Year: 2020

I met James when he had nothing but hopes and dreams for the future. He was a struggling screenwriter, you see. He had a script that he could turn into a movie, but production companies already turned him down. Despite the disapproval of all my family members, I fell for his charms and agreed to move to New York with him and leave my life in Indiana behind so that James could pursue his dreams. I believed in his talent, I thought it was a healthy relationship, and I loved him, so I could not see what’s wrong with my decision.

In the Big Apple, we had to get the smallest apartment in a shady side of the town so that we could afford living there for six months – that’s only how long our combined savings would let us. Although it was honestly the size of my bedroom back home, James didn’t hear me complain at all. In fairness to him, he knew that I was not super comfortable in the cramped space, so he said, “Give me six months to find producers for my script, and then we will move to a much nicer apartment.” To me, that showed mutual respect and a sign of healthy relationship boundaries, not toxic at all.

I naturally hung on to James’ every word and tried looking for jobs, which I never needed because my parents provided everything for me back home. I got accepted as a waitress at a local diner and sometimes subbed as a delivery girl. On the other hand, James focused on looking for movie producers, so he could not chip in for all additional expenses. Still, I told myself that I was making an incredible investment by putting my faith in him and supporting him in more ways than one. I didn’t realize that this relationship could turn into something close to toxic.

My Ongoing Relationship And Mental Health

It didn’t take more than four months before the producers contacted James, asking if his script was still available. They saw it in the no-no pile of another producer, but they thought it was great after reading it, so they went on to find my man.

When I came back to our tiny apartment that evening, I was slightly confused when I saw all our belongings already packed. Then, I found James sitting in the corner and worried if the landlord kicked us out. As soon as I dropped on the floor next to him, though, he hugged me tight and told me the good news. We screamed and cried together; I was so happy that he was finally achieving his dreams, and I got to be a part of it. As for our stuff, the production company gave him a bonus that day, so he got a new – bigger – apartment near Broadway.

The Signs Of A Toxic Relationship

It was fun to be the life partner of a rising screenwriter. James got invited to all these fancy parties, and I was always his plus one. While he was getting interviewed, I was waiting for him in the sidelines, smiling from ear to ear. I was proud of James; there was no denying it. But I lacked the self awareness to see what was happening in our relationship.

But the more he rose to fame, the less we got to be together. It wasn’t an abusive or toxic relationship yet, but the negative energy was building in our relationship. Gone were those nights when we used to side by the window and talk about our dreams of growing old as a couple. Whenever he came home, James was drunk, or I was already fast asleep. I grew worried about his physical health and mental health, but he then agreed to attend other parties, regardless of whether it landed on my birthday or our anniversary. It started to take a toll on my mental and emotional health, but I ignored this toxicity rising. Slowly but surely, we turned more into roommates than lovers in our toxic relationship.

Then, some common friends said that they saw James going into a strip club several times a week. My instinct was to yell, “Liar!” That was my James they were talking about, after all – the sweet boy I fell in love with in Indiana. He couldn’t possibly be a toxic person and be capable of bringing in toxic relationship. However, when I recounted the story to James one night, I saw the shock and guilt on his face. What’s more, there was a stripper that he slept with a couple of times, but he insisted that I was still the only one in his heart.

Ending The Toxic Relationship

That was the last straw for me in our toxic relationship. I had to set healthy relationship boundaries. Healthy relationships didn’t look like what I had in my relationship and a relationship counseling expert would agree with that. I could bear it if he was often drunk or bent over work, but I could never forgive a cheater. I packed the suitcase that I went to New York with, purposely leaving everything James gave me throughout the years. It must have been the right decision because I went to the airport as a chance passenger, and I managed to board the plane two hours later. Before it took off, I called my sister to tell her what happened briefly on my toxic relationship, how it affected my mental health, and that I was on the way back home.

When I landed, I cried hard after seeing that my parents came to pick me up. We hugged each other tightly, not bothering if others found us weird. I kept saying, “I’m sorry,” while my family rubbed my back and said, “It’s okay; you’re home now.”

It took a few days to readjust to my old life without James, but I soon realized how toxic our relationship had been. I spent the last few years trying to help him fulfill his dreams, and he paid me back by neglecting and cheating on me, draining my physical and mental health, and leaving me emotionally drained with the toxic experience. There might not have been verbal abuse, but this affects me, toxic relationship affected mental health. I feel so hurt.

Well, all those signs of toxic relationships will never happen again. I’ve learned to prioritize my own emotional health over a toxic relationship. I understand now that as long as its warning signs affect mental health and cause people depression anxiety and to become emotionally drained, then it should stop.

Toxic Relationship Mental Health FAQs

How Do Toxic Relationships Affect Mental Health?

How Do You Protect Your Mental Health In A Toxic Relationship?

What are the impacts of toxic relationships on setting life goals?

What are the disadvantages of staying in a toxic relationship?

How Can Toxic Relationships Affect My Mental Health?

How Can Toxic Relationships Affect Future Relationships?

How do you not let your partner’s mental health affect you?

How do I stop my mental health from ruining my relationship?

What Are Healthy Ways Of Coping With Challenges In Relationships?

Can a toxic people’s relationship become healthy in time?

Why are toxic relationships addictive?

Why do toxic relationships stay together?

What are the long term effects of toxic relationships?

How can toxic relationships affect your brain?

What are the social effects of toxic relationships?

 

Source: picpedia.org

Bipolar disorder is officially known as a mental health condition. Individuals with this illness can experience periods of mania or positive behaviors and then negative moods or depression. These mood swings happen abruptly, and almost 3% of adolescents and adults in America have it, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health. Although the cause of bipolar disorder is generally unclear, studies have shown a possible link between the illness and family history. They further insinuated that there might be a genetic predisposition to it.

Family History And Bipolar Disorder

Up until today, researchers have not discovered concrete causes of bipolar disorder, but they were able to recognize several risk factors, the strongest of which is family history. This may be secondary to specific genes. Adults with family members who were diagnosed with the disorder have ten times increased risk of having the disorder. A 2009 review states that if the family member is a close one, such first or second-degree, your risk is even much higher. Meaning that if one of your parents has the disorder, there is a huge possibility that you will have it compared to someone whose uncle or grandmother has it.

Other Triggers And Factors

• Environmental

A stressful situation often causes the onset of bipolar disorder. This situation might be something that is associated with a person’s personal life or his workplace. An unexpected event, like a tragic accident or the death of a loved one, may also be a trigger to the onset of the disorder. Individuals diagnosed with the illness find it beneficial to manage the stress and other challenges in their lives.

Weather conditions can also trigger episodes of mania or depression for those who have the disorder. The seasonal change from winter to spring, for example, is a solid trigger due to the swift increase in the hours of sunshine during daytime, which has a significant effect on a person’s pineal gland. Other factors that can evoke bipolar symptoms include alcohol or drug abuse and sleeplessness. In some particular circumstances, women with the disorder are triggered just after they have given birth, but this is specific to those who are genetically inclined to having the disorder. This is not to say that pregnancy is among the underlying causes of bipolar illness.

 

Source: cambridgeindependent.co.uk

People whose parents are bipolar often wonder if it’s important for them to screened regularly for the illness. Yes, it is not a bad idea at all. But ultimately, it is best to confide in someone that you fully trust, someone from your family perhaps, or a close friend or significant other. Loved ones are usually the first ones who notice the symptoms if you have it, and, of course, they are first in line to help you get medical help if symptoms do occur. If your loved ones tell you honestly that they can’t seem to understand your erratic behavior and you are sometimes ‘not yourself,’ you might consider going to the doctor for consultation.

 

• Structure of the Brain

There have been relevant differences in the brain structure, activity, and size of individuals with bipolar disorder. Additionally, there is also a higher likelihood seen in people who have had traumatic head damage and concussions.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

If you or a family member may have bipolar disorder, you must have knowledge of the possible symptoms that you should watch out for. The kind of symptoms that manifest in a person determines the type of bipolar disorder an individual is classified as. The types may be depression or mania, and the symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Reckless behavior
• Perceives his abilities rather unrealistically
• Poor judgment
• Easily agitated
• Exaggerated happiness or in a state of euphoria
• Thinks and talks quickly
• Excited in getting into risky activities like drunk driving or gambling

Some symptoms of bipolar depression are comparable to those of regular depression, some of which include extreme fatigue, slow speech, poor appetite, long-term feeling of sadness, inability to focus and decide wisely self-isolation, and suicidal ideations.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Treatment usually involves behavioral therapy, prescription medications, or a combination of both. Several medications have been shown to treat bipolar disorder effectively, the most potent of which is lithium. It functions to prevent the occurrence of relapses and treats mania and bipolar depression. Other drugs known to be prescribed by doctors to treat the disorder are carbamazepine, topiramate, gabapentin, and lamotrigine, which are all anticonvulsants. As for therapy, the most commonly used for bipolar disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. Other treatments found to be effective are omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, electroconvulsive therapy, peer group support, and meditation.

 

Source: 477fg.afrc.af.mil

Conclusion

To date, bipolar disorder is not yet fully understood, but the fact that it does run in the family is a known fact that has been backed by evidence. If you know someone from your family who is bipolar, then your likelihood of developing the illness is greater compared to those without a hereditary connection. However, this doesn’t consequently mean that you will definitely have it. If you think you have noticed some symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor, who is capable enough to provide more information about bipolar disorder and how you can manage it.

 

 

 

It has been impossible to escape updates and news about the spreading of Coronavirus. Everywhere people go, pretty much the situation is the talk of the town. Well, the issue is not just about keeping a social distance or washing off hands frequently. There’s undoubtedly more to that. And while it is incredibly important to stay informed, there are also issues about exaggeration, fear-mongering, misinformation, and sensationalism that individuals had to deal with. In this article, we are going to discuss what it’s like to have the disease in compliance with cold and hard facts. But note, since this pandemic condition is developing rapidly, it is encouraged that people also work with their independent research.

Source: pexels.com

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness where it attacks the lungs’ airways. The disease doesn’t happen automatically, though. If people got infected, it probably would come from another person that is already infected with the virus. The disease is transferred to people due to droplets of saliva or fluid discharge from the nose. Thus, the requirement of wearing a face mask all the time is a top priority. Fortunately, the disease can only cause a mild illness, especially to those people with strong immunity. However, for those individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, the illness can be fatal. Sometimes, it leads to death. Therefore, the disease is extremely dangerous for individuals older than 50.

Source: pexels.com

What Happens When You Get Infected?

Note that signs and symptoms of the disease vary from one person to another. But in typical situations, the first seven to ten days of infection display noticeable symptoms. These include constant coughing, sneezing, fever, headache, and breathing problems. In some unfortunate cases, some infected individuals tend to be asymptomatic. Meaning, even though they were positive with the virus in their body, these people will show no signs throughout the course of their infection. Thus, others will have problems distinguishing them as carriers. In line with this, taking safety precautions becomes exceptionally vital.

Source: pexels.com

Is Being Asymptomatic Okay?

No, of course not. There is at least a significant percentage of asymptomatic people that are positive with COVID-19. And perhaps, they will completely remain that way. Thus, if these individuals fall into this category, they are at the least risk of developing severe symptoms of the virus infection. So they might have a chance not to experience any serious health complications. However, being asymptomatic comes with great danger. These individuals can potentially infect others through a lack of caution. That is why it is essential to understand that even if people think they are not infected with the virus, they should still maintain physical distancing.

Source: pexels.com

What’s The Possible Symptom?

While the grand majority of people with the disease show severe symptoms, a large number of these people will only display a mild cold flu-like virus. If people are lucky enough to fall into this category, it might be because they are healthy and with little to no chronic health conditions. Thus, it is most likely that individuals will only experience a cough and fever. Though it doesn’t feel good, it is a sign that individuals with mild symptoms are more likely to stay away from serious threats or deaths from what they are experiencing. Fortunately, the disease turns into a halt within three weeks from an incubation that lasts five to 10 days.

Once again, if people find themselves having signs of COVID-19, they must immediately contact a health professional. It is also essential that they remain isolated from others to avoid spreading the virus. They must also maintain good hygiene, eat healthy foods, and stay hydrated all the time.

 

Source: pxhere.com

 

Flowers, music, and colors filled the venue of the 2018 Wedding Conference. It was an event designed to expand networking, education, and engagement among wedding organizers and also with the wedding vendors who were provided with a classy space to showcase their products and services during the conference. It began with a luncheon, then on to dinner, and then cocktails. It was an excellent opportunity for startup wedding planning teams to see and listen to big-time organizers across the country talk about their strategies, styles, and how they manage to make their concepts unique and exciting. The latest wedding fads and ideas and the future of the wedding industry was one of the most important topics discussed at the event.

If you’re a wedding planner looking for the freshest and latest wedding trends to follow and base your concepts from, read on, and learn some of those trends here.

Micro Weddings

This simply means planning a small wedding of about 40 guests or less. However, just like any exclusive celebration, an event like this has got to deliver big, so the budget per person is significant as well. We are talking about your family and closest friends here, so it wouldn’t be a waste of money to spend on their deliciously expensive meals and lots of personalized touches. This type of trend is suitable for introverts, those who would rather mingle with those who are closest to their hearts.

Going Green

Sustainable celebrations are increasingly popular these days. You might want to suggest an upcycled wedding by planning a zero-waste/zero-plastic reception. You can start by resetting a family engagement ring, repurposing wedding decor, and purchasing locally grown food.

 

Source: pxfuel.com

 

Clips And Combs

Veils are probably not going to go out of fashion, but tiaras have stayed and even been upgraded as well. In fact, hair jewelry like clips and combs have been designed with stones and beautiful glitters to suit the gown of the lovely bride. The combs are perfect for the bride’s natural curls.

Table Combinations

This is one of the most budget-friendly styles. Rather than choosing the round and long tables, select something more artful. Winding tables look unique, plus it saves space too. You can have different tables pushed together to make a certain design that you want to achieve. If you think that it’s going to crowd the venue, perhaps you can utilize rectangular tables and create another design – it’s really up to you – and the couple, of course.

 

 

 

 

Source: health.mil

Our brains are always seeking out the threat. It is part of its function to allow us to create decisions such as fighting it or running away from it. However, if there is no option available, that is when we find ourselves in a frozen state. And it is a mental status where our brain reacts to things emotionally and differently. It makes us more reactive and impulsive. It also narrows our vision and makes us incompetent to make better life decisions.

Source: pexels.com

 

With all the stressful situations we are facing now due to the Coronavirus outbreak, we can expect fewer variables of mental strength. The global negative information we get everywhere is exhausting and depressing. That is why we find ourselves in a sense of panic. And that panic leads to many other forms of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Therefore, we need to talk about the ways to manage better and clam our response in this situation. We need to find solace in this chaotic global health crisis.

Recognize Our Emotions

Almost all of us are anxious about the pandemic situation but are not aware of it. As far as we know, it is a standard flow in our system to think about the negative things related to the outbreak because it is currently relevant. But anxiety is more that. We need to be mindful of knowing what we entirely feel. It will help us understand better the choices we have to make. It will also help us avoid creating assumptions of what we physically, emotionally, and mentally need to do.

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Allow Ourselves To Grieve

This particular global health situation is terrifying. As much as we want to stay positive that it will soon all end, we need to grieve about this. We need to feel the loss of events in our lives for us to paint a bigger picture. We need to grieve with the deaths of millions of people for us to value the ones who are still there. We need to acknowledge the pain and suffering we have for us to become emotionally and mentally stronger. We need to grieve to realize that life, even though in situations like this, has still something to offer.

Shake It Off

Moving our bodies help in dysregulation, we feel due to the situation. And since our bodies are different from one another, we have to do what we can to shake away the stress. We can do a quick stretch; we can work on short yoga practice or maybe do a more intensive exercise. Whatever our preferences are, we need to move our body to help our nervous system regulate itself so we can calm down. It will allow us to process the whole situation and make us feel a little bit better.

Source: pixabay.com

Have Meaningful Conversations

With the uncertainty of this global crisis, we can only make every moment counts. We need to find time to make meaningful conversations with people that are close to us. Yes, in most unfortunate times, our friends and family might not be available. But we can always look for ways to work on social distancing and securing parameter. Because in this state of constant stress and panic, one of our chances to stay mentally healthy is to connect with people socially.

In times like this, it is okay to get angry, sad, and anxious. It is okay to try and bargain our way to change things. But we have to be mindful that once we are done with this mental torture, we have to focus. We still have a life ahead of us once this pandemic is over.

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Dr. Rachel V. Gow moved a lot of families at the 2017 ADHD Women and Girls Conference held last October. The participants were mostly parents and families of girls and women with ADHD, and they were comforted by the words that the good doctor spoke during the event. You see, there have been reports that girls and women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or called useless names. This issue was elaborately addressed by Dr. Gow so that the participants would understand why this is the situation. The missed diagnoses and unhealthy labels that were given to these girls and women were also discussed thoroughly so that those concerned and those who were mindless about these things would be made aware.

Anxiety. In people with ADHD, there is difficulty regulating thoughts and behaviors. Thus, those with the disorder tend to be forgetful and often miss keeping track of relevant information. It seems like there’s always something wrong, so they – most often the girls and the women – get anxious and worried over something or nothing at all. That is why others think it’s just generalized anxiety when, in fact, it is ADHD.

OCD. For some women with ADHD who get frustrated by their forgetful and reckless behaviors, they try to fight this by practicing a habit and eventually overdoing it. For example, once a girl with ADHD forgot to turn off the stove and something terrible happened, she promised that she would practice checking the oven every night to avoid committing the same mistake she did. However, she might end up checking the stove several times because of that fear she felt. In the case of this girl, no, it is not OCD. It is ADHD.

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Depression. When someone is depressed, she may become unusually lazy and will keep postponing her daily obligations because she wants nothing more than to lie in bed. But women and girls manifest with this kind of behavior too, and when they do this, people think they are depressed even if they’re not. They’re just overly procrastinating.