for dyslexia are customized for each patient. In order to create a program that meets their specific needs, your kid will collaborate with Therapists. 

Most effective therapy

For addressing dyslexia and other literacy issues is structured literacy therapy (Orton-Gillingham). No matter where you live, get in touch with one of our highly qualified therapists for online. With the assistance of a reading specialist, our youngster can learn how to: Sounding out words and letters (phonics), Rapid reading, greater comprehension of what they read and Clarify your writing. A few reading programs are designed with dyslexic children in mind. As follows:

Orton-Gillingham: This method teaches children how to connect letters with sounds and identify letter sounds in words.

Children that receive multisensory training learn how to acquire new abilities by using all of their senses, including touch, sight, hearing, smell, and movement.

The holiday season is just around the corner. It is a time of laughter and family, but for a few people, it can be quite stressful. People who suffer from any mental illness feel the holiday season can be a stressful time because of various situations like family obligations, meeting new people, etc. Special care needs to be taken by people to protect their mental health.

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Barriers To Seeking Help For Mental Health Problems | Online Docs

Mental health is a major issue, and it is time to stop ignoring it. Mental illness has been stigmatized for centuries, and overcoming these barriers will take time. There is a huge part of the population that chooses to suffer in silence rather than speaking up about their struggles with their mental health, they do not see themselves as survivors but as problems to be solved, which is not the case. The only reason they feel like they have to hide the state of their mental health is because of the stigma attached to it, but it does not make the problem any less real. There is a need for more awareness and education regarding mental health, it needs to be talked about more, and people need to be more proactive in their own lives to get the help they need. As a community, we need to normalize asking for help and make sure that everyone gets the help they need. There are many ways that we can work together as a community toward making mental health care available to all who need it without being judged or blamed for having a problem.

The need for Mental health awareness

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It is the difference between living well and poorly, between feeling good about yourself and bad about yourself. Poor mental health can affect how you think, feel and act. It can affect how you relate to others and perform at work and in social activities. Poor mental health can make you feel like you are not good enough and might make you feel like you are physically exhausted. Poor mental health can manifest as physical symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, etc.

Fortunately for us all, mental illness is not a sign of weakness—it is just another way we humans express our feelings through our bodies. And while it might be easier to talk about physical ailments like diabetes or cancer than mental illnesses like depression or anxiety disorders (which affect millions), we have some work ahead of us before we can truly understand what these conditions mean for our lives and the world around us as a whole. The need for mental health awareness is at an all-time high, especially now.

Mental health issues are still stigmatized

Stigma is the fear of being associated with something that is considered undesirable or disgraceful by society. It can mean internalized stigma when someone experiences shame and embarrassment about their mental health condition. Externalized stigma, on the other hand, occurs when people with a mental health issue experience public scrutiny because of their appearance (e.g., overweight) or behavior (e.g., violent). Stigma can be as damaging as other barriers like lack of financial support for treatment or access to medical care; it is also closely linked to discrimination in hiring practices and school admissions processes. People feel unsafe expressing their feelings about mental health issues in public due to the fear of being tagged as mentally ill, weak, or irresponsible. More and more people will choose not to get help until and unless we as a community can build a safe space for them to speak freely without the fear of being stigmatized.  

Lack of awareness of professional mental health services

One of the most significant barriers is a lack of awareness. People do not know about the services, where to go and what they are, or how they work. They may not even realize that mental health problems exist. The number of people living out their whole lives with mental health issues left untreated is huge. This happens because people are not educated about what warning signs to look for and how to protect themselves. The main cause is the lack of knowledge about mental health services within India. 

There are many organizations that offer low-cost, high-quality counseling sessions but these groups typically focus on specific issues like depression or anxiety rather than general mental well-being or stress management techniques like meditation which could help with many different issues related to everyday life. People may also feel more comfortable seeking help if they have a support system in place that they can trust and turn to in times of need.

Mental illness is still seen as a weakness, not an illness

It is important to understand that mental illness is not a sign of weakness. Mental illness is a normal human experience and should be treated as such. You would not think to call a cancer survivor weak because they have the disease, the same is true with mental illness. You should always take the time to educate yourself and your friends and family about mental illness to help them understand it better. It is also vital to remember that many resources are available to help people with mental health issues and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a mental health professional immediately.

Negative attitude towards mental health awareness

It is common to hear people say things like, “I do not want to be around people who are mentally ill” or “I do not want my children to be around people with mental illness.” While these sentiments are certainly not uncommon in society, they can cause serious barriers for those seeking help for their mental health issues. It is easy for us all as individuals and as a society to think of mental illness as weak or irresponsible—but that is simply not true! 

Mental illness is an actual disease with symptoms like fatigue and headaches (and sometimes suicidal thoughts). The stigma surrounding this condition makes it harder for people suffering from depression or anxiety disorders like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) than other diseases such as cancer or heart disease because there is not much research being done on how best to treat them - but luckily there are organizations like NAMI India which do their best through education programs so hopefully, soon enough we will understand better how we can help each other!

Self-Stigmatization

Self-stigmatization is a result of mental illness, but it can also result from being around other people who stigmatize mental illness. For example, if you are constantly told how mental health issues are a hoax, how they are just excuses for weak people, or how you will be more productive if you just give up making excuses for yourself, then you are likely to internalize stigma against yourself and not ask for help when you need it most. Self-stigmatization happens when we internalize stigma against ourselves because our brains think it is normal for us to feel like crap sometimes! Or maybe we blame ourselves for why we are feeling bad—like maybe having anxiety means something about our character or worth as an individual. That is untrue. Mental illness is not a character flaw. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness. 

Unaffordability of mental health care services

There are many myths about mental illness, and people with psychological disorders may feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. This can lead to self-stigmatization, making it difficult for them to access the necessary treatment. In addition, financial and cultural barriers often stand in the way of mental health care. Mental health care is often not accessible to many people because they simply can not afford it. This is especially true in developing countries with no national health insurance schemes, and services are provided by various private and charitable organizations. This has meant that people have to pay out of pocket, often in the form of loans or donations. 

A second major reason people don’t seek help is that they think their problem is not serious enough or will go away on its own (self-medication). 70% of those suffering from depression say that they have tried some form of self-medication at one point in time; this includes antidepressants such as Prozac or Zoloft as well as over-the-counter pills, including Benadryl or Tylenol. This is why people with depression are often seen as lazy or unmotivated. 

There is a lack of resources for mental health

The lack of resources for mental health is a big problem. Mental health services are expensive, so many people do not get what they need. They also are not widely available and can be difficult to access.

The stigma around mental health is another problem. Many people do not understand the importance of mental health, so they do not talk about it and because of this, many people do not get the help they need. India has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

The good news is that many organizations are working to change this. They are providing resources and support for people who need it and helping people understand the importance of mental health.

It is time to end the stigma around mental illness

If you have suffered from mental health issues for any length of time, I am sure you have been given a lot of advice about how to fix your problems. This can range from telling you that it is your fault (which is not true) or telling you that it is all in your head (which also is not true). All this unsolicited advice can make you feel like there is something wrong with you or feel you are not good enough. But what if we told ourselves something different? What if we stopped focusing on the stigma surrounding mental illness and started focusing on the strength of each person? 

The answer: It would change everything. It is all in your perception of how you look at things and who you are. It is time to stop giving attention to all these negative things and put yourself first. It is critical that you prioritize your mental health above everything else. 

For this new paradigm shift to take place, everyone needs to stop blaming themselves for their problems and start looking at the world through an honest lens instead—one where there are no excuses for why things are not okay when they should not be okay at all!

Conclusion

This article has looked at some of the major barriers to mental health. It is important to note that these are not the only barriers, but they are ones that we can see and address. There is a lot of work left to be done to make mental health care accessible for everyone, but with awareness, there will be less stigma around this illness and more people will be able to access mental health care.

Stigmas Associated with Antipsychotic Medications and How to Overcome Them | Online Docs

 Antipsychotic medication can be an effective treatment for mental illness, but unfortunately, it often comes with a stigma attached. People with mental illness are often treated with prejudice and discrimination, and the use of antipsychotic medication can compound this. This stigma can make it difficult for people to seek necessary treatment and support and lead to social isolation and exclusion. It's important to raise awareness about the reality of mental illness and to destigmatize treatments like antipsychotic medication. By doing so, we can make it easier for people to get the help they need and break down the barriers that stand in the way of recovery. go

However, this culture of stigma is still prevalent in some parts of the world, and people who are mentally ill often have to deal with it. They are subjected to incessant criticism due to their mental illness, which they have no control over. They are reluctant to get the help that they need, and they often feel shame about their condition if they have to take antipsychotic medication. This needs to stop, mental illness is no different than any other illness and should be treated the same way, sometimes with medication and sometimes with support. You have the right to treatment and to feel good about your condition, it is imperative that you are treated with the utmost care and respect. 

Despite the proven efficacy of antipsychotic medication, a culture of stigma persists.

Despite the proven efficacy of antipsychotic medication, a culture of stigma persists. A recent study found that nearly 20% of people with schizophrenia seeking treatment were struggling with employment-related barriers to accessing care. This is particularly true for women, who comprise roughly half of those living with schizophrenia.

Another study found that one-third (34%) of those who received treatment from specialized mental health services reported having been refused help by their general practitioner because they had schizophrenia; this occurred despite there being no evidence-based reasons why these individuals would be denied access to appropriate medical care.

In addition to creating needless suffering for patients and their families through denial or delay in providing necessary medications or treatment options, stigma also increases patients' risk for homelessness as well as other forms of discrimination, including housing discrimination against those experiencing mental health issues, unemployment because employers do not want someone who has been declared incompetent due to mental illness before they can make decisions about their job performance. It is high time people need to take a hard look at themselves and be more considerate towards people who are suffering from mental illness. 

It is not your fault you need to take these medications!

The first thing you need to know is that antipsychotic medication is not a cause of schizophrenia. It is a treatment option, and like all treatments, it comes with risks and advantages. This treatment option is still being studied and researched and is not full-proof. It is important to understand these differences so you can make informed decisions about your treatment plan going forward.

Antipsychotic medication does not have to be associated with stigma—it can actually be part of your recovery! But suppose you are struggling with thoughts about taking the pills or feeling like they have taken over your life in any way. In that case, it might help to know that antipsychotics are considered safe for most people with schizophrenia who take them regularly as prescribed by their doctor or psychiatrist. Antipsychotics also do not cause brain damage or addiction, they help manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions while treating underlying causes such as illness-induced dopamine dysregulation (the condition causing schizophrenia).

Not all treatments are equal. 

There are many reasons why one medication might be better than another. For example, some treatments have been studied for longer and have more evidence to support them. Some medications are safer than others, while others may treat your condition or symptoms more effectively.

It is important to remember that not all treatments are equal regarding their safety and effectiveness in the long term. Some drugs can cause side effects such as weight gain or tiredness; some patients need blood tests every few months instead of just once annually; others have fewer chances of developing diabetes or heart disease as they age; still, others may interact with other medicines you are taking so that your doctor has to monitor how much caffeine you drink each day or change the doses of other medicines you are taking. Your treatment plan is structured for you and might look very different from other patients because what might work for them might not work for you. The best way to find out is to speak to your doctor about what treatments have been shown to work best for you. 

The most effective treatments for schizophrenia are antipsychotic medication and talk therapy. 

The most effective treatment for schizophrenia is an antipsychotic medication. If you are taking this medication, there is no shame in it. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed when you look at others who are not taking any medications at all, but that feeling should go away as soon as you realize how much better your life can be with medication. It would help if you never compared your progress with other patients because your mind is healing at its own pace. You can find out more by speaking to your doctor about your treatment.

Antipsychotic medication restores brain chemistry and helps relieve some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Reducing emotional reactivity during stressful situations like social interactions with others outside immediate family members also helps prevent relapses into acute episodes. When a person first becomes familiar with their illness, there may be people who can support them during these stressful times. Therefore, preventing another episode from occurring prematurely due solely to factors unrelated directly to maintaining mental stability within society itself.

You are not alone if you feel shame about your disorder or your treatment. Talk to someone about how you can let go of that shame.

Do not be ashamed to take antipsychotic medication if your doctor recommends that. It is important for everyone to know that taking medication is a necessity; it does help people with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses live better lives, but it does not make them any less human than anyone else who takes their medicine in the same way as everyone else does every day—and they should never feel like they have some special exemption just because they have been diagnosed with an illness where there are no easy answers or solutions.

If someone asks why you are taking this drug?  It would help if you answered honestly. It helps you function better day-to-day so you can continue doing your job as well as possible. The truth behind these statements might seem obvious now but it wasn't until recently when you started getting into therapy, that you realized how much shame there was associated with being mentally ill--and how hard it was going through life without being able to talk openly about any problems without feeling judged by others around you.

Antipsychotic medication is the treatment that best restores brain chemistry to normalcy, which is why it works so effectively at treating symptoms of schizophrenia.

Antipsychotic medications are used as a first-line or second-line treatment for people with schizophrenia. When used as a first-line treatment, an individual should be given antipsychotics according to age, weight, and other factors (such as whether they have already been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder). If someone has already been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, they may also be prescribed an antidepressant or mood stabilizer instead of an antipsychotic drug.

Antipsychotics have many advantages:

1. They treat some symptoms better than others. 
2. They reduce side effects like drowsiness. 
3. They improve activity levels. 
4. They reduce aggression towards yourself or others, etc. 

However, there are also disadvantages such as weight gain because of increased appetite (which can lead to obesity), insomnia due to sedation effects on sleep patterns caused by increased dopamine activity within regions responsible for regulating sleep/wake cycles - this means that you may feel less tired during the day but will still feel tired when going to bed at night because your body is not getting enough restorative REM periods each night which corresponded directly correlates with healthy restful dreams containing vivid imagery from past memories stored deep within the unconscious mind.

Do not be ashamed to take antipsychotic medication if that is recommended by your doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, it can be difficult to face the fact that the treatment your doctor has recommended is an antipsychotic medication. The stigma surrounding these drugs and the way they are often portrayed in popular culture can make people feel ashamed of their condition, and this may lead them to avoid taking them for fear of being seen as weak or lacking willpower. But there is no need for shame, taking antipsychotics helps restore brain chemistry to normalcy, and the drugs are not addictive.

Conclusion

We have covered a lot of ground here. You know that stigma is real, and it Is not going away soon. But you also know that there are ways you can combat it by talking about your experiences and letting others know that they are not alone in their struggles with mental illness. And while you are at it, do not forget to tell your friends and family members that they do not have to feel ashamed if they choose to take medication like antipsychotics or antidepressants either—and most importantly, keep up with your treatment regimens as prescribed by your doctor!

 

Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder

 

Human mind is a powerful tool shaped over millennia of evolution. However, it is also a delicate and finely balanced tool. The extreme stresses of modern lifestyles can often get to people. While most manage somewhat fine, some people find these stresses challenging to manage. These people may have a family history of mental disorders or environmental or personal factors that affect them. Due to this predisposition, some people may develop signs of mental disorders.

 

One such condition is called bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder can experience extreme mood swings in a short span. They have trouble controlling their moods and emotions during these episodes. It can take a toll on a person's life, and they can find it challenging to form meaningful relationships. According to the WHO, as of 2019, more than 40 million people live with bipolar disorder worldwide. It is a serious mental health issue and requires qualified professional intervention.

 

This article talks about various issues relating to bipolar disorder. It goes into some detail about the condition and its symptoms. It aims to educate people about the condition and how they can help loved ones with bipolar disorder.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

 

Psychologists categorize bipolar disorder as a mood disorder. It is a life-long condition, and there is no known cure. However, some techniques can help manage the severity of the condition. People with this condition typically exhibit either of two extremes during an episode. They may show depressive signs and become lethargic and mentally and physically tired. Alternatively, they may exhibit mania and become very irritable and energetic.

 

Note that people with this disorder typically exhibit these extremes only during episodes. Beyond these episodes, they are usually stable people with regular moods and habits. This disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’', but that term has since been replaced. Diagnosing a person with bipolar disorder can be tricky for several reasons. To diagnose a patient, their doctors often conduct a battery of tests. Tests may involve physical examination, psychological evaluations, and a chat with family members.

 

Various countries and medical boards have unique criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder. The APA publishes the DSM-5, a detailed study of standards for this purpose in the United States of America. Doctors study the test results and symptoms per the APA’s recommendations. Making a bipolar diagnosis in children and teenagers can be even more challenging. Their brains are still developing, making it difficult to analyze the symptoms appropriately.

 

 

Types of Bipolar Disorder

 

As with other mental conditions, research on bipolar disorder is still in its infancy. There is a lot that scientists are still studying the details about the disorder. However, there are currently four types of bipolar disorder commonly observed:

 

1.          Type I: These people suffer from episodes of both depression and mania. Their symptoms may be pretty intense and severe. Their manic episodes may even land them in a hospital due to physical injuries. They may experience mixed states of emotion - mania and depression together.

 

2.          Type II: People with this type of bipolar disorder experience something called hypomania. Their manic or euphoric episodes are not as severe or intense as in Type I. But this form of bipolar is characterized by more extreme depressive episodes.

 

 

3.          Cyclothymia: This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by milder mood swings. Though it may sound better than Types I or II, that may only sometimes be the case. Though mild, these mood swings are far more frequent in patients. In some extreme cases, these unstable moods may last for two years.

 

4.          Others: Such people show various symptoms of bipolar disorder. But they cannot be classified into one of the above types. Such cases may be diagnosed as a specified or unspecified form of bipolar disorder.

 

 

An Open Dialogue on Bipolar Disorder

 

Living with bipolar disorder can be an exhausting experience, physically and mentally. People with bipolar may not even have a proper diagnosis for their condition. In such cases, it becomes essential for their loved ones to be supportive. The first step in handling any mental disorder is to have a frank and open talk about it. Bipolar disorder can exhibit itself through some extreme symptoms. Intense mood swings can be alarming and frightening for patients.

 

When a loved one, be it a friend or a family member, allows them to talk, it can be pretty helpful. Let the patient know that their actions are not being judged. People with bipolar disorder often cannot truly control their actions. It makes them feel guilty about the way they behave. The focus of the dialogue should be on making them feel at ease.

There are many websites and discussion forums on the Internet that can help. These resources can help broach the topic of bipolar disorder with their loved ones. There is, of course, the option of talking to a qualified mental health professional and discussing the diagnosis helpfully and sensitively.

 

Understanding The Symptoms

 

Many people feel stressed living with someone with bipolar disorder. The symptoms can be extreme and affect the family’s mental health. Family members should educate themselves on the signs and symptoms a patient may showcase. A person with bipolar disorder may not be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. It is especially true during an extreme manic episode where they may be very irritable.

 

However, the vital thing to realize here is that bipolar disorder is a mental disorder. It may be challenging, but loved ones must remember the diagnosis and try to be for them. Often, patients are not entirely in control of their actions or words. Therefore, their loved ones must develop a forgiving nature. This statement does not, however, excuse abuse or any ill-treatment. All such instances must be discussed calmly and clearly once the episode has passed. The only way to help a bipolar person is to be a patient and stable person on whom they can rely.

 

As stated earlier, there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. The condition can be managed depending on the extent and severity of the symptoms. But even in the best cases, the symptoms do not completely vanish. Thus, it requires a patient mindset to live with and help someone with bipolar disorder. It also helps to set practical and realistic expectations of the treatment regimen.

 

Handling Bipolar Episodes in the Family

 

Bipolar people aware of the diagnosis often rely on others for support. If their symptoms are intense, they may want to reach out and ask for help. As mentioned earlier, in extreme cases, symptomatic episodes may land in hospitals. So, it may help to reach out and offer support practically. A loved one can reach out to a bipolar person when they are stable and formulate a plan. There are many things one can do to help manage a bipolar episode:

 

1.               Some people find redirecting their extra energies during a manic episode helpful. They find it beneficial to take on a creative project that grabs their attention. If a loved one notices the symptoms of a manic episode, such creative projects can help.

 

      2.      In many cases, bipolar episodes are triggered by stress. If a loved one sees a bipolar person taking too much pressure, they can alert them to it. They may even offer to take some of the load off and ease their stress.

   3.      Some bipolar people make terrible financial decisions during their manic episodes. A loved one can help them by preventing or cautioning against such rash decisions. In some relationships, they may temporarily help manage the person’s finances.

 

 

4.          During depressive episodes, bipolar people may find it challenging to maintain a routine. A loved one can step up and help them stick to their routine.

 

Importance of Self-Care

 

Taking care of a person with mental health issues can be very taxing. It often leads to the carer developing mental health problems of their own. The stress of handling another person’s issues and one’s own can quickly build up. In the case of people with bipolar disorder, it can be particularly challenging. Their mood swings can be extreme, and it can be very exhausting dealing with them. Therefore, most experts also recommend keeping an eye on one’s mental health when caring for individuals with mental health problems.

 

People who wish to help others with bipolar should know their limitations. It helps to have one’s personal goals and ambitions in focus too. Otherwise, the carer may get overwhelmed by the needs and requirements of their loved one. Set realistic expectations of oneself and the treatment course. Do not expect the symptoms ever vanish entirely. It also helps to talk about one’s feelings and stresses openly. Seek help from other friends and family members when required.

 

Caring for a person with bipolar disorder can be a lonesome and tiring experience. It is essential to maintain a focus on mental health. Otherwise, one risks heading for burnout and a severe mental health issue of their own.

 

Seeking Professional Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

 

People with bipolar disorder may not always know that they need help. As an external observer, a loved one can provide an objective point of view. However, convincing a patient can be tricky since there are no physical symptoms. The main complication lies in the unique nature of the bipolar disorder. When a person is in a euphoric episode, they may refuse to accept they need help. In a depressive state, they may feel something is wrong but have no energy to do anything about it.

 

As with many other things, it all comes down to patience. One must calmly and patiently explain the situation to the person and try to convince them. The only way to manage bipolar disorder is through professional medical help. Loved ones can try to persuade bipolar patients by talking about the symptoms they see. It is important not to make the person feel guilty. In some cases, the signs may be clear, and they may already feel horrible about them.

Managing and Living with Bipolar Disorder

 

The treatment and management of bipolar disorder is a lifelong exercise. A bipolar person needs a reliable friend or family member to support them in the treatment. It is always best to consult a qualified mental health expert on such matters and can recommend a combination of mental health exercises and medicines. As the treatment course progresses, the symptoms may reduce in intensity and frequency. However, they rarely completely disappear.

 

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental condition that affects people’s moods. It can be mentally and physically draining on the person suffering from it. However, it can take its toll on their loved ones as well. There are many things that a person who wishes to help in such cases should keep in mind. With the right support, a person with bipolar disorder can lead a full and healthy life.

Must read : Family Life and Mental Health

 

Family Life and Mental Health | Online Docs

 Everyone knows the adage: Humans are social animals. Since humans evolved from early primates, they have been part of a social hierarchy. Even the other primates’ humans are related to following a similar social structure. Monkeys, chimpanzees, and even gorillas have distinct social and family structures. Humans, therefore, are hardwired to form social bonds and live with each other as a family.

Throughout history, people and cultures have placed huge importance on families. The family unit is so important that people built entire cultures around it. But what mental stress do these relations place on the people in these families?

Mental health is a fairly broad and nuanced topic that covers various aspects. It can refer to mental stress, which is becoming quite common nowadays. It may also refer to other more serious topics such as mental disorders. People struggling with mental health issues can rely on their families for support.This article examines how a family unit can help its members manage their mental health productively. 

What is a Family?

A family is the most basic unit of the human society. The Oxford Dictionary calls a group of parents and children living together, a family. This is, of course, only a textbook definition. A family is any group with whom a person feels a strong emotional connection. 

Some people have a strained relationship with their parents and live away from them, but that is also considered a family. Others may not have children and lead happy and contented lives. These are all very valid and acceptable forms of families.

A person can have multiple families depending on the view point. There is the family one is born into - with parents and possibly siblings. As people grow, they may have roommates and make friends. This, too, is a kind of a family - maybe for a short duration, but a kind of family, nonetheless. As people grow and find romantic love, they can start a family of their own with their partners. So, the term ‘family’ can mean whatever a person may want it to mean.

Mental Health Issues Among Families

Family is the basic building block of society. Every individual relies on his/her family from time to time for guidance and love.

Mental health of couples

Maintaining a romantic relationship can be quite tricky. Being in a committed relationship requires people to open up on a deeply personal level. Such a level of intimacy may be challenging for some people. But it can be even harder for people with a mental disorder. There are many reasons for this. 

For one, some mental disorders may make it difficult to form meaningful relations. Secondly, there is an unfortunate stigma toward mental disorders in society.

One of the most common reasons behind mental disorders is the stress of modern living. Many people struggle to maintain a balance between their personal life and work. The stress of balancing another person’s emotional needs on top of their own might be taxing. As a result, people may develop some early symptoms of mental health issues like depression or mood disorders. 

But it is important to understand how to be helpful in such times. It may help to talk to one’s partner about stresses and struggles in life. Taking a break away from one’s usual surroundings can also work wonders. But if these small changes do not help, it may be time for professional intervention.

Mental health issues among parents and children

Most people indeed think parenting is a great blessing. But, becoming a parent is a huge responsibility for several reasons. A parent is responsible for how their child learns and develops. Children can pick up a lot of habits by observing and copying their parents. So, parents lead lives with dual responsibilities. But being responsible for another human being can quickly become quite stressful. It can build up quickly, especially if one is mentally under-prepared for parenthood.

Everyone wants to provide a healthy and happy home for their children. But it can be challenging, especially if one of the parents is living with a mental disorder. People struggling with depression or anxiety issues can find parenting quite difficult. Seeing their parents struggle can have a negative impact on the children. Thus, it is important to talk about mental health issues in a family and make the children understand it. The first step in managing mental disorders is to talk about them openly.

Mental disorders can be quite disruptive to a family dynamic. If these conditions are ignored, they can grow to an almost unmanageable level. In a family with children, this can have quite a disastrous impact. Parents and children need to normalize talking about these issues. 

How to support parents’ mental health

There is a lot of information on the internet supporting children’s mental health needs. Everyone agrees that this is an essential aspect of parenting. Children, being young and naive, may not always be able to express their needs properly and extra care needs to be taken. But parenting can be a very challenging task too. Being a parent takes its toll on a person’s mental well-being. It is important to understand the stress of parenting and address those needs also.

Parents of newborn children mostly experience high levels of stress. It can be a huge task to provide a quality life to a child. Their energy and erratic sleep schedules can wreak havoc on parents’ mental health. Even as they grow, children can be difficult to handle. Communicating and disciplining a child can be almost impossible for some people. All these tasks are challenging enough not considering the mental health issues of the parents. It becomes a mountainous task to take care one’s as well as a child’s mental health needs.

There are mental health experts who can help parents with such problems. Psychologists who specialize in helping children can also assist parents with various issues. They can suggest mental health exercises and routines that can relieve stress as a family. Seeking help from qualified professionals can improve the parenting experience.

How To Support Children’s Mental Health

A child’s mind is a very malleable thing. Children can pick up on behavioral and other cues from their parents. A child’s family is often their first school, in a sense, and it influences their personality greatly. Seeing parents stressed and in a negative mindset influencechildren’s attitude too. In some cases, such stressful issues early in the lives can have a long-lasting impact on children.

As medical and mental health sciences advance, researchers know more about mental disorders. Research suggests that mental issues like ASD and ADHD show symptoms quite early. Modern psychological tools can predict such mental issues in children quite accurately. With such early detection, parents can be better equipped to support their children. Parents can take many steps to support their children’s special needs.

Parents can consult specialists and experts to understand their children’s behavioral issues.Talking about such mental health issues often helps children feel welcome and happy. Professional medical advice can yield the best results for children in such cases.

How Family Structures Influence a Child’s Behaviors

Strong evidence suggests that children who grow up in a beautiful family arehappier and healthier. Painful experiences like separation or divorce affect children negatively. Various researchers studying these topics have found evidence to back these claims. 

The study was published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2012 and was done on 154 children admitted in a children’s behavioral center. According to the research, only 11% of these kids came from intact families. The stress of living through a separation or divorce impacted these children negatively. Children coming from single-parent homes showed more advanced symptoms of mental health issues like ADHD, etc. in the study.

All this is not to discourage people from ending unhappy relationships. But such research does caution parents about family structure. Children are naturally vulnerable to various external influences. A strong and stable family environment may be the rock they need in their lives. Parents play a huge role in providing this safe and secure household for their children.

Violence Or Abuse in Families and Its Effect

As mentioned earlier, there is deep rooted stigma against mental disorders. People living with mental health issues need help and support of their families. But there is a misconception in the society that these people are prone to violence. No evidence suggests that people with mental health issues are more violent. They are more likely to harm themselves than others. Hence, people with mental health issues look toward others for support.

However, violence and abuse in families is an unfortunate reality in society. People with or without mental health issues are capable of violent acts. Violence and abuse can take many forms. It may not even be physical harm, but that is also quite common. Abuse by one’s intimate partner can cause psychological or emotional trauma.Around 33% of women and 25% of men experience intimate partner violence.

Supporting a Family Member Dealing with Abuse

Identifying signs of abuse can be hard, almost impossible in some cases. It may be healthier to leave an abusive relationship, but here are challenges to it.Survivors fear social exclusion and retribution, if they do come out with the evidence. There may be cultural taboos that may prevent someone from walking out of an abusive family life. Abusers often apply financial and emotional stress to prevent survivors from leaving. Therefore, handling such matters and supporting survivors can be a complicated affair.

Survivors can often feel lonely or isolated due to the violence they experience. People who wish to help can start by offering love and support. It helps survivors feel more comfortable opening up about their trauma. Survivors should be encouraged to put themselves and their needs first. It helps build their confidence to stand up to the abuse. Seek professional help when handling cases of domestic abuse and involve legal experts as well.

Conclusion:

A family is the most basic social structure for humans. People often rely on their families to support and guide them through tough times. Families can play a huge role in helping people’s mental health. A healthy and open dialogue about mental health can help adults and children in a family.

Common Mental Health Disorder Affecting Children | Online Docs

Children are the building blocks of any society. Their mental health and well-being are our future, and we need to secure it. In today’s world, mental health problems affects both adults and children. The number of children suffering from mental health disorders is increasing exponentially which needs to be pondered upon. Good mental health cannot be defined as a happy, smiling child, for many problems are toodeep-rooted to be seen on the face.

Some children might be born with mental health disorders like ADHD, ASD, etc. which, affect them their whole life. They would need proper care at every point in their life to function like any other human.

Mental health disorders that affect children are:

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

Most people are familiar with the term ADHD or at the very least, have heard of it. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various people. The symptoms of ADHD become the most apparent among school-going kids. As many as 6 million children live with ADHD as of 2019.

As the name suggests, ADHD is characterized by a reduced attention span. Children with ADHD are more likely than others to lose focus on any activity. They have a hyperactive brain which makes it difficult for them to focus. People should bear in mind that children are generally more active than adults but,not all kids who cannot concentrate in school have ADHD.

It is important to observe the symptoms and catch them early. The sooner these cases are brought to light, the more effectively they can be managed. Qualified psychologists can evaluate a case and suggest a course of treatment. There are treatment options that use behavioral and occupational therapy. These aim to help people overcome the symptoms and develop necessary life skills. Medical treatment may also be an option for some.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

 

Autism is another fairly common condition that affects many people. Earlier it was considered a unique condition. However, research suggests a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. Statistics indicate that ASD affects as many as 2.3% of US children under 8 years. Like ADHD, it is a neurological condition, and its symptoms typically show up early.

It can present itself in several forms, and its symptoms can vary in intensity. Many people with ASD have difficulty maintaining social interactions. It may not be the same as social anxiety, but it may present similarly. People with ASD can develop inflexible habits that may interfere with their lives. They may find it difficult to maintain a lengthy conversation.

People with ASD often have to live with the condition throughout their lives. That is not to say that there are no options. There are various promising options available to help people with ASD.Psychologists can study a possible case of ASD and draw up a management plan. They can suggest mental and behavioral exercises that can help manage symptoms. In some instances, they may even recommend a course of medical treatment.

 

Eating Disorders

 

While maintaining physical health is important, there are limits to the human body.People are constantly flooded with images of the ‘ideal body type’. Such a constant stream of information is bound to have an impact. Many fit people have become obsessed with achieving an impossible beauty standard. It can affect adults as well as children, typically teenagers.

Research suggests that around 1% of the US population lives with eating disorders. There are various types of eating disorders, most commonly anorexia and bulimia. They stem from a negative body image in people’s minds.

Anorexics tend to starve themselves to achieve an unattainable body type. Bulimics adopt a different strategy in their impossible quest. They eat large quantities of food only to throw it up, called purging. Another common disorder is binge eating, characterized by overeating at meals.

There are several mental symptoms as the problem is mental and not physical. People with eating disorders may exhibit signs of depression and social isolation. They are never satisfied with their body as they have deeply held body image issues. There are obvious physical symptoms, too, such as weight loss and a weak body. Treating and managing such eating disorders requires qualified professional help.

Mental health is an extremely important factor. It may help people get the qualified mental help they need and live a fulfilling life. In these highly stressed times, mental health among adults and children is declining. It is important to identify the symptoms of certain common mental disorders.