Source: Questia

In 1949, Mental Health America started the tradition of celebrating “Mental Health Month” to raise awareness of mental health conditions. Although these conditions are often associated with a negative stigma, mental wellness is just as important as good physical health. To help raise public awareness of these diagnoses, Questia (www.questia.com),the premier online research tool, has identified the top five most researched conditions and made books and articles on them free for an entire month.

Depression: The best-known and most researched depressive disorders are Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as clinical depression or major depression, and Bipolar Disorder (BD), formerly known as manic depression. In addition to these forms, there are less severe subtypes that are recognized as depressive disorders as well such as Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Atypical Depression, to name a few. Dependent upon the diagnosis, treatments may include cognitive-behavior therapy, psychotherapy or medicines such as antidepressants. [Alpert, Jonathan E. Handbook of Chronic Depression. Marcel Dekker: 2004]
Eating Disorders: Eating Disorders are categorized by a group of conditions that are defined by abnormal eating habits such as insufficient or excessive food intake at the detriment of the individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. Anorexia Nervosa, which is categorized by an obsessive fear of gaining weight and an unrealistic perception of current body weight, and Bulimia Nervosa, which follows a pattern of binge eating followed by compensatory purging behaviors, are among the best-known disorders. Although primarily thought of as affecting females, eating disorders can affect males as well. [Treasure, Janet, et al. Handbook of Eating Disorders. John Wiley & Sons: 2003]
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety is a blanket term covering several different forms of mental illness of abnormal and pathological fear and anxiety. Anxiety disorders may have continuous or episodic symptoms and are divided into Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phobic Disorder and Panic Disorder, with as many as 18 percent of Americans affected by one or more of them. Each disorder has its own characteristics, symptoms and treatments. Subtypes of anxiety include: Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder and Separation Anxiety. [Craske, Michelle G. Origins of Phobias and Anxiety Disorders: Why More Women Than Men? Department of Psychology, University of California: 2003]
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which there is a breakdown of mental processes, most commonly manifesting itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking. It is often accompanied by significant social and occupational dysfunction. Contributing factors to Schizophrenia include genetics, neurobiology and psychological processes and the mainstay of treatment is antipsychotic medication however psychotherapy and vocational and social rehabilitation are also important in treatment. [Strous, Rael D. "Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Antipsychotic Medication Prescribing Practices of First-episode Schizophrenia in Israel: a Naturalistic Prospective Study." The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences 43.1 (2006): 2+. Questia. Web. 14 May 2012.]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A severe anxiety disorder that typically develops after a psychological traumatic experience, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may cause the affected person to re-experience the original trauma through flashbacks or nightmares and produces intense negative feelings of fear, helplessness or horror. Events that may act as a catalyst for PTSD include the death of a loved one or the threat of death to oneself. Formal diagnostic criteria requires that the symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. [Wilson, John P., et al. Treating Psychological Trauma and PTSD. The Guilford Press: 2001]

Questia saves individuals valuable time on research papers and projects. With Questia, students can accurately cite sources in seven different styles and organize their notes, research and sources all in one place.

When it comes to changing lives and creating awareness within others Prophetess and Life Coach Tera Carissa knows how to move through any block and proceed to help others create and live their best life. As an individual who understands the power of patience and vision she is encouraging others to do the same. Her journey of spiritual awakening started as a young child. “I always heard from God, my mom has writings from when I was a child. As I grew older, I developed my work with God which made me more in tune with my spiritual realm,” she explains. Understanding and embracing her gifts, Carissa runs a successful ministry, she is an author, speaks all over the world, and teaches life coaching classes. This sister is on a mission and she is encouraging others to find their focus, passion and live their dream life.

Tera Carissa shares her four steps to make your dreams become a reality.

1. Get a vision – If, for example, your vision is to live an abundant life, visualize what that means to you. Once you know what that is, be very clear and specific about your vision.

2. Get a plan – Once you have that vision put a specific plan into place and stick to it.

3. Have faith – There is no question that your faith is going to be tried and tested. Please understand that this is part of the process.

4. Action- Faith without work is dead. Make sure you remain busy and consistent in action towards your goals. With action make sure you have endurance and allow yourself to be patient so your vision will come to pass.

Using these steps in her own life, Carissa has a lot to look forward to in the future.  Her Life Now Coaching class has over 1,000 participants and it is expanding. In October she will be included in a book that includes features notable women such as Michelle Obama and Soledad O’Brien, and she has some television projects in the making.

If you are interested in learning more about Tera Carissa and her Life Now Coaching Classes visit here.

For those who live in the Detroit area Carissa will be speaking at the El Bethel Church in Redford, MI on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 10:00am and 12:15pm.

Twitter: @teracarissa 

Peace and blessings,

Yvelette

As you know Calming Corners is all about living a calm and healthy lifestyle. Part of this is creating a life that you love to live.  It is so wonderful to see people who are creating a way to make their dreams come true. I recently had the honor to interview a friend and colleague Dorothy Tene Redmond.  She is returning home to Detroit for her stage play Mahogany Dreams. She takes a walk down memory lane of her writing journey and the transition into playwriting.

What started as logging daily adventures at the age of 9 turned into a creative writing career. “I’ve kept a journal since I was 9 years old. It started as a log of what I ate and progressed from peanut butter sandwiches to childhood crushes to love lost and everything in between,” she explains. With life experience writing style changes, at 19, Redmond started reading her poems and monologues at the legendary Café Mahogany in Detroit. This gave her more confidence in her writing abilities. She continued her childhood love and landed jobs for the Michigan Chronicle and UPN/CBS.  Now she contributes to 20 magazines worldwide and has a travel column in Ambassador Magazine.

Redmond’s play Mahogany Dreams was inspired by both depression and happiness. “At the time I was going through a depression and one of my friends asked me when was the last time I felt truly happy? I looked back through my journals and started reminiscing about all the fun we had a Cafe Mahogany and it started from there,” she says.  Redmond wrote the play between breaks while working on the line at the Jefferson North Chrysler Assembly Plant, the play became her creative outlet. Upon completion, her boyfriend, at the time, encouraged her to produce the first play.  “I held an audition to see what would happen. I had almost no theatrical production experience, so when 30 people showed up, I cast all 30 in the show.”  With a cast becoming like family, the first set of the play was humbly created. “I didn’t really have a budget so the set was basically furniture from my apartment and pieces we found at resale shops but it gave the show an authentic feel because Café Mahogany wasn’t a fancy place, it felt like home. When the show opened I had no idea what to expect and I was amazed that we had lines out the door every night! It was really an amazing time in my life to see my dream become a reality!”

With her dream becoming a reality, the play is a like a walk down memory lane for many of those who were regulars at Café Mahogany.  “I can’t think of anything more influential, it was our own ‘Black Bottom’ and the epicenter of the artist community during its heyday. I got letters from all over the world from people who had stopped through there during their visits to Detroit during my research for the play.” Redmond hopes that this play will inspire people to see the creative beauty of Detroit.  “(I hope people realize) that Detroit still produces some of the most talented artists in the world and hopefully that our hometown has so much more to offer than the violence that dominates the news.”

Mahogany Dreams runs Thursday through Saturday May 10th-12th at the Charles H Wright museum. Doors open at 7pm, preshow stars at 7:30pm and play begins at 8pm. Tickets are $20. Groups and seniors get a $5 discount. You can purchase tickets at the museum and at the link below.

Tickets: http://mahoganydreamsstageplay.eventbrite.com/

A personal trainer is a great investment in your health. But if a personal trainer doesn’t fit in your budget or schedule, there are several ways you can take on the role yourself. Life Fitness explains how to do it

No Excuse Zone: Fitness professionals have heard every excuse in the book for why clients can’t attend their exercise sessions. When you are your own trainer, disciplining yourself can be difficult. Take time to journal all of the excuses that could sabotage your workout, then add positive solutions for each negative excuse you are likely to use.

Make Exercise Fun: If you don’t enjoy your workout, it’s not going to last long. If your regular treadmill workout bores you, change it up. Add intervals, incline or hand weights. Better yet, try one of the programs on your treadmill console! Let the machine be your trainer and help you alternate intervals, hills and speed work with the press of a button. Or simply revamp your music list to freshen up your workout experience.

Buddy Up:  The benefit of a fitness buddy is the accountability factor. Ask a reliable, inspiring friend to partner up and keep you focused. It’s easy to blow off a workout if you don’t have a friend to ask you about the missed time.

Keep it in Your Calendar:  This will help you stay consistent – whether it’s an early morning jog, a lunch break walk, or an evening class at the gym, you are more likely to stick to your commitments when you meet up with a friend.

Create Intensity: You must challenge your body in order to get results. If you want to see improvement in your strength training and cardio endurance, you will have to boost weight, reps and intensity levels. Small changes can make a big difference in your results and can help you overcome plateaus.

Reward Yourself: Analyze your plan, and track your progress so you know when you’ve reached a new goal. Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight or get healthier, monitor your work and celebrate your achievements!

When you become your own personal trainer, you will be taking full responsibility for your health – and that’s empowering.

We all go through challenges in life. Our attitude makes all the difference. With faith and determination anything is possible. I saw this video yesterday and would like to share it with each of you. It is both motivating and moving. Hope you have a wonderful and productive week. Reach for greatness in all that you do.

Peace and blessings,

Yvelette

Source: Celiac Disease Foundation

There are many health professionals that are treating individuals with Celiac Disease. This is a term we hear often, but there are many questions surrounding the ailment.

What is Celiac Disease?

A disease where there is a chronic failure to digest food. This is triggered by hypersensitivity of the small intestine to gluten.

What is the cause?

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, “The cause of Celiac Disease (CD), also known as celiac sprue or gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE), is still a mystery. One out of 133 people in the United States is affected with celiac disease. CD occurs in 5-15% of the offspring and siblings of a person with celiac disease.”

What are some of the symptoms?

•Depression

•Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas

•Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain

•Mouth ulcers

•Delayed puberty

•Distention and bloating of the stomach

•Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)

•Steatorrhea – fatty stools

•Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)

•Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

•Migraine headaches

How can you treat celiac disease?

Most importantly stick to a gluten free diet. This will help the small intestine heal properly.

This is a brief overview of Celiac Disease. If you would like more information visit celiac.org

Your thoughts create your reality. We know this but sometimes when there is difficult or a challenging situation we tend to focus on challenge and forget about all of the blessings that are still happening around us. Recently, I’ve been reminded to pay attention. Even though there were some serious challenges for me, I realized that many things I wanted and manifested were already aligning themselves. I simply had to pay attention. What I started to do is accept the challenges and understand that I could only change what I can control. The thing that I changed was my perception of the situation and it did make it easier. I learned a very strong lesson about myself in the process.

Enjoy these affirmations. I hope they help you on your journey to happiness.

Being happy is my birthright. I choose and deserve to be happy

Being happy comes from within & not from external things

Happiness exists where I choose to look for it.

Joy floods my thoughts and my life.

I release all negativity and hold joy in my heart.

I am overcome with gratitude for the bliss that fills my life.

I accept the good that is flowing into my life.

There are many things in my life that I should be happy about. I just need to notice them more.

I smile and my life lightens.

My happiness draws an overwhelming amount of blessings into my Life.

There comes a time where procrastination rears its ugly head. Sometimes it can be a normal situation where you are tired or simply burnt out. If you find that it is consistent it is time to do a self-check and really understand why wasting time has become your pass-time.  This week for Mindful Mondays we hope that these quotes inspire you to move towards productivity and the greatness that is in store for you.

“Those who make the worst use of their time ore the first to complain of its brevity.”-La Bruyere

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” -Paul J. Meyer

“No day should pass without something being done.”-Latin Proverb

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”-George Bernard Shaw

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” -Neal Donald Walsch

“The more reasons you have for achieving your goal, the more determined you will become.” -Brian Tracy

“Just get started. There are some days when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a run, or figuring out your budget, or whatever it is you’re supposed to do that day for your goal. Well, instead of thinking about how hard it is, and how long it will take, tell yourself that you just have to start.” -Leo Babauta

“If you could get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.” -David Viscott

“One thing at a time. Most important thing first. Start now.” -Skellie

“The rules are simple. Take your work, but never yourself, seriously. Pour in the love and whatever skill you have, and it will come out.” -Chuck Jones

xo,

Yvelette

Kelp – Kelp is a form of seaweed and one of the most common members of the brown algae family. This food is known to have high level of nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as minerals, trace elements, and proteins. It is also a great source of calcium and fiber.

 Chia – This little seed has so much power even we were surprised. Chia seeds are known to aid in weight loss, help prevent Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis and reduce cravings just to name a few. Chia is also a great source of omega-3, calcium and anti-aging antioxidants.

Jicama – Jicama is a root vegetable originally grown in Central and South America. Think turnips. This veggie is packed with fiber and vitamin C. Jicama is also known to have copper, magnesium, vitamin E.

Nutritional Yeast – Don’t pass this up when the recipe calls for it. If you want to reduce stress, get instant protein and boost energy this is the ingredient you want to use. Nutritional yeast is also known to decrease your risk of chronic disease.

Have you tried any of these foods?

xo,

Yvelette

We’ve all be there. We caught a temporary mood and can’t shake it. Sometimes we know the root of our crankiness and other times we have no idea where it is stemming from. Personally when I find myself in this situation, I will write about it. Recently, I find that talking about it is also helpful, most of you know that I am a better communicator through the written word, so the verbal is a work in progress especially when it comes to feelings. With that, I  to try to really understand why the mood surfaces so I can learn my triggers and understand myself more. I feel this technique is important for a calm, positive, and drama free life.

This week for Mindful Mondays is all about getting out of the F-U-N-K in four steps.

Freedom

Understanding

Natural

Kindness

Freedom – Find a way to attain your freedom, emotionally, mentally spiritually and in every moment. This will help so much. If your mind is bogged down with fog, think of the things that will help you clear your head and get free. For many it is prayer, others it is exercise, dancing, talking, cleaning, reading, or sitting still. Whatever your escape is try your best to get to that place and free yourself from the funk.

Understanding – This is key. Most important it is essential that you understand yourself and understand what makes you tick. If you are in a funk, sit down and try to get to the root of what is really bothering you. It will help that you communicate your mood to others that are around you. Not only will they be more understanding, they will appreciate your honesty and self-awareness.

Natural – Sometimes it is okay not to fight it. Just let yourself be in a funk. At time we tend to point fingers or search for situations that got us in a mood. It could simply be the universe telling us to be alone for a minute and do some self-searching. Naturally ride through the funk and let it go.

Kindness – We all have our moments. At times it is hard when you are going through some things, but try your best to be kind. Another option is to distance yourself. Understand being in a funk is most likely temporary, so it won’t last forever. On the other hand, if you see someone in a funk, be kind to them because we never know what someone is going through.

What do you do to get through a Funk?

xo,

Yvelette