Sex is special
And, therefore, it should be treated as such. A decision to have sex with someone should not be taken lightly and, should be part of a mutually agreed commitment; and this level of commitment should be something of which one could guiltlessly inform one's parents and friends.
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by Stephen T. Skiffington, Ph.D.
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The teenage years can be emotionally turbulent as children strive for more autonomy within the boundaries that families and schools need to continue to have for them. For many reasons, teens experience mood swings. Usually, they are transient. If your child exhibits one or more of the following signs of depression which persist for more than two weeks, parents are advised to seek help:
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The first ever Surgeon General's report on mental health, published in late 1999, addresses this thorny topic in its chapter "Children and Mental Health." Ritalin, the trade name for methylphenidate, is the most popularly prescribed medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ritalin is a stimulant, the class of medication considered most effective in increasing attention in ADHD and lowering associated impulsivity and hyperactivity.
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Anxiety disorders, as a group, are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 13.3% of the adult population, ages 18-54. Although mental health professionals are slightly more likely to see depressed persons in their practices, the anxiety disorders are actually more prevalent in the general population. Approximately 19.1 million adult Americans will suffer from an anxiety disorder in a given year, compared to 18.8 million depression sufferers.
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Praise your child often, particularly if you're prone to correcting.
- To make it happen, set a goal. Four per day is good to start.
- Be concrete and specific (e.g. Good - "I really like the bright colors in this drawing!" Not as good - "You draw really well')
- Praise small things, particularly in areas of weakness (e.g. for the shy child - "I like the way you asked the librarian for help finding a book")
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Overseas living offers many opportunities for travel and sampling new cultures, giving couples memories they can share for a lifetime. The stress of moving and of living away from support systems, however, can also lead to conflict that can break down relationships, particularly those that are already on shaky ground. Five focus areas for improving your relationship - or maintaining its health - are offered below. They are drawn from several different marital enrichment approaches and from the author's own work with couples.
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In communicating with other people, be they family, friends or colleagues, one would be well advised to be aware of the following barriers to effective communication1. Each barrier is a common habit and potential trap many persons utilize at one time or another. Knowledge of these barriers, and then consciously avoiding them, will promote a more healthy or authentic way of communication, and therefore potentially draw your relationships closer together.
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Approximately one adult in twenty, age 18 to 54, will suffer from major depression this year. Over a lifetime, between 10% and 25% of women and 5 to 12% of men will experience the condition. Depression is more than simple sadness, which we all get from time to time in response to life's ups and downs. Depression extends beyond sadness to include self-blame or loathing, helplessness and hopelessness. Also, depression invariably takes some toll on the body, affecting sleep, appetite, energy level, general health and concentration.
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- Start by asking yourself, "Do I really have the energy to follow through immediately on my direction?" If your answer is "No", then don't ask. If necessary, perform the task yourself (e.g. brush your kid's hair or pick up the toys) rather than teach your child that s/he doesn't have to listen to you.
- If the answer to #1 is "yes", then go to your child and make eye contact. For little kids, it helps to crouch down so you can make better eye contact. Don't shout directions to your kids from other rooms or floors. Go to them.
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