Anticipatory grief is grief that occurs before a loss. It is commonly experienced by the loved ones of an individual with a terminal diagnosis as well as the individual who is dying. However, it can also be experienced in any situation where a pending change may lead to loss, such as a move to a new city, a job change, or a child leaving home for college. Anticipatory grief has a lot in common with conventional grief, the grief one experiences after a loss....
It can be difficult to admit, even to yourself, that you are not happy in your relationship with your partner. Whether it’s constant fights, a growing distance between the two of you, or just a gnawing feeling in your gut that something’s wrong, unhappiness can take different forms. This article explores the causes and consequences of unhappy relationships, as well as some advice from a psychologist on how to improve it....
Good news! After years of struggling and figuring out how your disability works in your body-mind, you’ve finally been offered an interview. This is the opportunity that could lift you out of poverty, allow you to have good health insurance for once, and afford both your medications and a new wheelchair.But there’s a catch. For the first time, you have to figure out how to disclose to your employer that you have a disability and that you need accommodations....
There are many wonderful blogs out there by Asian American parents. Readers are drawn in as they share their experiences, perspectives, wisdom, struggles, triumphs, and best of all, laughs. Parent bloggers build bridges, create community, and inspire. The best of them also provide a beacon in the sometimes lonely, frustrating, or overwhelming endeavor of parenting—while also relishing all the day-to-day wonders of having kids. You’ll find crafty parents, expert home cooks, and parents that make it look easy—while also dishing on how you can, too....
Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. Introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme opposites, but the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the middle. While introverts make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality type. It is also important to note that being an introvert does not mean that you are socially anxious or shy....
If you’re expecting a baby, whether you have a vaginal birth or a Cesarean section, you may choose to have epidural anesthesia when you give birth. This type of anesthesia is very safe: The most common side effect is shaking as the numbness wears off. But sometimes—although rare—an epidural can result in a temporary but severe headache. This head pain is commonly referred to as a spinal headache because it also is a potential side effect of spinal anesthesia (rarely used in childbirth anymore) and a diagnostic procedure called a spinal tap....
What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder? People with antisocial personality disorder have little or no regard for right or wrong. They antagonize and often act insensitively or in an unfeeling manner. Individuals with this disorder may lie, engage in aggressive or violent behavior, and participate in criminal activity. Antisocial Personality Disorder: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a condition characterized by a lack of empathy and regard for other people. Psychopathy is associated with antisocial personality disorder....
Barbiturates are substances that have sedative-hypnotic effects. These drugs are sometimes prescribed to help reduce anxiety and induce sleep, but they can also be dangerous and habit-forming. This article discusses what barbiturates are, how they work, and their potential side effects. It also covers potential side effects and risks of withdrawal. What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturates are a class of drugs derived from barbituric acid that act as depressants to the central nervous system....
Many contemporary personality psychologists believe that there are five basic dimensions of personality, often referred to as the “Big 5” personality traits. These five primary personality traits are extraversion (also often spelled extroversion), agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Extraversion is sociability, agreeableness is kindness, openness is creativity and intrigue, conscientiousness is thoughtfulness, and neuroticism often involves sadness or emotional instability. Understanding what each personality trait is and what it means to score high or low in that trait can give you insight into your own personality—without taking a personality traits test....
Donating blood is a wonderfully altruistic deed you can do for your community. Blood and platelets have numerous vital medical uses, such as in the treatment of traumatic injuries, cancer, and chronic illnesses. Giving blood allows doctors to provide essential care. Each blood donation has the potential to saves lives—and donors are always in demand. Breastfeeding parents who want to help their fellow neighbors by donating blood may wonder if it’s safe for them to do so....
Age 8 can be a magical year. It’s the year that your little kid really becomes a big kid. Middle childhood is a time of physical, mental, and emotional growth. It’s possible you’ll notice that your child no longer asks for your help with their homework and they may be wanting to spend more time with their friends. Eight-year-olds are becoming more independent and more mature. You may be pleased to see that they begin to show genuine empathy for others and start to put others first in situations that they haven’t before, such as happily letting a younger sibling go first in a family game....
Not surprisingly, statistics concerning intimate partner violence vary widely from study to study and even from year to year. After all, interpersonal violence is not a topic that either victims or perpetrators are eager to reveal or talk about. The subject of abuse can be both difficult and embarrassing for them to discuss outside of the household. Therefore, many speculate that intimate partner violence is probably vastly under-reported, especially among certain ethnic groups in the United States, since it’s more likely to be kept secret....
People of all ages deal with mental health conditions, including children. A new study from the PLOS One Journal found that mental health interventions need to extend to elementary school-aged children. Key Takeaways One in five young people develop a mental health condition.Earlier intervention can help limit the risk of self-harm in school-aged children.Parents and schools can increase education, open communication about emotions, and look for signs of self-harm in children....
If you believe that breast milk is the best food choice for your child, but you are not able to breastfeed, or you don’t want to, what can you do? That’s where exclusive pumping comes in. Exclusive pumping is a great way to provide your baby with your breast milk without putting the baby to the breast. Exclusive pumping is also called EPing and breast milk feeding. It is the process of removing the breast milk from your breasts at regular times throughout the day....
Fake cocaine or “bath salts” is a designer drug that may contain substances such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and is available online as a chemical. People who use it typically snort the powder to get high. As a result, it often goes by the nickname “fake cocaine.” In 2012, Congress passed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act. This act permanently placed 26 types of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)....
First day of school pictures is a tradition for many parents. Whether it’s the first day of Kindergarten, Fifth grade, or Junior Year, cementing such a huge moment in children’s lives and sharing it with an online community has become a commonplace ritual. Key Takeaways Taking first day of school pictures is a rite of passage, but sometimes that comes with a risk.Sharing first day of school pictures online with too many details could potentially pose a danger to your child, or your internet security....
Kids need lots of things to succeed at school: committed parents/caregivers, supportive educators, and healthy habits, for starters. Good physical and mental health are also crucial components, and that includes eye health. Key Takeaways A study measured the academic impact of glasses by studying students who received eye exams and glasses through the Vision for Baltimore program.Students who received the glasses they needed improved saw improvements in their math and reading skills....
One in 10 children in the United States lives with a grandparent. A third of these households have no parents present at all, so the grandparents are raising their grandchildren by themselves. These households are sometimes called skip generation families. In the great majority of these families, however, the grandparents do not have legal custody or guardianship of their grandchildren. And this can be a very bad situation. Guardianship Guardianship is a legal term referring to the relationship between a minor child and someone other than a parent who is caring for that child....
What Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction? Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a therapeutic technique in which an instructor guides participants in weekly practices like meditation and yoga in order to reduce stress levels. MBSR is a popular method to help those with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction, immune disorders, high blood pressure, and more. MBSR is often a complementary practice, used alongside other therapies to help people cope with various types of physical and mental distress....
When your child is diagnosed with depression, it can be a frightening time for the whole family. Deciding whether to start your child on medication to manage depression can be additionally confusing. However, with serious short- and long-term consequences of depression—such as poor social development, substance misuse, poor academic performance, and suicidal thoughts and behavior—it is important to find a safe and effective treatment for your child. Knowing the risks and benefits of medications and what to watch out for can help you make a confident decision for your child....
