12/31/08

Recovery Wishes For This New Year's Eve

A poem as the new year approaches.

"At the sound of the tolling midnight bell a brand new year will begin. Let's raise our hopes in a confident toast, to the promise it ushers in.
May your battles be few, your pleasures many, your wishes and dreams fulfilled. May your confidence stand in the face of loss and give you the strength to rebuild.
May peace of heart fill all your days, may serenity grace your soul. May tranquil moments bless your life and keep your spirits whole."
Unknown

Wishing you all a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve.


See sidebar for links to Recovery Quotes of The Week and Inspirational Recovery Quotes.

12/29/08

Poll: The New Year And Your Eating Disorder


How Does The Arrival Of A New Year Make You Feel About Recovery And Your Eating Disorder?

New Year's brings with it different emotions for different people. Some view it as new beginning and find strength and encouragement in the possibilities it holds. Others feel remorse for the year that has passed and the opportunities that slipped through their fingers. Some feel neither encouraged or remorseful. How do you feel about your recovery and/or eating disorder with the arrival of the new year? If you'd like to participate in the poll it is located in the sidebar.

If the poll is lacking words you find important to your Recovery and /or Eating Disorder please feel free to add them in the comment section of this post.

Completed Poll Results:

How does the Arrival of a New Year make you feel about recovery and/or your eating disorder? (choose all that apply):
votes:77

Hopeful 32 (41%)

Renewed 16 (20%)

Fearful 25 (32%)

Anxious 29 (37%)

Excited 11 (14%)

Angry 8 (10%)

Depressed 22 (28%)

Strengthened 12 (15%)

Ready to try again 22 (28%)

Stressed 21 (27%)

Encouraged 6 (7%)

Pressured 24 (31%)

Inspired 13 (16%)

Despondent 2 (2%)

Proud of my recovery 10 (12%)

Hopeless 14 (18%)

Thrilled 5 (6%)

Nervous 30 (38%)

It has no meaning to me 6 (7%)

I'm not in recovery 11 (14%)

I'm in recovery 17 (22%)

I want to recover 31 (40%)

I don't want to recover 21 (27%)



The results of additional completed polls can be seen here.

background picture: publicdomainpictures.net

Recovery Quote Of The Week: Dec 29


"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice." T.S. Eliot


Please see sidebar for links to more Recovery Quotes of The Week and Inspirational Recovery Quotes.


picture source:publicdomainpictures.net

12/22/08

Recovery Quote Of The Week: Dec 22


"A snowflake is one of the most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together." Unkown


Please see sidebar for links to more Recovery Quotes of The Week and Inspirational Recovery Quotes.

picture source: Publicdomainpictures.net

12/21/08

Sugar Addiction: Princeton Study


Sugar Can Be Addictive, Princeton Scientist Says
by Kitta MacPherson
Animal studies show sugar dependence

A Princeton University scientist will present new evidence today demonstrating that sugar can be an addictive substance, wielding its power over the brains of lab animals in a manner similar to many drugs of abuse.

Professor Bart Hoebel and his team in the Department of Psychology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute have been studying signs of sugar addiction in rats for years. Until now, the rats under study have met two of the three elements of addiction. They have demonstrated a behavioral pattern of increased intake and then showed signs of withdrawal. His current experiments captured craving and relapse to complete the picture.

"If binging on sugar is really a form of addiction, there should be long-lasting effects in the brains of sugar addicts," Hoebel said. "Craving and relapse are critical components of addiction, and we have been able to demonstrate these behaviors in sugar-binging rats in a number of ways."

At the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology in Scottsdale, Ariz., Hoebel will report on profound behavioral changes in rats that, through experimental conditions, have been trained to become dependent on high doses of sugar.

"We have the first set of comprehensive studies showing the strong suggestion of sugar addiction in rats and a mechanism that might underlie it," Hoebel said. The findings eventually could have implications for the treatment of humans with eating disorders, he said.

Lab animals, in Hoebel's experiments, that were denied sugar for a prolonged period after learning to binge worked harder to get it when it was reintroduced to them. They consumed more sugar than they ever had before, suggesting craving and relapse behavior. Their motivation for sugar had grown. "In this case, abstinence makes the heart grow fonder," Hoebel said.
Read in full.




sources: http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S22/88/56G31/index.xml?section=topstories
picture: pdphoto.org

12/15/08

Eating Disorders: Recent News


New Therapy Hope For Eating Disorders
A specially-created form of cognitive behavioural therapy could be the key to helping people with eating disorders, say UK researchers.

Experts believe four out of five of those who suffer from eating disorders could benefit from 'talking therapies' after a study by Oxford University discovered most sufferers achieved 'complete and lasting' improvement.

The treatment is currently only available for bulimia patients but with over a million Britons suffering with some kind of eating disorder, medical experts believe cognitive behavioural therapy should be available to all.
Read in full.



Sugar Addiction: Do you need a 12 step program?

Craving sweets on a regular basis? If so, you may just have an addiction. Whether your yen is for chocolate, cake, cookies, or even sweet tea you could be addicted to sugar. Some are comparing the tendencies of sugar addicts to those of a drug addict. Does it warrant a 12-step program? Probably not, but consumers should be aware of the issue, if for nothing else than the amount of calories consumed.

There are some people who crave sweets on a daily basis and get their fix with a cookie or a slice of cake, others only get a sweet craving a few times a month but aren’t satisfied until the entire box of Oreos are gone. It seems, based on recent research, no matter which group you fall into, if you frequently crave sweets you may have a sugar addiction and it could affect your brain. Sugar and sweeteners seems to start chemical changes in the brain, as seen in addicts who use drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Read in full.



Eating Disorder Sites Can Have Negative Impact
You can find anything on the Internet these days, including Web sites devoted to eating disorders. Commonly known as pro-ana or pro-mia, short for pro anorexia and pro bulimia, since around the year 2000, hundreds of Web sites have cropped up spouting these eating disorders as a lifestyle choice, not a disease. Complete with tips on binging and purging, "thinspiration" photos of extremely thin celebrities and weight loss challenges, the pro-ana movement has gained many followers but just as many opponents. In recent years, there has been a backlash against pro-ana, with many Web providers shutting down these sites and many anti pro-ana protesters calling for all the Web sites to be shut down.

So the question remains, should pro-ana Web sites be banned from the Internet?

After developing an eating disorder at the age of 14, Angela Ross would spend two to three hours a day on pro-anorexia Web sites. Now the moderator of the Facebook group Stop Pro Ana, which currently has approximately 1,600 members, Ross, 18, is on a mission to spread awareness about the dangers of pro-ana.

"Getting on those Web sites definitely encouraged me to keep going with my eating disorder. And I don't want anyone else to fall into that trap like I did," Ross, of Roswell, NM, said. "I would personally love for all of these sites to be shut down."

According to research done at the University of Missouri, there is emerging evidence that Web sites promoting anorexia do have a negative impact. In a piece published in The International Journal of Eating Disorders, the research showed that young women who looked at anorexia sites later felt lower self esteem than the women in the study who were assigned to look at Web sites featuring conventional models.

Read in full.



Compulsion To Overeat Is Mainly In The Genes, Study Shows.

The genetic roots of obesity lie mainly in the brain, according to research that implicates inherited eating tendencies as one of the strongest influences over waistlines.

The discovery of seven genetic variants linked to obesity has suggested that DNA affects body shape mainly by changing eating behaviour, rather than by regulating fat storage.

Of the seven, five seem to be active in the brain, making it likely that work by fine-tuning appetite, the sense of fullness after eating, or even preferences for some foods over others.

The findings indicate that although genetic differences can help to explain why some people are overweight while others are slim, obesity cannot generally be blamed on genes that slow metabolism and allow fat to be laid down more easily.

Most of the genetic factors linked to obesity, which were found by two independent research teams, seem rather to work by altering the amount people eat. Some DNA profiles may simply make it easier or harder to control food consumption.

This insight demonstrates how nature and nurture are intertwined in the origins of common biological effects such as obesity. It is also encouraging for therapy, as it means that something people can control – their food intake — is ultimately responsible for weight gain even when genetic predisposition is also involved.

Read in full





sources:http://www.healthnews.com/nutrition-diet/sugar-addiction-do-you-need-a-12-step-program-2275.html
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/health/294805/new-therapy-hope-for-eating-disorder-patients.html

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5342552.ece
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/local/story/375729.html

12/13/08

Eating Disorders: Inspirational Recovery Quotes #6


How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.
-Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel-

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.
-Emily Dickenson-

A gentle breeze blowing in the right direction is better than a pair of strong oars.
- Canary Island Proverb-

People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.
- Salma Hayek-

Happiness rarely keeps company with an empty stomach.
- Japanese Proverb-

Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.
- Anne Lamott-

The journey is the reward.
-Chinese Proverb-

Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person.
- David M. Burns-

You haven't failed until you quit trying.
- Anonymous-

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.
- Richard Bach-

How long should you try? Until.
-Jim Rohn-

A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner.
- Anonymous-

There are costs and risks to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.
-John F. Kennedy-

Success is the proper utilization of failure.
- Anonymous-

Your life will be no better than the plans you make and the action you take. You are the architect and builder of your own life, fortune, destiny.
-Alfred A. Montapert-

They are able because they think they are able.
-Virgil-

I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
-Henry David Thoreau-

Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment.
-Baltasar Gracian-

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
-Auguste Rodin-

One cannot think crooked and walk straight.
- Anonymous-

Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.
- Henry Van Dyke-

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr-

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it.
- Ella Williams-

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
-John Wooden-

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
-Epictetus-

We are betrayed by what is false within.
-George Meredith-

When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way.
-Wayne Dyer-


See also Using Affirmations

See sidebar for more inspirational quotes and quotes of the week.

12/12/08

Recovery Quote Of The Week: December 12th


"Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees."
J. Willard Marriot


Please see:
*sidebar "Inspirational Quotes" and "Recovery Quotes of the Week" for links to more recovery quotes.

picture source:public domain pictures.net

12/10/08

When You Can't Afford Treatment For Your Eating Disorder



The current condition of the economy is causing a strain on most everyone's finances. Finding the needed funds for treatment, medication, and therapy has become an increasing problem. Many are finding themselves unemployed with the additional burden of having also lost their health insurance. In increasing numbers, people are now faced with having to choose between purchasing medication, food, or other necessities. A very dangerous position to be in.

If you find yourself in this situation here are some suggestions that may help you.


Affording Doctor /Therapy Visits: (Renegotiate Fees/Sliding Scale) Many Providers are willing to base their fee on your ability to pay. Do not be afraid to explain your situation and ask to renegotiate the current fee. If they are unable or unwilling to do so ask them for a referral. You can also search online for services in your area.


Affording Medication: Medication co pays can be expensive. Without insurance, some medications are just too costly for some to continue to afford.
  • Most drug companies offer Indigent Programs or Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that provide medication for free to those that cannot afford to pay for them. Ask your doctor about these programs. They can help process the paperwork.
  • Check out the website of the pharmaceutical company for each of your medications. See what programs they may have listed to aid those in need.
  • Call the pharmaceutical company that makes your medication and speak to them directly about what programs they offer.
  • Some companies like Walmart and Costco offer 30 days worth of medication for $4 / $9 for a 90 day supply. See if your medications are on the list of prescriptions they offer at these prices. Print these lists and show them to your doctor. Ask if your current medication could be safely replaced by one that is listed.
  • Request Generic. If your doctor okays it, consider switching to generics. Generics give a substantial savings in cost while still providing the same active ingredients.

Affording Hospital Care: Emergencies can result hefty bills when you're lacking health insurance or are struggling financially. If you find yourself in this situation contact the hospital's financial department and inquire about charity care. Your bill can be significantly reduced to an affordable amount and may even result in you owing nothing, depending on your financial situation. If you do not qualify for the programs they offer, ask them to suggest other options. They will be aware of many programs, charities, and organizations that may be able to assist you. Note* You cannot be denied necessary hospital care based on your ability to pay. It is against the law.


Affording Eating Disorder Treatment: There are alternatives available to help see you through when funds are low.
  • If you need treatment for your ED and cannot afford it there are scholarships/grants offered by several treatment facilities and organizations. Contact them and explain your situation. If they cannot help you, ask them for suggestions of others that you can contact.
  • Search the Yellow Pages for Support Groups in your area. Most have a minimal or optional dues/donation fee.
  • Contact a Teaching Hospital or Mental Health Facility. Some offer free services as part of their training program.
  • Online Support is offered on many ED websites and it's free. Those there will also be able to help guide you in your search for assistance.

*
Be sure to contact your local Department of Social Services. You may qualify for financial aid, free or reduced medical coverage, and other programs designed to help in times of need.



picture source: publicdomainpictures.net

12/4/08

Recovery Quote Of The Week: December 4th


"Flowers grow out of darker moments." Corita Kent

Please see:
*sidebar "Inspirational Quotes" and "Recovery Quotes of the Week" for links to more recovery quotes.


picture source:pdphoto.org

12/3/08

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: Hotlines, Websites, and Organizations



*Suicide Prevention: Hotlines, Websites, Organizations


HOTLINES:
click through to website where available.

Children In Immediate Risk Or Danger:
1-800-THE-LOST


Covenant House Org (youth):
1-800-999-9999



Girls and Boys Town National Hotline: 800-448-3001

Kids Peace: 1800-334-4KID (4543)

Kid Save: 1-800-543-7283

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI

National Clearinghouse on Family Support and Children's Mental Health: 800-628-1696

National Institute Of Mental Health (NIMH): 1-800-647-2642

National Mental Health AMerica: (MHA)
800-969-NMHA (6642)

National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness:
800-444-7415

Safeline: 800-522-7233

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: (SAMHSA)
24-Hour Toll-Free Referral Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)

Teenline: 800-522-TEEN (8336)

The Help Line USA: 1-866-334-4357

The Nationwide Crisis Hotline: 1-800-333-4444

Threshold Women's Mental Health: 0808 808 6000

Young Minds: 0800 018 2138

Youth Helpline: 0845 6347650

Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 1-800-449-6367


WEBSITES:
(see also above linked titles)

Family Aware Org

US Department of Veteran Affairs Mental Health Home

CDC: Mental Health Organizations by State

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

Depression Alliance Org

MentalHelpnet

Canadian Mental Health Association

World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH)

European Federation of Associations of Families of People With Mental Illness



see also:

Self-Harm: Hotlines, Websites, Organizations

Sexual Abuse: Hotlines, Websites, Organizations

More Mental Health info and links

Mental Health Statistics and Resources




pic source:photobucket.com

12/2/08

Healthcare Reform: Help Keep It A Priority


"As he prepares to take office, President-elect Barack Obama faces many pressing issues. And some will urge him to defer efforts to achieve healthcare reform, suggesting that it will be too costly, too difficult, or not a sufficiently high priority."

The above postcard can be found at Mental Health America. Please fill one out and send it to help keep Healthcare Reform a priority.

sources:http://mentalhealthamerica.net/