Category: Health Care News

Have you heard of meditation for weight loss? Are you tired of the endless cycle of a weight loss regime and strenuous workout routines with little to no results? It’s time to explore a different path, one that not only sheds weight, does not need any special equipment, but also brings peace and balance to your life. Meditation, a practice often associated with mindfulness and stress relief, is emerging as a powerful tool in the journey of weight management.

Imagine a weight management method that doesn’t just focus on the physical aspect of losing fat and weight but also aligns your mind to support your goals.

In this article, we’re diving into the often-overlooked connection between mindfulness and weight management. Get ready to embark on a journey that transcends the conventional approach to weight management, one that promises not just a lighter body, but a more fulfilled and balanced self.

Science Behind Meditation And Weight Loss

The connection between meditation and weight loss might seem intangible at first glance, but a closer look reveals a fascinating interplay of psychological factors and physiological factors.

Scientific studies have illuminated how mindfulness can influence both the mind and body in ways that contribute to weight management.

Cortisol Levels And Stress’ Impact On Weight Loss

One of the most significant links between mindfulness and weight management is how it affects stress levels. Stress, particularly chronic stress, is a known contributor to weight gain, primarily through its impact on the hormone cortisol.

High cortisol levels can lead to increased appetite, cravings for sugary or fatty foods, and a tendency to accumulate abdominal fat. Meditation, particularly mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, has been shown to lower cortisol levels in the body.

This reduction in stress hormones can translate into decreased cravings and a more balanced appetite, making it easier to adhere to healthy eating habits.

Mindful Eating Influence For Weight Loss

Meditation enhances mindfulness, which can profoundly affect eating behaviors and weight. Mindful eating, a practice of being fully present and aware during meals, allows individuals to:

• Savor their food
• Recognize hunger and fullness cues
• Make more conscious food choices

This heightened awareness can lead to a natural reduction in calorie intake and a shift away from emotional or binge eating, contributing to a sustainable weight management plan.

Neurological Changes

Regular mindfulness for weight management practice can also lead to changes in the brain, particularly in areas associated with self-regulation, decision-making, and emotional control. These changes can help individuals:

• Resist impulsive eating behaviors
• Make healthier food choices
• Maintain motivation for lifestyle changes

Meditation Types For Weight Loss

There are several forms of mindfulness that can be particularly effective for weight loss, each offering unique benefits.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation for weight loss helps involve focusing on the present moment and acknowledging and accepting feelings, even negative emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. This practice can be particularly effective for weight loss as it:

1. Cultivates an awareness of eating habits and emotional triggers for overeating
2. Helps in recognizing actual hunger versus emotional hunger

Guided Visualization

In guided visualization or imagery, individuals are led through a mental visualization of achieving their weight loss goals. This technique can be powerful in maintaining motivation and a positive mindset about weight loss.

Visualizing the desired weight outcome can help reinforce healthy eating and exercise habits, making them more ingrained and easier to stick to.

Loving-Kindness Mindfulness For Weight Loss

Loving-kindness mindfulness focuses on developing feelings of compassion and love for oneself and others. This practice can be particularly beneficial for those whose eating habits and weight are tied to negative self-image or low self-esteem. By fostering a more positive relationship with oneself, loving-kindness mindfulness can reduce tendencies towards emotional eating and encourage more self-care behaviors, and potentially weight loss.

Body Scan Mindfulness For Weight Loss

Body scan mindfulness involves mentally scanning the body for areas of tension and relaxation. This weight management practice can be useful for developing greater awareness of the physical feelings and sensations associated with hunger and fullness, aiding in better appetite control for weight loss.

Breath Awareness Meditation

This form of mindfulness focuses on the deep breath itself, which can be a tool for managing cravings and reducing the impulse to eat due to stress or boredom. By redirecting attention to the breath, individuals, even obese people can create a pause between the urge to eat and the action, allowing for more mindful decision-making.

Incorporating these types of mindfulness into a weight loss regime can not only assist in shedding pounds but also promote a more harmonious and mindful, healthy relationship both with food and body.

Starting Meditation For Weight Loss

Embarking on a mindfulness journey for weight loss can be both exciting and transformative. Here are some practical steps and tips to help you get started:

1. Understanding Your Intentions

Before diving into mindfulness, it’s important to clarify your intentions. Ask yourself why you want to pursue meditation for weight loss. Understanding your motivations can help tailor your practice to your specific needs and goals.

2. Choosing The Right Style

As we’ve explored, there are various forms of meditation. Experiment with different styles – be it mindfulness, guided visualization, loving-kindness, or others – to find what resonates with you.

Some people may prefer a structured approach with guided sessions, while others might enjoy the freedom of silent, unguided or even guided mindfulness or meditation alone.

3. Finding The Right Environment

Create a calm and comfortable space for your mindfulness practice. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – a quiet corner of your room with a comfortable cushion or chair will do. The key is to have a space where you won’t be disturbed and can relax.

4. Starting Small

Begin with short mindfulness sessions. Even five minutes a day can be beneficial. Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice. Consistency is more important than the length of each session.

5. Incorporating Meditation Into Your Routine

Set a specific time for mindfulness and try to stick to it. Whether it’s in the morning to set a positive tone for the day or in the evening to unwind, having a routine helps in building a consistent practice.

6. Using Resources

Leverage resources like guided mindfulness apps, online tutorials, or local mindfulness classes. These can provide guidance and structure, especially for beginners. Many apps offer specific mindfulness programs for reducing weight and stress management.

7. Learning The Basics

Familiarize yourself with the basics of mindfulness. This includes understanding proper posture, breathing techniques, and ways to focus your mind. Knowing these basics can enhance your meditation experience and make it more effective.

8. Setting Realistic Goals

Set achievable and realistic goals for your meditation practice. Rather than focusing solely on weight loss, consider goals like:

• Improving mindfulness
• Reducing stress
• Enhancing

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Source: talkspace.com

It is vital to find a competent therapist that you feel relaxed and comfortable with. Besides, you might have conversations involving awkward topics or perhaps even open up about things you have never disclosed to anybody before.

You would like to work with a professional whom you will express yourself as well as listen to. However, some numerous choices and options selecting a suitable therapist can be confusing.

Scanning through the pages of a directory online may produce thousands of results. How can you choose somebody to work with based on just a photo and a brief bio? Plus, if you were looking for help via therapy online, how would you find a good match when you might be talking to a therapist basically through video chat or text-based chat?

How Crucial Is Finding A Suitable Match?

Someone might have suggested that you work with a certain therapist. Perhaps a friend has told you that this certain therapist helped her so much and that you should call her to schedule an appointment yourself. But do you think this therapist would be capable of helping you too?

It actually depends. The therapist could be competent and skilled, but it would only be as successful if you feel connected to her if you work with her. Hence, the same proficient therapist that positively affected your friend might not work efficiently for you if you do not feel personally connected.

Why? If you are not comfortable with your therapist, or you are worried that she might criticize you, you will most likely not divulge your deepest emotions and thoughts or recognize unbecoming behaviors. If you do not open up about these concerns, you may not get to the core of these concerns and may not get the information you require to make the necessary transformations for your life. In fact, your connection with your therapist, often known as the therapeutic alliance, may be the biggest determining element in how therapy is helpful for you.

Source: pathwaysofpa.com

Therapeutic Alliance

A well-known researcher named Edward Bordin was one of the first to study the impact of a therapeutic alliance. He later discovered that this alliance is not just about the connection between the patient and therapist. This also concerns the agreement on the objectives of therapy and the techniques utilized to attain these objectives.

The patient and the therapist must have a mutual likeness for each other. They must also feel that the communication is good and open, and both should be willing to work with one another.

The concept that the connection between the patient and therapist is vital to efficient treatment has been strengthened by several research studies through the years.

Considerations On Who You Want To Work With

Consequently, it is crucial to find a therapist that you believe you can work well with. Other factors you want to consider include:

Age. Do you wish to work with a therapist who is younger, just around your age, or older?

Gender. Do you feel more relaxed with a woman or a man?

Religion. Would it matter if your therapist were Catholic, Christian, or Muslim?

You may feel that you want to connect better with a much younger therapist. Or perhaps you believe that you would be more relaxed if you communicate with someone your age. It depends upon your preference as to the kind of person you envision expressing yourself too.

Indeed, you might not know whom you want to talk and interact with. That is fine as well. You can typically decide to have no preference at all.

You might be capable of learning a little more regarding the therapists that you have to select from. Remember that many therapists do not want their personal lives to be made public. However, they will frequently share some basic background in their biographies, which can help you try and find a competent person you can associate with before making your first appointment.

Source: onlinepsychologydegree.info

What If Your Therapist Is Not The Right One?

If you eventually realize that your therapist is not the right one for you during your second or third session, or you start to feel like you are not well supported or guided in the therapy process, keep in mind that you always have the right to change therapists.

On the other hand, if you have been through several sessions with your therapist, you might want to honestly open up to her that you don’t feel a connection. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but therapists have these talks frequently. If there is a matter that needs to be tackled, they definitely wish to tackle it with you.

Therapists might also assist you in finding a fellow therapist who is a better match, someone who can more efficiently meet your needs and wants. The kind of approaches therapists provide can vary — some might be able to provide meditations for weight loss or other holistic therapies, for example.

If you feel awkward about having a conversation with your therapist directly regarding finding another therapist, you can still do this by visiting someone at a specific agency. Ask the receptionist in the office to kindly find a new therapist for you.

 

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Source: nytimes.com

 Online therapy, often referred also as e-counseling, cyber-counseling, or teletherapy, entails offering support and mental health services through the Internet. These services can be provided through text messaging, online chat, Internet phone, email, or video conferencing. Online therapy or online counseling happens in real-time, like in text messaging or phone conversations, or it can be somewhat delayed, such as using email messaging. Online therapy has its boundaries, but it is increasingly becoming a vital resource for a mounting number of individuals.

Methods

Fundamental instruments for effective online therapy are telephone, email, instant messages, chats, and video conferencing. Although mobile applications have also gained popularity, these methods can be accessed through a laptop or desktop computer.

Online Therapists

Counselors and therapists who do their jobs face-to-face have various licenses and credentials, which goes the same way for online therapists, whose training and credentials also differ. Some web pages guarantee a convenient and fast way to getting an online therapy license, but becoming one takes equal training and education as becoming a licensed face-to-face therapist.

Conversely, the actual online therapy practice is very challenging to manage since therapists can do it from anywhere across the globe, making it hard to implement state guidelines that regulate training, the scope of practice, and education.

Ethics And Guidelines Of Online Therapy

The APA or American Psychological Association provides a suitable ethical structure for utilizing technology in the field of mental health. These guidelines include the minimum practices and criteria needed for ethical online therapy.

• Operate within the extent of your practice. Therapists must only provide skills and services that they are qualified to offer. If you divulge a matter to your therapist that he is not trained to manage, he must endorse you to another therapist or mental health professional rather than trying to address it himself.
• Have adequate knowledge of technology. This would involve using tools needed to provide therapy, such as psychotherapy online, and methods to guarantee that patient information remains safe and confidential.
• Follow pertinent guidelines and regulations. Various states have various regulations and policies that oversee virtual medical services. It will depend on your therapist to follow and be aware of the laws for their corresponding state and location. For instance, in the United States, online people who have gotten specific training and have completed the necessary licensing course are legitimately permitted to call them ‘psychologists.’
• Pursue knowledge, training, and management. To offer the most suitable care possible, numerous states in America require therapists to be updated with the newest practices and studies. This can entail joining informal and formal workshops and training and pursue online or in-person clinical management when necessary.

Effectiveness

Source: viewpointdualrecovery.com

Studies suggest that doing therapy online is equally effective as conventional in-person therapy. In one particular study, experts revealed that online CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy could successfully treat anxiety, emotional distress, and depression when integrated with clinical care.

Pieces of evidence even showed that online therapy might be more potent than face-to-face therapy. An analysis of 20 studies revealed that CBT done online was more successful than face-to-face CBT at decreasing the level intensity of depression.

Online therapy does present some difficulties, but it has gotten support from many patients who have used online mental health management. In an analysis of studies publicized in the World Journal Of Psychiatry, clients getting mental health treatment using video conferencing claimed high satisfaction levels.

Online Therapy Benefits

Here are among the most common reasons why online therapy has become a popular choice for many individuals who seek mental health help.

• With online therapy, you will have no worries about your colleagues from work or community knowing about your mental health concerns. Confidentiality is one of the biggest pros of online therapy, and you can schedule an appointment at the comfort of your own home.
• Cost-Effectiveness. Online therapy gets rid of most of the overhead costs related to location, permitting therapists to provide more cost-effective treatment choices. And remember that there is no charge associated with ‘travel’ or ‘commute’ to your therapy appointments.
• Ease And Comfort. Online therapy makes it easier for you to choose sessions that match your lifestyle. You can schedule appointments around your family and work responsibilities.
• There are numerous tangible limitations to receiving therapy. For instance, maybe you are residing in a remote location. Or you cannot access proper transportation, which means that you might need to depend on other family members or friends to get around. But with access to technology, anyone who has an Internet connection can take advantage of therapy without transportation problems.

Source: healthcarefinancenews.com

Considerations

Studies increasingly indicate that online therapy is a very effective choice, although it does not mean that it is perfect for everyone. More major mental conditions, such as schizophrenia, depression, and substance abuse, require more serious treatment regimens.

Talk to your primary physician about online therapy – if it works for your unique situation or if you must only turn to it as a complement to more conventional management options. If you believe that online therapy could work for you, study some web pages and applications that are accessible to identify which option is perfect for your budget and your needs.

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Have you ever felt so down, and nothing you do eases the heavy feeling? Tough times are a part of life as we experience problems and challenges. Sometimes, it takes more than support and positivity to get you through. When times get tough, it is okay to ask for help.

Asking for help can be difficult for some people, especially if you feel like a burden. However, we must remember: most are more than willing to help us get through times. Counselors are professionals who know exactly what to do to guide us back on our feet.

Counseling and Mental Health

During the past century, we have placed more and more value on our mental health. The stigma of psychologists and counselors only working with the insane is long gone. As many people face more problems each day, we aim to understand better how our mind works. This way, counselors can better grasp how we can get rid of our negative thoughts and behaviors.

When Do You Need Counseling?

Your mental health is an important component of your overall well-being. It might not be easy at first, but you must seek help when you need to. There is no need to prolong your suffering when help is readily available. Below are some of the most common reasons people seek therapy or online counseling.

• A Major Change In Life

Some life events leave a negative impact on our lives. The pain from the past and anxiety of what the future holds are thoughts and emotions that are difficult to manage. When the events entail significant life changes, coping can become difficult. A divorce, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a serious illness like cancer, is not easy to handle. A counselor can help you adjust to these changes.

• A Stressful Environment

The world we live in can become a toxic place, which isn’t ideal for a healthy mental and emotional state. A stressful environment can make our life miserable. A work environment with too many demands and difficult colleagues can be tough. A home built for rest and security can cause stress, especially when conflict is present. A counselor can give you advice on how to deal with the stress your environment causes you.

• An Unhealthy Or Abusive Relationship

Good relationships are important for support and inspiration to get through tough times. But what if the person meant to care for us is toxic or abusive? A counselor can help you get out of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Domestic conflicts, marital abuse, child abuse, or sexual problems are examples of unhealthy relationships. Sometimes, counselors might help resolve interpersonal problems and make a relationship with a loved one healthy again.

• Being A Victim Or A Witness Of A Traumatic Situation

Various events can lead to trauma. Traumatic situations can be anything from assault, violence, or sexual abuse, to natural disasters and accidents. The mental flashbacks that make you feel fear and helplessness may have long-term damaging effects. A counselor can help you deal with the effects of trauma lingering with your second chance at life. You can still enjoy your everyday life after surviving or rising from a horrifying event.

• An Unhealthy Defense Or Coping Strategy

We all have our ways of dealing with our problems, whether big or small. However, you will need a counselor if your coping mechanisms have unhealthy effects like alcohol dependence, smoking, drug use, oversleeping, overeating, compulsive spending, avoidance, venting, and more. This keeps us stuck in a loop of lows instead of resolving our problems. Developing a healthy coping strategy is the key to getting through tough times.

Different Kinds Of Counseling Therapies To Help You Cope

Our thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, experiences, and surroundings can shape how we cope through tough times. Regardless of the reason why we struggle, we must always strive to keep our mental faculties healthy. Some people are good at having a positive mindset in life on their own. But, there is no denying that many people need help. During difficult times, a counselor can help.

Counselors use different strategies of psychotherapy to help their clients conquer their problems. Whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition or not, a licensed counselor is capable of helping you cope. Here are a few techniques that they use to help you think better and handle issues more positively.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, emphasizes changing and improving the way you think and behave. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, CBT does not dive deep into your subconscious mind. Instead, it focuses on your automatic negative thoughts and behaviors you are used to. Through CBT, you will learn how you can bypass these automatic thoughts and practice better-coping skills.

CBT is an effective strategy for certain types of medical conditions. However, there are certain challenges should you want to try CBT. For one, it can be difficult at first to recognize your negative thoughts. Also, you must commit to change for CBT to work effectively. Once you get through this gradual process, you will learn how to cope better. 

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal Psychotherapy, or IPT, works on the premise of a person’s emotion linked to his life events. When people have major changes in their lives, they will also experience a big change in their mood. IPT was designed at first to help people with major depression. However, IPT has also been effective in improving mood. People who are grieving, struggling, or pressured with sudden life changes are only a few examples. 

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based Therapy, or MBT, is grounded in mindfulness: the state of being conscious with yourself. Often, mindfulness strategies use many meditations to help you become more aware of your bodies and thoughts. Doing so can help separate yourself from any negative thoughts and emotions you might have. People who experience a lot of stress in their lives can benefit a lot from MBT.

Gone are the days when asking for help is a sign of weakness. True strength lies in knowing yourself and your needs. Once you commit to fulfilling your needs and improving yourself, you’ll be a step away from your harsh experiences in life. Difficult times may seem endless, but things will be better, especially if you reach a counselor.…

Have you experienced undergoing a therapy session and talking to a professional expert? How did the treatment go? There is a counseling approach that focuses on you as a customer instead of as a regular patient. Meaning it’s counseling that’s revolving around you. Let’s discuss this topic further.

It has been a stigma in society that when a person seeks person-centered counseling or consults a professional for help, they are being judged right away. But whether you are suffering from concealed depression, anxiety, or not, you can still seek the guidance of a counselor or a professional therapist.

Understanding The Process of a Counseling Session

Do you doubt this? Take it from Carl Rogers, the one who oped person-centered theory, a well-known humanistic psychologist who introduced a new clinical practice and approach to therapy: Client-Centered Therapy.

This has added a new perception to professional medical advice, patients, and counselors. It has been shown to be beneficial to human existence and to many individuals across the globe.

Let’s talk about the patient’s experience prior to working with a client-centered counselor. Before, the humanistic psychology approach and behaviorism saw people as patients who were sick and in need of a cure. This makes it seem that people, in their own words, need help and are unfit to decide for themselves.

This is what Carl Rogers believed came in to show his dismay. He somehow knew that this type of talk therapy was not sufficient and was less effective.

Rogers formulated client-centered therapy, also known as Rogerian Therapy or Rogerian Psychotherapy. Rogers strongly believed that humans are inherently good and have a strong desire for personal growth. What they strive for is to reach the highest human development, also known as self-actualization.

This is the total opposite of the term of how a ‘patient’ is viewed. Rogers then decided to change it to ‘client.’ A key point in the client-centered therapy approach.

The Foundations Of Client-Centered Therapy

Slowly, Rogers built the foundations of Client-Centered Therapy. In this approach, the patient knows more about themselves than the counselor could ever know. They let the patient explain, which seems to be a humanistic therapy. Patients share stories about themselves; thus, the name is client-centered.

By empathetic understanding of the client’s thoughts and feelings, the counselor focuses on the foreground. The client realizes existing issues, like their self-esteem, how they view their self-direction, and even illnesses like eating disorders, reflect on themselves, and get an idea of what they should do moving forward.

The term client-centered therapy, also known as person-centered theory, is a non-directive form of counseling and psychological treatment that was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. It emphasizes the client’s experience and innermost thoughts and feelings, rather than the mental health professional’s own words, meanings, or judgments. The counselor strives to see the world from the client’s frame of reference and to understand their feelings or the other person’s ideas.

The goal of this person-centered approach is to encourage clients to achieve personality development, greater self-understanding, self-awareness, acceptance, and independence. The person-centered therapists strive to create a therapeutic environment that is supportive and empathic. The counselor also works to help clients begin personal growth, improve overall well-being, achieve self-actualization, and generate success through professional medical advice.

Qualities Of Client-Centered Therapy

To reach that aim, Rogers emphasized that the counselor first must possess the following three qualities:

• Be Sensitive And Aware Of Any Therapy Reactions

Counselors or mental health professionals must be sensitive and aware in such a way of any reactions, emotions, person’s ideas, or changes in individuals as they talk. It is necessary that they focus on active listening to encourage clients to become self-aware.

Summarizing or repeating what the individual has said will make them feel understood and help the client lessen possible personal abuse, recognizing positive growth and overall well-being.

• Congruence On Both Sides

Empathy will not work in helping the individual see clearly if the counselor is not honest. The client-centered therapists must not pretend to understand, avoid any questions, or fool the patient. They must also be upfront and honest about it, as how the counselor acts in this non-directive therapy.

Client-centered therapy, based on psychotherapy research, has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues. The counselor in this nondirective counseling provides a supportive and nonjudgmental environment during their psychological contract, in which the client can explore their feelings and things. This type of therapy or therapeutic encounter can help the client achieve growth and develop a more positive outlook on life. It can also help the client to answer any incongruence between their thoughts and their actions given by human nature.

The person-centered therapist should answer the individual and let them know what is happening and the possible reasons why. This is practiced in the client-centered treatment therapeutic process.

• Unconditional Positive Regard

Part of the principles of this person-centered approach is that having honesty and empathy between a counselor and a patient bodes well. However, if unconditional positive regard is not present, things will fall apart.

You cannot be empathetic if you do not show you care for the client’s point. It comes off as fake and will make the individual pull away. It does not matter if you are honest. If the client does not feel the warmth during a session, they will put their guard up even more.

Kind Of Relationship Built Within – Limits and Boundaries In The Treatment

That is the kind of therapeutic relationship a client and a counselor should have. However, a counselor must be wary of the boundaries. Overstepping too much, and the individual own feelings are awful about it. Interact too little, and the patient may not feel comfortable sharing. In centered therapy, there must be a balance in the therapist-client relationship.

Client-Centered Therapy Effectiveness

The most important thing to have in client-centered therapy to be considered a success is the connection between the client and the person-centered therapist. As mentioned when discussing the qualities of client-centered therapists, if there is a fallout between the two during a session, it will be difficult for the individual to open up again. If that is the case, the therapy might lead to failure.

This approach to psychotherapy, known as client-centered therapy or person-centered therapy, is distinctive in that it differs from other types of therapy. It places a strong emphasis on the client’s perception and understanding of their own insights, matters, and values rather than the therapist’s interpretation. In other words, the client is “in the driver’s seat.” The therapist’s role is to provide support and guidance while the client leads the way through therapeutic talking, with the therapist having a deep desire for the client’s personal growth and well-being.

This is the reason why the client and the …

You have certainly noticed how people have consistently avoided and ignored you in social gatherings. You have tried engaging in meaningful conversations with them. You have also offered them your sincerest intentions to help them.

However, no matter how good and true your personality is, there’s always a reason why people don’t like you enough based on what you tell yourself.

People not liking you may be a result of several reasons. They can dislike you based on your personality. It is not a big deal. Some people may have existing misconceptions about you. And you do not owe them any explanation about this. Although, you may have done something enormous to offend them. Regardless, if they seem defensive, guarded, or uninterested in giving you attention, it is a clear indication of how they dislike you.

If in case it’s about your approach despite not being arrogant or your opinions that made others feel uncomfortable, these are still reasons that can trigger the hate. Mind you, you can’t stop people from disliking you even if you initiate good intentions, show them good deeds, or stay nice and caring towards them. People are hateful, and that’s what you should understand.

As far as you are concerned, sometimes it is not about you that they dislike. It may be about their perception of themselves that they see in you. You have to understand that people get threatened when they see someone better than them. It may be the looks, the abilities and skills, status, and even the charisma. Most of the time, people dislike you because they are insecure and jealous. Jealousy is the usual cause of hate from most people in most cases. It is either they want to be like you or at least have something that reflects your personality in them.

People need a reason to hate, which is part of their nature. People crave attention from others because they are unhappy with something in their own life. For these individuals, putting others down somehow makes them feel better about themselves, which is never ok. People don’t like the ones they can’t understand. If you are different from the rest, then expect to be unlikeable.

Whatever the instance is, being likable is a characteristic you can develop. Research has provided evidence that hardworking, trustworthy, and motivated are traits of a socially attractive person.

If you want to be one, you can always modify your behavior towards others. You can commit to changing yourself for the better as long as you dedicate your efforts to chasing greater things in life. Start being productive in making the best version of yourself. Eat healthy foods and exercise more often. You do not have to try harder to make people like you, you don’t have to live in fear that people will dislike you. You just have to like yourself first, and surely, the rest will follow.

Nonetheless, if you are irrationally and extremely affected by your reputation with others, there could be a lingering problem. It is a waste of time if you’re always exerting an effort to make other people like you. You can’t please everyone. When you are less optimistic about your perceived image and other aspects of your life, you could be experiencing a mental disorder.

Depression

When you begin to deal with a mental illness (such as anxiety, major depression, stress, bipolar disorder, etc.), it starts a problem. You might get tempted to hide it from yourself because you won’t want others to know that you are dealing with one. Often, you express different thoughts and emotions using social media. You understand the stigma of mental health issues and most of the time, it is not well accepted in society in this world. Some people will think that these conditions are often baseless and that emotions are invalidated. Hidden depression, as the name suggests, is more difficult to notice. You may intentionally try to hide observable signs, or you may also not learn to recognize your depression symptoms. Often you’ll end up dealing with smiling depression.

Some of the common symptoms of the mental disorder are observable to concealed depression, including:

• Disorganized sleeping patterns, increased or decreased sleep
• Fatigue,
• Severe headache
• Lack of interest in hobbies,
• Sense of irritability,
• Appetite changes, and
• Low sex drive.

However, the less obvious symptoms include forced happiness, a negative outlook on life, loss of concentration, and substance abuse.

If you are interested in the mental disorder and how it can affect your health over a prolonged period, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions about it below.

Is Being Sad All The Time Bad For Your Health?

Yes. The suppression of your negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions for an extended period can physically translate to illnesses. It can be a form of stress caused by grief, anger, or frustrations which can be extremely bad for your mental and physical health. If you’re experiencing negative thoughts or suicidal thoughts and feelings, it is advisable to talk to a friend and loved one who can listen to your vents. If you still have concerns, you can also try counseling with a medical professional. You can be assured that anything you talk about with a psychologist or counselor will be kept confidential.

Can Depression Give You Brain Damage?

Yes. Prolonged effects of depression can damage your brain permanently. Specifically, it can reduce the size of your hippocampus by approximately 10 percent. An individual who suffers from a mental disorder can have problems remembering, recalling, and concentrating.

Is depression considered a serious mental illness?

Yes. Depression is a serious mental illness affecting your ability to function socially. Individuals who experience depressive symptoms require extensive medical treatment and great emotional support.

When left unattended, these may result in severe consequences for both the patient and their families.

What Diseases Are Linked to Mental Health Conditions?

There are various physical diseases linked to depression. These include heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. There are also existing pieces of evidence linking HIV and AIDs to some symptoms of depression.

Who Is At Higher Risk Of The Mental Illness?

Individuals between the ages of 45 and 65 have a higher risk of acquiring major depressive disorder. Young and older people, on the other hand, have higher tendencies of having severe depression. However, it does not discriminate.

Other factors, such as race, people’s economic background, and family history, may influence the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Does depression lower your immune system?

Yes. Chronic or long-term conditions can significantly lower your immune system. The inability to perform social functioning, which influences your physical and mental health, can increase your susceptibility to illnesses.

Nonetheless, pre-existing medical conditions may also trigger symptoms of depression.

What Are The Effects Of Long-Term Depression?

Chronic or long-term depression can ultimately decrease your …

Have you ever met someone who seems to be just so magnetic? Are there people in your life who seem to draw in an astounding number of people without a sweat? Do you envy their natural capacity to be charismatic or attractive to diverse people? Do not fret. If you are like most people, who are not as liked as the popular kids on the block, there is nothing to fear.

It would be best if you remembered that every individual is unique and has their own significant qualities and the following reasons. Remember that it is not always about the good looks that take everyone by surprise. Sometimes, you just have to let it in on the inner parts and see how amazing one can be with his actions, words, manners, and behavior.

Firstly, we must admit that living without a trusted circle of people is a struggle because some people dislike others. Life would be difficult without any of those individuals, whether it be a romantic partner, a tight-knit group of best friends, or just family members. These are the ones that will vouch for you; genuine friendship is harder to find and keep. These people will become the strong foundation of your character and overall personality. They will help you become exactly who the way you are and who you should be, building up your self-esteem in the process.

Alone And Not Needed

You can get a dog, cat, or any other pet to ease your loneliness and boredom. You can spend time doing things you like and not minding other people’s lives. But having actual human friends is just a different feeling altogether. It creates a different social, mental, and emotional pattern that allows you to develop your skills and grow your strengths and weaknesses. Being surrounded by people who hear you can help you become a better version of yourself.

Unfortunately, there will be times when even the ones you want to spend time with and become part of your life would not appreciate your presence. Not because you are not worthy or anything but because they have their preference of the type of individuals they also want to include in their lives. Thus, you don’t have to feel bad about people not wanting you in their circle. If it is still an issue for you, you can still assess why your likeability is not as good as others. You can begin by identifying and solving common attributes others dislike about you. Being honest with our negative personality traits allows us to accept our issues and, from there, start to figure out ways to be better.

You can always ask yourself, “Do you try too hard to impress your co-workers?” “Are you a very controlling or manipulative kind of person?” “Do you whine and criticize inappropriately or excessively?” “Are you being a drama queen or rude towards other people?” “Are you that self-centered friend that blames everyone except himself?” If you can answer these negative but straight-to-the-point queries of “Why don’t people like me?” you can begin changing yourself for the better.

There are just so many certain things you could get wrong and feelings you can affect in a worse way. It would be best if you nipped these in the bud before these behaviors become bigger struggles and become permanent attitudes. Surely, you will get disappointed and upset when people try to tell you to go off when all you want is for them to like you.

But consider that, like you, there are also some qualities that you would and won’t tolerate in other people, like having poor personal hygiene or having a negative light overall. So if you can position yourself and move passed into thinking that you are not lovable because of who you are, you might want to reevaluate your actions and behaviors that might affect your ability to make friends socially. What is off-putting about the way you socialize or treat other people?

Aside from the social aspect of getting people to like you, it is also essential to consider the consequences of the success of your professional life. If trying so hard to get people’s attention is your main, try switching to something worthy of a quality relationship. Instead of just wanting people to like you instantly and expect them to be your friend, build a first impression that caters to your self-confidence, sensitivity, respect, and love for others. Be mindful that you can only make people like you when you know when to like yourself first.

You must take responsibility now if you value your sphere and professional track. Initiate change within yourself to get people to like you more.

This article will address a few of the most frequently asked questions about why people don’t like you. We will also discuss what you could do to reverse your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions On Reasons for Others’ Dislike of You And How To Change That

Why Do People Don’t Like You?

Generally, there is a particular reason or set of reasons why someone may not like you. It may not be apparent to you, but someone who dislikes you has a prejudice toward you in one way or another.

A leading cause could be jealousy or envy. If they see something you have that they do not, you might have the success that they want. It could be as simple as your new car or your capability to travel. Others could show hate or dislike towards you out of attention-seeking behaviors, trying to rile you up to get others to like them more. It could also be because of your sexual orientation, or it could be off-putting for them.

It could be due to misunderstandings, failed conversations, or misconceptions about you.

How Do I Get People To Like Me?

It is another question that can have so many possible answers. The main thing to get people to like you is acknowledging that not everyone will.

Once you fully understand that reality, you can begin working on people you can sway or persuade to like you. It helps to be very positive and authentic and treat everyone respectfully regardless of whether they like you.

Listening to others and asking questions are also effective strategies to show your attentiveness toward them; being a good listener is one trait you want in a friend, increasing your chances of liking you. Another tried and tested approach is to dedicate time and effort to getting to know people better. Be present with them in a conversation, and engage and hold eye contact when talking to them.

Is It OK Not To Like Everyone?

Absolutely! You are a person not born in this world to please everyone. With virtually limitless reasons why someone would dislike another, going out and getting …

Mental illnesses have been prevalent in the United States, with over 46.6 million adults affected. From this group, only 42.6% have received mental health services. These statistics show how mental healthcare remains to be inaccessible for most people.

Dealing With Psychological Wellness

As a result, some people have sought out options to control stressful situations and avoid triggers. For some, caring for their mental health means belonging to a support group or a community.

While it is essential to seek medical care services for your mental health conditions, it is also beneficial to surround yourself with a nurturing community. Before we discuss its benefits, we have to determine first what constitutes healthy communities.

A Nurturing Communities Improve Mental Health

There are many different types of community. A group of friends supporting each other can be a community, the same way that your neighborhood is, too.

You can be living in different types of communities, and the best way to take advantage of this is by finding a healthy one.

According to the Center for Disease Control, healthy communities continuously improve physical and social environments to maximize their people’s potential.

With this definition, we can understand that it is not enough to surround yourself with people and call it a community. You must immerse yourself with people who nurture you for the best.

Here are some of the benefits of belonging to a healthy community.

Live Within A Safe Space

Within a caring environment, people get to feel a sense of belonging. They can express themselves more without the fear of judgment.

Sure there will always be criticisms as you go on a journey to self-realization. But a community that cares will give you constructive feedback instead of dragging you down with negativity.

Hearing constructive criticism from your friends will make you feel secure because you know that they mean well. Your mental health can benefit from the people who don’t want to harm your overall well-being.

Living in a safe space also applies to its literal meaning. Staying in healthy residential communities may help lessen the chances of mental stress and depression. Aside from that, incorporating green spaces is also helpful in keeping your mind and body healthy. A green space is a necessity these days.

Do Something Active Regularly

Studies have shown how participation in organized physical activities boost your self-esteem and social skills. The Department of Health suggests that you try participating in weekly sports games or social meetings with your neighbors. It can be beneficial for your blood pressure and overall physical needs. It’s important that you focus on a healthy diet and a clean lifestyle.

With a safe space, you can avoid or at least lessen the impact of life and work stressors on your mental health. Knowing you have a safe space may also help you focus on yourself and your better mental health.

Empower Yourself

A community may be a single solidified group, but it is still composed of individuals with personal strengths and weaknesses. They could be children of your family as members of your community.

According to researchers, living within a nurturing community gives you a sense of purpose. No matter how big or small your role in your group is, you know you are contributing to something larger than life.

Think of yourself as a puzzle piece to a bigger picture. Every single detail has a purpose that only it can fulfill. Without even just one piece, the outcome would be different, and the image wouldn’t have its meaning in full.

If you are still unsure of what your strengths and weaknesses are, your communities can help you. You can try out skills and talents with them.

With their constructive criticisms, you will discover which skills you need to improve and what talents you’ve already perfected. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can affirm your purpose and boost your self-esteem.

Learn And Grow Collaboratively

Being with people with a positive mindset and a winning attitude will help you realize your goals better. You can set goals for yourself and the community.

Social connections with a healthy person will also inspire you to create positive change, not just for yourself but also for them. This way, you can combat several factors like risk of depression, stress, anxiety heart disease, or any other physical health problem.

Having a healthy group of friends can also help you avoid or change unhealthy behavior. You can learn healthy coping mechanisms from them, and they can learn from you, too.

For example, you can also exercise, volunteer to a school or start a community garden to encourage people to create green space and grow your own healthy food.

Green spaces are also good to have in poorer neighborhoods as they can be an additional stream of income for the communities and one of the solutions to the health problems of the people. These examples can change lives.

Taking steps for constant improvement will also feel easier to do with a community that encourages you to grow.

Healing Is Not Always Linear

At times, it may get hard to quantify your progress, especially when your steps are small and change is gradual. A community will be able to nurture you by giving you an external perspective. In this way, you would be able to track your progress better.

Gaining access of a healthy community also requires your participation within their environment. Maintaining your relationship with your people involves both giving and taking.

Both of you need to benefit from the relationship. Remember also to play your role and help others get through their situations and achieve their set goals.

Take Action And Find A Community

With all these benefits—safe spaces, empowerment, and growth—you may feel excited about belonging to a nurturing community. Find solace in your existing circles, may it be your relatives, your friends, your neighbors, or your colleagues.

You may also search for a new community to immerse yourself in. You can start by volunteering for advocacy-driven organizations or by sparking up a new hobby or interest.

Aside from joining different groups, you can also be a part of a community through a therapist. If you struggle with mental health issues, seeking a therapist would help you control your situation.

A therapist will provide you with steps toward self-betterment and a support system to help you get through your healing process.

FAQs

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I grew up around farm animals like cows, goats, horses, and pigs. Our family also had dogs who served as my best friends and protectors from a young age. My mom would always say that old family dog Jasmine used to sleep by my crib or play with me.

Even when I became an adult and lived on my own, I did not outgrow my love for animals. I looked for an apartment that would allow me to bring pets at home. Then, I adopted a couple of rescue dogs who I connected with as soon as I saw them.

Because of my out-of-town business trips, though, I did not have much spare time to spend with my pets. I always felt so guilty about it, especially when I would live them to the same shelter where they came from. I had no choice; I lived alone, and no one could look after them while I was away.

But I honestly felt mixed emotions when I found out one day that the governor placed the state under quarantine. Of course, I was terrified about getting coronavirus and dying before even getting married. I also felt sad due to the growing number of individuals who got COVID-19.

Admittedly, I was somewhat happy about the quarantine, too, because it meant that I could be with my animals for weeks. And this new regulation was beneficial not only for humans but also for pets. Here’s why.

More Animals Got Adopted

When the pandemic broke out, I did not feel too scared about my safety. I thought that as long as I stayed at home, I would be safe. At the time, however, I was more worried about the high number of abandoned or abused dogs that kept on piling up in shelters. That’s especially true when I Iearned that they could have coronavirus, too.

While this fact kept me up for a few nights, the silver lining was that the shelters had been emptied by people who wanted to adopt a pet. Some of them might have been lonely and needed company. Others might have felt the same way that I did, and so they went on to adopt animals. Either way, it meant that the dogs could live in a safe environment.

Owners Could Bond With The Pets

The quarantine guaranteed that people would have time to bond with their pets. I knew that from experience, given that I could not even go next door to visit my best friend. I would only get in my car and drive whenever I’d pick up the groceries and then come back a few minutes later. The rest of the day was spent hanging out with my four-legged friends.

During this quarantine, I managed to get to know my pets more, and vice versa. We would play fetch at the backyard every afternoon and then have dinner under the stars. I also taught the dogs a few basic tricks, such as rolling over and playing dead.

Lonely Animals Finally Had A Home

Despite the care that volunteers give to animals at the shelter, it is still nothing compared to having an owner. They don’t need to stay in cages 24/7, for one. They can stretch their muscles without fearing other dogs. Of course, their owner gets to pamper them.

This sense of stability is essential, especially for abandoned animals. They need to be in a peaceful space where there aren’t 20 or so dogs barking from all sides. This way, it becomes effortless for them to stop feeling lonely.

Final Thoughts

I salute all those people who have thought of fostering or adopting animals during the coronavirus outbreak. Whether you have a dog, cat, or any other animal, your affection can do wonders for their well-being. Cheers!…

 

Source: pexels.com

The 2018 Animal Care Seminar was focused on assisting veterinarians who specialized in laboratory animal medicine, specifically those getting ready for the board examinations. Keynote speakers were invited to discuss various topics regarding animal medicine. Interesting topics included the laboratory rat, facility architecture and equipment, and viral diseases. Immunodeficient rodents, the laboratory swine, and mouse pathology and diseases were also some of the most followed topics of the seminar. A review was done after the end of all the discussions, and the mock board examinations ended the day.

In relation to this, we will discuss some of the most common rodent-borne diseases.

Salmonellosis. Rodents can be carriers of Salmonella bacteria that lead to illnesses in both animals and humans. The infection originates from eating food or drinking water that contaminated with rat feces, the most common of which is through food contamination with farm animal feces. Some symptoms of the disease are fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Leptospirosis. This is an infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. It is usually acquired from the urine of infected pigs, cattle, rodents, and dogs. People can be contaminated either through direct contact with urine or contact with water, food, or soil that is contaminated with the urine of these infected animals.

Source: upload.wikimedia.org

Typhoid Fever. Salmonella Enterica Subsp. Enterica Serovar Typhi is an endemic that is seen in several developing countries where hygiene is poor overall. Typhoid fever affects nearly 30 million individuals annually, specifically in children. It does not harm animals and is exclusive to humans only. Thus, it has a lower likelihood of having been transmitted by rodents except when they come in contact with human feces, such as in the sewer systems. Fortunately, this disease is treatable with antibiotics and vaccines.

Rodents are carriers of many other disease-causing organisms, some of which include viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and helminths. They are also carriers of various parasites. Rats act as reservoirs for many illnesses through their ectoparasites, including ticks, lice, mites, and fleas. They are also vectors for diseases carried by mosquitoes.

 

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