Understanding Male Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 6 million men and 12 million women in America are affected by depression each year. While it may seem that males are less affected by depression, researchers are trying to establish the variables with men and establish appropriate treatment for them.
Male depression may go undiagnosed for several reasons:

• Men are reluctant to discuss depressive symptoms.
• Men see mental illness as a threat to their masculinity.
• Men mask depressive symptoms with alcohol or substance abuse.
• Men resist mental health treatment due to concerns with the stigma that it could damage their career or lose respect of family and friends.

Symptoms of male depression include:

• Violent or abusive behavior
• Escapist behaviors of over involvement in a sport or work
• Inappropriate rage
• Risky behaviors
• Sexual liaisons
• Substance abuse
• Thoughts of suicide

Men are more likely to complete suicide because they use more lethal methods and display fewer warning signs before completing the act. If you have a man in your life that is displaying these symptoms ask him to seek help immediately. Treatment with a doctor or mental health provider can help him learn healthy coping skills to elevate his mood. He may also need the support from medication management. There are many effective treatments for depression so don't think you can tough it out. Seek help and enjoy life.

Best wishes,

Gina

Prioritize Your New Year

If you are like the millions of other Americans today there is never enough time in a day to do everything we would like to accomplish. This stress is causing a lot of health issues for people today, so learning how to prioritize your "To Do" list can be very helpful. Here is an idea to help you prioritize your busy life:

Three "D" Choice Method

• Dropping - Is this a priority? If not just drop it and move forward.
• Delaying - Does this have to be done now? If not put it on a list for later.
• Delegating - Must this be done by me personally? Then delegate it to the appropriate person.

Keep trying new ideas and you will find ways to maintain your self-care for a happy and healthy new year!

Warm regards,

Gina

New Year, New Resolutions

For many individuals 2008 will be a year to forget due to the war, gas prices, unemployment and companies downsizing or closing. The hardships for many people and families have been overwhelming. Unfortunately many people cope with their struggles with a variety of addictions. So no matter what your addiction might be drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, or alcohol you can kick the unwanted habit this year with a little help.

New Harvard University states that since the brain responds to pleasurable experiences you have to break the pattern. Here are a few recommendations to help you to do that:

• Seek help and create a support system.
• Set a quit date.
• Change your enviroment by removing those reminders and temptations from your immediate area. That may mean you will need to make new friends if you enjoyed your addiction with your current relationships.
• Learn new skills and activities that you can replace with your addiction when you feel the urge.
• Review your past attempts at quitting. What worked, what didn't and what led you back to your old habits. Then make the appropriate changes.

These are simple strategies that work. So believe in yourself that you can live a healthy, happy life without your addiction in 2009.

Happy New Year

Gina

Financial Stress Can Harm Your Health

Today's economy is creating a lot of anxiety associated with the financial uncertainty of the recession we are currently experiencing. Eight out of ten Americans now report that the economy is a significant stressor for them. They are experiencing health concerns from headaches to heart disease. According to the American Psychological Association 52% of us are lying awake at night worrying about the world we live in today.

This is bad news since sleep loss is linked to higher blood pressure. Stress can also lead to emotional eating of unhealthy comfort foods. Here are some suggestions to remain balanced in stressful times:

• Find time to laugh. Laughing creates endorphins to lift your mood and suppress stress-related hormones.
• Create a nurturing environment for yourself. Learn to relax as worrying will not solve the problem.
• Exercise to release your tension and lower your blood pressure. It also creates those endorphins that lift our mood.
• Turn on your favorite music to combat the stress hormone cortisol and lower your blood pressure. Relaxing never felt so good!

There are several ways to combat the stress you encounter each and every day. Stay close to your family, friends, and faith. Never lose hope as there is always a new day tomorrow to begin again. If anxiety and depressive symptoms take over the joy in your life do not hesitate to seek professional support.

Warm regards,

Gina

Fall in Love With Your Spouse Again

Divorce rates are remaining steady at 50% survival rate for first marriages. If you are struggling to not be part of the latest statistics then you might want to read Dr. Laura Berman's new book Real Sex for Real Women. She has worked as a sex educator, researcher, and therapist for the last 18 years. Dr. Berman has a few ideas on how to put that spark back into your dying romance.

1. Be the model for change. If you believe your partner is not loving, understanding or appreciative of your concerns then model those behaviors for your partner. You will get what you give in a relationship.
2. Own your 100 percent. Own your part of the problem that occurs in the relationship and then take the necessary steps to correct them.
3. Initiate sexual contact. If you want a more passionate sex life then initiate the contact with your partner and work to make that happen.
4. Talk about your needs in a positive manner. Stop the blame game and speak to your partner in "I" messages. Explain your needs and work together to resolve them.

Then take the steps to stay connected to your partner. Make plans for a date night. Share new experiences together and try to not talk about your day to day stressors. Relationships are a constant work in progress. It doesn't get easier, you just have to be more creative.

Good luck!!

Gina

Coping with Holiday Stress

The holiday season is upon us and more people than ever are taking anti-depressants and anxiety medications. They are struggling to cope with relationships, finances and the physical demands of their daily schedules. Your already busy schedule just became more demanding with the preparation of the holidays to create the magic you want your family to experience.

When you are stressed to the maximum it is very difficult to stop and assess your mental well being. You just know that you are tired, angry and resentful of the demands that are expected of you. The Mayo Clinic has twelve tips to help handle the holiday stress:

1. Acknowledge your feelings. Don't force yourself to feel happy just because it is expected.
2. Seek support. Don't be a martyr. Call your friends and family when needed.
3. Be realistic. Let go of old traditions and make new ones that are more compatible to your current life style.
4. Set differences aside. Set aside grievances until after the holidays. Try to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
5. Stick to a budget. You can't buy happiness.
6. Plan ahead. Write those lists and cook some of your menu items ahead of time. If traveling you might want to mail your gifts before you leave to make sure they arrive on time.
7. Learn to say no. Everyone has limits. Know what yours are and set the boundary.
8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Good self-care will keep you healthy and happy.
9. Take a breather. Make time for yourself to replenish your spirit.
10. Rethink resolutions. Try to make small goals that are attainable so that you can see your progress.
11. Forget about perfection. You are not a television program that displays a perfect ending to the story. Accept those imperfections in yourself and others.
12. Seek professional help if you find yourself persistently sad and anxious.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed and remembered by all family members, so take those steps to manage your stress and depression. It will be the best present you ever gave yourself.

Happy Holidays!!

Gina

Be Physically and Mentally Active

There have been several studies over the last several years that have reported Americans have become obese. We have automated our lives to the point of physical inactivity and we are not utilizing the calories that we intake. So our body stores the calories as fat for a later time when we may need them. The problem is we are not active enough to burn the stored fat and over time become obese.

Obesity can effect every aspect of your life from personal relationships to health concerns. The problems do not stop there as we are creating another generation of obesity with our children. Almost half of children in America older than 12 years old aren't active enough. We need to get up off the couch or away from the computer and interact with each other again. Playing family games, learning hobbies, and playing sports are just a few activities that families can do together to stay physically and mentally healthy. Twenty to thirty minutes of moderate, age-appropriate activity daily can keep the whole family healthy, emotionally and physically. Make time to stay healthy now or you will have to make time to be ill later.

Best wishes,

Gina