How a Struggling Economy Affects Mental Health

When an economy starts to weaken, it causes more stress for the people involved. Economic turmoil such as struggling to pay bills, unemployment, or threats of foreclosure play an enormous role in people’s mental health: risks include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and/or compulsive behaviors (such as overeating, gambling, or spending).

Warning Signs that the Economy is Affecting YOU:
•Excessive anxiety or anger
•Change in sleep patterns
•Increased use of narcotic drugs and/or alcohol
•Not feeling up to doing everyday activities

Recent studies and polls have shown that from 2008 until the present, Americans have felt much sadder, more stressed, and more overwhelmed than in past years. The unemployment rates are significantly higher as of late and many people are struggling to make ends meet. It is normal for these extra stressors to cause turmoil in one’s life and frequently it takes a toll on people’s mental well-being.

It is important to acknowledge that the economy is affecting everyone, and that at some point it is all going to get better. People should reach out to their community and work together to make the hard time easier for everyone.

SOURCES:
Getting Through Tough Economic Times: http://www.samhsa.gov/ECONOMY/

Mental Stress Spirals with Economy:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-11-stress-poll_N.htm

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Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by extreme changes in a person’s diet and lifestyle. People may choose to eat almost nothing at all, or extremely overeat, while being preoccupied with thoughts about their weight and the food they are taking in. In many cases, eating disorders have a psychological component, and are a way for people to have some control in their lives. Additionally, many people try to hide their eating disorder, as they hope it will go unnoticed. Eating disorders are usually classified into two types:

ANOREXIA NERVOSA:
People with this disorder yearn to be thin and try so hard that they may not eat much of anything. They feel like they are overweight and see themselves as looking that way, even after significant weight has been lost. Their body loses a lot of its strength and weight and eventually, this disease can take a person’s life.

BULIMIA NERVOSA:
People who suffer from this disease, eat unusually large amounts of food, and then feel a lack of control, so they get rid of the food from their system- usually by purging (laxatives, extreme exercising, or diuretics may also be used). A person suffering from this disorder may have problems with their throat, glands, and teeth if the disorder continues, and may eventually end in death as well.

Eating disorders are more common in women, but they are popping up everywhere in today’s society. They are treatable in most cases, through use of counseling, monitoring, medications, and by creating a new life-style plan. Eating disorders are very serious and can ultimately lead to death, so they should be treated as soon as someone notices a problem.

SOURCES:
Eating Disorders: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/complete-index.shtml

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Dealing with a Troubled Teen

The teenage years are commonly a time of rebellion and experimentation for adolescents. Arguments may become more frequent, they may change their appearance, they may experiment with drugs and alcohol, and they may spend less time at home. These are common behaviors for a teenager, but in some cases they are far more extreme.

But what do you do when a teen becomes out of control, and how do you know when that is? If you notice any extreme changes in the teen’s life, this is a warning sign that something may be wrong: for example, new friends or no friends, becoming violent or harmful to other people or things, change in school performance, change in behavior and/or dramatic mood swings. Parents usually know their teenagers the best, so they are best equipped to notice these differences.

But what do you do when you see these changes? First you should observe their behavior and think about why they might be doing these things: explore the options. The next step is realizing that a change needs to be made (maybe with the parent as well) and to reconfigure the established parenting style.

HELPFUL HINTS:
• Reward positive and responsible behaviors and decisions.
• Create clear rules and enforce them regularly. This also means establishing reasonable consequences if the rules are not followed.
• Try to communicate with the teen about what is going on in their life and stay open-minded.
• Stand by your decision.

Boot camps, wilderness treatment facilities, boarding schools, and the like should all be last resort options. If making changes in the home does not seem to work, try going to see a professional. Sometimes all teenagers need is a little help and they will be able to get back on track.

SOURCES:
Troubled Teen 101 http://www.troubledteen101.com/articles11.html

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Cocaine

coke, blow, snow, flake, snowball, nose candy, etc.

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that is put into the body in three common ways: smoking, sniffing, and/or injection. It gives users a feeling of extreme pleasure, but it lasts only a short amount of time. If cocaine is smoked (known as crack cocaine) the high is almost immediate but only lasts about 5 or 10 minutes; if it is snorted, the high may not occur as rapidly, but will most likely last longer, about 15-30 minutes.

Some Signs of a Cocaine User:
•Bloodshot eyes and/or frequent runny nose
•Nosebleeds
•Weight loss
•Dilated pupils

Some Risks of Using:
•Addiction
•Risk of paranoia and/or depression
•Headaches
•Decrease in strength of immune system
•Irritability, anxiety, or restlessness
•Decreased appetite
•Long term: cardiac arrest or damage to nasal septum

Cocaine is a very addictive substance and the high is only short-lived, so when the high ends, users continue to go back for more. They may experience a crash after their high has ended and this only helps to feed the addiction. The risks and side effects are very serious and often times using leads to serious addictions.

Sources:
Cocaine Facts (Blow) http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugs-cocaine.aspx#
Cocaine http://www.theantidrug.com/drug-information/commonly-abused-
drugs/cocaine.aspx
Signs of Cocaine Addiction http://www.addictionca.com/signs-of-cocaine-use.htm

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as PTSD) can occur after a person has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.
These events can include:

•Combat
•Violent attacks (such as rape, abuse, or assault)
•Serious and sudden accidents (such as a car accident)
•Natural disasters (flood, hurricane, etc)
•Death of a loved one
•And other life changing events

It is natural for people to feel upset or anxious after such an event has occurred, but if the symptoms continue for more than a month without seeming to get better, the individual may have PTSD. These people may distance themselves from friends and family, become depressed, turn to drugs or alcohol, have nightmares or problems sleeping, and/or think about the event regularly. For some, these thoughts are overwhelming and can consume much of their life.

The onset of PTSD usually occurs soon after the traumatic event has occurred. However, it is possible that people will feel the effects of it years down the road. There are medications to help people diagnosed with this condition, but many professionals believe that therapy is a stronger, more long-term solution. It may help the person open up about their experiences and learn to think about life in a different way.

PTSD is a very serious condition that goes beyond people that go away to war. It is affecting more and more people, and treatment is readily available to those who seek it out.

SOURCES:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: 1372-4D20-C8E6CFE1B56A38AB>
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview: < http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-
panic/tc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder--topic-overview>

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