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#boise #idaho
#mentalhealth
http://bit.ly/13Y6UVy
from Anxiety Agoraphobia Bipolar Disorder Evaluations and Treatment in Boise, Treasure Valley, Idaho http://ift.tt/1enMrFj
#boise #idaho
CNN.com - Health
5 myths about the ER, debunked
Several myths prevail about what you can expect in the emergency room. Here are five that need to be declared DOA.
GPS for the Soul - The Huffington Post
Embracing Awkward
I recently attended a large fundraising event and ran into several people who I had not seen in years. One woman came up to me and complimented me on how good I look -- "such a fun short haircut" she said. I proceeded to my standard response -- "I'm just glad it came back" (insert awkward giggle). She looked puzzled and then asked what was new. I of course went on this long perhaps dramatic explanation of how after this past year with the breast cancer and all, I'm really trying to take pause, and not sure exactly what lies ahead for me. She looked at me with a blank stare. She had no idea I had been dealing with cancer. She was just engaging in casual chit chat, but I of course was talking from my cancer bubble -- awkward! We then proceeded to talk about Pilates.
I remember at the start of my journey, several people explaining to me how I would start to look at life as "before cancer" and "after cancer." While I empathized with the fact that is how they viewed their experience, surely it wasn't that black and white. After all, I vowed from the beginning that cancer wouldn't define me. I wish it wasn't the case and it simply just didn't matter any more, but the thing is, it does. As much as I like to believe I am out of my cancer bubble, I'm very aware that it is still very much a part of my daily life.
I still wake up every Thursday morning thinking it is chemo day. I still have the gnawing fear at every meal that a wave of nausea will occur. I still rely on my pill box every morning to keep track of my medications. I still step out of the shower every day and see the scars on my body. I still have the overwhelming moments of emotion that wash over me at the most unpredictable times. I still feel annoyed that despite not having any breast tissue, I have to perform breast exams -- always with a knot in my stomach. And I find myself feeling conflicted of not wanting to think about the cancer at all and then suddenly feeling terrified I'll forget.
Then there are the doctors and other survivors who are quick to remind that it is never really over. Given there are no recommended body scans or blood tests, the only indicator of the cancer coming back is symptom-based. So an ache is no longer just an ache.
Despite the paranoia, emotion and disorientation, all the good stuff and lessons learned are slowly but surely inching their way into my consciousness. I feel more lighthearted. I feel more present and loving. I enjoy my time with others and myself on an entirely new level. But I am simply embracing that I will be in a constant socially awkward state as I navigate how to set new boundaries while being open to new possibilities, staying responsible to my current obligations, and trying to stay present, loving, and honest with myself amongst it all. But most importantly, it is the awkward moments that remind me to lighten up! And when all else fails, at least there is Pilates to chit chat about.
You can read more of Paige's life musings on her blog The Sunshine Chronicles.
I remember at the start of my journey, several people explaining to me how I would start to look at life as "before cancer" and "after cancer." While I empathized with the fact that is how they viewed their experience, surely it wasn't that black and white. After all, I vowed from the beginning that cancer wouldn't define me. I wish it wasn't the case and it simply just didn't matter any more, but the thing is, it does. As much as I like to believe I am out of my cancer bubble, I'm very aware that it is still very much a part of my daily life.
I still wake up every Thursday morning thinking it is chemo day. I still have the gnawing fear at every meal that a wave of nausea will occur. I still rely on my pill box every morning to keep track of my medications. I still step out of the shower every day and see the scars on my body. I still have the overwhelming moments of emotion that wash over me at the most unpredictable times. I still feel annoyed that despite not having any breast tissue, I have to perform breast exams -- always with a knot in my stomach. And I find myself feeling conflicted of not wanting to think about the cancer at all and then suddenly feeling terrified I'll forget.
Then there are the doctors and other survivors who are quick to remind that it is never really over. Given there are no recommended body scans or blood tests, the only indicator of the cancer coming back is symptom-based. So an ache is no longer just an ache.
Despite the paranoia, emotion and disorientation, all the good stuff and lessons learned are slowly but surely inching their way into my consciousness. I feel more lighthearted. I feel more present and loving. I enjoy my time with others and myself on an entirely new level. But I am simply embracing that I will be in a constant socially awkward state as I navigate how to set new boundaries while being open to new possibilities, staying responsible to my current obligations, and trying to stay present, loving, and honest with myself amongst it all. But most importantly, it is the awkward moments that remind me to lighten up! And when all else fails, at least there is Pilates to chit chat about.
You can read more of Paige's life musings on her blog The Sunshine Chronicles.
I Play a Game With My Kids Called Meditation
"I'm thankful for my grandparents, because they help put me to bed," said my 4-year-old.
I don't usually feel emotional about statements like this, but her statement hit a chord. You see, as a working parent, my parents and my in-laws have been instrumental in the upbringing of my young kids. I'm reminded of all of those years of medical school and residency when my mom would sleep with the baby so I could get a good night's sleep.
My kids and I play this game almost every night that we call "meditation." No, we don't sit in a darkened room, in yoga positions with spiritual music in the background. Most times, we don't spend more than 10 minutes doing it. Essentially, It's a few, calm minutes of sitting on the floor in our pajamas where we just reflect on the day, our lives or each other. We try not to talk about "stuff" (toys, video games, etc.). I put my phone away, and the other electronics are turned off.
What I love is that, sometimes, it's the first time of the day that I get to really look into my kids' eyes and engage with them. They're not moving, eating or watching something. They are just focused on the task at hand, and, we can have a meaningful exchange that doesn't end like many of our other conversations do -- with "fine" or "good." It's also become my most precious gateway into their thoughts.
For me, it gives me clarity, calmness and a chance to be mindful. I don't think I would "schedule" mindfulness into my day had it not been for this game.
The kids love it. Maybe because it reminds them of circle time. Maybe it's because they get to stay up 15 minutes later. I'm actually not quite sure why they like it so much. Surely, they haven't read the research regarding the benefits of mindfulness so it has to be something else.
We usually pick a topic like, "What are you grateful for right now?" Sometimes, we focus on our deep breaths. Sometimes, we reflect on the day (best part, disappointing part, exciting part). Note: I am not a meditation teacher, but that's OK, because I don't have a complicated agenda.
Many times after they go to sleep, I continue to think about the topics we touched on. For example, when my daughter said the statement about being thankful for her grandparents, I started to feel gratitude. I thought about how thankful I was to be able to have children, a career and pursue my passions. I simply did not think that was all possible as a young medical student.
Since I have started playing this game with them, I have become more adept at practicing mindfulness in my day. I find myself using small moments to reflect, focus on my breath, etc.
The main impetus for starting this game stems from the fact that the benefits of mindfulness and meditation are no longer anecdotal. Scientific evidence proves that it lowers stress, and improves academic performance. It's also shown to help people sleep better and protects against depression. That's exactly what we all want for our kids -- and ourselves.
I am convinced that the next generation will have to deal with more stress, more uncertainty and more crisis than we did, and we should arm them with any little tool that can help them cope with these pressures.
As said by Deepak Chopra, "People think meditation is a huge undertaking. Don't think of it like that."
It can be as simple as a kid's game.
I don't usually feel emotional about statements like this, but her statement hit a chord. You see, as a working parent, my parents and my in-laws have been instrumental in the upbringing of my young kids. I'm reminded of all of those years of medical school and residency when my mom would sleep with the baby so I could get a good night's sleep.
My kids and I play this game almost every night that we call "meditation." No, we don't sit in a darkened room, in yoga positions with spiritual music in the background. Most times, we don't spend more than 10 minutes doing it. Essentially, It's a few, calm minutes of sitting on the floor in our pajamas where we just reflect on the day, our lives or each other. We try not to talk about "stuff" (toys, video games, etc.). I put my phone away, and the other electronics are turned off.
What I love is that, sometimes, it's the first time of the day that I get to really look into my kids' eyes and engage with them. They're not moving, eating or watching something. They are just focused on the task at hand, and, we can have a meaningful exchange that doesn't end like many of our other conversations do -- with "fine" or "good." It's also become my most precious gateway into their thoughts.
For me, it gives me clarity, calmness and a chance to be mindful. I don't think I would "schedule" mindfulness into my day had it not been for this game.
The kids love it. Maybe because it reminds them of circle time. Maybe it's because they get to stay up 15 minutes later. I'm actually not quite sure why they like it so much. Surely, they haven't read the research regarding the benefits of mindfulness so it has to be something else.
We usually pick a topic like, "What are you grateful for right now?" Sometimes, we focus on our deep breaths. Sometimes, we reflect on the day (best part, disappointing part, exciting part). Note: I am not a meditation teacher, but that's OK, because I don't have a complicated agenda.
Many times after they go to sleep, I continue to think about the topics we touched on. For example, when my daughter said the statement about being thankful for her grandparents, I started to feel gratitude. I thought about how thankful I was to be able to have children, a career and pursue my passions. I simply did not think that was all possible as a young medical student.
Since I have started playing this game with them, I have become more adept at practicing mindfulness in my day. I find myself using small moments to reflect, focus on my breath, etc.
The main impetus for starting this game stems from the fact that the benefits of mindfulness and meditation are no longer anecdotal. Scientific evidence proves that it lowers stress, and improves academic performance. It's also shown to help people sleep better and protects against depression. That's exactly what we all want for our kids -- and ourselves.
I am convinced that the next generation will have to deal with more stress, more uncertainty and more crisis than we did, and we should arm them with any little tool that can help them cope with these pressures.
As said by Deepak Chopra, "People think meditation is a huge undertaking. Don't think of it like that."
It can be as simple as a kid's game.
#mentalhealth
http://bit.ly/13Y6UVy
from Anxiety Agoraphobia Bipolar Disorder Evaluations and Treatment in Boise, Treasure Valley, Idaho http://ift.tt/1enMrFj