Happy New Year! I pray you’re surrounded by family, friends and good food. Rosh Hashanah starts the New Year and many rituals follow back to the bible.
Why Rosh Hashanah Is Important
The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah actually means “Head of the Year.” Just like the head controls the body, our actions on Rosh Hashanah have a tremendous impact on the rest of the year.
As we read in the Rosh Hashanah prayers, each year on this day “all inhabitants of the world pass before G‑d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court “who shall live, and who shall die … who shall be impoverished and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.”
It is a day of prayer, a time to ask the Almighty to grant us a year of peace, prosperity and blessing. But it is also a joyous day when we proclaim G‑d King of the Universe. The Kabbalists teach that the continued existence of the universe depends on G‑d’s desire for a world, a desire that is renewed when we accept His kingship anew each year on Rosh Hashanah.
Here are some ideas on how to prepare for conversations with your doctor about a new early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Asking key questions can help you feel less overwhelmed, better understand your stage, symptoms, and treatment options, and also navigate any feelings of uncertainty and potential challenges.
We compiled a list of important questions and talking points to discuss with your doctor to determine the best path forward.
What stage is the Alzheimer’s disease currently in?
One of the first questions for your healthcare professional should be about which of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease you’re experiencing.
An early diagnosis, commonly referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s, is when the condition is detected before the age of 65. Generally, early-onset diagnoses are seen in people in their 50s.
Though no one wants to hear that they’re navigating this overwhelming condition at any stage, the earlier it’s detected, the better for planning for the future, including certain medications and other therapies for improving symptoms.
For example, it gives them time to adjust to any mood or personality changes in the person they’re caring for, explain the changes to other family members, and allows them more time to create the most comprehensive care plan.
Emotionally processing the diagnosis early and having time to plan accordingly also has a significant impact on mental health. Early diagnosis has been shownTrusted Source to decrease depression and anxiety in caregivers.
What are the key symptoms I should expect to see in the near future?
Understanding more about your stage can help you prepare for symptoms commonly seen in that stage.
For example, the hallmark of early Alzheimer’s is lapses in memory, like forgetting recent experiences or conversations.
Asking your doctor about your stage’s symptoms allows everyone involved to understand what to expect, which can also help you give yourself some grace.
How is this diagnosis confirmed and are there any other tests needed?
Unlike some other health conditions, Alzheimer’s is not confirmed with a stand-alone test.
Instead, healthcare providers rely on a slew of diagnostic tools to detect it, which can includeTrusted Source:
neurological exams (like testing reflexes, balance and coordination, and more)
What treatment options are available at this stage?
Talking with your doctor about treatment options is crucial for managing the condition. Though no treatment can stop the condition, certain medications can lower symptoms or delay progression, making coping and daily life activities easier.
Are there any lifestyle changes or interventions that could help manage symptoms?
Certain lifestyle adjustments may also improve symptoms. Talk with your doctor about other therapies you can consider alongside medications, including:
How will we monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment?
Discussing how well your treatment plan is working should be an ongoing conversation with your doctor during follow-up appointments. You can discuss any side effects and symptom improvement and decide if a different treatment plan may be necessary.
When someone living with Alzheimer’s has progressed from one stage to another, it may be time to discuss different options, as certain medications are approved only for specific stages.
Have a plan with your doctor for checking in regularly, which is usually done by scheduling routine appointments weeks in advance.
What strategies can help maintain my quality of life as the disease progresses?
Quality of life should also be discussed during follow-up appointments. Your doctor can discuss coping strategies and help ensure that you and your caregivers maximize joy whenever possible.
For example, adding fun, social, and creative activities into your schedule can be cognitively stimulating and also create opportunities to relax and deepen relationships. Some examples include painting, card or board games, puzzles, coloring, and more.
It’s also important to keep meaningful activities present, including any spiritual practices you may have.
Remember that rest is just as important as socializing and other activities, especially for those with Alzheimer’s, so plan breaks into your schedule, too.
How can I prepare for potential changes in my ability to function?
There’s no perfect way to prepare for changes, but it is important to stay flexible, take breaks when needed, and be open with your doctor about recent function changes. Check in with your doctor about which tasks are becoming more difficult and which are still very manageable.
Keeping lists and Post-it reminders handy, including daily tasks and schedules, can help you stay on track. Your doctor can discuss when it may be time to turn certain tasks over to your caregivers, like driving.
How can my family and caregivers best support me through this journey?
During each stage, your caregivers will have a lot to think about and manage. Counseling or other therapies may be helpful for their well-being.
But overall, when they’re not checking in with your doctor, planning for the future, and helping with certain daily tasks, remind them to stay present and not force activities you have no interest in.
For example, if you’re feeling tired one evening but a caregiver has a movie night planned, remind them it’s OK for you to take a rain check.
Spending time together is important, whether it’s sharing meals or memories.
If you’re up for it, looking over photographs or home movies may be helpful for stirring up shared past experiences. This is referred to as reminiscence therapyTrusted Source, and it’s been shown to improve quality of life for older adults.
If this type of activity is too heavy for either of you to process, you can skip it. The idea isn’t to connect dots to recall specific memories but to spend time enjoying each other’s company while thinking about shared positive experiences.
This free resource offers support through information, local resources, crisis assistance, and emotional support.
What should my caregivers know about managing my condition?
Though caregivers may feel overwhelmed or stressed, a few things are never OK, including:
constant correcting or controlling
rushing
forcing
laughing at mistakes
condescending remarks or suggestions
Your caregivers will need some advice and maybe training for activities they might have to perform during later stages, such as feeding, bathing, and changing.
It’s also crucial to ensure that the home is a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-navigate environment.
You can ask your doctor for other important things for your caregivers to keep in mind. They can offer tip sheets and additional resources.
You can also consider trained attendants for care at home if they’re available to you.
What should I know about planning for future financial and legal matters?
Locking financial and legal matters into place as soon as possible can make you feel more confident about the future. Ask your doctor to guide you to any resources that may help you map these matters out.
For example, the first step is to document your choice of who has power of attorney. Similarly, making a plan for bills to be paid at the same time every month through automatic withdrawal can help relieve some stress and cross one thing off your to-do list.
Additionally, some living facilities offer plans that include rent and all other expenses, like utilities, cable, etc., into one monthly bill, so there’s no need to keep track of a long list of monthly due dates.
How can I ensure that my wishes regarding care and treatment are respected?
This is another area where documentation comes in handy. You can document your preferences across a wide range of areas of your life, including your preferred activities, people to socialize with, favorite and least favorite foods, etc.
It’s important to check in with your caregivers and healthcare providers about whether your care feels right for you. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers and being honest if you feel unsafe at home is also important.
It’s important to be proactive and informed in managing early-onset Alzheimer’s.
A strong first step is maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers and asking key questions. Gathering the right information can help you cope and plan for a smoother, more comfortable future.
From there, finding the right support team, whether friends, family, or caregivers, is the next best step to feeling more confident as you moving forward.
Remember that you’re not alone — help and companionship are often just a phone call away.
I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness, Proven Strategies for Discovering Happiness, Meaning, and Fulfillment by Christopher Martin from NetGallery for a review.
Published 2021
I am a school psychologist, husband, father, and – pertinent to this website – an author who has multiple invisible chronic illnesses.
And an invisible chronic illness is a beast. On top of draining you physically, a chronic illness can impact all aspects of your life ranging from causing financial hardship to harming your relationships to dampening your spirits. Try to be cheerful when you have this unremitting “monkey on your back” known as an invisible chronic illness that constantly demands your attention 24-7. Needless to say, it’s easy to let yourself and others down.
Plus, your family or friends can’t see your illness, as it’s invisible, and they may not understand. Most with an invisible illness are familiar with “advice” ranging from “stay positive” to “you look good” to “Have you tried ___ for your condition?” Yup, you probably have, and it didn’t work.
On top of that, best wishes in accessing (and maintaining) high quality medical care when you are too tired to even take care of yourself.
Welcome to the world of an invisible chronic illness. I should know. I suffer from multiple invisible chronic illnesses, including a primary immune deficiency disorder and bronchiectasis.
But it doesn’t have to be this way – for you or for me. While I am not cured of my illness, I enjoy a fulfilling life and experience ongoing joy, peace, and happiness. Because of outstanding medical care, extensive self-educating and self-care, a supportive family, and a strong faith, I effectively manage my chronic illnesses. But I didn’t want to be the only one to benefit. It was my goal, in turn, to give back to others by doing what I love to do: authoring books on these conditions.
Blurb
“Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness.”—James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
“Finding Joy provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for not only coping with chronic illness, but personally optimizing self-growth and resiliency from the experience.” —Joanne Joseph, PhD, professor of psychology and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and author of The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World
* How can you experience those good thoughts and feelings, enjoy life to its fullest, and de-stress when faced with relentless physical suffering?
* How can you enhance your relationships, find support, respond to the naysayers, and possibly even help them understand you and your illness?
* When seeking medical care, how can you get the answers you deserve, and access and maintain quality healthcare?
Early Reviews
“”Finding Joy is absolutely phenomenal. Chris Martin’s heartfelt approach offers numerous meaningful strategies to thrive when faced with the many unseen and unrecognized issues of living with an invisible chronic illness.””—Heather Lewis-Hoover, MS, CAS, school counselor
““Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness.””—James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
“Finding Joy provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for not only coping with chronic illness, but personally optimizing self-growth and resiliency from the experience.” —Joanne Joseph, PhD, professor of psychology and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and author of The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World
My Thoughts
I think Chris says it best, the diagnosis is a step forward, it’s not the last.
Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness is a great find, one for all to read, patients, loved ones, and, family members. It is a simple and practical approach to taking control by understanding how we think and what we have control over when it comes to our chronic condition and healthcare treatment.
A couple of months ago I was making the most delicious sounding cookies, I followed the instructions, had everything set up before I started and had confidence they would turn out as good as the previous recipe I made. Karma had a different idea, part of the recipe required mixing several items together in a bowl, after mixing I put the bowl just to the side of the mixer. Unfortunately, when it came time to add the bowl was not in my line of site and I forgot it. It wasn’t until the cookies were baking that I saw the mixture. A failure and a learning experience.
Bipolar can make disrespect feel overwhelming. Reframing others’ behavior keeps the focus on their actions — not your worth.
Did you know that no one can disrespect you?
That’s right! No one can disrespect us. When we feel disrespected, we’re taking someone’s words or actions personally, and we choose to feel disrespected. We assign to our response feelings like invalidation or disrespect. In actuality, they are not disrespecting us. Here’s why.
You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s absolutely true: People’s actions are a reflection of the person they are. They are projecting their behavior onto us.
Don’t Take Disrespect Personally
Learning not to take things personally is so important to our mental well-being and happiness. When we think people are being disrespectful, invalidating, or rejecting, that’s when we’re taking their behaviors personally and making their behaviors about us.
Another person’s behavior is not about us. It may feel like people are acting a certain way because of us, but the way people act is always about them.
When we feel disrespected, this is our cue to start reframing the situation for clarity and perspective. Instead of taking things personally and feeling bad about ourselves, we need to change our thinking to find perspective, objectivity, and clarity.
Reframe Negative Thoughts for a Healthier Perspective
I used to feel disrespected all the time, like I didn’t matter, and people put me last or trampled my boundaries. We can feel very low and cultivate a lot of negative thinking about ourselves when we have this perspective. This is not good for promoting a solid sense of self, healthy self-esteem, or positive self-image.
We need to protect ourselves from emotional hurt and invalidation. I’ve found that when I can reframe hurtful actions as experiences rather than taking them personally, it helps me cope with people who may be unaware or hurtful.
Not having the situation be about me makes it easier to maintain perspective, distance, and detachment.
How do you do this? Instead of claiming disrespect, detach from that idea and reframe the situation in terms of how the disrespectful person was behaving. Your thought process is no longer, They were disrespectful to me, which hurt my feelings! Instead, it becomes:
They were being rude
They were acting like a jerk
They were being insensitive
They were being disrespectful
And here’s the important part, … but that is a poor reflection of them and not hurtful to me.Again, the key here is, that’s not hurtful to me.
Why Strong Boundaries Protect Your Mental Health
The most important dynamic in human behavior and healthy relationships is creating and maintaining boundaries, in my opinion. Boundaries allow clarity, perspective, and detachment because they keep us in a safe space and separated from what crosses our boundaries and creates anger or hurt.arated from what crosses our boundaries and creates hurt or anger.
Sharing just one lesson is difficult because I have many lessons that would have helped a great deal while growing up. I was abused by mother since birth and it contiued until moving away at 12 years old. Confidence was not apart of my vocabulary, nor did I know how to build my confidence. It wasn’t until I was 14 years old that my confidence started to build slowly.
I was spending a year in reform school that was run by nuns in a large convent. I may have been a wild child but I understood how to respect authority. Spending a year confined in a quite place filled with love, accountability and encouragement was what I needed. As I was given more responsibility and freedom my confidence contiued to grow, I was allowed to start a newspaper, the Tumble Weed Connection which showed me the trust my Journalism teacher had in me and it was a dream come true.
Learning to build our confidence is a life long journey because there is always more we can learn outside of our comfort zone.
Professional support groups and networks play a vital role in addressing challenges faced by those living with bipolar disorder and their families.
Finding the right support can make a world of difference when living with bipolar disorder. National and international organizations offer resources, education, and community — helping individuals and families feel informed, empowered, and less alone.
These care networks — such as peer and professional support groups — create a sense of connection and belonging and provide practical insights for navigating the often complex mental health care system. They also offer valuable tools, such as self-help strategies and lifestyle recommendations, which empower individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively.
In addition to providing support and resources, some national networks are actively involved in research, clinical trials, and the development of innovative therapies.
Here’s a roundup of the best bipolar support organizations contributing to a brighter future for those who live with bipolar disorder or love someone who does:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a range of programs designed to educate you and your family about bipolar disorder, including a peer-to-peer program specifically for adults living with mental health conditions.
They also feature a helpline on their website that offers free, confidential support, as well as referrals to local services, and guidance from trained volunteers. With local chapters all over the United States, the national organization can provide you with direct assistance, including access to support groups, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs.
As advocates for improved mental health policies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness actively works to enhance access to care, safeguard your rights, and increase research funding. Plus, they share the latest research findings in bipolar disorder management, helping you stay informed and empowered.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
As a leading national organization specializing in depression and bipolar disorder, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reaches millions of people each year with its extensive selection of resources. A key feature of their support system is the array of both in-person and online support groups, which are led by individuals who’ve had personal experiences with mood disorders. These groups provide a safe and comforting space where you can share your experiences, gain support, and learn coping strategies. And if you’re interested, they also provide training so you, too, can lead support groups and share your experiences with others.
The organization also offers dedicated resources for support partners, families, and friends. They provide an online community where your support network can connect with others in similar situations to exchange advice and gain support.
In addition to these support groups, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has plenty of educational materials to help you better understand your diagnosis, learn about treatment options, and find strategies for maintaining your bipolar stability.
Mental Health America (MHA)
A reliable resource to guide you on your journey with bipolar, Mental Health America offers a wealth of helpful information. This includes detailed insights into symptoms, understanding the diagnosis process, exploring various treatment options, and practical strategies for day-to-day coping.
Through their website, they offer various tools, including online screening options, to help you identify potential bipolar symptoms, insightful articles about the mood disorder, and hosting educational webinars and podcasts.
Understanding the value of shared experiences and community in managing bipolar disorder, Mental Health America promotes its peer-support platform, Inspire. They also conduct public awareness campaigns to help reduce stigma and advocate for research to enhance our understanding and management of this diagnosis.
International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)
A valuable support, the International Bipolar Foundation provides a range of educational tools, including informative webinars and detailed blogs to help you — and your loved ones — understand and manage your condition more effectively. If you’re newly diagnosed, they offer a free book to guide you through this journey.
Recognizing the importance of having people around who understand what you’re going through, the foundation maintains a list of support groups worldwide. One of their main goals is to help you connect with these groups and mental health professionals, ensuring you can always find the help you need.
In collaboration with global organizations and experts, the International Bipolar Foundation is dedicated to advancing research to improve our knowledge and treatment of bipolar disorder. They’re also active in raising awareness and reducing stigma through various campaigns, promoting greater societal understanding and acceptance. For anyone in a crisis, they list international suicide hotlines.
American Psychiatric Association (APA)
Dedicated to promoting mental health through research, education, and advocacy, the American Psychiatric Association offers valuable resources for individuals with bipolar disorder and healthcare professionals. They create guidelines that doctors use to diagnose and treat bipolar, ensuring that you’re getting care based on the most current knowledge and research.
They also educate psychiatrists and health providers about the latest findings and treatment methods for bipolar disorder, which helps keep your health team updated and well-equipped to support you.
The association also conducts research and advocates for policies and funding that improve mental health care. This work can lead to a better understanding and treatments for bipolar disorder in the future. You can find informative articles, webinars, podcasts, and guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, all aimed at increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and improving overall care. If you need to find a psychiatrist in your area, consider trying their Find a Psychiatrist tool.
Mayo Clinic
This top U.S. hospital provides personalized care and support for people living with bipolar disorder, which includes everything from diagnosis to treatment. Mayo Clinic’s team of specialists, including those from their Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, work together to create a treatment plan designed specifically for you. This could include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a mix of these.
Mayo Clinic provides educational resources to help you better understand your condition, manage your symptoms, and make informed decisions about your treatment. Plus, they offer support services like stress management assistance and help with any related school or work challenges.
They also have a comprehensive outpatient evaluation and treatment program at the Mayo Clinic Depression Center, along with the Mood Disorders Unit and the Mayo Mood Clinic.
And as part of their ongoing efforts to improve bipolar management, Mayo Clinic conducts research, which means you’d have access to the latest treatment options and may even be able to participate in clinical trials.
A rich source of information about bipolar disorder, they maintain an extensive collection of educational materials on their website, providing in-depth insights into the symptoms, causes, diagnostic process, and treatment methods related to the disorder.
The institute invests in research and clinical trials to improve how we diagnose and treat bipolar disorder, and evaluate new treatment possibilities. They also collaborate with other organizations to raise public awareness about bipolar disorder and reduce its stigma. This helps everyone, from the general public to healthcare professionals, to better understand and respond to the complexities of this mood disorder.
Additional Mental Health Associations and Organizations
The following additional organizations spread awareness and understanding about bipolar disorder, the treatment of clinical depression, and mental health, in general. If you seek additional information about bipolar disease and depression treatment for yourself, a child, or loved one, we encourage you to explore these websites:
United States
American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • aacap.org
America Foundation for Suicide Prevention • afsp.org
American Psychiatric Nurses Association • apna.org
Before my illnesses took over my life my enjoyed walking in the woods or scenic trails and hiking, I even conquired Verna Fallas at Yosemite National Park yet I was not one to walk around, I wanted to have an environment to enjoy while walking. The last time I ran was in Jr. High where I ran track. Walking and running is not my thing, I know it’s great for your health but neither interested me. I have ridden a bike for years because I can ride to the park where there is plenty to look at. I did walk at a larger park with the dogs but would not consider that short of a walk helped me and we only went on the weekends.
Verna Falls Yosemite National Park
My husband walks the dogs every morning and again before lunch, I have wanted to join them but when you have Agoraphobia it’s hard to jump that hurdle. I’m still hopeful that I will join him and the dogs one day.
I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. It’s important say, I am not an Amazon Affliate, I do not earn compensation, each link takes you to the product or corporate cite.
Dyson Standing Floor with HEPA Air Purifier
Automatically senses, captures, and traps pollutants for cleaner air. Intelligently purifies and cools you.² Fully sealed to HEPA H13 standard. It’s not just the filter that’s fully sealed, it’s the whole machine.⁴ So what goes inside stays inside. Air Multiplier technology generates the circulation power to draw distant pollutants into the machine, projecting purified air throughout the whole room.¹ Automatically senses and reacts to changes in air quality, then reports pollution in real time on LCD screen and on the My Dyson app.³ Fan mode directly cools with up to 350° oscillation and Backward airflow mode purifies without cooling you.
Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team Bagged Canister Vacuum, Tech Blue
GERMAN ENGINEERED: Bagged canister vacuum cleaner ideal for homes with hard floors and low-medium pile carpeting
STRONG SUCTION POWER: Switch between 6 suction power settings specific to the surface being cleaned
MAXIMUM MANEUVERABILITY: Vacuum easily around and underneath furniture, or use the clipped on accessories to clean upholstery or hard to reach places
AIRCLEAN SYSTEM: Miele’s unique 3-tiered filtration system consists of a genuine Miele FilterBag, Motor Protection Filter and AirClean Exhaust Filter. The room air is cleaner after vacuuming than before
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: STB 305-3 TurboTeQ Floorhead, SBB Parquet-3 Floorhead, Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool and Upholstery Tool
I love this vacuum so much, with the canister your not pushing a heavy vacuum around. The canister is lightweight, maneuvers very well and the tools are a life saver for many other jobs around the house. The curtin cleaning works great. We’ve had ours for at least 10 years, it works like new and we’ve not had a single issue.
For Home Allergies, Pet Hair, Covers Up to 1073 ft² by 56W High Torque Motor, AHAM VERIFIDE, 3-in-1 Filter with HEPA Sleep Mode, Remove Dust Smoke Odor.
We have one the air purifiers in each room in the house. They are compact and will surprise you by how much is pulled from the air. When you change the filter it’s clear it’s doing its job.
33 Inch, 750/1500W Wall Firebox Heater with Remote Control, 3 Color Flames, 5 Brightness Settings 8H Timer, Electric Fireplace. Our fireplace is designed for easy installation. It can be wall-mounted or embedded in a cabinet, giving you the convenience of a crackling fireplace without taking up too much space. It perfectly fits into various settings such as tv stands, fireplace walls, bookshelves, and entertainment centers. Its sleek and elite design adds a touch of sophistication to your living room, bedroom, or office.
This not the exact fireplace I have because Amazon doesn’t carry it any longer. This one is close to what I have hanging on the wall in my office. I am very cold natured and use it most of the year. We’ve had it for 5 years without a single problem. Be sure to read all instruction before you install.
The Dyson V8 cordless vacuum is engineered with the power, versatility, tools, and run time to clean homes with pets. Dyson’s de-tangling Motorbar cleaner head deep cleans carpets and hard floors. With hair removal vanes that clear long hair and pet hair from the brush bar as you clean. The innovative Hair screw tool with a conical brush bar is perfect for cleaning upholstery and pet beds. The Dyson V8 Animal Extra has advanced, whole-machine filtration that captures fine dust and expels cleaner air. Thanks to the cordless format, it also transforms into a handheld vacuum with one click so you can clean up high, down low, and everywhere in between.
We have two, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. This not the exact model because they no longer make it, ours are at least 15 years old, the prices are higher due to improvements and tarrifs. There are still a great investment. I like the plug in charger type vs. having a battery.
I’ve heard for a long time that Tumeric can help with Arthrits pain and inflamation, yet more information was needed before I started taking it. What I read was disturbing. Yes, Tumeric is know to help in those areas but there a numbers of side effects that applied to me. The list included that certain health issues were affected and advised not to take if you had one. There were no interations with medication listed but that didn’t matter because I was not taking because of the health issues I have.
The key to remember is manufactures can say what they will about their products but they are not approved by the FDA to ensure what is said is factual and the filler inside is not listed. I’m in no way against supplements but I don’t take what the manufacture states as fact, further reasearch on your part is needed. The last thing you want is other health issues to worsen or discover the supplement interacts with the medication you take.
I saw this video and it cemented why factual information is needed. Talk to your doctor before taking and only take the recommended amount.
She Took a Turmeric Supplement for Inflammation. It Nearly Destroyed Her Liver
The Western Conenose bug carries the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which bug infestations pass to humans through their kissing bug bite.
According to top medical providers like the Mayo Clinic and Hartford Healthcare behavioral health library, Chagas disease, an inflammatory, infectious disease, is caused by triatomine bugs or the kissing bug. The condition basics include acute illness, fever, fatigue, and inflammation of insect bites.
Due to the dangers associated with this pest, understanding how to get rid of kissing bugs from cracks and crevices in your home or your box spring is essential. Like spider bites, the assassin bug has a painful and itchy bite.
These wingless insects are pests and cause a nuisance, though they have no bearing on sexual health despite their name. Learning how to kill kissing bugs is critical for disease control and preventing insect bites from leading to an allergic reaction or worse.
Kissing bugs might sound harmless, but these blood-sucking insects can carry a dangerous parasite that causes Chagas disease. These pests are becoming more common in homes across the southern United States, making it important to know how to get rid of kissing bugs before they become a serious problem.
Getting rid of kissing bugs requires a smart approach that combines prevention, treatment, and ongoing maintenance. These nocturnal insects hide during the day and come out at night to feed on humans and pets. While they got their name from biting people around the mouth and eyes, they can actually bite anywhere on the body.
The good news is that there are many effective ways to eliminate these dangerous pests. From simple home repairs to natural treatments and professional solutions, this guide goes over methods that will help protect your family and home from kissing bugs.
How to get rid of Kissing Bug
Seal All Entry Points and Cracks
Install and Repair Window and Door Screens
Change Your Outdoor Lighting
Remove Outdoor Hiding Spots
Apply Bug Spray Around Your Home
Use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Make Natural Essential Oil Sprays
Set Up Simple Light Traps
Vacuum Regularly in Key Areas
Hire Professional Pest Control
These are few recommendations. I found conflicting answers on if insect repellant on the face is effective. More research will answer the question.
Please use the second link to read the entire article.
There are several traits I steer clear of and I’ve felt the blowback from them as well. Someone with an over inflated ego nevers stops to listen to you, puts themself ahead of all others, barks back very quickly and does as they please.
I’m not talking about normal elevated egos, it’s the over of top egos that I have no use for.
Chagas disease, which is spread through an insect known as the “kissing bug,” has spread to 32 states in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the triatomine insect — called the “kissing bug” because it bites people on the face — has been found in several southern U.S. states, and that hundreds of thousands of people could already be infected without knowing.
Human infections have been identified in eight states — Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and California — according to a map on the CDC’s website. Cases of Chagas disease in animals have also been found in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland.
The CDC said, per UCLA Health, that more than 300,000 people in the U.S. — including 45,000 people in Los Angeles County — could be affected with Chagas disease. However, fewer than 2% of those people know they carry the parasite transmitted by the “kissing bug.”
A map of where Chagas disease infections have been reported, via the CDC.
Judith Currier, MD, chief of infectious diseases at UCLA Health, explained, “Most people living with Chagas disease are unaware of their diagnosis, often until it’s too late to have effective treatment.”
The disease spreads through triatomine insect bites, per UCLA Health. Once the insect bites people on their face, they defecate and deposit a parasite called T. cruzi onto the skin. When the bite begins to itch and people scratch it, the parasite then gets into the person’s bloodstream.
Infected people can experience common symptoms including fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. However, one of the key signs of the disease is particularly severe swelling of the eyelid, per UCLA Health.
“[Severe eyelid swelling is] almost a hallmark of acute Chagas infection,” said Shaun Yang, PhD, a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Those who are infected could also risk getting more chronic symptoms, which often affect a person’s cardiovascular system. Between 20% and 30% of people who contract Chagas disease could develop serious heart or digestive problems, risk getting an enlarged heart, colon or esophagus, or risk heart failure or cardiac arrest, per the CDC.
The CDC recommended in its report that Chagas disease be classified as “endemic” in the U.S. The agency defines “endemic” as having a “constant presence and/or usual prevalence in a population within a specific geographic area.”
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
The list includes many but one word used when my emotions are not under control, like frustration and anger. I heard the word and many curse words growing up but using Gods name in vain never makes me feel good about myself as a stronger believer in God. It’s not used often as the prompt asked for but once is enough.
I rush to have a conversation with God asking for forgiveness and to give me strenght to banish the word from my thoughts.
The basics of human nutrition are much the same for everyone. The practicalities of achieving good nutrition can, however, vary widely according to your age and lifestyle. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you understand nutrition for older adults.
Your need for calories generally decreases
Food is basically fuel for your body. From babyhood through puberty, your body needs food for mental and physical development. As an adult in your prime, you need food to fuel your lifestyle. This is likely to be at least moderately active.
As a senior, however, your activity levels are going to be lower than they were. Even if you keep yourself super-fit for your age, you’re still not going to be able to take the sort of vigorous exercise you could when you were younger. Your appetite will probably drop to reflect this.
The key point to take away is that the less food you eat, the more important it is that what you do eat delivers maximum nourishment. Of course, you can still have the occasional treat. For the most part, however, you really need to focus on nutrient-rich food.
Your food needs to have more of an impact
Your ability to perceive color, texture, and scent can decrease as you age. Medications can also interfere with it. This can negatively impact your ability to taste food. In the past, dental issues could make it more difficult to chew or swallow. Modern dental care means that this is much less of an issue. It can, however, still be a consideration.
This means that meals for seniors generally need to be full of contrast, strong textures, and lively scents. Older people often enjoy food with plenty of herbs and spices. This may come as a surprise if you hated them when you were younger.
Making all this happen while maintaining nutritional value can be very challenging. It’s likely to be particularly difficult if you live alone. This can lead to older people skipping meals, which can bring all kinds of problems. Batch cooking is one potential solution to this issue. It may, however, be more convenient to use DeliverLean CARE.
You need to be careful with salt and sugar
Adding salt and sugar can be a quick way to pep up a meal. Unfortunately, neither is a particularly healthy approach even when you’re a younger adult. The impact on seniors can be even worse. Salt can impair your kidney function. Sugar is empty calories and can lead to dental issues.
You must get plenty of fiber
Fiber plays a huge role in keeping your digestive system healthy. It’s important for everyone and particularly important for seniors. In simple terms, if your digestive system gets out of sorts, it will almost certainly impact your whole body. This can create a downward spiral and that can be especially dangerous for older adults.
Calcium and protein help keep you strong
Calcium is the building material for bones, teeth, and nails. Protein is the building material for muscle. You need to make sure to get plenty of both to maintain your strength and vigor in your later years.
Setting boundaries is no more than communicating what you expect from the other person. All people need boundaries in their life. Some boundaries are harder to set than others say like the Internet and Cell Phones, boundries have to start young.
The difficulty with setting boundaries gets harder when your children are adults however if you’ve set clear boundaries growing up it isn’t a problem, maybe a conversation or to reclarify.
As a teen I was raised by my grandparents so I skipped a generation, meaning my grandparents were from deep poverty and the war generation. I went to live with them at 14 years old as a troubled teen. Boundaries were clearly needed.
Boundries My Grandparents Set
No phone calls after 9PM
In bed by 10PM
No leaving the house after 9PM
Curfew was midnight sharp!
Doors to the room were left open unless needed for privacy
Could only drive the car to take Granny shopping, run family errands, to school and back, basketball, special school dances, to write for school or local newspaper.
Once I started working I had to pay Gramps $8 a week for gas and the extra $50 a year it cost to add me to the insurance policy.
No sleepovers
Had to meet every date and friends
Today’s challenges
The biggest challenge faced by a pre-teen and teen is the Internet and Social media. Neither was around in my day. I didn’t buy my first computer until 1991.
If you start setting boundaries very early in life with will be much easier to set them with an emotional teen. One of the biggest challenges is peer pressure at this age and you will have to stand on what is appropriate for your specific child, are responsible enough, and is there a reason.
Now there are a few things to remember, I grew up in a strict environment and believe the boundaries and consequences are appropriate for a healthy relationship.
You have the opportunity to set boundaries are soon as your child is a toddler and the more boundaries as they get older. Be prepared for meltdowns, calling names, which is another boundary to set, and being mad at you.
If you want to try to be a friend to your child all their life you can stop reading here. I don’t buy into that style of parenting.
One of the first things that might come up is what language is appropriate to use in the house, for example calling names.
We’ll eat at dinner time and not in the bedroom. Even if your child is studying, they need a break from the books and this is your time to communicate with your child. How was their day?
A big bone of contention is the Internet and Cell Phones. This is where you will get the most push because this is one huge peer pressure in your pre/teen’s life.
If your child is under 16 years old, but the computer is in an open but quiet part of the house to use. After they reach 16 or are very mature and responsible for their age you can move into their bedroom. The key here is, having a tracking device and blocking sites and apps they can use. Also, give them a limit to how long they have per day to use the computer. If the whole time is taken up for doing school work, too bad they have to wait until the next day.
The other teaching experience is learning responsibility and this can be done by boundaries. If you give your child an allowance, determine how much they should pay you for the computer and phone. Make them save for it. If they don’t save, it’s not that important or they are not responsible enough.
My granny knew how bad I wanted a camera, she said if I would save half she would pay for the other half. That was so appreciated because I didn’t expect it. Those lessons from my grandparents set me up for some great lessons in life.
I’m strict and believe that many problems today are created by the Internet and children’s exposure at too young of an age.
Cell phones are another battle with children. There is so much peer pressure. You have to decide if the phone is needed, are they responsible enough to keep up with it or buy a new one themselves. Same if they lose it. If the child is working, I would have them pay a portion of the bill.
Make sure you buy the lowest Data plan, put a tracker on, and block sites. You are to have the code to the phone at all times and be free to read text. This is not only setting boundaries it’s teaching them responsibility.
A crucial part of setting boundaries is there will be times when they need to be broken, that’s life and you have to monitor the reasons. If there is a mass shooting, they can use all the data they have in one day! The key is communication and understanding why they ran out of data if it’s not apparent. It’s critical that you let your child know you are monitoring their computer and phone activity. If you sneak around you’ll have a hard time gaining their trust again. If they know up front, they have to make wise decisions or not be smart enough to try. It’s that simple.
As your children move out and learn to spread their wings, you’ll have to set new boundaries. But that’s for another post.
I’m not an easy cry but seeing pure acts of kindness fills my heart completely. Seeing a very sick child go home from hospital yanks my chain and seeing the unconditional love of an animal after it is rescued. I could go on and on but you can see my heart already.
One of the most important things a person with Lyme disease needs is clear, concise information.Here’s a list of useful resources to get you going in the right direction.LymeDisease.org is one of the foremost Lyme patient advocacy organizations in the United States. We provide a wealth of information on our website–about ticks, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Special features include:Symptom Checklist: Patients can answer a series of questions, print out the filled-in form and take it to their doctor. The printout describes basic facts, explains the two standards of care for Lyme disease, and endorses the ILADS guidelines. It’s a way to help your doctor help you.Physician Directory: Find a Lyme-literate practitioner near you.Our blogs keep the Lyme community up to date on news, analysis, and opinion.
MyLymeData patient registry: This big data research project allows patients to privately pool information about their Lyme disease experiences. So far, more than 17,000 people have enrolled in the project, providing millions of data points on Lyme disease demographics, tick bites, diagnosis, symptoms, lab tests, co-infections, treatment and quality of life. Add your Lyme data to MyLymeData to help find a cure for Lyme disease.
There is growing evidence that certain types of tick bites can trigger alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) a life-threatening allergy to red meat and meat-related products.
Parasite prevalence mapsEducational website includes a US map down to the county level, showing where dogs have tested positive for Lyme, anaplasmosis, erhlichiosis and other diseases. Also, information about protecting your pet from tick-borne diseases.
Companion Animal Parasite Council website has comprehensive information about how to protect your pets from ticks and other parasites.
Books (Treatment, healing modalities, family life)
This is one of the most comprehensive articles Lyme Dieases and co-infections. When you talk to a expert on the subject matter be sure to ask for referral, it took me two doctors to find the right doctor. I can say that you General Doctor is not the right type of doctor for your treatment and surgical. YES, it’s that important. The best source for referrals for Lyme Literate Doctor is ILADS.
Turns out, it’s less about “teaching” creativity to children — and more about creating a fertile environment in which their creativity will take root, grow and flourish. Researcher Mitch Resnick, director of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT, explains how we can do this.
There’s a common misconception that the best way to encourage children’s creativity is simply to get out of the way and let them be creative. Although it’s certainly true that children are naturally curious and inquisitive, they need support to develop their creative capacities and reach their full creative potential. Supporting children’s development is always a balancing act: how much structure, how much freedom; when to step in, when to step back; when to show, when to tell, when to ask, when to listen.
In putting together this list, I am combining tips for parents and teachers, because I think the core issues for cultivating creativity are the same, whether you’re in the home or in the classroom. The key challenge is not how to “teach” creativity to children, but rather how to create a fertile environment in which their creativity will take root, grow, and flourish.
The list is organized around the five components of what I call the Creative Learning Spiral, a process that encourages children to imagine what they want to do, create projects through playing with tools and materials, share ideas and creations with others, and reflect on their experiences.
For each of these five components, I’ve suggested two tips. However, these tips are just a very small subset of all of the things you might ask and do to cultivate children’s creativity. View them as a representative sample, and come up with more of your own.
IMAGINE
1. Show examples to spark ideas
A blank page, a blank canvas, and a blank screen can be intimidating. A collection of examples can help spark the imagination. When we run Scratchworkshops, we always start by showing sample projects — to give a sense of what’s possible (inspirational projects) and to provide ideas on how to get started (starter projects). We show a diverse range of projects, in hopes of connecting with the interests and passions of workshop participants.
Of course, there’s a risk that children will simply mimic or copy the examples that they see. That’s OK as a start, but only as a start. Encourage them to change or modify the examples. Suggest that they insert their own voice or add their own personal touch. What might they do differently? How can they add their own style, connect to their own interests? How can they make it their own?
2. Encourage messing around
Most people assume that imagination takes place in the head, but the hands are just as important. To help children generate ideas for projects, we often encourage them to start messing around with materials. As children play with LEGO bricks or tinker with craft materials, new ideas emerge. What started as an aimless activity becomes the beginning of an extended project.
We’ll sometimes organize mini hands-on activities to get children started. For example, we’ll ask children to put a few LEGO bricks together, then pass the structure to a friend to add a few more, then continue back and forth. After a few iterations, children often have new ideas for things they want to build.
CREATE
3. Provide a wide variety of materials
Children are deeply influenced by the toys, tools and materials in the world around them. To engage children in creative activities, make sure they have access to a broad diversity of materials for drawing, building and crafting. New technologies, like robotics kits and 3-D printers, can expand the range of what children create, but don’t overlook traditional materials. A Computer Clubhouse coordinator was embarrassed to admit to me that her members were making their own dolls with “nylons, newspapers, and bird seed,” without any advanced technology, but I thought their projects were great.
Different materials are good for different things. LEGO bricks and popsicle sticks are good for making skeletons, felt and fabric are good for making skins, and Scratch is good for making things that move and interact. Pens and markers are good for drawing, and glue guns and duct tape are good for holding things together. The greater the diversity of materials, the greater the opportunity for creative projects.
4. Embrace all types of making
Different children are interested in different types of making. Some enjoy making houses and castles with LEGO bricks. Some enjoy making games and animations with Scratch. Others enjoy making jewelry or soapbox race cars or desserts—or miniature golf courses.
Writing a poem or a short story is a type of making, too. Children can learn about the creative design process through all of these activities. Help children find the type of making that resonates for them. Even better: Encourage children to engage in multiple types of making. That way, they’ll get an even deeper understanding of the creative design process.
PLAY
5. Emphasize process, not product
Many of the best learning experiences happen when people are actively engaged in making things, but that doesn’t mean we should put all our attention on the things that are made. Even more important is the process through which things are made.
As children work on projects, highlight the process, not just the final product. Ask children about their strategies and their sources of inspiration. Encourage experimentation by honoring failed experiments as much as successful ones. Allocate times for children to share the intermediate stages of their projects and discuss what they plan to do next and why.
6. Extend time for projects
It takes time for children to work on creative projects, especially if they’re constantly tinkering, experimenting and exploring new ideas (as we hope they will). Trying to squeeze projects into the constraints of a standard 50-minute school period — or even a few 50-minute periods over the course of a week — undermines the whole idea of working on projects. It discourages risk taking and experimentation, and it puts a priority on efficiently getting to the “right” answer within the allotted time. For an incremental change, schedule double periods for projects. For a more dramatic change, set aside particular days or weeks (or months) when students work on nothing but projects in school.
SHARE
7. Play the role of matchmaker
Many children want to share ideas and collaborate on projects, but they’re not sure how. You can play the role of matchmaker, helping children find others to work with. In the Scratch online community, we have organized month-long Collab Camps to help Scratchers find others to work with — and also to learn strategies for collaborating effectively.
8. Get involved as a collaborator
Parents and mentors sometimes get too involved in children’s creative projects, telling children what to do or grabbing the keyboard to show them how to fix a problem; other parents and mentors don’t get involved at all. There is a sweet spot in between, where adults and children form true collaborations on projects. When both sides are committed to working together, everyone has a lot to gain.
A great example is Ricarose Roque’s Family Creative Learning initiative, in which parents and children work together on projects at local community centers over five sessions. By the end of the experience, parents and children have new respect for one another’s abilities, and relationships are strengthened.
REFLECT
9. Ask (authentic) questions
It’s great for children to immerse themselves in projects, but it’s also important for them to step back to reflect on what’s happening. You can encourage children to reflect by asking them questions about their projects. I often start by asking: “How did you come up with the idea for this project?” It’s an authentic question: I really want to know! The question prompts them to reflect on what motivated and inspired them.
Another of my favorite questions: “What’s been most surprising to you?” This question pushes them away from just describing the project and toward reflecting on their experience. If something goes wrong with a project, I’ll often ask: “What did you want it to do?” In describing what they were trying to do, they often recognize where they went wrong, without any further input from me.
10. Share your own reflections
Most parents and teachers are reluctant to talk with children about their own thinking processes. Perhaps they don’t want to expose that they’re sometimes confused or unsure in their thinking. But talking with children about your own thinking process is the best gift you could give them.
It’s important for children to know that thinking is hard work for everyone—for adults as well as children. And it’s useful for children to hear your strategies for working on projects and thinking through problems. By hearing your reflections, children will be more open to reflecting on their own thinking, and they’ll have a better model of how to do it. Imagine the children in your life as creative thinking apprentices; you’re helping them learn to become creative thinkers by demonstrating and discussing how you do it.
Mitch Resnick is professor of learning research at the MIT Media Lab. His research group develops the Scratch programming software and online community, the world’s largest coding platform for kids. He has worked closely with the LEGO company on educational ideas and products, such as the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits, and he co-founded the Computer Clubhouse project, an international network of after-school learning centers for youth from low-income communities. He is the author of “Lifelong Kindergarten,” from which this article is adapted.
I want to give a special thanks to Managing Editor Soraya Nair for sending me I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella for review.
Blurb
All the animals in the woodland are headed to a party – that is, except Hedgehog, who can’t attend because of his food allergies. But one of his kind friends, Deer, decides to learn more about his condition, and she comes up with a plan so that Hedgehog can safely celebrate, too!
I Can’t Have That, I Have Allergies is a sensitively written story by a mother whose daughter has life-threatening allergies. It will enlighten those unfamiliar with the severity of such allergies, and it will help children who suffer from them to know that they aren’t alone.
My Thoughts
Have you missed school on a special day? You were probably sad that you could not participate in the fun. The Hedgehog has a similar story, he has severe allergies which limit what he can eat. It’s not fun going to a birthday party and not being able to eat cake.
As each of the Hedgehog’s friends stop in on the way to a birthday party, he explains why he can’t go to the party. His friends go on their way but they have a big surprise for him. They cared so much for their friend, they contacted his mother to get a list of what he can’t eat and they made a cake he could. They show up at Hedgehog’s house and have a big Birthday party which allows the Hedgehog to have fun and not worry about what he can or can’t eat.
The book does an excellent job of describing Allergies children can understand. I think the bigger picture is when Hedgehog share’s with his friends why he can’t go, they didn’t abandon him, they embraced him instead. It’s important for kids to know they can talk about their problems instead of keeping everything in.
For every parent who has a child with Allergies of any kind, this is the perfect book to show if you share what is going on with your friends they will have your back.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
The morning after you killed yourself, we went to secure the house. I knew immediately you suffered slowly. Among the papers, trash, and clothes and I found your lockbox. The divorce paperwork to my mother, every card I gave you as a child. I found the pad you were writing on. Your Bible on the coffee table, dried tears as you were reading Job in the Bible.
The note had 11:30 a.m. written in the corner. I could see you called your best friend and the phone number to a suicide line. There were words and a drawing that made no sense. Granny paralyzed, crying, asking why. The house ransacked, nothing anything made sense to her.
Dirty dishes piled high, nothing in the refrigerator, how did you live like this, how long? You phoned me several times in the months before your death. Delusional and highly paranoid each time. Someone was tapping your phone, they were trying to get you and the rest I could not understand, you were already gone. As much as I hated you, I cried, begged you not to kill yourself, trying to reason with him that Granny would never be the same. I paid your bills for months. You weren’t in touch with reality.
The outcome will not change if determined. I knew you would take your life and told no-one. I’ve wondered what went through your mind in the hours doodling to writing the note, then killing yourself. I received the call at 10:00 p.m., Gramps said your dad has done away with himself. I called right back to see if you were dead or going to the hospital.
The boxes of cassettes next to your bed, taking months to listen to. You were mentally ill, not under the care of a Psychiatrist, no medications. Your temper went 1-10 in seconds, obnoxious, loud, racist, screaming, out of control.
You had hit the bottom and I didn’t know because we were estranged,
I’ve experienced being suicidal more than once, God and my husband saved me. If you are thinking about suiside, call your Psychiatrist right away or go to closet hospital, be open with your doctor and follow all medications instructions, these actions may save your life. I’ve stayed in Psychistratic Hospitals multiple times, I had 21 ECT Treatments, and I feel no shame. My mental heath is critical to living a balanced life.
It’s crazy to think I had two hand surgeries in December 2024 and tomorrow I’m having a shoulder replacement surgery. I will wear a sling three to four weeks and go right into Physical Therapy. OUCH!
I could not find the button to turn off comments, now your comment’s will be held in moderation. I’ll starting reading and replying once I’m able.
You’re appreciated and I’ll miss reading and chatting with you.. See you soon.
When you get married you commit for “better or worse and in sickness and in health”. You don’t think those two things will happen early in your marriage if you think about them at all. Marriage is full of ups and downs, good and bad, and is very hard at times. When you add a chronic illness to the mix it can get complicated. Not every person is ready for the “better or worse, or in sickness and in health”.
Sacrifices are essential to living with someone with a Chronic Illness. There were years where my husband had to fill my medicine case each week, cook every meal, do all the laundry, help me shower, get me dressed, help me in and out of the car, walk me up and down the stairs, the list goes on and on. I haven’t seen the inside of a grocery store in years.
He gave up several hobbies he loved to make sure there was always time to take care of my medical and mental health needs. It comes at a cost to the partner’s mental health. I encouraged him to seek counseling which he did and it helped a great deal.
My husband has been caring for me and my health since we first married. Long before Lyme Disease, an Immune Deficiency Disorder, and Fibromyalgia, there was my Mental Illness to care for. I have Bipolar Disorder, which is a serious Mental Illness that requires constant monitoring and several medications to stay well.
From the very beginning, he had to keep an eye out for signs and symptoms. Ask gently if I had taken my medication and help me deal with my depression when the Black Dog moved in.
One of the things I asked from the very beginning was for him to sit in on my appointments with my Psychiatrist. I wanted him to understand how sick I was and hear it from the doctor, to hear me talk to the doctor. This would prove immensely helpful in the years to come.
One critical step my husband took is put my health before his career, it was a huge guilt trip for me. He passed up promotions and great opportunities to travel so that I would not be home alone. Just last week his boss asked all of the VP’s to lunch and he had to decline due to the rising cases of Omacrom. Ouch, that burns sometimes!
I don’t know what I would have done over the past 23 years without his sacrifices. If you have a chronic illness make sure you are transparent in the struggle and what may be required of them. If a dating relationship can’t withstand that challenge then a marriage certainly won’t.
I enjoy reading Damon’s post, he is a great writer, makes complex subject matter easier to read and is a nice guy. Be sure to stop by, read through his archives and be sure to say hello.
Even though I consider myself as jaded by my life’s experiences, makes me gratefull everyday. No matter if life is good or bad being grateful keeps me focused on the positive things gong on in my life.
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