The Patient's Voice

The Voice for Patients and Families About Health Care

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Patient Info on Common Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions About Being Sad And Healthy

I got diagnosed with lung cancer at the young age of 9. It was caused most likely by second-hand smoke, considering both my parents were chain smokers. I was not allergic to it from the beginning, so they did not feel the need to stay away from me whenever they had cigarettes on. They stopped as soon as we got my cancer diagnosis, but the damage had been done – my cancer cells had already been activated. All I could do was go through radiation and chemotherapy to deal with my illness.

If you have seen adults having a hard time with chemo, you could imagine how much harder it was for a kid like me. It was not about the physical appearance; I could not care less if I lost my hair during the treatment. The most challenging part was swallowing those big spills and having needles stuck in my veins regularly. It was not the type of experience that you could get used to anytime.

The treatment was always painful, especially when your body’s same areas get bruised after being somewhat abused too often. From the third session, when I realized that I still had five months to deal with everything, I would always tell my parents to let me die because I did not want to be in pain all the time. Once I reached the hospital, I would also beg my nurses and doctors to stop treating me and just let me be.

No one listens to me. I am thankful for that now, for sure, but I did not feel that way back then. In reality, there was one thing that everyone said to me that I hated the most. It went along these lines: “Don’t cry, little girl. Everything will be okay soon.”

It was a lie, and even my younger self knew it. I did not believe the adults around me whenever they said that; it made me cry harder because they felt like they did not want me to go through my emotions. If I listened to them, I might have developed depression because I had zero outlets for my emotions.


Is sadness bad for your health?

Keeping your feelings to yourself – sadness, frustration, grief, or anger – may cause your body to be physically stressed. The impact is the same, though the core emotions vary. It is a known fact that this affects one’s self-esteem, memory, and blood pressure.

What does sadness do to your body?

Being miserable or sad can change the amount of stress-related opioids in your brain and produces a rise of inflammatory proteins in your bloodstream that are connected to a heightened risk of comorbid illnesses, such as stroke, metabolic syndrome, and heart problems.

Is sadness a disease?

Being sad is a natural response to circumstances that may lead to emotional pain or distress. On the other hand, there are differing degrees of sadness.

Do we need sadness to be happy?

Devoid of sadness, happiness is meaningless. Paradoxically, if you are scared of being emotionally sad, you are often unable to feel the heights of happiness. A lot of people live their lives in the middle area. They often don’t experience intense happiness, nor do they feel intense sadness.


Is it okay to cry?

Yes, it is. It is a human reaction to misery and disappointment. It is also a healthy reaction. It is a natural means of reducing the stress that, if ignored for long periods, could have detrimental effects on your body physically and mentally, including a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses and other stress-linked diseases.

Is it okay to cry for no reason?

First of all, nothing is wrong with crying for no reason. Some people cry more often than others, and it is certainly okay. In fact, experts say that crying is a great natural stress reliever. A person who cries might actually become better than the one who doesn’t.

Is crying too much bad for you?

Crying has several health advantages. However, too much of it might be an indication of depression. Crying as a reaction to one’s feelings like joy, frustration, or sadness is quite normal.

Does crying damage your brain?

Experts say that although animals exposed to extremely high stress levels for long durations could present with changes in their brain configuration, stress due to crying has never been proven to cause brain damage in humans.


Why do I cry so easily now?

All of us cry sometimes. But if you think you’ve been crying too much and too easily, it might mean that you are too overwhelmed by the stresses in your life or that you have other issues going on in your mind, like depression.

Why do I cry when others cry?

The concept of ‘grasping’ others’ feelings is something that experts have been delving into. Known as ‘emotional contagion,’ it happens when you interact with a person who feels extreme emotions. This, in turn, leads you to grasp that same emotion.

Is crying a sign of weakness?

No, it’s not. Crying is not a sign that you are weak. Conversely, it has been said that if you can cry to get over your problems, you are indeed strong.

Is massage good for depression?

If you have anxiety or depression or are just too stressed about life, getting a massage can be part of the whole treatment plan. It can aid you in achieving relaxation, peace of mind, body-mind connection, and empowerment.


What type of massage is best for anxiety?

Shiatsu is probably the best massage for individuals who want to achieve relaxation, tension, and stress relief. It is a form of massage that originated from Japan that was developed to promote physical and emotional relaxation.

Final Thoughts

It has been 20 years since my battle with lung cancer ended. I had bittersweet memories during my chemotherapy and radiation therapy sessions. Looking back now, I could hardly recall the pain unless I saw pictures of myself in the past.

Despite others’ opinions, I would say that feeling sad made me healthy at the time. If I did not express my feelings, it would never have a way out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Statistics

Understanding everything about depression is not simple. Often, you will need to consider what is specifically happening to someone with a mental health condition because many things vary. That is because the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing depression are different from everyone else. Not everybody is weak and vulnerable that they often choose isolation. Some depressed individuals are outgoing and often have strong personalities. Honestly, you can never genuinely tell if someone is dealing with an emotional and mental health problem. Not unless they openly expressed and talked about it.


The thing is, depression is often silent but can still be too loud. You might easily identify it with lonely people, stressed, anxious, and always out of disposition. You can quickly distinguish their mental health condition through their actions. That explains why you can say that depressed people are often agitated, confused, and sensitive. When they get a chance to talk and express themselves, they start with how empty they are.

But the situation is not limited to that since there are depressed individuals who are very happy and confident about what they want. These are individuals that usually discuss things in riddles. Sometimes, they tend to go bold and let people know about their plans and how much they want to leave the people and the world behind them. They openly talk about self-harm and suicide in a joking manner. It is as if they want people to save them, but they do not want everybody to know that they need help.

Signs and symptoms of depression, although some of them are obvious ones, can still be tricky. That is because some people extremely want everything complicated. It is not because they want to lie to others or anything, but because they have this different mentality on how depression should be dealt with.

What age has the highest rate of clinical depression? 

The prevalence of major depressive episodes was higher among 7.1% of all U.S. adults. Usually, those are 8.7% females and 5.3% males. Major severe cases of depression are most likely to affect individuals between the ages of 45 and 65.

 How many individuals in the world suffer from depression? 

Depression is a widespread mental illness, and globally, more than 264 million people suffer from depression. These include adults, middle-aged, teenagers, and even kids. Depression is a leading cause of emotional, mental, and physical disability worldwide and a major contributor to the overall global burden of health complications and diseases.

 What percentage of students have symptoms of depression? 

Almost 20 percent of all teens experience depression. Usually, some of them suffer from mild to severe symptoms before they reach adulthood. And in an unfortunate situation, only 30 percent of these depressed teens get proper treatment. That is because some of them often ignore their symptoms, and others do not care at all.

 What is the most common mental disorder? 

Anxiety disorders are a well-known mental illness in the U.S. It affects approximately 40 million individuals from age 18 and older. This population also grows every year as many teens and young adults struggle with life pressure and general problems. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly manageable. With the right treatment and medication, symptoms can easily go away. However, the problem is that only 36.9% of those suffering receive and seek treatment.

 Which race has the most leading rate of depression? 

The race with the highest rate of major depressive disorders is usually the Hispanics at 10.8%. It then gets followed by African Americans with an 8.9% total population count and whites with 7.8%. In addition to the information, the global depression rates from the WHO’s most recent findings indicate that the following countries, such as Brazil, Bangladesh, India, China, and the U.S, have the highest rates of depression.


 Who is at greatest risk for depression? 

Usually, individuals in middle age are at the top of the bell curve for depression. That is because of the life stressors that are often unmanageable such as financial strain, work-related disappointments, death of a loved one, and many relationship problems. But that does not mean that the very young and very old do not experience depressive conditions. Some teenagers and adults often struggle with depression for a long time because they usually tend to ignore it, leaving them more susceptible to severe symptoms as the mental problem progresses.

 What are the types of depression? 

The types of depressions are Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Persistent Depressive Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression, and ‘Situational’ Depression.

 What is the mortality rate of depression? 

People with severe anxiety or depression usually die 7.9 years earlier than those with minimal mental health issues. At a population level, anxiety or depression was associated with an elevated risk of mortality. Severe conditions of mental health make people suffer greatly with emotional, physical, and mental aspects. They also function poorly at work, at school, and in the family.

 What country has the worst mental health? 

The recent findings on the highest rates of global depression are countries such as Colombia, the United States, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. On the other hand, countries like Shanghai, Nigeria, and Italy were consistently low. Also, the prevalence was lower in Asian countries in general as well.

 Why is school a waste of time? 

Many people believe that the school system is inconsistent because it doesn’t teach children the necessary skills for continued development. Besides the fact that school days are too long, it becomes entirely hard for children to focus for hours straight. At a very young age, children are obliged to spend long hours in an isolated room with individuals their age and only handled by a single adult that tends to teach them lessons. Many people think that life would be too uninteresting without school and that they cannot learn without the premises’ teachings.

 Is school the main cause of depression? 

For some individuals, yes, it is. Not only does school often add to anxiety or depression, but mental health can also interfere with school at the same time. Moreover, research shows that all mental health conditions usually begin by age 24. Hence, the college years are a critical stage for individuals to experience many stressors that can damage their mental and emotional state.

 Can school stress cause mental illness? 

Long-term stress that school problems bring increases the risk of mental health issues. These include anxiety, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain, bodily muscle tension, and depression. Long-term stress from school can contribute to physical, emotional, and mental illness. It can also affect the immune and metabolic functions, heart, and chemicals acting on the brain.

 What is the rarest mental illness? 

The rarest mental illness is called Apotemnophilia. It is an identity disorder characterized by the overwhelming desire to amputate healthy parts of the body. This disorder is said to be neurological since there is not much known specific information about it.

 At what age does anxiety peak? 

Anxiety usually affects adults ages 30 to 44. These individuals often experience the highest anxiety rate and often can’t handle extreme mental health conditions. Some of the symptoms of severe cases often include disrupted daily functioning, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, agitation, tense muscles, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping.

 What is poor mental health?

There is poor mental health involved when you find it difficult to manage how you think, feel, act concerning daily stresses in your life. Other factors may affect as well, including gambling, smoking, alcohol, and misuse of drug use, which can contribute to poor mental health.



You might assume that because you already got answers to some of your questions, you understand depression better. No, it is not like that. You will never entirely understand what depression is not unless you live through it. You will never know the sacrifices that people with depression need to deal with, not unless you recover from the mental illness. But it does not mean that knowing something is not helpful. With a little bit of understanding and compassion, you can become an instrument to help and encourage people to fight their mental health battles.


Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy For Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that alters a person’s thought processes, emotional comprehension, and social interactions. It also affects the capacity to discern between right and wrong.

Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, used the term “Schizophrenia.” It came from Greek roots, referring to a split mind or separate personalities. This definition emphasizes how those who have schizophrenia have fragmented thoughts and reactions to stimuli.

There is no miracle pill or series of medications that can eliminate the mental illness. Access to appropriate treatment is the best way to manage the symptoms of Schizophrenia better.

The target of treatment must be the symptoms or manifestations of the illness. Medicine serves a great purpose in managing these symptoms. Therapy further enhances the management of the disorder.

Meanwhile, the therapist shall focus on opening discussions with the patient concerning the concept of schizophrenia and its symptoms.

A great way to help the patient manage the symptoms is to explain why and how it happens. Multiple types of therapy can be helpful when it comes to this particular mental illness.

This article will focus on therapy for schizophrenia and other issues on the topic. It will discuss how therapy helps and what it tries to avoid when assisting patients in managing their symptoms. Additionally, please know more about mental illness and the subsequent consequences for those who suffer from it.


Which therapy is best for schizophrenia?

Treatment for schizophrenia is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. Schizophrenic patients receive antipsychotic medications to manage disruptive symptoms.

What are the goals of therapy for schizophrenia?

The goal of therapy is to manage symptoms by providing day-to-day support and treatment. It also aims to alleviate the emotional distress of the patient. Therapy assists the patient to have as much independence.

How effective is a therapy for schizophrenia?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective at reducing symptoms. Studies show that CBT improves the ability of patients in terms of managing symptoms. Therapy can lead to an improvement in community behavior. It can also improve the overall quality of life.

What is the latest treatment for schizophrenia?

The Asenapine transdermal patch got approval recently. It is the only transdermal medication approved for treating schizophrenia. It helps visually confirm medication adherence and the possibility of improved tolerability for medicine.

What famous person has schizophrenia?

Zelda Fitzgerald had schizophrenia. She is the wife of the famed writer of The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald. Lionel Aldridge, a Superbowl-winning Football player. Peter Green, the guitarist of Fleetwood Mac.

What schizophrenia should avoid?

It is important to avoid triggers and stressful situations. The ABC Model can be used to help organize confusing experiences by assessing

(A) Activating Experiences,

(B) Patient’s Beliefs, and

(C) Consequences.


How can schizophrenia be cured permanently?

Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia. It is a lifelong illness. However, there are many ways to regulate symptoms effectively. The right treatment plan is critical for the best results.

Why do people with schizophrenia get so angry?

Sudden outbursts of anger and aggression are generally a symptom of this illness. These outbursts happen due to abnormalities in the frontal and temporal lobe. Also, various factors can exacerbate the patient’s emotional distress. Stigmatization and ostracization is a common trigger for aggression.

Paranoid schizophrenics are likely to experience anger and a lack of impulse control.  A patient needs to have a good treatment plan from their therapist and psychiatrists. Being empathetic and authentic may help to create a good therapeutic relationship.

Will schizophrenia be cured in the future?

There is currently no known cure for schizophrenia. However, there are many ways to treat schizophrenia effectively. Also, it is possible to control the manifestation of its symptoms.

Why do people with schizophrenia die early?

The life expectancy of people with schizophrenia is shorter compared to the general population. Late diagnosis, poor social and physical treatment, and medication side effects present the risk of having a high mortality rate. Unregulated symptoms can lead patients to an unhealthy lifestyle. It can then result in a higher risk of suicide.


Does schizophrenia ever go away?

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition. However, living a full life is not impossible when you have this condition. Therapy and treatment can help improve the quality of life of patients. Consistency is vital for the success of the treatment plan.

Can someone with schizophrenia live a normal life?

Yes, a person with schizophrenia can live a normal life. A person with this condition needs to get medication and treatment. These things help regulate their behavior, moods, and delusions.

Is Schizophrenia the worst mental illness?

Although schizophrenia is an illness that is notably difficult to control, framing schizophrenia as the worst mental illness may prove harmful for those with the condition.

Why are schizophrenic voices negative?

Sometimes, schizophrenic voices are just of people patients recognize or even non-descript. Command hallucinations that give direct instructions pose the most risk.

There are different drivers of negative auditory hallucinations such as negative life experiences, unhealthy emotional regulation strategies, physical/social threats, and stigmatization from society.

Does Schizophrenia get worse as you age?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia mellow down later in life. Meanwhile, negative symptoms manifest more with age. Positive symptoms are delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized and incoherent speech. Negative symptoms include restricted emotions, catatonia, and flat affect.

Without treatment, symptoms are likely to get worse as the patient gets older.

Committing to any form of an effective treatment program for schizophrenia will be incredibly beneficial. Treatment of Schizophrenia can help both the individuals who have the mental illness and their friends and loved ones.

In several cases, people who suffer from this disorder can live regular lives, while others would have to undergo constant treatment and monitoring.

Once the symptoms of Schizophrenia are under control, those who suffer from it must continue their therapy program and medication.  Doing so will help maintain momentum in the right direction.

In addition to therapy, psychosocial support from immediate friends and family can also help manage symptoms. With this, patients can learn proper social etiquette, create deep and meaningful bonds with themselves and others. It is also essential to avoid potential triggers that may lead to the relapse of symptoms.

The onset of Schizophrenia often happens during the early phase of adulthood. The patient must obtain rigorous professional support and guidance to develop fundamental life skills. It will be useful for completing education and eventually sustain a career or business in the future.

For those who have this mental disorder, they tend to depend highly on others. However, some programs and movements can help transition people with Schizophrenia to a certain degree of self-sufficiency. These skills are helpful concerning daily tasks, financial obligations, and relationship-building.

With the right surrounding individuals and a proper positive mindset, those with Schizophrenia can succeed and thrive in life. Friends and family must pitch in to make the symptoms more manageable and avoidable.

Everyone involved must have a good heart and a firm grasp of optimism to overcome the circumstances of Schizophrenia and its symptoms. As long as everyone sticks to the program and stays positive, patients can easily handle this mental disorder.

Managing Asthma Stress In The Family





When someone in the family is diagnosed with asthma, the condition impacts not only the asthmatic member but the whole family as well. The anxiety and stress of living life with someone diagnosed with a chronic condition like asthma manifest itself in various ways within all members of the family. The asthmatic, for example, might feel devastated with his condition and everything else that comes with it. With this suppressed emotion, he has a greater likelihood of getting into arguments, is less cooperative, secluded, depressed, or stubborn. Consequently, this person with the built-up rage machine within him will certainly affect the dynamics of the home and of the family itself.

If an asthmatic child has sisters or brothers, they will sometimes feel guilty about the thought that they may have contributed to the disease of their sibling. On the contrary, they can also feel jealous or mad because the asthmatic child will probably be receiving more attention. Or perhaps they’re afraid of having asthma themselves.

Additionally, the financial concern is something that must also be considered when thinking about a chronic condition, and this, in turn, might add up to the building stress and anxiety of the family. Although insurance coverage can help, there will, from time to time, be out-of-the-pocket money that will be spent, draining the family’s savings and other financial reserves.

Support Networks

Families that are struggling with chronic asthma might find it beneficial to get into support networks and use them as a channel to share their experiences, unload their burdens, and be inspired to listen to other families’ stories about their own asthma struggles.




Below is a list of some details about asthma that families, including the asthmatic person, should know about to help cope with the condition better and avoid asthma stress.

  • Accept and embrace the fact that asthma is chronic.
  • It is a long-term condition. Once you have it, it will always be there.
  • Asthma is not always severe. It can be controlled through regular medications.
  • If you think your asthma disappeared a few months ago, you might be on remission. Remember that it’s a lifelong disease.
  • If you have a family member with asthma, always offer help as much as you can, especially during severe attacks. Let him know that you want to help him solve his problems associated with asthma.
  • Work as one; it is easier when there are love and support from one another.
  • If necessary, consult a counselor or join a support network.

Financial Struggles

When you have a family member with asthma, expenses can become higher than what is expected. Even if you are considered to be in the upper class, insurance coverage can still be tight and insufficient. There are available programs that are developed to assist families that are struggling with financial problems, some even open to anyone who submits an application. You can start by reaching out to the social services department in your area.

Families who do not have insurance coverage, on the other hand, can apply for government programs like Medicaid. Those who are not qualified can also find private insurers like Blue Cross and other private companies, which can be accessed in almost all states. If the premiums are regularly paid, then there is no reason to be denied coverage.

Time Management For Caregivers

Coping with asthma is not easy for the asthmatic person and for the family as well. Doctor’s appointments, applying for insurance and filling out forms, and buying the medications needed require ample time that caregivers might not have enough time for. Perhaps these simple suggestions can guide you into learning how to manage your time.

  • Accept that you have limits. When you have a family member with asthma, there will time that you will spare to help this member cope with his condition. You will then divide your time for him, for your work, yourself, and other activities. Before taking a step, acknowledge that you cannot do everything even if you want to. There will be things that you can’t tackle, people that you can’t attend to, and issues that you simply must let go.


  • Be versatile. You will be happy to realize that sometimes – two or three days a week, for example, you might be able to accomplish everything that you have written on your to-do-list. However, there are times when you’re not able to even half of it. Don’t be frustrated, and remember to be flexible. For things, you haven’t done today, put them on priority for tomorrow. Just do what you can today, particularly the most important.




  • Share the load. Ask help from another family member so that the workload will be easier to achieve. Have someone else buy the medicines or find a substitute for your cleaning schedule today so that you can follow up on your loved one’s insurance. Sharing the workload with the family makes it easier for all of you, plus it brings you closer.

Keep in mind that it may be tough at times to have a family member suffer from asthma, but there have been thousands of families that are witness to how they have successfully dealt with the challenges that come along with this lifelong condition. Yes, you and your family can still have that long and happy life that you have always wanted.




When Boredom Strikes (Home Quarantine Issues)

This Coronavirus outbreak is still freaking me out. It does not stop in giving me all these anxiety and stress that I don’t want to experience in the first place. But because I can’t do anything about it, I choose to follow safety measures instead of getting infected with the virus. Thus, I stay at home and quarantine myself. Unfortunately, even though I know how important that is, I can’t help but feel bored.


How Am I Feeling?

Boredom for me right now is like a curse. It feels like a privilege of having free time but nothing to do with it. Of course, there are literally a lot of things I can do to spend my time productively. But unfortunately, I think I already managed to work on some of those. There’s reading, listening to music, binge-watching, playing games, singing karaoke, and the list goes on. But most of these activities are nothing special for me. I mean, I tried to be interested in most of them, but I can’t entirely put the passion into spending an effort on a particular thing.

I do understand that it is my problem, not trying to engage more into the possibilities of finding the right hobby to avoid wasting time. But admittedly, I am very picky when it comes to what things I should do in my spare time. Besides, I probably enjoyed some of the activities I mentioned above. That is why I think no one can force me to do things I don’t like, especially in the comfort of my home. And if I wasn’t that picky, I probably end up doing an entirely pointless activity that provides no particular benefit to my well-being. Thus, it will only serve the purpose of wasting and killing time.


Luckily, as an adult, I have a lot of chores to do. I do the cleaning, laundry, washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, and so on. However, those tasks don’t last that long. Once they are done, it’s useless to do them all over again, not until I have to. Meaning, I need to wait for a couple of hours or days before I can work with the chores again. I get bored often because there are fewer and fewer new things to do every day. There is nothing to discover, and being in home quarantine further restricts me from doing the things I like. Which is, by the way, is spending time outside, traveling to different places, and hanging out with friends.


So that is where boredom strikes. I keep finding myself moping around and trying to look for a purpose because not being able to go out forces my brain to figure out something to do inside. For an extrovert like me, it feels like hell. The thought of having limited access to the things I love the most creates this mental and emotional turmoil. That is why I keep on thinking about how a considerable amount of spare time I have but can’t use or spend productively. And that is what makes me go crazy during this lockdown. Staying home is not and will never become part of the best experiences I can count.


Perhaps if the situation is different and there is no outbreak to think about, boredom won’t happen too often. That is reasonable since I won’t have to spend my whole life inside the four-cornered wall of our house. But since the situation calls for it, I understand the importance of abiding the rules. Besides, I’d instead choose to feel bored all the time than getting caught up in the danger of getting infected with the disease.

The Pitfalls Of Undiagnosed ADHD

fidget spinner, fidget, spinner, hand



The UK Adult Network hosted the 2019 ADHD Conference held at the Mermaid Conference Center. It was organized for two reasons – to gather doctors, parents, people with ADHD, and other participants who wanted to know more about the disorder and to celebrate the tenth year of the network. Because of this, organizers made it more special by inviting actors to perform in a theater play depicting the life of someone with ADHD and how he can overcome the challenges that he faced. One of the most pressing issues in the UK that was also covered during the even was the prevalence of undiagnosed adult ADHD.

The Pitfalls

Adults with ADHD but are not aware of it have a higher likelihood of having more serious problems compared to the general population. Severe sadness, anxiety, and mood swings frequently occur when ADHD is undiagnosed. And if they ever get treated but the underlying problem still exists, it will lead to other issues. People with ADHD get terminated from their jobs often, or they just quit their positions without notice. Because of these, they under-achieve, give up, become extremely sad, or lose confidence. They think of themselves as losers without the chance of succeeding like the rest of the world.

If you can imagine every bad consequence in life, you will probably see these consequences in adults with ADHD more often than in everyone else. Because adults with ADHD no little about caring for themselves, they are more at risk of health problems. And because they don’t know much about planning, they are almost always a day late in whatever needs to happen in their lives – whether it be at work or home. We must do our part in educating the general public about ADHD. This goes the same with mental and medical health professionals. There must be more professionals that can deal with adult ADHD, and the stigma circulating that this is just a childhood condition that is seen in over-active boys must be eliminated.

Messy Desk - Clean Me!


Coming up with the appropriate diagnosis and the right treatment plan can save a life. It most certainly can turn a failure into success. It is indeed good news to be diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, or that an individual is diagnosed no matter how old. Life will only get better after the diagnosis has been made. As the person eventually accepts that he has the condition, he will cooperate and follow the necessary treatments prescribed for him. Adults who think that they are struggling more compared to the rest and are having more challenges in life should consider looking into the possibility that they might have ADHD.



Lifestyle Adjustments During A Pandemic Crisis

All of us are freaking out about the pandemic situation brought by this Coronavirus. And perhaps, some of us are obsessively watching the news to get the latest updates and whatnots. Some of us are worrying too much too of leaving their house to the fear of getting infected. Then some are choosing to self-isolate themselves because the situation mentally and emotionally drains them. The pandemic is causing us all these excessive worry, panic, and anxiety.


Watching the ripple effect of COVID-19 is undeniable. Lots of individuals are getting infected, and some are dying. Yes, we must follow the health precautions. But we also have to stop piling up negativity in heads every time we hear and see unwanted news. Of course, there are things that we can’t control. But in times like this, we need to focus on the things that we can manage.

With all the uncertainty that is pandemic-related is causing us right now, the best thing we can do is consider lifestyle adjustment. Yes, it won’t be that easy for everyone because we have different needs. But let us take a moment to convince ourselves that for us to be able to get through this situation, we need to change something for the better. So how can we manage to do that?


  • Practice Mindfulness – To ease anxiety, we need to understand that our way of thinking is responsible for our wellbeing’s inability to respond to situations appropriately. Therefore, we must practice controlling our thoughts. We need to focus on the positive side of everything that has been going on. That way, we can become more drawn to serenity and calmness instead of stress and anxiety.
  • Eating Healthy – Most people’s lifestyle damages are from their eating habits. Since we consider ourselves busy people, we do often overthink about the types of food we eat. We are used to take-outs and fast-food because it is convenient. But since the COVID-19 virus affects our immune system, then it requires a boost. Therefore, choosing healthy food is the best adjustment we can make.


  • Avoid The News – As much as we want to know what’s happening around us, we need to understand the effect of negative news on our emotional and mental strength. We need to avoid adding health damage to the already rampant global health crisis. The numbers of infected and dying people are unfortunately going to get higher. So there is not much we can do with that. There is no point in watching something that can tear down the last thing we need to have – mental health.
  • Read And Learn – Experts say that the only way we can control a situation is by learning about it. Therefore, instead of complaining, we need to consider adjusting. Most of us are anxious and angry because we feel hopeless, tired, and left out. But it shouldn’t be like that. All of us are affected by the situation, and there is no exemption to that.


  • Exercise – Spending too much time at home, doing nothing can cause more health issues. It is better to avoid getting too sedentary. We need to keep our bodies moving every day. That is why practicing simple exercises is a must. In case some of us don’t like doing too much, yoga is also a great option. It will make you feel balanced and super grounded, as well.
  • Avoid Too Much Time With Technology – To keep ourselves away from anxiety and stress, we need to cut some time in using digital devices. I know it is a necessity nowadays, especially in this pandemic situation. But there are better things we can do in our house than scrolling and playing with our phones.


ADHD And The Risk Of Injuries

boy wearing gray crew-neck t-shirt leaning book lot


Recognition and the sharing of knowledge and expertise were among the goals achieved in the 2017 ADHD Awareness Conference. It was attended by pertinent speakers who were committed to discussing the whys and hows of ADHD with parents of children with ADHD and adults who had ADHD themselves. All of them agreed that their awareness of the condition has widened and improved, and most of their questions answered. One of the most important things that were discussed during the event was the higher likelihood of ADHD teens and adults getting injured.

Teens and adolescents who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD apparently have a higher likelihood of getting injured more times and at more severe levels compared to their friends without the disorder. Studies have proven people with ADHD quickly get hurt when they are walking or biking. They acquire more accidents in the head and other parts of their bodies. They are also more of them that are admitted to the ICU or get themselves injured and consequently become disabled.

More studies and clinical trials are necessary to understand further the reason why children, teens, and adolescents with ADHD are prone to injuries, but it most probably because of the relatively impulsive and inattentive behaviors that place them at greater risk. For instance, a child with ADHD may impulsively ride the bike into a rough terrain without even looking ahead of him, or he may hurriedly cross the street without watching both sides first. Teens and adolescents with ADHD may tend to forget the house rules or develop the habit of drinking, which might increase their recklessness.

Here are some measures that parents can take to keep their children with ADHD safe and less prone to getting injured.

Children use the Patriots Landing housing pedestrian gate to ride their bikes to Scott Elementary School August 18, 2014. Individuals using the gate must walk through it. This requires children who ride bikes to stop and get off then walk ensuring safety because of the large amount of traffic. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade)


  • Remind your child always to wear a helmet when he rides his bike, skates, or scooter.
  • Watch over them while they’re in the pool swimming or playing with his other siblings or family members, or have someone supervise them.
  • Remember that they are often reckless and mindless, so do keep all dangerous household tools and medicines away from their reach
  • For teens that are driving, be with them initially while they drive and teach them gently. Slowly wean them off your supervision but write down driving rules as a reminder to them when they’re driving by themselves.


Sleep Disorder Problems After A Divorce – How Can You Help Yourself?





You probably figured out by now that you will experience having a sleep disorder due to tensions, constant worries, and stresses from a failed marriage. It’s not an easy battle because you know that it can clearly affect your health conditions. So how can you get enough sleep and bring back those energy levels you once lost? Here are the top remedies we have for you. According to Alicia H. Clark, PsyD, “When your marriage which you thought would stand the test of time ends, your heart understandably is broken.”


Develop A Relaxing Bedtime Ritual – It’s important to follow a bedtime ritual especially when you already went through a lot of emotional stress from the previous experience of your divorce. You can at least try a cup of decaffeinated coffee or milk to soothe your body and make you feel relaxed. Take a warm shower to let your body reach its required temperature before going to bed. Also, consider cleaning and changing your pillows and sheets because it gives an extra comfortable feeling of relaxation.




Maintain A Regular Sleeping Schedule – Well, sleeping in a well-maintained time doesn’t mean that you have to push yourself to go to bed and wake up at an exact time. You only need to follow a consistent day and night pattern that will allow your body to maneuver quickly. Having different sleeping schedules will create an impact on your body as well as your mental health if you continue to change it more often. You might feel stressed and exhausted throughout the day.


Avoid Having Your Gadgets Beside You – One thing that will help you attain that stress relief is by removing your mobile phones away from your bed. Your mobile gadgets inhibit you from producing sleep-inducing hormones (melatonin). Your body gets confused between day and night due to the emitting blue lights that your phone releases. It also disrupts sleep due to constant snoozing. Honestly, you don’t necessarily need to check it every time it snoozes.


TIP: “It’s important to be in touch with your own value system and know when your thinking is being driven by emotions.” –  Corrine Leikam, PsyD


Turn Off The Lights – Exposure to light can signal the body to stay alert. However, you won’t need it when you are about to sleep. Switching off the light before going to sleep helps in alleviating your stress levels. It also helps your brain to rest and stabilize your emotions as well. It supports in producing a maximum amount of melatonin that can assist in processing a much faster sleep.




Make A Comfortable Bedroom – You probably don’t have time to think about a lot of things because you’re too preoccupied with the worries and emotional dilemma you have gone through the divorce. However, if you want to achieve that relaxing sleep, make sure that you take the time to evaluate your room. Clean it, change sheets regularly, use humidifiers, remove clogging stuff, check the temperature, and do everything that will make it a comfortable place that you would want to look forward to every night.

Following these simple steps might take time, but you’ll soon get used to it in the long run. Besides, it may not look so important at first, but eventually, you’ll realize the benefits it can give you in addressing your sleep disorder. Before you sleep, make sure to talk to your children. Remember that Shendl Tuchman, PsyD. said that “If your children are asking questions about things they have overheard, try to assure them that, as soon as anything is known for certain, they will be the first to know.”

Dysthymia After A Broken Relationship



A broken relationship is depressing, and it can take a toll on a person’s overall health. According to Randy Withers, LPC, “It’s not like anyone expects terrible shit to happen. It’s not like people anticipate divorce, or miscarriages, or job losses, or trauma.”  Sometimes, when the emotional crisis is too much, people leave their senses and start to live a life that is unmanageable and toxic. Then it ended in a most unnecessary situation that they won’t be able to take back.


What Is Dysthymia?

Stephanie Smith, PsyD says that “Depression and sadness are often viewed as the same thing. Part of the confusion is that the most recognizable symptom of depression is sadness.” Dysthymia, or most commonly known as persistent depressive disorder, is a less intensified form of depression that goes on a longer span of time. It often misinterpreted as a profound and sad emotional struggle and most of its diagnosis can take up to a minimum of two years. The complication is noticeable because the case of depression appears frequent in almost two months in a row. It makes a person gloomy and down that, they don’t seem to enjoy life at all. Most times, nothing seems to make them happy, and that severely affects their mental, behavioral, and emotional state.




How It Affects A Person

A person with dysthymia doesn’t feel the excitement and they don’t feel any better. They always sense the need to see things negatively. They have low self-esteem and have difficulty concentrating. In most times, even a mild situation makes them feel hopeless. They instantly get irritated about something, and they don’t value positive reinforcements. They lack the social skills in making friends and consider isolating themselves most of the time. They mostly complain about everything and they lack the ability to have fun. The low-grade depression is somehow much harder to manage due to the misinformation with regards to its origin.

According to Lisa Moses, PsyD,  “People often don’t realize that depression isn’t just one thing. It can have different causes and presentations. Some people look sad, others are more irritable, some withdraw, and others seem restless.”


One common symptom of the disorder is the loss of interest in things that they used to love doing. They find their hobbies not enjoyable anymore. Another sign of this condition is the problem of sleeping where they often feel tired and exhausted all the time even if they are not. Sometimes, they don’t want to do anything and prefer to stay in bed the whole time. Then there’s a bad eating habit where there’s a loss or increase of appetite. It can also be diagnosed with minimal shifts in their behavior. Though it may be unnoticeable, they should pay attention to the details of the changes that affect daily function.

Though the association of this health condition to major depression varies due to its mildness, it will still take a lot of years to be able to assist it. It can even start in early childhood or adolescent years and will eventually remain until adulthood, making it more impossible to get potential treatment. In worst cases, people who suffer from the disorder tend to believe that the symptoms of dysthymia are part of their personality. It may eventually link to family conflicts, substance abuse, and social dilemma.




People with this disorder don’t know they have it. They’ll keep it for a more extended period before they can even acknowledge their condition. It prolongs a mental illness since people don’t prioritize seeking help because they think they don’t need it. This is where they’re very wrong and they should soon realize it – before they end up being depressed for life.