A Teenager's Analysis of Eating Disorders

As caring adults, we struggle to understand why an adolescent would starve herself to death. What causes a bright, healthy young girl to turn her body into a weapon?

To answer this question, I received permission from a 17-year-old girl to publish her cogent analysis of Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis. She uses this classic work to illuminate, in a succinct yet powerful manner, the causes and consequences of eating disorders.

Gregor the Anorexic

Today, eating disorders are a widely discussed and observed tragedy. Yet, what is not as well known is that eating disorders have existed for hundreds of years. In Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa exhibits the typical circumstances and symptoms of someone suffering from an eating disorder.

The causes of eating disorders are disputed, but there is a general consensus that pressure is a contributing factor. Gregor feels an obligation to pay his "debt to my (sic) parents" and save his family from poverty.

In addition, an eating disorder is a cry for help from someone who can't verbalize his anger and frustration. As a perfectionist and conformist, Gregor refrains from leaving his job even though he desperately wants to; as he says, "I would have quit long ago."

Of course, the most obvious sign of an eating disorder is the change in someone's physical appearance. People suffering from this tortuous disease have a twisted sense of their own appearance, and will perceive their quite ordinary looks as monstrous. Gregory's view of himself as a vermin, a bloated and misshapen creature, is an example of this shamed perception.

Secrecy is the life blood of an eating disorder. Someone trapped in this struggle will try to hide their condition for as long as possible. Initially, Gregor seeks to mask his voice and pretend he is in perfect shape. For as long as he can, Gregor tries to appear normal.

The underlying cause of an eating disorder is a lack of self-confidence. Gregor retreats under the sheet, stays in his room and doesn't fight to be understood - all a reflection of how little he believes in himself. Instead of finding the man within the bug, Gregor has spent too long viewing himself as a bug within a man.

Ultimately, as is the case with a significant percentage of anorexics, Gregor succumbs to his illness. Even more tragically, perhaps, no one bothers to mourn for him.

Dr. Mona Spiegel, a licensed psychologist, has worked for many years as a diagnostician and therapist in Rockland County, NY. In addition, she founded MyFamilyCoach to provide professional coaching on the telephone for women who want guidance but do not need therapy. She focuses on parenting issues, relationship and communication skills for single and married women, and successful transitions through life. Dr. Spiegel is a member of the International Coach Federation and the American Psychological Association.Visit her at http://www.myfamilycoach.com

Eight Simple Anger Management Tips

"The other night I ate at a real family restaurant. Every table had an argument going."

One of the biggest obstacles to personal and career success is anger. When we fail to control our anger, we suffer several blows:




Anger impedes our ability to be happy, because anger and happiness are incompatible.


Anger sends marriages and other family relationships off-course.


Anger means lost business, because it destroys relationships.


Anger also means losing business that you could have won in a more gracious mood.


Anger leads to increased stress (ironic, since stress often increases anger).


We make mistakes when we are angry, because anger makes it harder to process information.



People are beginning to wake up to the dangers of anger and the need for anger management programs and strategies. Many people find anger easy to control. Yes, they do get angry. Everybody does. But some people find anger easier to manage than others. More people need to develop anger management skills.

For those who have a tough time controlling their anger, an anger management plan might help. Think of this as your emotional control class, and try these self-help anger management tips:

Ask yourself this question: "Will the object of my anger matter ten years from now?" Chances are, you will see things from a calmer perspective.

Ask yourself: "What is the worst consequence of the object of my anger?" If someone cut in front of you at the book store check-out, you will probably find that three minutes is not such a big deal.

Imagine yourself doing the same thing. Come on, admit that you sometimes cut in front of another driver, too ... sometimes by accident. Do you get angry at yourself?

Ask yourself this question: "Did that person do this to me on purpose?" In many cases, you will see that they were just careless or in a rush, and really did not mean you any harm.

Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.

Try some "new and improved" variations of counting to ten. For instance, try counting to ten with a deep slow breathe in between each number. Deep breathing -- from your diaphragm -- helps people relax.

Or try pacing your numbers as you count. The old "one-steamboat-two-steamboat, etc." trick seems kind of lame to me. Steamboats are not the best devices to reduce your steam. How about "One-chocolate-ice-cream-two-chocolate-ice-cream", or use something else that you find either pleasant or humorous.

Visualize a relaxing experience. Close your eyes, and travel there in your mind. Make it your stress-free oasis.

One thing I do not recommend is "venting" your anger. Sure, a couple swift blows to your pillow might make you feel better (better, at least, than the same blows to the door!), but research shows that "venting" anger only increases it. In fact, speaking or acting with any emotion simply rehearses, practices and builds that emotion.

If these tips do not help at all and you still feel you cannot manage your anger and the related stress, you may need some professional help, either in the form of a therapist specializing in anger management or a coach with a strong background in psychology.

About The Author

David Leonhardt is the Happy Guy (http://TheHappyGuy.com), author of "Climb your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness at http://www.TheHappyGuy.com/happiness-self-help-book.html For more tips on controlling anger, boosting self-esteem, expressing gratitude and reducing stress, pick up a copy of The Get Happy Workbook (http://TheHappyGuy.com/happiness-workbook.html)

Info@TheHappyGuy.com

Transcendental Meditation

Since 1958, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has trained more than 40,000 teachers in the practice of Transcendental Meditation or TM. These teachers have taught more than six million people worldwide this simple, natural procedure which allows its practitioners to gain deep rest and contact their inner reservoir of creativity, energy and intelligence. This information comes from the official Transcendental Meditation website at www.tm.org.

What happens during meditation

During the practice of TM, the mind and body experience a unique state of restful alertness. As the mind becomes more silent, the body becomes deeply relaxed. At the most settled state of awareness, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness, Transcendental Consciousness. Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that experiencing this state correlates with greater creativity, improved learning, higher IQ, better grades, higher moral reasoning, increased brain wave coherence and improved neurological functioning of the body.

Practicing TM helps develops increased energy, creativity and intelligence. This in turn helps awaken the unlimited potential of the meditator's mind and body. The result is that those who practice TM enjoy greater health, happiness and success in all aspects of life.

How to meditate

Anyone can learn how to meditate. No special lessons, books or equipment are required. People of all ages, cultures and educational backgrounds can practice TM.

TM is an easy and enjoyable experience that takes only 20 minutes twice a day. You can do it alone or with others in a group. Pick a time and place where you will not be disturbed. Then just sit comfortably with your eyes closed. No effort, no concentration, no special skills nor change of lifestyle are required. Thoughts will enter and leave your mind as you meditate. Attend to them or not as you choose.

People can benefit from TM even if they don't believe it will work. Try meditating regularly for 20 minutes twice a day and you will start to see results in the form of improvements in your life.

Back in the 1960's when TM first became popular in the United States, practitioners were known to chant "OM" or another single syllable sound while they meditated. This is no longer considered necessary, though it can be done if desired. Most people now meditate silently.

The benefits of TM

Practitioners of transcendental meditation start noticing positive changes in their lives within a few days or weeks after they start meditating. These benefits include clearer thinking, improved memory, enhanced creativity and sharper intellect. These changes can enable people to achieve more in their work by becoming more creative and effective without having to work harder. Other people have said they feel healthier, more rested and relaxed, and have increased immunity to disease, reduction of aging effects and greater energy and vitality after starting to meditate.

TM can even help in relationships with others. It can help you enjoy closer friendships, become calmer and more self-confident and feel less anxious and stressed out. By radiating this increased harmony and lack of stress to the outside world, TM may even contribute to world peace.

The Maharishi teaches that by practicing Transcendental Meditation regularly, you can choose what you want to be and begin to achieve that goal. Why not try practicing TM now and see how your life improves?

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com


Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to" information at www.catalogs.com.

Does Depression Treatment Make Sense?

Treating depression does it make sense? If you ever suffered from depression as a patient or had to deal with depression as someone close to a patient of this mental illness, you undoubtedly will have had doubts like this in his mind or have had arguments on this issue.

It seems that many suffer from depression, especially if they have been affected by this disease recently, have serious doubts about the effectiveness of the medication for depression. In many cases, can recall stories of patients who were not successful in the treatment of depression through a method of treating depression or another. There are two misconceptions about depression treatment and modern medicine in general that can lead to this reaction: 1) If depression treatment xyz not help this patient can not help me either! Not all treatment of depression is for everyone.

In fact, the most advances our understanding of human genetics and biomedicine in general and medication for depression in particular, receives the most obvious is that every patient is different, but fortunately there are many commonalities between large cohort of Patients (Over time, medical advances will lead to a more personalized depression medication, but not quite there yet). Each treatment of depression has potential side effects and displays a wide range of effectiveness for a certain group of patients. Both effects are, firstly, it depends on the dose of depression medication is applied, moreover, are a function of patients different biochemical and genetic markers.

That some patients experience side effects with depression medication, or not healed from a depression treatment does not allow the conclusion that the treatment of depression in question will not work perfectly well for other patients. Even if a patient is experiencing negative side effects of depression or medication for treatment of depression does not seem to alleviate their condition, even after some time, there is no need to despair. In our age range of options for treating depression is large and growing. The probability of getting the treatment of depression is needed is very high indeed. 2) OK, I will take my pills for a couple of weeks and then will ido forever! Today we expect anything, including our mind and body, can be fixed quickly. There seems to be not only time to really get to the roots of a problem. Just take a couple of pills, eat better and things are fine in an instant. If not, it must be because the treatment does not work. Well, depression treatment does not work well. The struggle with depression is a long but often with success.

The depression medication usually takes a couple of weeks before its positive effect kicks in full - So does the effect of other treatments for depression or supports treatment, whether electrotherapy, herbs, or a change in style life. Worse still, at first the treatment of depression things may seem to worsen before improving. This is a natural and well-known effect of treatment of depression, however, has led many patients to quit treatment feeling that depression treatment does not help at all. Be careful patient who is going to have to wait to see the effects of its treatment of depression and in any case stop taking the medication or depression stop other activities to treat depression because you can not see a positive effect short term. The probability of treatment for depression in general does not work in a particular case is actually very thin.

However, for the reasons stated above, certain treatments for depression may not work yet, not at all or only with many side effects for a particular patient. If a patient is in the hands of a good medical professional who can be sure that the right treatment for depression particular case will be identified - A treatment of depression that relieve pain and eventually allow the patient depressed to regain his life.

What is meditation & how to meditate

Meditation is a group of mental training techniques .You can use meditation to improve mental health and capacities, and also to help improve the physical health. Some of these techniques are very simple, so you can learn them from a book or an article; others require guidance by a qualified meditation teacher.

WHAT IS MEDITATION

Most techniques called meditation include these components:

1. You sit or lie in a relaxed position.
2. You breathe regularly. You breathe in deep enough to get enough oxygen. When you breathe out, you relax your muscles so that your lungs are well emptied, but without straining.
3. You stop thinking about everyday problems and matters.
4. You concentrate your thoughts upon some sound, some word you repeat, some image, some abstract concept or some feeling. Your whole attention should be pointed at the object you have chosen to concentrate upon.
5. If some foreign thoughts creep in, you just stop this foreign thought, and go back to the object of meditation.

The different meditation techniques differ according to the degree of concentration, and how foreign thoughts are handled. By some techniques, the objective is to concentrate so intensely that no foreign thoughts occur at all.

In other techniques, the concentration is more relaxed so that foreign thoughts easily pop up. When these foreign thoughts are discovered, one stops these and goes back to the pure meditation in a relaxed manner. Thoughts coming up, will often be about things you have forgotten or suppressed, and allow you to rediscover hidden memory material. This rediscovery will have a psychotherapeutic effect.

THE EFFECTS OF MEDITATION

Meditation has the following effects:

1. Meditation will give you rest and recreation.
2. You learn to relax.
3. You learn to concentrate better on problem solving.
4. Meditation often has a good effect upon the blood pressure.
5. Meditation has beneficial effects upon inner body processes, like circulation, respiration and digestion.
6. Regular meditation will have a psychotherapeutically effect.
7. Regular meditation will facilitate the immune system.
8. Meditation is usually pleacent.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPNOSIS AND MEDITATION

Hypnosis may have some of the same relaxing and psychotherapeutic effects as meditation. However, when you meditate you are in control yourself; by hypnosis you let some other person or some mechanical device control you. Also hypnosis will not have a training effect upon the ability to concentrate.

A SIMPLE FORM OF MEDITATION

Here is a simple form of meditation:

1. Sit in a good chair in a comfortable position.
2. Relax all your muscles as well as you can.
3. Stop thinking about anything, or at least try not to think about anything.
4. Breath out, relaxing all the muscles in your breathing apparatus.
5. Repeat the following in 10 - 20 minutes:

-- Breath in so deep that you feel you get enough oxygen.
-- Breath out, relaxing your chest and diaphragm completely.
-- Every time you breathe out, think the word "one" or another simple word inside yourself. You should think the word in a prolonged manner, and so that you hear it inside you, but you should try to avoid using your mouth or voice.

6. If foreign thoughts come in, just stop these thoughts in a relaxed manner, and keep on concentrating upon the breathing and the word you repeat.

As you proceed through this meditation, you should feel steadily more relaxed in your mind and body, feel that you breathe steadily more effectively, and that the blood circulation throughout your body gets more efficient. You may also feel an increasing mental pleasure throughout the meditation.

THE EFFECTS OF MEDITATION UPON DISEASES

As any kind of training, meditation may be exaggerated so that you get tired and worn out. Therefore you should not meditate so long or so concentrated that you feel tired or mentally emptied.

Meditation may sometimes give problems for people suffering from mental diseases, epilepsy, serious heart problems or neurological diseases. On the other hand, meditation may be of help in the treatment of these and other conditions.

People suffering from such conditions should check out what effects the different kinds of meditation have on their own kind of health problems, before beginning to practise meditation, and be cautious if they choose to begin to meditate. It may be wise to learn meditation from an experienced teacher, psychologist or health worker that use meditation as a treatment module for the actual disease.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com


Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. Please go here to find anti-aging supplements, medicines against acne, eczema, scars, wrinkles, other skin problems and natural medicines against many common diseases.--- www.panteraconsulting.com/salg2.htm ---Free to reprint with the author's name and link.