The Realities of Agoraphobia

While one of the most common symptoms of agoraphobia is the fear of leaving home, it is further confused by the fear of being alone.  Some people cannot even handle a trip to the car. Friends or family members have to do the grocery shopping, because it is too intimidating to go to the store.

If you go to the store, and something happens that you need to leave in a hurry, you might not be able to get out.  Forget riding on the train or other public transportation.  In truth the only place you can feel a sense of safety is home.  So, if you suffer from agoraphobia, you become totally dependent on others to supply you with the most basic needs and any type of social interaction.

What Happens if. . .

Unfortunately, you cannot simply take a friend or family member, who has this mental disorder, by the hand and walk them through social situations.  Out in public, agoraphobics can literally become ill.  They can become lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, and diarrhea.  Trouble breathing and chest pains are also quite common.  Although it may seem like this mental illness is all in a person’s head, the symptoms are anything but psychosomatic.  The pain and discomfort is very real.

Help

Agoraphobia really becomes a problem for those who feel like prisoners of their own homes; but, they are simply too afraid to venture beyond the front door.  Sometimes, in the company of a trusted companion, individuals will have other places to go where they feel safe and secure.

Nevertheless, it is not possible to hold down a job, have healthy social interactions, and have any good quality of life.  The fear simply takes over.  It is time to see the doctor and get some professional help.

What Now?

Many people fail to get the medical care necessary to control the symptoms of agoraphobia, because they feel so helpless.  After all, what can a doctor do, if you are afraid to the leave the safety and comfort of home?

However, it is possible to treat the disorder, and help sufferers of agoraphobia lead a relatively normal life.  The first step is medication.  Depression and anxiety relief drugs are commonly prescribed.  In some cases, a combination of one or more drugs is used. It can be an ongoing process to find the right combination that will provide the best relief from the symptoms.

In addition, a combination of therapies may be used to help people learn to live with agoraphobia.  First, a doctor will begin with cognitive therapy.  In simple terms, patients will learn about the disorder.  Knowledge represents power.  Then, they will learn some coping skills, when they feel on the verge of a panic attack.  Doctors can give patients the tools to take back control, when they feel that control slipping away.

Now, the really hard work begins in earnest.  It is time to venture into those social situations that make life so difficult.  The process is called desensitization.  The patient is slowly exposed to the situations that lead to the fear and anxiety.  To help you feel safe and comfortable, the therapist may accompany you on these excursions.  When the symptoms of agoraphobia start, you will be reminded to exercise the coping techniques learned in the first phases of your therapy.

Why Me?

People who suffer from agoraphobia naturally want to know why they have such difficulty going out in public.  No one decides to have these kinds of physical and mental reactions to social situations.  No one wants to be alone and stuck at home all of the time. So, how does this happen?

In most cases, the mental disorder starts manifesting in the late teens or early adulthood.  It may start as panic attacks.  For no apparent reason, you start feeling panicked, and you need to get out/away from you current situation.  Unfortunately, you never know when you will suffer an attack.

As a result, you will begin avoiding crowded places or situations that will be hard to exit, if you feel a panic attack coming on.  Eventually, you are a true agoraphobic, because you may get to the point that leaving your home sets off a panic attack.

But, you do not have to live like this for the rest of your life.  Help is available.  Even if the therapist has to meet at your home, use the phone, or correspond through email at first, you can get the therapies needed to control agoraphobia.  Then, you can enjoy a normal quality of life that most people take for granted.

Understanding

Unless you have been a cutter in your past, it is very difficult to understand why your child would chose to cause such pain purposefully.  Even a definition will not clear up the feeling of hurt, pain and confusion you must be feeling. But, according to an article published by the Mayo clinic:  “self-injury is an unhealthy effort to cope with overwhelming negative emotions, such as intense anger, tension and frustration”.

Someone who practices self-injury may also have other mental disorders.  For example, does your child suffer from depression, an eating disorder, impulse control, or a personality disorder?

Recognizing

If you suspect your child may be suffering from a mental disorder such as cutting, the first step is to recognize the signs of cutting.  Does your child wear long sleeves even when it is 90 degrees outside? Does he/she have a lot of unexplained scratches or bruising, or other wounds?  Does your child spend a lot of time alone, or like messing with sharp objects?

Alone, these symptoms of cutting are probably not a big deal.  But, combined it could spell trouble. You should seek professional help, to either confirm or deny your suspicions.

At Risk

If you seem to have lost touch with your teen, maybe you are wondering if he/she is at risk for developing this self-destructive behavior.  Is your child likely to practice self-mutilation as a form of punishment or emotional release? You may want to consider:

• Age- most cutters start as teenagers.  Hormones are raging, emotions are on the edge, peer pressure is at its height, and conflicts with parents are common.
• Gender- at one time it was thought that girls were more prone to develop cutting; but, that point is debatable.
• Abuse-  if a child has been the victim of abuse, in any way, or home life is anything but pleasant, he/she is more likely to begin cutting, in a misguide effort to ease the pain.
• Mental Health Issues- someone who suffers from mental health issues like depression, post-traumatic stress, personality disorder, little impulse control, etc. are more likely to be cutting.
• Substance Abuse- if you think your child is drinking or using drugs, cutting may be a byproduct of that abuse.

Consequences

If you suspect your child is cutting, you need to seek help right away.  It is a mental health disorder that will not go away on its own.  Plus, the consequences of these actions may be permanent or even fatal.

For instance, cutting results in scarring.  Even if you have gotten help for self-mutilation, the scars will always be a reminder.  Plus, it can also result in permanent disfigurement.  

If your child is cutting, chances are great that he/she is hiding the fact.  If the wound gets infected, it can result in serious health problems. In the event a major artery is cut, it can also mean death.  Sometimes, it is accidental.  However, you child may be deliberately trying to commit suicide.

At best, the feelings of guilt and sadness will only be intensified.  At the time, cutting seems like a way to let the pain out; but, as soon as it is done, a feeling of regret and remorse generally follows.

Treatment for Self-Injury

Getting treatment for self-injury can be very difficult.  Unless it is accidentally discovered by a parent, teacher, or health care worker, people who practice this self-destructive behavior keep it a secret.

Even if the mental health issue is discovered, there is no one miracle treatment.  It depends on each individual.  Medications will help with problems like depression.  But, psychiatric treatment will also be necessary.  It is important to discover the reason behind this propensity to cause pain to yourself.  Dealing with this issues, and learning to deal with them in a more productive manner is essential.  In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, to protect your child and provide intense treatment, before he/she commits suicide accidentally or purposefully.

In summary, cutting or self-mutilation is more common than you may realize.  It generally starts with teens under immense pressure or has mental health problems.  Cutting can hard to diagnose and treat, because kids are good at keeping it secret.  But, if the mental disorder is revealed, medical and psychiatric help is essential.  Otherwise, it can result in accident death or suicide.  So, if you even suspect you child of cutting, seek help today.

According to the mental disorder definition provided by the Mayo Clinic; when you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely obsess over your appearance and body image, often for many hours a day. You may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” your perceived flaws but never are satisfied. Body dysmorphic disorder is also known as dysmorphophobia, or the fear of having a deformity.

The fear may seem totally irrational to most people, but for those who suffer from the disorder, it literally consumes their life.  They may spend hours trying to correct a perceived flaw, even if it is a figment of the imagination.  In fact, the disorder is even called “imagined ugliness”.

Signs and Symptoms

Naturally, everyone obsesses about their looks, at one time or another.  Maybe it is a special event like a wedding, a prom, or even a date with someone who is extra special.  But, when it gets to point of adversely affect other aspects of life, something is definitely wrong.

According to the Clinic, if you know someone who seems to be out of control, when it comes to worrying about their looks, you might want to see if they have several of the following symptoms:

• Preoccupation with your physical appearance
• Strong belief that you have an abnormality or defect in your appearance that makes you ugly
• Frequently examining yourself in the mirror or, conversely, avoiding mirrors altogether
• Believing that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way
• Frequent cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction
• Excessive grooming, such as hair plucking
• Feeling extremely self-conscious
• Refusing to appear in pictures
• Skin picking
• Comparing your appearance with that of others
• Avoiding social situations
• Wearing excessive makeup or clothing to camouflage perceived flaws

The obsession can include much more than just the facial features.  However, the main point of concern may change periodically over time.  But, those who suffer dysmorphophobia are never happy with the way they appear, and they constantly worry about how others judge their appearance.

A Big Deal

A lot of people have idiosyncrasies, so friends and family can just put up with this particular personality challenge.  Wrong!  Individuals who have this particular mental health disorder are at risk. In truth, it can affect life in all areas.  It can be difficult to hold a job, have normal relations, and so much more, if people are constantly concerned that others are constantly judging them according to their physical appear.

People with the disorder can literally go bankrupt trying to fix something that is never broken in the first place. Most willingly undergo plastic surgery to make them look better.  If they find an agreeable surgeon, they will constantly undergo procedures, and never be happy with the outcome.

But, seeking treatment is a big deal, because this disease can be life threatening.  People with dysmorphophobia may finally decide that no matter what they do, their appearance will always be unacceptable to them and the rest of society.  Thus, the only way out is suicide.

At Risk

Like many other mental health issues, doctors are not positive as to the cause.  For some, it may actually be a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it impossible to perceive things correctly.  It may be passed through the genes, as people who have relatives with the disorder also seem more likely to be diagnosed with dysmorphophobia.  Alternatively, it could be the environment and the constant pressure to look just right.

But, based on research of the individuals who have the body disorder, there seems to be certain risk factors for developing body dysmorphic disorder. Based on a list composed by the Mayo Clinic, you or someone you know may develop the mental challenge because of:

• Having biological relatives with body dysmorphic disorder
• Childhood teasing
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Low self-esteem
• Societal pressure or expectations of beauty

In short, you may know someone who suffers from body dysmorphic disorder.  Unless he/she is willing to open up and discuss serious personal issues, you may never know why.  But, now you do know it is a mental disorder that is more than a personality quirk.  Help is necessary, before thoughts of suicide become a part of each day. Besides, help can actually make life enjoyable and productive again.

For people who live with someone who has schizophrenia, it is like walking on egg shells. No matter how lightly you walk, you know those shells are going to break.  It is only a matter of time. The same can be said of this disease, you know change is coming.  You just do not know when it will occur.

Please Define

For people with catatonic schizophrenia, the pendulum swings as far as it can go, both ways.  According to the Mayo clinic, “catatonic schizophrenia includes extremes of behavior. At one extreme of catatonic schizophrenia, you’re unable to speak, move or respond. At the other, you have overexcited or hyperactive motion and you may involuntarily imitate sounds or movements of others”.

How you can Help

Catatonic schizophrenia can be a scary mental illness, to say the least.  It is extremely important that you attempt to talk to your loved one.  You cannot force someone to get help, but maybe he/she receptive to frank conversation and seek help.  However, if you find someone in the catatonic state, call an ambulance.  At this point, medical help is necessary.

While this state of schizophrenia can last a few hours, it may also take weeks to return to the hyperactive stage.  It will make it difficult, if not impossible to care for your loved one. Hospitalization may be necessary, so you will have to find out the involuntary commitment laws for the particular state in which you live.

Are you Sure?

As mentioned before, catatonic schizophrenia is a mental disorder of extremes.  One moment your loved one may seem to bounce of the walls.  By the time you turn around he/she is unable to move or speak.  If moved, the person may stay in that same position for hours. He/she may behave very strangely and do things that do not make any sense.  In fact, it may seem like you are hanging out with a parrot, as everything that is said will be mimicked.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these other symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia may also become apparent:

• Having beliefs not based on reality (delusions)
• Seeing or hearing things that don’t exist (hallucinations), especially voices
• Incoherent speech
• Neglect of personal hygiene
• Lack of emotions
• Emotions inappropriate to the situation
• Angry outbursts
• Trouble functioning at school or work
• Social isolation
• Clumsy, uncoordinated movements

Although you may not be able to tell for sure, if your loved one has this particular mental disorder, a health care professional can find the answers and recommend a treatment program.

Catatonic Schizophrenia Treatment Options

Once your loved one has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, the treatment is similar to the options given to patients of most of the types of schizophrenia.  However, it will not progress without challenges.  Unfortunately, it will require lifelong care.  So, when the individual seems better, he/she may think a cure has been affected, and further treatment may appear futile.
But, to be totally affective, leading to a more normal quality of life, the following treatments will all be considered as part of the overall therapy program:

• Medications
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Hospitalization
• Psychotherapy
• Vocational skills training

Your loved one will likely need some combination of the 5 treatments.  However, it will depend on the severity of his/her symptoms.

Coping with Catatonic Schizophrenia

Most importantly, it is necessary to take medication as prescribed.  However, before taking any other medicine, be sure to check and make sure it will not interact adversely and cause a setback.  Avoid the activities that might be setting off the catatonic episodes. Stay away from alcohol, and do what you can to recognize the warning signs of impending changes.

It will also be helpful to learn all you can about the mental disorder.  Joining a support group can be extremely helpful for everyone involved.  Learn healthy ways to relieve stress and channel all of the energy that precedes the catatonic state. Being organized and regimented in your activities can also be very helpful.

In short, catatonic schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that will require lifelong care. With a combination of treatment options, it can be possible to lead a more normal and happily productive life.  But, it is very important to continue treatment, even when it seems like a cure has been discovered. Learning to live with catatonic schizophrenia is possible.

Unfortunately, a person with the disorder has to acknowledge he/she has a problem.  Many people are unwilling to accept the fact that they are out of sync with the rest of society.  In fact, they probably think the opposite is true.  According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic:  “with borderline personality disorder your image of yourself is distorted, making you feel worthless and fundamentally flawed. Your anger, impulsivity and frequent mood swings may push others away, even though you yearn for loving relationships”.

Fortunately, there are health care providers that are becoming more familiar with the mental disorder.  Treatments are available. Many people can get better over time and learn to live a relatively normal and peaceful existence.

Signs of Personality Disorder

People who suffer from a personality problems mainly have trouble dealing with their relationships.  On minute, you may be the most wonderful individual on the planet; the next minute, they may be extremely angry with you, and you have no idea why.  To them, everything is black or white.  Either they love you, or they hate you. No in between exists. The Mayo Clinic has also published this list of symptoms:

• Impulsive and risky behavior, such as risky driving, unsafe sex, gambling sprees or taking illicit drugs
• Strong emotions that wax and wane frequently
• Intense but short episodes of anxiety or depression
• Inappropriate anger, sometimes escalating into physical confrontations
• Difficulty controlling emotions or impulses
• Suicidal behavior
• Fear of being alone

Changes are great that you know someone who suffers borderline personality disorder.  Statistically, it is estimated that 13% of the population suffers from some type of mental illness. Unfortunately, most people cannot see the problem in themselves.

Diagnosing Personality Disorder

Diagnosing personality disorder can be very difficult.  The first challenge is to convince someone that they should be tested.  If they think the rest of the world is out of order, and they are the only really sane person, it can be an almost impossible task.  Also, it is rarely diagnosed in children, because the symptoms often dissipate in adulthood.

But, medical professionals do have a book of strict guidelines to consider, if they suspect a mental disorder or illness. According to the American Psychiatric Associationat least five of the following symptoms must be present at the same time:

• Intense fears of abandonment
• A pattern of unstable relationships
• Unstable self-image
• Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors
• Suicidal behavior or self-injury
• Wide mood swings
• Chronic feelings of emptiness
• Inappropriate anger
• Periods of paranoia and loss of contact with reality

Help for Personality Disorder

In truth, if you or someone you love is lucky, they will recognize a problem exists.  Some people do figure out that they are totally unhappy, and that other people manage to maintain relationships, keep jobs, and not be upset all of the time.  If this happens, it is time to seek professional help.  Unfortunately, if this state of enlightenment is not reached, you cannot force someone to get the help they do not think they need.

Why Help is so Important

People with borderline personality disorder definitely need help. Life does not provide a pleasant existence.  Divorce and broken relationships are quite common.  The ability to sustain a job can be very difficult.  Dealing with coworkers, bosses, or subordinates can often result in job loss. Depression is common.  Individuals are more likely to hurt themselves or even commit suicide.  It is estimated that 10-15 percent of this segment of the population takes their own lives.

Hope

People with this disorder often feel like there is no hope for them or their world.  However, if you have the disorder there are some things you can do at home to ensure that life can be more pleasant:

• Sticking to your treatment plan
• Attending all therapy sessions
• Practicing healthy ways to ease painful emotions, rather than inflicting self-injury
• Not blaming yourself for having the disorder but recognizing your responsibility to get it treated
• Learning what things may trigger angry outbursts or impulsive behavior
• Not being embarrassed by the condition
• Getting treatment for related problems, such as substance abuse
• Educating yourself about the disorder so that you understand its causes and treatments
• Reaching out to others with the disorder to share insights and experiences

Of course, this list supplied by the Mayo Clinic is contingent upon recognizing a problem and seeking treatment.  But, whether you or someone you care about suffers from borderline personality disorder, at least now you know there is hope.  You are not alone.

Please Explain

According to the Mayo Clinic, binging is actually the most common eating disorder.  One of the leading health care facilities in America, people come from all over the states to seek help, when the doctors at home are stumped.  They have some of the finest minds in the medical community working on research, diagnosis and cures.  They define binge-eating as:  “overeating [that] becomes a regular occurrence, shrouded in shame and secrecy. It’s called binge-eating disorder, a serious eating disorder in which you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food.

However, this is obvious not the totality of the mental disorder.  Some sufferers are pencil thin, where does all of that food go?  Unfortunately, after the guilt of eating everything in the house, the guilt causes them to immediately turn to the bathroom and purge.  However, a person that binges can be of any weight or body type.

But, if you think you or someone you love has this eating disorder, Mayo Clinic has composed a list of possible signs and symptoms of binging:

• Eating large amounts of food
• Eating even when you’re full
• Eating rapidly during binge episodes
• Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Frequent dieting without weight loss
• Frequently eating alone
• Hoarding food
• Hiding empty food containers
• Feeling depressed, disgusted or upset about your eating

Why Me?

Like other eating disorders, binging has three potential sources.  It may be biological, psychological, or cultural.  People who have a family member with an eating disorder are more likely to have one.  Some suggest it is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Others blame the disorder on psychological problems.  Emotions have a lot to do with binging.  But, then there is the environmental element.  Peer pressure, the need to feel acceptance, social expectations to be skinny, low self-esteem, and more.  In truth, the ‘why’ will need to be discovered, once help is sought.   Counseling will have to be part of the binge eating treatment program.  Sadly, binging can also be an outlet for sexual abuse, or some other traumatic event.

What Now?

If you or a loved has a problem with binge eating, seek help right away.  Although you cannot force a loved one to go to the doctor, unless he/she is a minor child, you might be able to convince him/her to get help now.  Like other eating disorders, binging does not go away on its own.  In fact, it can progress to the point of taking diuretics to keep from gaining weight, or bulimia, when the person induces vomiting to get rid of the food and guilt.

Complications

Over time, binge eating will cause other serious health concerns.  Like other eating disorders, it can be life-threatening.  In addition to diabetes, binging has the potential to cause one/a combination of Mayo Clinic’s list of complications:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Substance or alcohol abuse
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood cholesterol
• Gallbladder disease
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Osteoarthritis
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headache
• Sleep apnea

The list of health concerns is quite long.  Some of these problems may go away, once healthy and normal eating habits are reestablished.  However, others will continue to affect the individual for the remainder of his/her lifetime.

Seeking Help

Once binge eating has been acknowledged, help is available and should be sought as soon as possible.  Since binge eating is a symptom of emotional issues, counseling is one of the first lines of defense.  An individual may have private sessions or group meetings.  Sometimes, it helps to know someone who is also in the struggle for their life. Part of the goal is to teach people how to deal with stress in a way that has nothing to do with food.

Medications are also available.  Usually, the doctor will prescribe an anti-depressant.  However, it is important to be monitored closely.  Some drugs will actually induce suicidal thoughts and behaviors-especially in teens.

In short, binge eating is the most common of eating disorders. While it might be discovered in teens most of the time, adults are not immune, or maybe no one recognized the problem earlier.  While the binge eating disorder will not go away, on its own, there are therapies and medications to help people learn to cope with healthy eating habits, so they can have a good quality of life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.”

Have you ever been in a crowded place, should-to-shoulder with lots of other people and you start to feel like you need to get out of there right now?  For some people, black Friday is definitely not the day to go shopping.  If you can imagine such a scenario, now think of what it might feel like times one hundred!

The Real Thing

If you, or someone you love, suffer from panic attacks, the symptoms can be the same as very serious life-threatening medical conditions. With the first attack, a trip to the emergency room is quite common.  It may feel like an oncoming heart attack or something else equally devastating.  The symptoms are:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Tightness in your throat
• Trouble swallowing
• A sense of impending death

The list, compiled by the clinic, is very scary.  No wonder a panic attack feels like you might actually be dying.  It is not hard to imagine why doctors may put you through a plethora of tests.  Yet, they will probably not find any reason for the illness.

You might start to feel better in a matter of minutes.  But, a panic attack is not on the clock.  An episode of panic can last an entire day.  Imagine feel like you are on the verge of death for more than a day, and knowing you are experiencing a panic attack.  No wonder people start to think they have a mental illness.

Reasons for Panic Attacks

Having a mental illness or panic disorder does not mean that you are crazy.  In fact, there is no definitive reason why people suffer from panic attacks.  Some health care professionals think it may have something to do with heredity.  If you have a relative who has the disorder, maybe you will be more likely to also develop panic attacks.

Some doctors may attribute panic attacks to the level of stress in your life.  However, it may not explain the people who will develop agoraphobia.  Oftentimes, if panic attacks become too severe and frequent, a person will simply take a permanent sabbatical from life.  The thought of even leaving the house is impossible.  Sufferers may even have friends do their shopping and run other errands.  They are too afraid of where they will be, or what they will be doing, when the next attack happens.

Another plausible reason for uncontrollable panic attacks is changes in brain function.  In normal situations of high stress and fear, it is normal to panic.  For instance, if you see a tornado heading in your direction, your heart rate will increase rapidly.  A lot of things will be going through your mind and body in a split second.  You have the natural instinct to survive, so you will run to the basement, leave your car and hit the ditch, or whatever you can do to get out of the path of nature’s wrath.

In a panic attack, your brain can go into survival mode without any legitimate reason.  The feelings and bodily reactions may be similar, but you are actually quite safe.  Your intellect may try to tell you that nothing is wrong, but everything else is in hyper drive.  For those who have suffered multiple episodes of panic attacks, it is no wonder it becomes almost impossible to go anywhere or do anything.

Treatment

For those who suffer from panic disorder, they do not have to be without hope.  Medical help is available to ease the symptoms and make life more livable again.  The first treatment for panic disorder is generally medication.  It will help control the overwhelming feelings of stress. The next order of business is psychotherapy for panic attacks.

In the beginning, you may simply be schooled in the potential causes and symptoms of panic attacks.  You will learn what to do, in order to help get the symptoms under control, if you feel a panic attack coming on. You will learn what can be done to help you lead a normal life again.  However, the next step will be much harder.  You will probably have to go through desensitization.

At first, the doctor will probably accompany you on outings-to situations that you have learned to avoid.  If a panic attack is emanate, you will be reminded of what to do, in an effort to regain control.  You may then progress to going out with a trusted friend; going to a friend’s home where you feel safe; and eventually you may be able to venture back out alone.

Panic attacks are nothing less than terrifying.  In fact, they can be totally debilitating.  But, you or someone you care about is not without hope.  Seek professional medical care, so life may be livable again.

So, what is adjustment disorder?  Do you or someone you love have major difficulty accepting change and coping with anything new?  If so, it may be an adjustment disorder.  According to Mayo Clinic, the mental illness is:   “a type ofstress-related mental illness. You may feel anxious or depressed, or even have thoughts of suicide. You may not be able to go about some of your daily routines, such as work or seeing friends. Or you may make reckless decisions. In essence, you have a hard time adjusting to change in your life, and it has serious consequences”.

A lot of people do not change, and tend to get stressed when faced with new situations. Actually, it is quite normal.  Most individuals will eventually get used to the new circumstances in a reasonable amount of time.  But, for others, it is totally devastating and leads to depression. It can be hard to resume any normal quality of life.  It may adversely affect personal relationship, or the ability to get a job.

Do I?

Do you or someone you love have adjustment disorder?  The symptoms are persistent.  It is not just a temporary depression for a few days or weeks.  Acute adjustment disorder can last up to six months.  If it lasts long than that, it is considered chronic adjustment disorder.  Either way, it can ruin a good quality of life by making it hard to keep a job, maintain relationship, and all of the other normal aspects of life that are always subject to change.

So, if you suspect an adjustment disorder, the Mayo Clinic says to look for these emotional signs:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Lack of enjoyment
• Crying spells
• Nervousness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Anxiety
• Worry
• Desperation
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling overwhelmed

Anyone can suffer from adjustment disorder, but it seems to be more pronounced in children.  A big clue is to think about any major changes that have taken place within the last three months.  If the symptoms started about that time, it may be a sign that an adjustment disorder may be making life miserable.

Sadly, there are also behavioral clues to adjustment disorder, especially in minors.  For parents, it may seem like you child has been replaced by a clone with a different personality.  He/she may start acting out through:

• Fighting
• Reckless driving
• Ignoring bills
• Avoiding family or friends
• Poor school or work performance
• Skipping school
• Vandalism

Clueless

If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms of adjustment disorder, it can be a very confusing time for you as well.  You are naturally full of questions and concerns.  Most parents are quick to blame themselves, and wonder why their child cannot accept change, when other kids seem to hope for something different and exciting to happen.  Unfortunately, doctors are still not sure why some people are ruled by the desire for sameness.  Maybe it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics, temperament, or something that has happened in the past.

What Next

If you can see the signs of adjustment disorder in yourself or someone you care about, it is time to get some help.  It is okay to have a normal adjustment period, but when it goes on for months, and is underscored by behavioral changes, you need to find some help.  People who do not seek professional care are more likely to sink into a life of depression, fall into the trap of drug and/or alcohol abuse, or even get to the point of contemplating suicide. Before it gets to that point, get help.

The Cavalry

No one has to live under the weight of an adjustment disorder. Psychotherapy is one treatment that can be effective.  Being able to talk about it on a personal level is great for learning about the disorder and how to cope with it on a daily basis.  Also, group therapy can be helpful.  Knowing other people have the same disorder, and no one suffers alone, can be very healing.  Of course, the doctor can also prescribe medication to help his/her patient deal with the stress and depression.

In short, adjustment disorders are not a problem that most people discuss over a cup of coffee.  But, many people have a difficult time adjusting to changes in life.  Simply recognizing the problem is half of the battle. With help, the rest of the battle can be won, and adjustment disorder sufferers can move on to lead a good quality of life.

Of course, you do not want to approach your daughter about having an eating disorder, unless you have exhausted other possibilities.  Sometimes, it can be very hard to tell there is a problem, because your teen may go to great lengths to disguise the problem.  However, the Mayo Clinic has a list of things you can look for, if you are worried about your child:

• Skipping meals
• Making excuses for not eating
• Eating only a few certain “safe” foods, usually those low in fat and calories
• Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing
• Weighing food
• Cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat
• Repeated weighing of themselves
• Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
• Wearing baggy or layered clothing
• Complaining about being fat

Although the disease is not gender specific, girls are usually the ones who suffer from this mental health challenge.  Although it is centered on weight issues, Anorexia is much more than an eating disorder.  It is often about the need to be in control. Weight is something your teen can be in command of, even if the rest of the world seems out of order.

In truth, you may notice emotional changes, before you ever notice any of the physical symptoms.  Knowing there is something to really worry about can be difficult, because many parents attribute the change to simply being a teenager, and maybe it is just a phase they will grow out of pretty soon.  While that may be the case, if it continues for two long, it may signal anorexia nervosa.  Again, Mayo Clinic has compiled a list of behavioral and emotional symptoms:

• Refusal to eat
• Denial of hunger
• Excessive exercise
• Flat mood, or lack of emotion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Preoccupation with food

Unfortunately, this disease also has many physical symptoms.  With the manifestation of these signs, it also means that there are complications that can result in other major health issues.  So, it is also imperative to recognize the signs.  Some will be up to you to recognize, and some be found by the doctor, and it will add up to one big problem.  For example:

• Extreme weight loss
• Thin appearance
• Abnormal blood counts
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Brittle nails
• Hair that thins, breaks or falls out
• Soft, downy hair covering the body
• Absence of menstruation
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Intolerance of cold
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Osteoporosis

As you can see, anorexia nervosa is not simply the refusal to eat, in order to lose weight. Although most people are diagnosed in their teens, it does not go away when they reach adulthood. Also, you cannot simply talk to someone who suffers from anorexia, discuss the problem, and then they start eating again and everything is fine.

Given the proper help, an individual with anorexia nervosa can get better and develop healthy eating habits.  But, it may be something they have to deal with for a lifetime. It is a psychological, emotional, and physical disorder than can manifest from a variety of causes. Thus, the disorder of anorexia nervosa is a disease that you cannot fix.  Professional help is required.

For example, the mental health issue may result from biological sources.  Although the specific reasons are not yet clear, individuals with a sibling or a parent that also has anorexia have a greater chance of being diagnosed as well.  It may have something to do with the levels of serotonin in the brain.  Whatever the reason, if you or another family member has also dealt with this health concern, it is a big red flag.

If not biologically bases, personality has a lot to do with anorexia.  Many sufferers also have obsessive-compulsive disorder tendencies.  They may be perfectionists.  Yet, self-esteem is extremely low.  They are driven to fix themselves or gain control, and food intake is a way they can take charge.

Sadly, culture has a lot to do with anorexia nervosa.  Girls watch television and see all of these successful and famous girls and ladies that are pencil thin.  Society is simply more accepting of people who are thin.  A girl with a few extra pounds can become very self-conscious and also treated unkindly by her peers.

In short, if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms of anorexia nervosa in your daughter, seek professional help.  Even if you daughter makes an excuse or gets really mad, just do it!  If you are wrong, the doctor may still find a health issue related to the symptoms.  Someday, your girl will realize that you have sought help only because of your love and care.

Of course, individuals get deeply depressed if someone dies, they suffer a major illness, lose a job, experience a relationship break up.  Sadness is totally natural.  But, with major depression, it goes far deeper than reasonable mourning.  In the medical community:

Depression, formally called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. It affects how you think and behave and can cause a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may not be able to go about your usual daily activities, and depression may make you feel as if life just isn’t worth living anymore.

Clinical depression lasts a lot longer than what would be considered a natural period of mourning.  Even though they have lost a loved one or gone through a terrible break up, most people can get themselves out of bed, go to work, eat, and go through the daily tasks that living requires.  For those suffering from major depression, it can become impossible to function in any meaningful way.

According to the Mayo Clinic staff, there is quite a list of clinical depression symptoms.  People who may need medical care to pull them out of the abyss may:

• Loss of interest in normal daily activities
• Feeling sad or down
• Feeling hopeless
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Problems sleeping
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Being easily annoyed
• Feeling fatigued or weak
• Feeling worthless
• Loss of interest in sex
• Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Medical depression can literally make an individual sick.  Unless the individual gets help, it can ultimately result in other physical health problems.  Not all people with clinical depression exhibit the same symptoms.  In fact, some people may be able to hide their symptoms from the general public.  Still others are totally debilitated.

Causes of Major Depression

While a major life event, like a death in the family, can explain depression, the clinical type may be more difficult to explain.  Sadly, certain people are more likely to suffer major depression than others.  For example, if you have a parent or sibling that has major depression, you are more likely to have the same mental disorder.

In truth, it can be biochemical imbalance in your body that causes you to be so steeped in sadness.  People who have been diagnosed as bi polar have bouts of major depression. The phase can last for an hour, a day, or months on end.  If help does not come in time, suicide may seem the only way out.

Sadly, many people suffer from clinical depression because of their environment.  Living in an abusive relationship, whether you are an adult or a child, can result in major depression.  Situations of high stress or loss can result in deep depression, if a light at the end of the tunnel cannot be found.

You are not Alone

When people are in the depths of clinical depression, it is easy to feel totally alone.  No one can truly understand how you feel.  Surely no one has ever felt the way you do.  Hope does not exist.

However, the opposite is actually the truth.  Millions of people suffer from major depression. Individuals get help all of the time, and go on to live happy and productive lives. There is hope.

Treatment for Major Depression

If you or someone you love suffers from major depression, treatment choices are available.  The first line of defense against clinical depression is antidepressants.  The medications vary, so it may be that the doctor will have to monitor reactions and adjust the dosage or type. Unfortunately, the medicine that can help depression also has unwanted side effects.  But, the doctor may suggest sticking with it for a few weeks, because the adverse reactions often subside in time.

Of course, there is psychotherapy or counseling.  Talking about stressors and other factors associated with depression is a great tool in learning how to deal with the problem.  It also helps to talk to other people who have clinical depression, simply because it is nice to know you are not alone.

Finally, doctors can also use electroconvulsive therapy.  Although it sounds akin to a Frankenstein movie, it does seem to help relieve the symptoms in severely depressed patients.  A shock to the brain induces a seizure. However, after the process is over, and after a period of confusion and memory loss, it seems to lessen the feelings of sadness and hopeless.

In conclusion, if you or someone you care about suffers from major depression, get help today. It is possible to get the treatment that can lead to a good quality of life.