Cosmic Acres :: Forum

Bibliomania [by greywolf]

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:40:43 -0000

Mental Health:: Bibliomania

Bibliomania

Bibliomania is an obsessive–compulsive disorder involving the collecting or hoarding of books to the point where social relations or health are damaged. One of several psychological disorders associated with books, bibliomania is characterized by the collecting of books that have neither use to the collector or any great intrinsic value to a genuine book collector.

Binge Eating Disorder [by greywolf]

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:39:44 -0000

Mental Health:: Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting. It afflicts 3.5% of females and 2% of males and is prevalent in up to 30% of those seeking weight loss treatment. Although it is not yet classified as a separate eating disorder, it was first described in 1959. BED usually leads to obesity although it can occur in normal weight individuals. There may be a genetic inheritance factor involved in BED.

Dyspareunia [by greywolf]

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:36:44 -0000

Mental Health:: Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes. The symptoms are reported almost exclusively by women. The causes are often reversible, even when long-standing, but self-perpetuating pain is a .

A medical evaluation focuses initially on physical causes, which must be ruled out before psychogenic or emotional causes are considered. In the majority of instances of dyspareunia, there is an original physical cause. The diagnosis of dyspareunia is made when the patient complains of recurrent or persistent genital pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse that is not caused exclusively by lack of lubrication or by vaginismus. Even after the original source of pain (a healing episiotomy, for example) has disappeared, a woman may feel pain simply because she expects pain.

When pain occurs, the woman experiencing dyspareunia may be distracted from feeling pleasure and excitement. When the vagina is dry and undilated, thrusting of the phallus is painful.

Numerous medical causes of dyspareunia exist, ranging from infections (candidiasis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, urinary tract infections), to endometriosis.

Social Phobia [by greywolf]

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:04:08 -0000

Mental Health:: Social Phobia

Social Phobia

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation — such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others — or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. Their fear may be so severe that it interferes with work or school, and other ordinary activities. Physical symptoms often accompany the intense anxiety of social phobia and include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking.

Effective treatments for social phobia are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with social phobia and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is diagnosed when people become overwhelmingly anxious and excessively self-conscious in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things that will embarrass them. They can worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation. This fear may become so severe that it interferes with work, school, and other ordinary activities, and can make it hard to make and keep friends.

While many people with social phobia realize that their fears about being with people are excessive or unreasonable, they are unable to overcome them. Even if they manage to confront their fears and be around others, they are usually very anxious beforehand, are intensely uncomfortable throughout the encounter, and worry about how they were judged for hours afterward.

Social phobia can be limited to one situation (such as talking to people, eating or drinking, or writing on a blackboard in front of others) or may be so broad (such as in generalized social phobia) that the person experiences anxiety around almost anyone other than the family.

Physical symptoms that often accompany social phobia include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking. When these symptoms occur, people with social phobia feel as though all eyes are focused on them.

Social phobia affects about 15 million American adults. Women and men are equally likely to develop the disorder, which usually begins in childhood or early adolescence. There is some evidence that genetic factors are involved. Social phobia is often accompanied by other anxiety disorders or depression, and substance abuse may develop if people try to self-medicate their anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder [by greywolf]

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:02:36 -0000

Mental Health:: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. More about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder »
Signs & Symptoms

People with OCD may be plagued by persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals. They may be obsessed with germs or dirt, and wash their hands over and over. They may be filled with doubt and feel the need to check things repeatedly.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce. Most of the time, the rituals end up controlling them.

For example, if people are obsessed with germs or dirt, they may develop a compulsion to wash their hands over and over again. If they develop an obsession with intruders, they may lock and re-lock their doors many times before going to bed. Being afraid of social embarrassment may prompt people with OCD to comb their hair compulsively in front of a mirror-sometimes they get “caught” in the mirror and can’t move away from it. Performing such rituals is not pleasurable. At best, it produces temporary relief from the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts.

Other common rituals are a need to repeatedly check things, touch things (especially in a particular sequence), or count things. Some common obsessions include having frequent thoughts of violence and harming loved ones, persistently thinking about performing sexual acts the person dislikes, or having thoughts that are prohibited by religious beliefs. People with OCD may also be preoccupied with order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things out (so they accumulate), or hoard unneeded items.

Healthy people also have rituals, such as checking to see if the stove is off several times before leaving the house. The difference is that people with OCD perform their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing. Although most adults with OCD recognize that what they are doing is senseless, some adults and most children may not realize that their behavior is out of the ordinary.

OCD affects about 2.2 million American adults, and the problem can be accompanied by eating disorders,6 other anxiety disorders, or depression. It strikes men and women in roughly equal numbers and usually appears in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. One-third of adults with OCD develop symptoms as children, and research indicates that OCD might run in families.

The course of the disease is quite varied. Symptoms may come and go, ease over time, or get worse. If OCD becomes severe, it can keep a person from working or carrying out normal responsibilities at home. People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding situations that trigger their obsessions, or they may use alcohol or drugs to calm themselves.

Borderline Personality Disorder [by greywolf]

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:01:20 -0000

Mental Health:: Borderline Personality Disorder

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Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove

Salish

200 people have died from starvation since you entered this site.
One Child dies every 20 seconds from contaminated water.
Three species will become extinct in the next hour.
Eight thousand people will die today from air pollution.

“There must be a better way.”
300) this.width=300" />
Greywolf

Cosmic Acres is fast growing Environmental Internet Resource.
If We work together Mother Earth can be Healed.
Join us on Cosmic Forums and be heard around the World.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity. Originally thought to be at the "borderline" of psychosis, people with BPD suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation. While less well known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), BPD is more common, affecting 2 percent of adults, mostly young women. There is a high rate of self-injury without suicide intent, as well as a significant rate of suicide attempts and completed suicide in severe cases. Patients often need extensive mental health services, and account for 20 percent of psychiatric hospitalizations. Yet, with help, many improve over time and are eventually able to lead productive lives.
Symptoms

While a person with depression or bipolar disorder typically endures the same mood for weeks, a person with BPD may experience intense bouts of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last only hours, or at most a day. These may be associated with episodes of impulsive aggression, self-injury, and drug or alcohol abuse. Distortions in cognition and sense of self can lead to frequent changes in long-term goals, career plans, jobs, friendships, gender identity, and values. Sometimes people with BPD view themselves as fundamentally bad, or unworthy. They may feel unfairly misunderstood or mistreated, bored, empty, and have little idea who they are. Such symptoms are most acute when people with BPD feel isolated and lacking in social support, and may result in frantic efforts to avoid being alone.

People with BPD often have highly unstable patterns of social relationships. While they can develop intense but stormy attachments, their attitudes towards family, friends, and loved ones may suddenly shift from idealization (great admiration and love) to devaluation (intense anger and dislike). Thus, they may form an immediate attachment and idealize the other person, but when a slight separation or conflict occurs, they switch unexpectedly to the other extreme and angrily accuse the other person of not caring for them at all. Even with family members, individuals with BPD are highly sensitive to rejection, reacting with anger and distress to such mild separations as a vacation, a business trip, or a sudden change in plans. These fears of abandonment seem to be related to difficulties feeling emotionally connected to important persons when they are physically absent, leaving the individual with BPD feeling lost and perhaps worthless. Suicide threats and attempts may occur along with anger at perceived abandonment and disappointments.

People with BPD exhibit other impulsive behaviors, such as excessive spending, binge eating and risky sex. BPD often occurs together with other psychiatric problems, particularly bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and other personality disorders.
Treatment

Treatments for BPD have improved in recent years. Group and individual psychotherapy are at least partially effective for many patients. Within the past 15 years, a new psychosocial treatment termed dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed specifically to treat BPD, and this technique has looked promising in treatment studies.

Although the cause of BPD is unknown, both environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role in predisposing patients to BPD symptoms and traits. Studies show that many, but not all individuals with BPD report a history of abuse, neglect, or separation as young children. Forty to 71 percent of BPD patients report having been sexually abused, usually by a non-caregiver. Researchers believe that BPD results from a combination of individual vulnerability to environmental stress, neglect or abuse as young children, and a series of events that trigger the onset of the disorder as young adults. Adults with BPD are also considerably more likely to be the victim of violence, including rape and other crimes. This may result from both harmful environments as well as impulsivity and poor judgement in choosing partners and lifestyles.

The amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure deep inside the brain, is an important component of the circuit that regulates negative emotion. In response to signals from other brain centers indicating a perceived threat, it marshals fear and arousal. This might be more pronounced under the influence of drugs like alcohol, or stress. Areas in the front of the brain (pre-frontal area) act to dampen the activity of this circuit. Recent brain imaging studies show that individual differences in the ability to activate regions of the prefrontal cerebral cortex thought to be involved in inhibitory activity predict the ability to suppress negative emotion.
Serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine are among the chemical messengers in these circuits that play a role in the regulation of emotions, including sadness, anger, anxiety, and irritability.

HOPI PROPHECY

"When the earth is dying there shall arise a new tribe of all colors and all creeds.
This tribe shall be called
The Warriors of the Rainbow
and it will put its faith in actions not words."

- Prophecy of the Native American Hopi people

A Hopi Elder Speaks

You have been telling the People that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that THIS is The Hour.

There are things to be considered….
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in the right relation?
Where is your water?

Know your Garden.
It is time to speak the truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.

And do not look outside of yourself for the leader.

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled and said,

This could be a good time.
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there will be those who are afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel that they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination. The Elders say, “We must let go of the shore. Push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open and our heads above the water.’
And we say, “See who is there with you and celebrate.”

At this time in history must take nothing personally.
Least of all ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves.
Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

contributed
by
DragonLady

50) this.width=50" />

Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove

Salish

300) this.width=300" />

Endangered Species

300) this.width=300" />

Native American Legends

200) this.width=200" />

Healing Herbs

200) this.width=200" />

Organic Gardening

300) this.width=300" />

Mother Earth Photo Gallery

100) this.width=100" />

Minerals and Gems

Our Toxic Environment

Many of the chronic mental and physical health conditions we see in society today are the result of our toxic environment.

Studies of the significant causes and processes involved in the development of mental and psychical illness have found that there are not only physical, social, and psychological causes for these conditions, but now it is becoming known that various pollutants and toxins have a environmental impact as well.

For nearly two-thirds of a century, up to 99% of the ingredients in any given pesticide product has legally been hidden from public view, even though many are known to be toxic.

Our soil is now contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, lead, industrial pollutants, fertilizers and heavy metals. Our water is also contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, lead, leaching of wastes from landfills, direct discharge of industrial pollutants, fertilizers, pharmaceutical drugs, These toxic substances make it into our food supply and then into our bodies through consumption. Food that is less nutritious and poisoned leads to many chronic mental and physical disorders, conditions and disease.

Naphtha for example is sometimes used in hand-soap and detergents. It is claimed that it is a central nervous system depressant and a neuro-toxin, which can cause headaches, lack of concentration, confusion, and symptoms of mental illness.

Only three percent of the carcinogens known to cause cancer are known and registered. Cancer is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to health effects of chronic low-level exposure to neuro-toxin poisons.

Air pollution leads to numerous health conditions such as asthma and other respiratory problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease and many more.

Depression [by greywolf]

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:47:03 -0000

Mental Health:: Depression

50) this.width=50" />

Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove

Salish

“There must be a better way.”
300) this.width=300" />
Greywolf

Cosmic Acres is fast growing Environmental Internet Resource.
If We work together Mother Earth can be Healed.
Join us on Cosmic Forums and be heard around the World.

Depression

Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you have made up in your head. It’s more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It’s feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time.

There are several forms of depressive disorders. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once–pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person's life.

Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.

Some forms of depressive disorder exhibit slightly different characteristics than those described above, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all scientists agree on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include:

Psychotic depression, which occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions.

Postpartum depression, which is diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone.

Deficiencies in B12 are known to cause nerve damage relating to loss of memory, poor concentration and abnormal sensations. Also supports increased energy levels and is commonly given in injection form to people suffering from chronic fatigue. It may also help with depression.
Known for its use as a mild antidepressant, St. John's Wort is also being studied for its possible affects on other mood disorders such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Ginkgo's antioxidant effects may also inhibit platelet stickyness which can decrease the risk of circulatory diseases, such as atherosclerosisand help with depression.

Siberian Ginsengcan improve the balance of important neurotransmitters,including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine in the brain. Its various varieties are referred to as an adaptogen, a substance that can assist body in adapting to external physical stresses.

A Hopi Elder Speaks

You have been telling the People that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that THIS is The Hour.

There are things to be considered….
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in the right relation?
Where is your water?

Know your Garden.
It is time to speak the truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.

And do not look outside of yourself for the leader.

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled and said,

This could be a good time.
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there will be those who are afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel that they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination. The Elders say, “We must let go of the shore. Push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open and our heads above the water.’
And we say, “See who is there with you and celebrate.”

At this time in history we must take nothing personally.
Least of all ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves.
Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

contributed
by
DragonLady

300) this.width=300" />

Endangered Species

300) this.width=300" />

Native American Legends

200) this.width=200" />

Healing Herbs

200) this.width=200" />

Organic Gardening

300) this.width=300" />

Mother Earth Photo Gallery

100) this.width=100" />

Minerals and Gems

Our Toxic Environment

Mental Illness Facts [by greywolf]

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:33:03 -0000

Mental Health:: Mental Illness Facts
200 people have died from starvation since you entered this site.
One Child dies every 20 seconds from contaminated water.
Three species will become extinct in the next hour.
Eight thousand people will die today from air pollution.

“There must be a better way.”
300) this.width=300" />
Greywolf

Cosmic Acres is fast growing Environmental Internet Resource.
If We work together Mother Earth can be Healed.
Join us on Cosmic Forums and be heard around the World.

Mental Illness Facts

• Mental illness exists throughout the world, in every culture and country, regardless of custom, race, religion, economic condition, child-rearing practice or political orientation. Mental illness is very common. In one year, over 54 million Americans are affected. Of these approximately 2.8 percent of the adult population, approximately five million people suffer from severe mental disorders.
Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Poor nutrition and exposure to toxins, such as lead, may play a role in the development of mental illnesses.
• People who have a mental illness are no more violent than someone suffering from any other
serious illness. More often, they are quiet, fearful, withdrawn and often the victims of violence.
• Severe mental illnesses are biological brain diseases and are caused by disrupted brain chemistry.
Genetic factors may create a predisposition in some people, and life stressors may trigger the onset of symptoms. These are illnesses, just as diabetes, cancer and epilepsy are illnesses. People with mental illness cannot “snap out” of their condition any more than someone can “snap out” of diabetes.
• Mental illness can happen to anyone; no one is immune. They are equal opportunity diseases,
striking families of all walks of life, regardless of age, race, income, religion or education. Even
famous people can be affected. Just look at all of the famous people who have had a mental illness:
Jim Carey, Brooke Shields, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton and Ernest
Hemingway.
• People with a mental illness do not look different. You can’t tell by looking on the outside, just like you can’t tell a person has diabetes by looking on the outside.
• There is hope for people with a mental illness. There are more treatments, services and community
support systems than ever before and more are in the works.
• People with a mental illness can lead active, productive lives.

Our Toxic Environment

contributed
by
DragonLady

50) this.width=50" />

Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove

Salish

300) this.width=300" />

Endangered Species

300) this.width=300" />

Native American Legends

200) this.width=200" />

Healing Herbs

200) this.width=200" />

Organic Gardening

300) this.width=300" />

Mother Earth Photo Gallery

100) this.width=100" />

Minerals and Gems