Helpguide.org

Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 PST

The first step in considering a career change is to think carefully about what really drives you. You might find it hard to get past thinking about "what pays the most" or "what is most secure," especially in today's economy. However, it's important to first discover your primary interests and passions. Read more

Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 PST

If you're considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you're not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. Read more

Job Networking Tips

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 PST

Your network is bigger than you think it is. It includes all of your family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances. Start writing down names, and you'll be surprised at how quickly the list grows. Read more

Effective Communication

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 PST

In the information age, we have to send, receive, and process huge numbers of messages every day. But effective communication is about more than just exchanging information. Effective communication requires you to also understand the emotion behind the information. Read more

Improving Emotional Health

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 PST

Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental and emotional health refers to the presence of positive characteristics. Read more

Anger Management

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 PST

The emotion of anger is neither good nor bad. It's perfectly healthy and normal to feel angry when you've been mistreated or wronged. The feeling isn't the problem-it's what you do with it that makes a difference. Anger becomes a problem when it harms you or others. Read more

Anxiety Attacks and Anxiety Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:00:00 PST

We all know what an attack of anxiety feels like. Your heart pounds before a big presentation or a tough exam. You get butterflies in your stomach during a blind date. You worry and fret over family problems or feel jittery at the prospect of asking the boss for a raise. These are all natural reactions. However, if worries, fears, or anxiety attacks seem overwhelming and are preventing you from living your life the way you'd like to, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Fortunately, there are many anxiety treatments and self-help strategies that can help you reduce your anxiety symptoms and take back control of your life. Read more

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:00:00 PST

Do you worry excessively about things that are unlikely to happen, or feel tense and anxious all day long with no real reason? Everyone gets anxious sometimes, but if your worries and fears are so constant that they interfere with your ability to function and relax, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is mentally and physically exhausting. It drains your mental energy, keeps you from sleeping and unwinding, and wears your body out. But you don't have to live it. You can break free from the grip of chronic worrying and learn to calm down your anxious mind. Read more

ADD / ADHD Treatment and Help: Finding Treatments That Work for Children and Adults

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:00:00 PST

If you or your child are struggling with ADD/ADHD, take hope. There are many safe and effective treatments that can drastically improve its symptoms. ADD/ADHD treatment can boost school and job performance, improve organizational skills, and foster better relationships.

Furthermore, treatment doesn't necessarily mean pills or doctors' offices. Treatment for ADD/ADHD is any action you take to manage your symptoms. And while you may want to seek professional help along the way, ultimately, you are the one in charge of treating ADD/ADHD, whether you are the parent or the patient. You don't have to wait for a diagnosis or rely on professionals. You can start treating your or your child's symptoms today. Read more

Self-help for Adult ADD/ADHD: Tips for Managing Money and Bills

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 PST

Money management requires budgeting, planning, and organization, so for many adults with ADD/ADHD, it can be a true challenge. Many common systems of money management don't tend to work for adults with ADD/ADHD because they require too much time, too much paper, and too much attention to detail. But if you create your own system that is both simple and consistent, you can get on top of your finances and put a stop to overspending, establish a schedule for paying bills, and avoid penalties for missed deadlines. Read more

Help for Adult ADD / ADHD: Tips for Managing Symptoms and Getting Focused

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 PST

The responsibilities of daily life can weigh on anyone, but if you have adult ADD/ADHD, everything from paying the bills on time to keeping up with work, family, and social demands can seem overwhelming. While it is true that ADD/ADHD does create multiple challenges, it is possible to get focused and turn chaos into calm. By educating yourself about adult ADD/ADHD and taking advantage of self-help techniques, you can learn to manage even your most difficult symptoms. You can become more productive, organized, and in control of every area of your life.

Finding and carrying out the best ways to overcome your adult ADD/ADHD may take time and courage, but your hard work can improve your organization, relationships, work performance-and sense of self-worth and accomplishment. Read more

ADD/ADHD Parenting Tips: Helping Children with Attention Deficit Disorder

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 PST

Life with a child with ADD/ADHD can be frustrating and overwhelming, but as a parent there is actually a lot you can do. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD can be controlled and reduced. You have the power to help your child meet his or her daily challenges and channel his or her energy into positive arenas - and at the same time bring greater calm and order to your family home.

Children with ADD/ADHD can and do succeed. The earlier and more consistently you address your child's problems, the more likely their success. Read more

Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief: Finding The Relaxation Exercises That Work For You

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:00:00 PST

For many of us with hectic, stressful lives, relaxation means zoning out in front of the TV at the end of the day or snatching some extra sleep at the weekend. Unfortunately, this does little to help reduce the damaging effects of stress on the mind and body.

To effectively combat stress, we need to activate the body's natural relaxation response. You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques including deep breathing, visualization, meditation, and yoga, or by performing rhythmic exercise, such as running, cycling, or mindful walking. Finding ways to fit these activities into your life can help reduce everyday stress and boost your energy and mood. They'll also help you to stay calm in the face of life's unexpected events. Read more

Antidepressants: What You Need To Know About Depression Medication

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:00:00 PST

If you're suffering from depression, antidepressant medication, used under the guidance of a mental health professional, may relieve some of your symptoms. But antidepressants aren't a silver bullet for depression. Medication doesn't cure the underlying problem and is rarely a long-term solution. Not only do antidepressants come with significant side effects and dangers, but recent studies have also raised questions about their effectiveness.

Learning the facts about antidepressants and weighing the benefits against the risks can help you make an informed and personal decision about whether medication is right for you. Read more

The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets: How Caring For a Pet Can Make You Happier and Healthier

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:00:00 PST

Professionally trained helper animals-such as guide dogs for the blind-offer obvious benefits to us human folk. However, the average domestic pet, such as a dog, cat, rabbit-even a goldfish-can also provide us with many therapeutic benefits. Pets can ease our loneliness, reduce our stress, promote social interaction, encourage exercise and playfulness, and provide us with unconditional love and affection.

Of course, pet ownership also comes with many responsibilities, and should not be undertaken lightly. To best enjoy a healthy, nurturing relationship with a pet-and experience the many therapeutic benefits a domestic animal can offer-it's important to choose a pet that's right for your lifestyle. Read more

Grieving the Loss of a Pet: Understanding and coping with the grief of losing a pet

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:00:00 PST

Pets enrich our lives and provide us with companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love. Given the intense bond most of us share with our animals, it's natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness when a pet dies. You may also feel shocked, confused, angry, or have trouble sleeping or difficulty focusing.

While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Some people may not understand the depth of feeling you had for your pet, but you should never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for an animal friend. The key to coping is to accept your feelings and embrace the emotions you feel. Read more

Stress at Work: Tips to Reduce and Manage Job and Workplace Stress

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:00:00 PST

In this difficult economy, many of us are finding it harder than ever to cope with stress in the workplace. Regardless of occupation, seniority, or salary level, we're spending more and more of our work days feeling frazzled and out of control, instead of alert and relaxed.

While some stress is a normal part of the workplace, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and reduce your physical and emotional health. Finding ways to manage workplace stress is not about making huge changes to every aspect of your work life or rethinking career ambitions. Rather, stress management requires focus on the one thing that's always within your control: you. Read more

Dealing with Bullying and Cyber-bullying

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:00:00 PST

Bullying affects many of us, kids and adults alike, and can leave anyone feeling hurt, angry, frightened, and even depressed or overwhelmed. Those who bully often experience their own psychological problems as well. Technology has made the problem of bullying even more widespread. Cyber-bullying can occur via email, texts, cell phones, and social media websites 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with potentially thousands of people involved.

Because bullying is so common, many people think it's normal and should be tolerated. But it doesn't have to be. By learning about why some kids bully and why others are bullied, you can help yourself or a loved one deal with bullying, and develop the resilience and self-confidence to succeed in life. Read more

Alzheimer's & Dementia Prevention: How To Reduce Your Risk and Protect Your Brain

Fri, 06 May 2011 20:00:00 PST

In spite of what you may have heard, new research reveals that lifestyle factors play a significant role in protecting your brain as you age. You can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by eating right, exercising, staying mentally and socially active, and keeping stress in check. You may even be able to prevent or slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or even reverse the deterioration of aging. Read more

Choosing Healthy Fats: Good Fats, Bad Fats, and the Power of Omega-3 fats

Fri, 06 May 2011 20:00:00 PST

When it comes to your health, it's not the total amount of fat in your diet that matters, so much as the types of fats you eat. Bad fats increase your cholesterol and your risk of certain diseases, while good fats have the opposite effect, helping you manage your moods, stay on top of your mental game, and even control your weight. The goal isn't cutting out all fat-it's learning to make the choices that promote health and well-being. Read more

Healthy Weight Loss & Dieting Tips: How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

Fri, 06 May 2011 20:00:00 PST

All too often, we sabotage our weight loss goals with extreme diets that leave us cranky and starving, with unhealthy lifestyle choices that undermine our dieting efforts, and emotional eating habits that stop us before we get started. But there's a better way! You can lose weight without feeling miserable. You can develop new eating habits and preferences that will leave you feeling satisfied-and all while winning the battle of the bulge. Read more