Coping Skills for Children| Breathing Techniques

Many times people are told to breath slowly and count to ten when stressed.  Unfortunately, children have a difficult time remembering to stop, breath slowly, and to the count ten at the same time.  However, blowing bubbles is a great way to slow down their breathing.  It takes their mind off of the stressor and helps them to physically and emotionally calm down, and it’s fun.

I used this technique with a child in my office and watched her from being slightly anxious to calm, as well as her speech was clearer.  Throughout the bubble blowing her demeanor had changed drastically; she started trying to catch the bubbles at the beginning and as she progressed she asked if she could continue blowing sitting down as she was physically calmed.  It was great to see how such an easy technique could help so much.

Side Effects of Bulimia Nervosa

Many times, we as people, do things that we’re not proud of.  Unaware of the side effects we continue with these actions.  I am going to map out the physical side effects of Bulimia Nervosa.  This way you don’t have an excuse for “not knowing” what you’re doing to your body.

• Esophageal problems
• Vocal chord damage
• Stomach ulcers
• Osteoporosis
• Hair loss
• Digestive problems
• Decreased body temperature
• Irregular heart beat
• Elimination problems
• Dental Damage
• Organ damage
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Enlarged salivary glands
• Dry skin
• Decreased bone density
• Menstrual dysfunction
• Hormone irregularities
• Insomnia
• Low red blood cell levels
• Weak muscles
• Immune system damage

*Compliments of http://bulimiasideeffects.com/.

 

The Visual Perception of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a term that many people might have heard of but don’t understand.   According to ScienceDaily.com, 30% of people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) do suffer with an eating disorder as well.  The DSM IV-TR #300.7 describes BDD as:  patients become overly concerned, or at times convinced, that in some fashion or other they are misshapen or deformed, despite all evidence to the contrary.

People with BDD tend to fixate on extreme details.  Rather than viewing a face as a whole, they would focus on the imperfections like a blemish or a slightly crooked nose.  The impact of the disorder can be debilitating.  Sufferers think obsessively about their appearance and engage in repetitive, time-consuming behaviors, such as checking their appearance in the mirror with every opportunity given.  Many are too embarrassed to leave their house, thinking others see their “faults” as well.  Some have repeated unnecessary plastic surgeries hoping to “fix” their problems, while others may become suicidal. BDD affects an estimated 2% of the population and is thought to be especially common in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Picture from http://e-depression.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/3mirrors.jpg

Good Bye Oprah

Oprah Winfrey has had a running talk show for 25 years and now she is going to retire.  Personally, I have not been an Oprah viewer however I am able to respect all that she does.  She is a woman who stands up for what she believes in and has helped so many people through the years.  She has been a huge supporter of different charities and has had thousands of guests.  Her guests have ranged from the average American to the high end celebrity.  Her guests have shown what people go through on a daily basis from daily struggles to internal struggles.  By watching her, people have been able to relate to others and not feel so alone.  So here is a dedication to Oprah and all of her work.  Good bye Oprah.  You will be missed.

How have you been touched by Oprah?

Sorry It’s Been So Long

I just to a look at the date of my last entry and I was in shock.  I did not realize how much time has elapsed.  A little update on me…  I passed my licensure exam, completed my hours, now I just need to mail it all in to officially become an LMHC. 

I’m at a point in my life where I can truly say I’m happy.  Of course, everyone has their ups and downs but I definitely am having more ups and I think this has helped me become a better therapist in return. 

I will continue to discuss topics related to mental health to help children, adults, and parents.  If you would like me to discuss a specific topic- don’t hesitate to ask.

Family Communication

Last week I had a teenage client whose relationship with his parents is struggling with lack of communication, lack of trust, and comfort.  A typical day would sound something like this:

Mom: How was your day?

Client: Fine.

Mom: Did you learn anything at school today?

Client: No.

Mom: Well, what did you do then?

Client: Nothing.

And then it would lead to the daily argument.  The conversation sounded the same whether mom or dad asked the questions.  Many people struggle with communication with their teenager.

I gave the family homework for the week.  For the client: He is to elaborate with more than one word answers.  Parents: Try not to yell in reaction for the flat answers.  Therefore, they would have conversations and help build the communication.  I am anxious to see how this has worked for them within the week.  If you struggle with communication within your family, I challenge you to listen, elaborate and have patience.

Contact amanda@amandalevison.com for further questions.

Men & Laundry

I have a client who is a single dad.  We had a talk and he said he feels lost with the basic household stuff that he never imagined having to do.  Here is a lession on cleaning the laundry.  I am not an expert but have experience with proper washing.

1. Separate the clothes.  You may think it is a waste of time, but you will thank me later.  This dad and many others learned the hard way.  You can separate them a few different ways but the easy way is by two.  One load of ALL whites (make sure nothing else) and one load of colors*.

* If you have a new dark item, wash alone or with other darks.  If you wash with clothes, you may ruin the pink Jonas Brothers shirt that your 9-year-old is in love with.

2.  With your dark load: put the load in the washer with appropriate detergent.  Set to proper setting (usually normal and/or cotton setting) and wash.  When you are done with the washer, put clothes in the dryer.  Before you start the dryer, make sure the lint filter is empty of lint.  If it is full of lint, it may take long to dry.  You can add a dryer sheet for added softness directly with the load of clothing.

3. With your white load (absolutely NO colors): Very similar but add some bleach this time.  This will keep the white looking fresh.  Put the load of clothes in the washer with appropriate detergent and about a half of a capful of bleach. Set to proper setting (usually normal and/or cotton setting) and wash.  When you are done with the washer, put clothes in the dryer.  Before you start the dryer, make sure the lint filter is empty of lint.  If it is full of lint, it may take long to dry.  You can add a dryer sheet for added softness directly with the load of clothing.

4.  For spots: If it is not a white, do NOT use bleach.  I suggest Sol-U-Mel or Shout with a spout.

If you have further suggestions for the single parent, please let me know.