Drug-Free Self-Help for Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Fear

 I sought treatment for what I thought was depression in 1999. Therapy and self-help reading showed I was experiencing panic attacks. I realize I've struggled with anxiety and fear all my life. I've experienced it as mood disorder, anger, OCD, PMS, even bi-polar. I've dealt with it in different ways. Some things, like anti-anxiety drugs didn't help. Here are drug free tips that do.

* Identify the source. Anxiety is generalized, disproportionate fear, says Medicine Net. It's not irrational, but the origin may be unclear and triggers unrelated. Mine stemmed from early chronic stress and dysfunction. Seemingly trivial incidents sent me over the edge. Dig beneath triggers to roots--addiction (yours or someone else's), trauma, unresolved issues, illness (emotional or physical), relationship problems, unmet needs. Drug-Free Anti-Anxiety Tips, Self-Help for Panic Attacks, Fear

Natural Depression Therapies for Parents

"Octomom" Nadya Suleman, the single mother of 14 (including octuplets) routinely provides us with glaring examples of what not to do as a parent. Suleman checked herself into mental health rehab for stress and anxiety stemming from a Xanax addiction, says ABC Good Morning, America. Depression affects most parents at some point, but powerful mood-altering drugs like Xanax aren't a solution. From experience, I can say that they only make things worse. For seven years I took antidepressants, but weaned myself two and a half years ago. To treat depression symptoms, I use these methods.  Holistic Mood Therapies

Understanding teen depression and adolescent mood swings

Teenage depression can be frightening for kids and parents. Clinical teen depression is relatively rare, but mood swings aren't. They're part and parcel of growing up. Mood swings affect adolescents across the spectrum, regardless of background, upbringing, personality or gender. Here are things to keep in mind about teen mood swings. Understanding teen depression and adolescent mood swings

How I Self Discipline, Change Habits Using Al Anon Slogans

Self-discipline is something I've never had trouble with. I've got a nasty case of low self-esteem and auto-flagellation my modus operandi. But rigid self-control isn't healthy. It doesn't work either. Here's a simple self help plan I created, based on Al-Anon principles, to modify behavior and change habits. It works if you work it, one day at a time!  How I Self-Discipline, Change Habits Using Al-Anon Slogans

Using Al Anon Slogans to Heal Negative Thoughts, Depression

Depression is a lonely, scary condition. You feel like no one has ever felt like you feel. While I don't know exactly what you're feeling or what happened to cause your depression, I empathize. Depression and I go back a long way. I've tried many different techniques to heal or at least just cope with my it.

About 10 years ago, I tried Al Anon, the companion support group for Alcoholics Anonymous for a drinking issue. I discovered that Al Anon principles were useful for treating a gamut of emotional issues, including depression. See, depression stems from that stinking thinking they're always talking about in AA/Al-Anon. Usually codependency is somewhere tangled up in the roots. Recovery for me requires new self-talk, new I-messages.

Some of the most helpful components of Al-Anon, for me, are the recovery slogans. Addiction A-Z lists a collection of slogans for all different sorts of situations. There are general helpful reality checks and mental health tools, too.  Here's how I use them in recovery. Using Al-Anon Slogans to Heal Negative Thoughts, Depression . If you're feeling despair and you can't find help, get to a meeting. If you can't, check out Daily Strength.org. Remember--one day at a time. This too shall pass--and it will, I promise. 

TWLOHA Helping People in Depression, Self-Abuse, Addiction, Suicidal Thoughts

'To Write Love on Her Arms' Helping People in Depression, Self-Abuse, Addiction, SuicideTo Write Love on Her Arms' is an edgy, endearing program designed with the purpose of reaching out in love to those suffering from depression, addiction, self-abuse and suicidal thoughts. TWLOHA crosses religious, social and cultural boundaries with one goal in mind: to save the suffering. Thank God for TWLOHA. Read all about it...

Best Books for Children (and Adults) About Bullying

Bullying: 10 Books for Home and School
Ten witty and ingenious books for kids and adults to address the problem of bullying at home and school. Read as bullied underdogs take on their persecutors in proactive, bully-busting ways.
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Parent and Teen Babysitting Checklist

Parent and Babysitter Health and Safety Checklist: What Parents Need to Do to Keep Children in Childcare Safe
Don't take chances with babysitters and children in childcare. Leave careful instructions. Keep your cell phone on and charged. Don't travel too far from your children. Plan for emergencies. Cover all bases and plan for the worst.
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Stinkin Thinkin, Toxic Behavior and Detachment in Relationships

Stinking Thinking and Toxic Behavior: Mental Detachment
In a relationship with stinking thinking and toxic behavior? If someone you love has stinking thinking with toxic behavior you need to detach. Your job is to keep yourself safe. Emotional and mental detachment is one method.
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Emotional Self Help Recommended Reading

10 Emotional Self Help Books
Are you struggling with emotional issues: fear, anger, shame, low self esteem, depression, grief, abuse, addiction, or betrayal? Here is my recommended reading list of authors and books on emotional healing. Bibliotherapy has saved my sanity and emotional health many a time...
Click here for list...

Physical Exercise Boosts Emotional Health~ It's a 2-4-1!

The Ultimate Guide to Quick Fitness Workouts
Physical health and emotional health go hand in hand. A quick workout can improve emotional health instantly! Raise your hand if you are just too busy for exercise? Here's a list of 70+ ways to get in a quick mini workout throughout your day. A physical workout is an emotional energy booster too!
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Sleep and Rest; Secret to Emotional Health

The Importance of Sleep and Rest 
Sleep is one of the best therapeutic remedies there is. It's natural, healthy, free and easy to use. There are no ill side effects. Rest builds resistance to infection and helps the body heal faster. Here are guidelines to get rest, relaxation and a good night's sleep. View more »

How to Stand Up for Yourself to a Bully

How to Stand Up to a Bully
We know that bullying is a sign of insecurity on the bully's part. But to the victim, bullies don't seem insecure; they seem like a nightmare. If you are dealing with a would-be bully, here is a proactive guide to take that bully by the horns and get him out of your path.
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