Too much clutter in your space can be harmful to your health, because it creates a chronic state of overwhelm. In this video, sociologist Christine Carter, PhD, explains why too much clutter can create a variety of outcomes that don't feel good.
Mental Health
How well you cope with life - your mental health - is just as important as your physical health. Worry, stress, anxiety affects everyone, but if it overwhelms your ability to cope, make good decisions, and have fulfilling relationships, you need help. Counseling, medications, and supportive friends can help strengthen your ability to cope - and improve your mental health.
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Dr. Christine Carter, PhD , Health Education, answered
Just clean enough is when there is enough order in our environment that we feel at ease - not overwhelmed or anxious. In this video, sociologist Christine Carter, PhD, explains the concept and which areas of the home are ideal for order or disorder. -
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If significant vascular cognitive impairment symptoms have already developed and you're wondering if it would be helpful to take cognitive enhancers, the answer is maybe or maybe not.
Both cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine were developed relating to the research of the degenerative Alzheimer's disease process, and in vascular dementia where there's no degenerative Alzheimer's process the evidence is mixed. But somebody who is experiencing the very beginnings of Alzheimer's disease might have two things going on at once, a so-called mixed dementia of both Alzheimer's and vascular disease, in which case cognitive enhancers would be helpful. -
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Dr. Kelly Turner, PhD , Oncology, answered
It's key to trust your intuition when it comes to your health, since it's a reactive, physical part of your brain and gut. Watch oncology researcher Kelly Turner, PhD, explain how intuition can help create awareness of your health and any issues.
Find out more about this DVD:
Why Is It Important to Trust My Intuition When It Comes to My Health?
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Kelly Turner, PhD , Oncology, answered
There are definitely some gut instincts that you shouldn't ignore, like the trust instinct, sweaty palms, or an uneasy feeling in your gut. Watch oncology researcher Kelly Turner, PhD, explain how our intuition works to lead us away from danger.
Find out more about this DVD:
Are There Certain Gut Instincts or Intuitions That I Should Never Ignore?
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See All 2 AnswersA mental health assessment is usually carried out by your doctor in the office. The doctor evaluates how you are doing overall in your level of functioning. There are many things that are taken into account, such as your ability to think clearly, your memory, your hygiene, your mood and your behavior. The doctor will ask about your family and friends and your social support system. Sometimes, the doctor will order blood or other lab tests. -
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Marriage can be difficult for a person with mental illness, especially if the spouse has no understanding of the condition. For many people, even with understanding, living with someone who has serious mental illness (SMI) is difficult and stressful. For many, living with a spouse who is mentally ill becomes too much for their own mental health and in many cases separation occurs which may put the unwell person in an unstable and "at risk" position. -
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Jail is no place for a person with serious mental illness (SMI) who has committed only a minor crime. However, with few courts that are especially set up to deal with those with SMI, people are often given short or not-so-short jail terms.
Let the justice system know that there is a caring and interested family involved to minimize the trauma of incarceration. In some jurisdictions it is permitted for the family to submit a letter to be read by the judge. Be sure to visit the person and to assist in their release. Avoid using the criminal justice system as a means of getting your relative treated. Inevitably this does not turn out well. -
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Fredrick Wade , Addiction Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe answer to this question depends heavily on what the mental illness is. Because the answer to this question will also answer the question of what types of support they can benefit from, and what forms of information they may make use of. That said the answer will still fall somewhere in the realm of connecting them with the appropriate support systems. One other way you or the ideal support system can help is with social stigma, which is often at play for he or she who suffers with a mental illness in our society. My rationale for the appropriate support system is to expose them to people with like problems to diminish the sense of isolation of that which they are most likely dealing with alone. Such an environment will offer various forms of support that in turn will instill the all-important missing element of HOPE. With hope much is perceived to be possible, without it not much is seen as doable or attainable. An example would be Dual Diagnosis support groups, which are often found in hospitals that treat dually diagnosed individuals. -
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After several years of illness, and even before that, many people with serious mental illness (SMI) lose their self-esteem when any efforts they make to secure a good future are dashed (e.g., inability to get or to keep a job).
In many cases SMI causes moderate or severe impairment, so that encouraging them to do small tasks around the home can help, both to raise esteem and build trust and a loving relationship. For example, you can ask the person to help shop for and carry home groceries. Gardening is another pleasant activity to share. Versions of activities the person used to do before getting sick can also be considered, so long as they are not too demanding. Do not be annoyed if they are not done as well as you had hoped.