Tag:

Depression

What to do if Depression Returns

by Kendall VanBlarcom October 14, 2019

written by Kendall VanBlarcom

If you have lived through depression, it is normal to worry about symptoms returning. When you are wondering what to do if your depression comes back, know that there is help available.

When Do Symptoms Return?

Depression, anxiety, worrying and fear are experienced differently by different people. For some people, they can go through a difficult period and then recover. For others, there are relapses, periods where they feel fine—good, even—and then periods where symptoms return.

There are times in life that are sad or upsetting. We all have days when we feel down and it is important to recognize that a bad day does not mean you are relapsing into a period of depression. But, if your feelings of sadness continue, know there is help available and reaching out to talk through issues can help.

Can I Stop Depression from Coming Back?

While there are no guarantees what the future holds, there are ways to take care of yourself and be gentle with yourself.

For example, if you have experienced depression in the past, take note of what symptoms you experienced. From there, you can feel and sense if those early signs are returning.

Family and friends can also be helpful in recognizing symptoms. If someone close to you tells you they are worried about you, this could be a sign it is time to seek healing strategies, some of which may be possible on your own. Ask yourself what has helped your mental health in the past. Maybe you have benefitted from getting more exercise, or from being more active in your community.

Also, know that you can always reach out to a counselor, a doctor you trust, or a mental health provider for help. Everyone has problems, criticizing yourself for the situation you are in will not lead to results. You are not at fault and recovery is an option.

Make Yourself, and Your Health, the Priority

Often recovering from a mental health issue is not simple. For many, it is a long journey. You need to focus on both your physical and mental health. Your whole being is connected and the more you take care of yourself the less vulnerable you are for a relapse.

Focus on positive thoughts and don’t bombard yourself with a bunch of would’ve, should’ve, or could’ves. Obsessing about the past is not productive. To feel good, you have to learn to accept what you cannot change and move forward. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you to leave the past behind and change thought patterns that are causing you pain.

Then, you can hopefully adopt a feeling of gratitude. An attitude that will allow you to recognize and celebrate the good things life has given you rather than obsessing on the negatives.

October 14, 2019 0 comment

CBD for Health

CBD Oil Testimonies on Pain Relief

by Jesse Dunn September 14, 2019

written by Jesse Dunn

CBD products are a natural way to relieve pain without the use of opioids. The testimonies below are from people who are using Medterra CBD products.

Medterra CBD is produced from non-GMO hemp. Each batch is third-party lab tested and guaranteed to be free of contaminants. Each Medterra product is made with our 99%+ pure CBD isolate. Our products have absolutely zero THC and void of any psychoactive ingredients. Medterra’s hemp is grown and extracted under the strict guidelines of the Kentucky Department of Agricultural Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. We are able to sell in all 50 states and internationally without any risk. You do NOT have to have a medical card to purchase CBD products.

Amazing Pain Relief!

I am BEYOND impressed with your product and feel the need to let others know! My friend recommended I try Medterra CBD or my sore joints. It made me feel 10 years younger! The product shipped quickly and I love how the dropper allows you to measure out the appropriate dosage. CBD works and Medterra is the BEST! -Loradell

Love this stuff

CBD is such an awesome compound and being able to apply it directly to my problem areas takes it to a new level. It smells really good too. As a recommendation, start small and work your way up. These are big bottles and can go a long way. -Page Lynn

Relief from Spinal Stenosis

Medterra has worked wonders on my husband’s arthritis pain and nerve pain from spinal stenosis. We are using the tincture and cream each day. He is Pain-FREE! – Julie N.

A+++++

I typically don’t write reviews but I had to share. A friend recommended I try CBD and I went with Medterra because of their affiliation with a pilot program (it felt safe!!). My arthritis pain is bothersome and Aleve was the only thing that worked. After 1 week taking the 50mg pill I am off Aleve and feeling better than ever! I love that it is a natural product and is healthier than my prescribed medications. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! -Anne G.

Zero THC – Great results!

I wanted to take CBD for a while but can’t take THC because of work. The 1500mg tincture has worked wonders for my stiffness and I sleep like a rock! So grateful for this WONDERFUL product! – Gina Francis

Happy customer – Arthritis Relief

Excellent product! Effective and pleasing to the touch. Works well for arthritic pain! Fair price also! -BettyAnn Southard

So far, so good! Improved Mobility

I was a little skeptical to start since I had not heard much about Medterra. Well, I can verify that this CBD is the real deal. I have no doubt about the potency and they are either putting in a little extra CBD or the previous products I had tried were not nearly as pure. I really started feeling a difference around day 3 after taking the 25mg capsule each morning. As an older man, I cannot begin to tell you how much better my mobility has improved. Thanks Medterra! -Steve V.

Works great with sports therapy

After a recent running injury, my right hip flexor has been incredibly tight. I have been going to weekly sports therapy, which is working well. To aid in relaxing my leg, I use the pain cream every morning and night. I feel like it “unlocks” my leg and the range of motion improves dramatically. My only wish is that it would last longer so I only had to apply once a day! -Steven Smith

Content Provided by Medterra

September 14, 2019 0 comment

Conditions & Treatments

Tips finding the Right Therapist or Counselor

by Kendall VanBlarcom August 20, 2019

written by Kendall VanBlarcom

When you decide you need someone to talk to, know that finding the right therapist can take a bit of research and time. But, once you have found a professional you are comfortable with, it will be easier to achieve the life changes you desire.

In fact you may find a personal consultant is a better fit, there are differences between talk therapists and personal consultants. Talk to people you trust and do a bit of research to find the right therapist for you.

Seek a Specialist

When you are considering who might be a good fit, think about why you are considering seeing someone in the first place. For example, if you are an older adult or a caregiver, know that Kendall Van Blarcom, the founder of Van Blarcom Consulting, has been successfully serving these communities for years.

Specialists are available for a wide range of issues. While it isn’t a necessity, it is possible seeing a specialist will bring you the results you are seeking. There are many areas of mental health. So, if you are seeking to heal from an eating disorder, the best use of your time may be to seek out a therapist who is specialized in that field, for instance.

Ask Questions When Finding the Right Therapist

Once you have the contact information for a therapist of interest, or if you have a list of possible candidates, reach out to ask any questions you might have. Below are a handful of possible questions.

When you ask your questions, recognize how you feel about the relationship. Do you feel at ease talking to the therapist? Does the counselor seem interested in you and your situation?

Set Goals

Once you have accomplished your task of finding the right therapist or counselor, think about what the goal of therapy is for you. Write down your initial thoughts about goal setting. Then, you and your potential therapist can discuss how those goals may be obtained and what the timeframe might be. Of course, when you are starting therapy, these goals are more of roadmap than a guarantee. Still, it’s good to know what you are striving for so you can feel the accomplishment of achieving results.

Once you identify your goals and decide where you will begin your journey to healing, you are on a path to a better life. Reach out to take the first step and get started.

Build Relationships

While accomplishments may be important, when finding a therapist a good relationship takes priority. Often the best results come when you work with a therapist who is accepting and warm. These traits can be even more essential than degrees from prestigious universities or professional accolades. You want to share your experiences with someone you feel comfortable with and trust.

August 20, 2019 0 comment

Aging

Biggest Senior Concerns

by Carol Marak August 7, 2019

written by Carol Marak

Health and financial security is a prime concern to seniors. In a survey sponsored by the National Council on Aging, found that financial security (71% of seniors) comes ahead of staying involved with family and friends (68%) but women are even more vulnerable than men to financial matters.

The study names other worrisome factors like health care and prescription drug costs. The other two are being a burden to family and losing independence.

Individuals who help a loved one will risk losing their financial security because they quit their job or work part-time to become a caregiver. They forfeit contributing to their retirement fund and saving accounts.

The Caregiving Dilemma

Family caregiving has always been the cornerstone of our healthcare system. But that segment dwindles.

In 2016, nearly 15 percent of women ages 40-44 hadn’t given birth and were childless, up from 10 percent in 1976, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A 2013 report from AARP projects that by 2040, about 21 percent of the older, disabled population will be childless.

The number of childless older people in the UK expects to double by 2030, putting huge pressure on a health and social care system that is already struggling to support the vulnerable, warned Kirsty Woodard, founder of the Ageing Well Without Children.

Older adults strapped with money insecurity now take on another challenge, paying for personal care at home.

If you’re in this situation, have you thought about how you will find help and support in the years ahead? The members in my group talk about it a lot. But it’s not just the child free individuals who worry about it, so do women with children, because many live hundreds of miles apart or have estranged relationships.

It’s a huge issue that we must address. The last thing you want to face is a medical emergency or event without a plan.

In a study conducted in my Facebook group by an academic professor revealed other factors for individuals to think about:

To identify a caregiver who would help if you became ill or disabled
To find a trusted person to help you cope with life’s challenges like medical and financial decisions
To have access to someone in case there’s a crisis
To find people to socialize with you to avoid loneliness
To mitigate your chances of developing chronic conditions

When you make a plan to tackle these issues, then you’re less confused and uncertain about handling them in the coming years.

August 7, 2019 0 comment

Aging

Why Seniors Isolate

by Carol Marak July 19, 2019

written by Carol Marak

There’s a growing concern that seniors in retirement are not actively involved and it puts them at risk for chronic conditions. Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are linked to depressive symptoms, poor cognitive functioning, disrupted sleep, lack of physical activity, and impaired mental health-all of which have implications for increased mortality.

Other risks include a weakened immune system, increased use of emergency services, early admittance to a nursing home, and frequent falls.

In 2018, an academic researcher asked 550 seniors in a Facebook group who frequently discuss feeling isolated, “What are your reasons for being socially inactive? Is it lack of transportation and budget? Is it because you don’t know about the local options and groups that can keep you connected? Or maybe it’s because it takes too much effort to build relationships? What do you fear most about being lonely and disconnected?” Here are a few stories she heard:

“I suspect I will feel more isolated after retirement. I live in a rural area, although there is a town 18 miles away and a city 25 miles away, so I can find activities in one place or the other. The complete lack of public transportation is a serious concern–if you can’t drive, you can’t go to the grocery store! I like living alone, with cats, but I also like doing things with friends. I do worry what would happen if I became physically disabled.”

“Most of my real friends moved closer to children and grandchildren. I have also moved several times. I have had health problems for over 20 years and one of those is chronic fatigue. It takes all my energy to keep up with the basics. Somewhere along the line I went from a gregarious extrovert to being lonely. Keeping the balls in the air is all I seem to do. Public transportation wouldn’t make much difference in my town. And budgets truly limit what entertainment, or help I can afford.”

“Putting energy into building yet another round of new relationships is becoming less attractive to me. Over the years and through multiple moves and career shifts, I have lost track of schoolmates, work buddies, former neighbors, and extended family. I have been able to reconnect with a few of them through Facebook, but they don’t live nearby.”

“Budget, transportation, and health are the main causes of my isolation. I had to give up driving because of severe glaucoma. Also, having a rare autoimmune disease makes me exhausted most of the time. Trips outside my apartment are to Dr’s appointments and grocery shopping. My only family is one son who lives in another city, and I rarely hear from him or his children.”

Do you isolate and are you lonely? What do you do about it when feeling disconnected? If you care to share your story, send me an email to Carol@Seniorcare.com.

July 19, 2019 0 comment

Conditions & Treatments

Surprised by Symptoms: Parkinson’s Disease is More than Movement

by Guest Blogger July 17, 2019

written by Guest Blogger

For the nearly 1 million Americans who live with Parkinson’s disease, experiencing and learning to adapt to lifestyle changes is a major aspect of coping with the disease. While they and their care partners may anticipate difficulties with movement, including symptoms such as tremors and stiffness, many are unprepared for non-motor symptoms that may also accompany a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

To learn more about how these non-motor symptoms affect the lives of those living with and caring for a person with Parkinson’s, a non-profit organization called the Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMDAlliance) surveyed more than 650 people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

Here are some findings and insights from the survey:

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s impact most people with the disease.

Of those surveyed, more than 90% reported having experienced non-motor symptoms. These symptoms come in a number of forms, including:

Sleep problems or excessive tiredness (84%)
Cognitive challenges (75%)
Anxiety (65%)
Depression (55%)
Hallucinations (41%)
Delusions (24%)
Other, including constipation, apathy, nightmares, anger, and mood swings (14%)

Of those who experienced, or reported that their loved one experienced, non-movement symptoms,

84 percent felt that these symptoms had a negative impact on quality of life, with about half rating them as either more or much more challenging to live with than movement symptoms.

In response to a question about their Parkinson’s experience, one care partner said, “I wish [other people] knew that Parkinson’s looks different in different people. My spouse’s motor symptoms are fairly well controlled, but his REM sleep disorder and dementia have made our lives incredibly challenging and exhausting.”

When it comes to Parkinson’s, daily living is impacted by hard-to-see symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease changes how patients and their care partners think about the future and cope with day-to-day living. When asked how non-movement symptoms impacted their daily life, those surveyed reported at least some negative impact on the ability to:

Sleep (84%)
Plan for future events (76%)
Socialize with friends and family (71%)
Make plans with family or friends (70%)
Be intimate with their partner (68%)
Complete household chores such as cooking/cleaning (68%)
Run errands (67%)

When people with Parkinson’s experience non-movement symptoms, care partners are impacted, too. In fact, psychosis symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s are a strong predictor of increased care partner burden, and those with hallucinations have a 2.5-fold greater risk for nursing home admission.

Reporting symptoms is crucial in navigating life with Parkinson’s disease.

Even though non-movement symptoms are common, they are rarely reported. While approximately half of patients may experience hallucinations or delusions associated with Parkinson’s over the course of their disease, only 10-20 percent of patients and care partners spontaneously report these symptoms to their doctors.

It’s important to report all symptoms to a doctor (usually a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist), to determine the right treatment plan for both motor and non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s.

“Those with Parkinson’s and their families are not alone. Talking to your doctor is just the start of getting support and treatment,” says Sarah Jones, CEO of PMDAlliance. “We urge the entire Parkinson’s community to continue initiating conversations about symptoms, especially the non-movement ones that greatly impact day-to-day living.”

This survey was sponsored by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. To learn more about the onset and impact of Parkinson’s disease psychosis, a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s, or to receive a tool to assist you in talking with your physician and loved ones, visit PMDAlliance.org and MoretoParkinsons.com.

July 17, 2019 0 comment

Aging

Attitudes to Enhance Aging

by Carol Marak July 10, 2019

written by Carol Marak

What is your mindset about growing older? Do you want to avoid thinking about it for as long as possible? Is it a negative passage to be endured? To set an ideal mid-life into motion, you need a positive outlook.

A study of 660 adults aged 50 and older in Ohio, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that people who had positive attitudes about aging lived more than seven years longer than those with negative attitudes.

While the results remain unproven by other researchers, the study does link positive outlook and good health. For example, depression is linked to poorer recovery from heart attacks and stroke. And having a positive outlook in general in your early 20s predicts survival well into your 80s and 90s.

Studies like these don’t have to convince many people that life is a heck of lot easier with a positive attitude. For me, over the years, the following mindset has helped me approach older age with gratitude.

Accept yourself – low self-esteem and confidence are common but beauty is not defined by physical traits but by qualities. The act of accepting oneself as they are seems hard but you can do it! Do not allow the flaws to govern your heart and future.
Surround yourself with positive people – hang out with people who feed your soul, the ones who you appreciate and look up to. Make sure they feel the same way about you. Positive types give us a sense of well-being.
Do the things and activities you love and make time for self-care. Find a hobby like cooking, gardening, painting or reading. This helps you feel connected and less stressed.
Express feelings – talk about your feelings with someone you like and trust. Never bottle them up. Communicating helps us process our emotions and to move on with a clearer and happier mind. If you prefer, keep a journal and write your feelings down.
Appreciate little things – if you give too much energy to the “big” problems you’ll stress and ignore the little things that make living so pleasurable. Make every experience a learning experience, even failures.

Questions to ask:

Who am I on this journey for?
What will it take to love myself?
What sacrifices am I taking for good health?

Live each day knowing there’s plenty to go around. Believe in and trust yourself. Focus on what you can do now and be your best self instead of correcting the past.

Take away:

Trust yourself – BE OPEN – Acknowledge fear and do it anyway!

Attend my free Live events on Facebook @Carebuzz. Every Tuesday, 3:00 PM CST, we discuss proactive living in mid-life. (https://www.facebook.com/Carebuzz/)

July 10, 2019 0 comment

Aging

Elderly Mental Health Statistics

by Kendall VanBlarcom June 5, 2019

written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Like every population, there is a lot of variety among older adults. But it can be helpful to talk about elderly mental health statistics so we know when to take notice. Because while many have good mental health, others are vulnerable to mental health issues and cognitive deterioration.

A Growing Population

The world population is aging. It is estimated about 8.5 percent of people worldwide are aged 65 and over and this percentage is expected to rise to nearly 17 percent of the world’s population by 2050.

It is common for mental health issues to be ignored or misdiagnosed by healthcare providers, family members, and the individuals experiencing the issues themselves. Sometimes, because of the stigma around mental health issues, people are slow to reach out for help. It stands to reason that more older adults will bring more mental health issues. It’s important to reach out for help as soon and you need it.

Increased Risk of Issues

There can be an increased risk of mental health problems as we age. Some issues include chronic pain, a loss of loved ones, loneliness, isolation, and losses in day-to-day capabilities. There is also the very real problem of elder abuse. This is when a caregiver relationship is harmful, when physical, financial, or verbal mistreatment is present. All of these can result in anxiety and depression.

Another issue that can arise is dementia which manifests as a deterioration in cognitive abilities, from memory to behavior. This is not a normal part of aging and should be addressed. Dementia can cause much stress in a home. Families and caregivers are likely to crave additional support when they are facing the emotional, financial, and physical pressures of dementia.

How to Age Well

While elderly mental health statistics can be frightening, there are active ways to age healthfully. Creating environments that are supportive and nurturing can have lasting results. Paths to healthy aging include securing safe housing (whether that is making changes to a home to prevent accidents or looking into assisted living), providing social support to an elderly individual and being sure that both physical and mental health initiatives are in place so the person can remain as healthy as possible.

Monitoring mental and physical health means any issues can be detected early and managed. If possible, talk through any issues with a trusted professional and work to create an environment of community care. This is all essential because our bodies change as we age. All of these adjustments in our chemistry, mobility, and shifts in familial and friendship bonds have an impact on our health.

Sometimes there are problems causing big issues that can be addressed with support. For example, providing safe transportation to an elderly individual could change their life. A weekly shopping trip could improve their mood and help them to maintain community connections leading to lower stress levels and increased happiness. If transportation isn’t the issue, know that some report the same results when they pursue hobbies or schedule regular exercise. In both cases, you are exercising your mind and body, leading to good health.

June 5, 2019 0 comment

Aging

Signs of Anger Issues

by Kendall VanBlarcom May 27, 2019

written by Kendall VanBlarcom

If you are experienced as a caregiver for older adults, it is possible you have seen signs of anger issues. For some, anger outburst happen because a senior citizen is feeling vulnerable, which can magnify emotions and reactions. In separate cases, anger occurs in response to other problems, whether that is illness, pain, or memory loss.

When you see signs of anger issues in an individual you are caring for—whether those indicators are physical abuse, verbal abuse or periods of paranoia—talk through your experiences with a professional to find relief.

Coping with Physical and Verbal Abuse

If you are caring for someone who has an illness that is causing diminished cognitive skills, sometimes the medical issue causes personality changes. It is important to not blame yourself for an illness you cannot control. Be sure to take the steps you need to take care of yourself.

One first step may be to get a clear diagnosis of what is happening with your loved one. With a complete evaluation, you and your loved one’s healthcare provider may be able to land on the root of their personality change. With this knowledge, you can take the next steps needed to secure a healthy home.

In addition to making health and checkups a priority for the one you are caring for, be sure to take care of your own physical and mental health as well. Stay healthy with a proper diet, exercise, sleep, and socializing. Talk through any problems you are having so any negative thoughts can be released and address it when you are experiencing anger from a loved one.

Paranoid Behavior

Among the signs of anger issues is when an individual you are caring for accuses you of intending to harm them. It is important you bring this up, and any other examples of paranoia or hallucinations, with a doctor. This behavior could be the result of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another serious issue in need of attention. Possibly a shift in medications can help. Getting professional help is typically the right place to start as trying to convince someone that their thoughts are unreal may only increase their anger.

Everyone has good days and bad days, but no one should suffer abuse. If you see signs of anger issues in an older loved one or in a senior citizen you are caring for, reach out for help and support. It may take some time and persistence, but communication within families and among professionals can lead to solutions.

As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself. After all, if you aren’t healthy you are not able to take care of anyone else. Deal with any negative aspects of your life. It is important to learn how to take care of the caregiver, too. Change is inevitable and it is impossible to turn back time, but there are ways to adapt to changes. Work toward a stress-free household. Utilize the support available to maintain a healthy environment, for yourself and your loved ones.

May 27, 2019 0 comment

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