Page 525

How Diabetes Impacts Americans by Race (and How to Prevent It)

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Diabetes is a significant problem in the United States. It affects all ages, races, and genders, although some groups are affected more than others. With the proper data in hand, one can take steps towards diabetes prevention and save lives.

When the statistics are viewed as a whole, it looks like a nationwide problem. However, when viewed by a group or demographic category, it becomes evident that some groups experience higher risk factors than others. This article will break down how the disease affects Americans by race and give some ideas on what we can do to prevent this problem.

Statistics That Proves the Need for Better Diabetes Prevention

The statistics for the disease are alarming. Every year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) puts out a report which outlines the burden of the disease on the United States. According to the 2020 report (which compiles data from 2018), 10.5% of the U.S. population has the disease.

That’s over 34.2 million people!

The report goes on to break down the percentage of people that have the disease by group, including race. These numbers are as follows:

Hispanic – 14.7%
White, non-Hispanic – 11.9%
Black, non-Hispanic – 16.4%
Asian, non-Hispanic – 14.9%
Indigenous, non-Hispanic – 14.6%

These percentages include diagnosed and undiagnosed people. The numbers in all groups are high. What’s even more alarming is that the numbers are continuing to rise. It is quickly becoming an epidemic throughout the United States.

The Most At-Risk Group: Black Americans

It’s interesting and disturbing that Black Americans only comprise 13.4% of the population but account for the highest rate of people with diabetes. The disease has been a severe problem for the African American community for decades. Even the mortality rate from it is higher among African Americans than other races.

There is a lot of demographic research underway to investigate the reason. So far, the findings have a lot to do with other concerns in the African American community. It seems that all these concerns are linked and can almost be like a chain reaction to the decreased state of well-being for African Americans in the United States.

Analysts and medical experts believe it’s due to them having higher risk factors than other races. The risk factors are described in a later section.

Doctors explain the causes of sickle cell anemia.

Complications That Can Occur for Diabetics

The disease can cause serious health issues. If it’s not managed correctly, it can lead to death. The worst part of this is that it’s easily preventable, but many people don’t have access to the health care they need to manage the disease.

In 2016, the CDC compiled data on complications from the disease. There were almost 16 million diabetic emergency room visits. Of those, .2% died. That may sound like a low number, but that’s 32,000 people.

Kidney disease is one complication that happens from the disease. Of the adults diagnosed with it, 37% of them had chronic kidney disease, and over half of these people were in stage three or four. Vision problems are another complication. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness cases for people ages 18 to 64.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), other common complications from the disease can include:

Cardiovascular disease
Lower limb amputations
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease)
Periodontitis
Pregnancy problems

The disease causes so many medical issues that in 2017, the total medical costs for diagnosed diabetes was over $327 million.

Risk Factors Broken Down by Race

Most people are aware that there are two types of the disease – type 1 and type 2. Type 1 risk factors aren’t fully understood by the medical community. Science shows this to be more genetic, and the theorized risk factors are family history and age.

Type 2 risk factors can be separated into non-modifiable and modifiable factors. The non-modifiable factors are similar to the type 1 factors. They include family history, age, and a history of gestational diabetes (occurs in pregnant women). Modifiable factors include being overweight, physical inactivity, high cholesterol (the wrong kind), smoking, and high blood pressure.

Another unfortunate risk factor is race. It seems that minority races are more prone to developing the disease than white Americans. This is especially true for African Americans. Here is an in-depth look at how some of the risk factors can affect people according to their race

Obesity

According to the CDC, studies have shown that a whopping 42.4% of the U.S. population is classified as obese. While obesity alone doesn’t automatically mean a person will develop diabetes, it’s a major factor. Obesity is one of the highest black American risk factors, with almost 50 percent of African Americans being obese. The percentage of African American women that are obese is even higher than that.

Research shows us that higher rates of obesity correlate with lower socioeconomic status. This is why minority groups tend to have higher rates of obesity than Caucasian Americans. It’s a combination of not being able to afford healthy foods and not being able to afford medical treatment for conditions that can lead to obesity.

Another factor is not having access to proper nutritional education. Culture plays a huge role as well, with differences in meal preparation being a large contribution to the obesity epidemic. However, even cultural food differences trace back to the lower incomes that impact minorities when compared to Caucasian Americans over the centuries.

Other risk factors can be attributed to being overweight. For example, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are both caused by consistently eating an unhealthy diet.

Lack of Physical Activity

The lack of physical activity becomes an issue for people later in life. Research has shown that African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans tend to get less physical activity than white Americans as they age. It seems that Indigenous people get about the same rate of exercise as white Americans.

There are plenty of theories as to why this occurs. One of the major theories is that minorities, not including Indigenous people, spend their lifetimes working hard, physically demanding jobs. Pair this with a lower standard in medical care, and you get people who face feelings of burnout as they get older. They may suffer from more pain and more symptoms of old age. After a lifetime of hard work, they don’t want to be physically active anymore.

Smoking

It is incredibly disturbing that 73% of adults who are diagnosed with diabetes are either current or past smokers or users of some form of tobacco. Smoking has been discovered to be a direct cause of the disease as well as an aggravating factor to it. In fact, smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop the disease.

When you look at smoking by race, as with the other factors, minorities make up the bulk of smokers. According to the American Lung Association, Indigenous people have the highest percentage of smokers at 21.9%, as well as the highest percentage of smoking-related deaths. African Americans have the second highest at 16.8%, and Asian Americans have the lowest share at 7 percent.

Despite African Americans having the second-highest percentage of smokers, smoking is still one of the more serious black American risk factors. This is because over 77% of African Americans smoke menthol cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes are the most addictive cigarettes on the market.

Make no mistake. The disease is a problem for white Americans, just like it is for minorities in the United States. However, because of socioeconomic status, white Americans, in general, have more access to higher-quality healthcare that can help them manage the disease and risk factors. The medical community must launch a significant intervention to stop this disease in its tracks, and we need extra emphasis on diabetes prevention in minority communities.

Diabetes Prevention Is a Must

The good news about the disease is that it’s easy to manage type 1 and easy to prevent type 2 from happening. The problem is that many people don’t do what is necessary. A lot of this is due to a lack of education about diabetes. They don’t understand what it is and how badly it can affect them.

There needs to be more of a push to educate the public about the disease. Many people who have the disease are undiagnosed, so they don’t even know they need to manage it. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be the difference between life or death.

Another way to prevent it is by improving the lifestyles of minorities. Giving them access to affordable healthy foods and activities that can keep them physically active can go a long way in prevention. When a bag of cookies costs less than a bag of apples, it’s no surprise that poor minority families are overindulging on sugary foods and drinks.

Final Thoughts on People Who Are Diabetic by Race and the Need to Take Diabetes Prevention to Heart

At the current rate that the population of the United States is becoming diabetic, this disease is going to become the number one health problem in the country quickly. While the solutions are simple, they aren’t easy to implement – at least not quickly. It’s going to take a significant effort to get a handle on the disease. We, as a society, must tackle underlying social issues along with prevention efforts.

If you’re an individual reading this for your health or the health of your family, you can start in your own home. Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent the disease or reverse the condition if you’re suffering from type-two. If everyone starts at home, the statistics on diabetics will begin to trend in the opposite direction leading to a healthier, happier nation.

Psychologists Explain What Isolation Does to Your Mental Health

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Isn’t it nice to be by yourself for a while to relax and refocus your energy? Solitude can be welcomed when you are overwhelmed and need to shut out the world. However, be aware of these ten mental health outcomes that are caused by prolonged isolation.

1. Depression

If you’ve ever been alone for an extended period, you may have noticed how your internal dialogue can take a dark turn. When you have nobody to stimulate your mind with a conversation, your attention is turned inward. It’s easy to start ruminating and allow negative thoughts to dominate you, leading to depression.

Since one of the tell-tale signs of depression is gradual isolation from family and friends, it’s reasonable to see how separation itself can make you depressed. If left untreated, chronic depression can lead to a host of illnesses and diseases.

Avoid depression

Do you live alone or have been temporarily isolated for health reasons? You can avoid the smothering clutches of depression by staying as mentally and physically active as you can. Spend time walking outside every day and get some fresh air.

Read or listen to audiobooks on subjects that have always piqued your interests. Keep a reasonable schedule every day and refuse to stay in bed. Remember that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes, but you can’t remain in that frame of mind.

2. Suicidal Thoughts

If you follow the descending links of solitude, you’ll see how it can lead to being depressed with possible thoughts of suicide. Given the right circumstances and mental condition, anybody can contemplate taking their own life. Spending too much time alone and surrounding yourself with negative thoughts can drain anyone’s desire to live.

While it is reasonable to feel hopeless sometimes and wonder if your life has value, dwelling on suicide is a different story. It’s especially severe if you are contemplating ways you could do it. Mental health outcomes of prolonged loneliness often include suicidal thoughts, so you should seek medical attention immediately.

Get help right away!

Before you get to the point of suicidal ideation, realize that external circumstances like loneliness have nothing to do with your value as a person. One tool that can help you remember your worth is journaling. Your journal can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish, or you may choose to save it on your computer.

Concentrate on your good qualities and the strengths and talents you have. You can also keep a running list of the people and things that make you feel grateful. When you begin to feel lost and unworthy, review past entries in your journal and remember what a beautiful and valuable person you are.

3. Cardiovascular Disease

Did you know that the mental health outcomes of spending too much time alone can also affect your heart? The connections between prolonged solitude, depression, and stress are undeniable. When these issues are compounded, studies show that it can lead to cardiovascular disease like heart attacks or strokes.

Get up, get active!

Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system requires attention to all aspects of your being: body, mind, and spirit. You can eat a heart-healthy diet every day even if you are alone. Get plenty of exercise and lower your stress levels. Your heart and the rest of your body will thank you.

4. Undue Stress

Without some form of stress, you would never learn, mature, or do anything in life. Indeed, life itself is tense. However, you may stagger under a load of stress that is unnecessary and can devastate you physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Because of your survival instincts to fight, flee, freeze, or faint, your brain doesn’t prioritize stress. It gives your body a boost of strength by dumping cortisol and adrenalin into your system. While this reflex serves you well in a dangerous situation, it’s detrimental to your health when you are perpetually stressed.

How you can alleviate this stress

You can never eliminate all stress from your life, but there are ways to minimize it. Even when you are isolated, try to go outdoors every day for fresh air. Yoga is also an ideal way to calm your nerves and strengthen your body. Don’t forget the many stress-relieving benefits of meditation and mindful breathing.

5. Dietary Changes

Since food is such an integral part of our culture and being, the mental health outcomes of solitude may affect your eating habits. Have you ever noticed that you often graze throughout the day out of habit or boredom? When was the last time you ate something just because you were feeling hunger pains?

When you’re by yourself and have nothing to do, you may snack on everything in sight due to depression and boredom. Such mindless eating can lead to weight gain, obesity, and dangerous health problems. The weight can sneak up on you without you even noticing it until you get on the scales.

Conversely, maybe you are one of those people who doesn’t enjoy dining alone, so you don’t bother fixing meals for yourself. Soon, skipping meals becomes a habit, and you lose weight and feel weaker by the day. Malnutrition is common among those who are alone too much.

Treat yourself to good eats

If you are alone for an extended period by choice or by circumstances, it’s important to maintain your usual routines, especially dietary ones. Avoid those comfort foods that are loaded with empty calories and aren’t good for your health. Instead, choose a variety of whole foods to prepare balanced meals and snacks.

6. Cognitive Decline

As with any part of your body, your brain needs nourishment and exercise for optimal health. Being alone for an extended period isn’t always conducive to challenging your mind.

If you sit in front of the television or spend hours ruminating about the past and your present situation, your brain cells can get lethargic and atrophy. It’s possible to experience a cognitive decline over time.

Engage your mind

Just because you are by yourself for a while doesn’t mean you’ve stopped thinking and living. Find ways each day to give your brain a good workout. Read, do crossword puzzles, or enjoy a hobby that requires thinking and creativity. The more active you keep your brain, the longer it will function properly throughout your life.

7. Personality Changes

The mental health outcomes of extended isolation can also include a gradual change in your personality, if not addressed. While you may not go to the extremes of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, you may soon notice that your moods aren’t stable.

With the onset of depression, fear, and boredom, you may go from a happy person to one that’s irritable and miserable. This change can be so gradual that you may not notice it. When your personality takes on a constant negative role, friends and loved ones might avoid you. Such a downward spiral can only bring on more isolation.

Practice affirming your self-worth

You might not have the ability to change your situation now, but you can control how you cope with it. Refuse to let negative self-talk take over your mind by surrounding yourself with positive activities and attitudes. Your personality may evolve with time and experience, but never lose track of the fundamental things that make you who you are.

8. Developing Bad Habits

If you have a few vices or habits that aren’t so good for you, you’re not alone. Anyone who says they’re free of bad habits should work on being truthful.

When you are around other people who make you accountable for your actions, it’s easier to trade bad habits for healthier ones. When nobody is around, you may no longer resist the urge to light up another smoke or eat a whole box of snack cakes.

Perhaps you think that if nobody cares, why should you? Unfortunately, mental health outcomes of loneliness can lead to such skewed thinking.

Overcome your poor habits

It takes a long time to develop a bad habit, so don’t expect to kick it overnight. Some habits, like nail-biting, take a little attention and determination. Other habits like smoking, alcoholism, and gambling, may require psychological intervention. A mental health provider can help you build coping skills and develop good habits.

9. Affecting the Immune System

Did you know that an overabundance of stress hormones can weaken your immune system? Some research suggests that prolonged isolation can play a part in immunity suppression. If you are chronically stressed and fatigued due to loneliness, you are more prone to sickness and disease.

Supplementation for immune support

Keep your immune system in tip-top shape with diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to get adequate sleep and eat fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about vitamin and herbal supplements that can help your immune system.

10. Premature Aging

Not even the best cosmetic surgeon can stop the aging process. However, the mental health outcomes of staying alone too much can hasten it. Have you ever seen people who looked much older than they are because they are lonely and caught up in depression?

Prioritize self-care time each day

Your skin needs proper care and nourishment at any age, whether you are alone or not. Experts recommend that you eat whole foods rich in antioxidants and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Treat your skin to nourishing creams and lotions to keep it supple, moisturized, and beautiful.

Final Thoughts on Reaching Positive Mental Health Outcomes Regardless of Feeling Isolated

Humans were meant to be social creatures for a reason. If you’ve been isolated for extended periods, take notice of these mental health outcomes. Don’t let loneliness compromise your well-being.

15 Emotionally Abusive Phrases Parents Say (Without Realizing the Harm)

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many emotionally abusive phrases that parents use are ones that they don’t realize are a form of child abuse. Emotional abuse is a way of sabotaging another person’s feelings of self-worth and undermining their independence. It is as detrimental to a child as physical abuse, but it impacts their mental health instead of their body.

Studies have shown that saying emotionally abusive phrases to a child can be just as harmful as a spanking. It doesn’t only interfere with a child’s view of themselves and the world around them, either. It can also cause aggressive behavior and depression.

Your words are just as important as your actions, and they affect your child equally. Since parents often say emotionally abusive phrases without realizing it, it’s essential to know some of the common mistakes. By knowing these phrases, you’ll be able to be more careful with your children.

Emotionally Abusive Phrases Parents Say

1. “I wish you were more like…”

When you compare your child to another one, it ruins their view of themselves. It will cause a distorted image of themselves in their mind. Then, they will always view themselves negatively because of it.

Saying things similar to this phrase can also cause siblings to be against each other. It can cause unhealthy rivalry and can irreparably ruin a sibling bond. This phrase can also make a child feel like they have to earn love from you.

2. “What would I do without you?”

This phrase may seem entirely innocent and unharmful, but that isn’t truly the case. When you say this to a child, it forces the child to become a responsible adult figure. Since you are supposed to be the caregiver, the child shouldn’t feel like they have to take care of you.

3. “Get over it.”

When you say this, it invalidates the child’s feelings. It also minimizes whatever happened to the child that upset them. This phrase is a way to assert power over the child, which isn’t something you should ever do.

Saying this also gives the child the impression that you don’t care about their feelings. Over time, it will make them question whether they are over-reacting in all situations. This will hurt their self-esteem and cause them to lack confidence or avoid standing up for themselves.

Instead of speaking these words to a child, try something else instead. If you give them space to feel their emotions without judgment and criticism, they will accept the situation more quickly. Plus, it affords them a chance to learn about emotional regulation and to have their feelings validated.

4. “Why aren’t you better at…?”

When you question your child’s abilities in this way, it can cause them to give up. If you ask why they aren’t better at a sport, an instrument, or any other activity, they’ll lose confidence. While you may think this phrase will get them to try harder, it will have the opposite effect.

When you make them feel like they aren’t good enough, they’ll think they can’t do it. This is true for activities, as mentioned above, but also for school subjects, household tasks, and anything else. It causes severe self-doubt and insecurity, and it can lead to anxiety and depression.

5. “I never said that.”

This should only be said to a child when it is, without question, right. If you say it any other time, it will have severe consequences for the child. When you tell a child, you didn’t say something that you did say, it is a form of gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a way that abusers cause their victims to questions their reality. When you do this to a child, they’ll start questioning themselves about everything. It can ruin their perception of the world around them.

6. “You’re just saying that for attention.”

When you tell a child that they are just saying something to get attention, it invalidates their feelings. It makes them feel like their opinions don’t matter and that they should hide the way they think.

7. “I love you, but…”

The more a child hears this, the more they will think they are incapable of being loved. While they may know that you love them, this will make them feel you are the only one who will. Telling them you love them, but then following it up with criticism, is not beneficial to a child’s emotional development.

8. “No wonder everyone thinks you’re dumb.”

You can replace the word ‘dumb’ with any other negative insult, and it would have the same effect. When you say things like this, it can cause years of mental damage that can lead to more issues. This damage will likely begin as insecurity and self-hatred but can manifest into so much more.

While children are taught that words from bullies shouldn’t hurt them, this doesn’t apply when it comes to a parent. A child can’t just ignore the hurtful words spoken by a parent, and it can cause personality or psychiatric disorders.

9. “Can’t you do anything right?”

This phrase will cause a child to believe that they can’t do anything right. Abuse of this kind is intended to make the child try harder, but it doesn’t work that way. Once a child hears something along these lines, they will stop believing in themselves.

It will ruin their self-esteem and can cause self-hatred. When a child hears something about themselves, they begin to believe it is true. Then, they will strive to exceed your expectations of them, which they believe are that they can’t do anything right.

10. “You are always so difficult.”

As with some of the emotionally abusive phrases above, this one will diminish their self-esteem. They will start to see themselves as a difficult child, and their actions will show it. When you tell a child that they are a certain way, that’s how they will begin to behave.

They listen raptly to what you are saying, and they learn from what they hear. If they learn that they are challenging, it will only make the situation worse, both short and long-term. Instead of telling them negative things, try saying positive things about them and see how their behavior adjusts.

11. “Why don’t you love me?” (emotionally abusive by being passive aggressive!)

Saying this to a child can make them think they have to devote all of their attention to you. They may think they won’t be accepted and loved by you unless they do that. When this happens, it takes away from their learning, playing, and developing time.

12. “It’s silly that you think…”

This is another way of invalidating a child’s feelings. They will become insecure about expressing their feelings and learn to bottle the emotions up, instead. By telling them that you think their opinions are silly, you are also trivializing the things that bother them.

13. “I gave up so much for you.”

When you have children, you have to sacrifice in many ways. This is true for all parents, and a child should never feel like they are inconveniencing you because of it. It’s not their job to give you a good life, and they should never feel like they made your life worse.

14. “It isn’t perfect.”

Teaching your kids that everything must be perfect is detrimental to their minds. They will begin to think that you won’t be proud of them or love them if they aren’t perfect.

This can cause the child to be overly critical of themselves, which is harmful to their confidence. They will begin to question their self-worth, and they may believe they aren’t capable of doing well.

It can also cause an overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety for the child. They will always believe that no matter how hard they tried, they have to keep going and achieve perfection.

15. Nothing, you give them the silent treatment.

Remaining silent is a form of mental abuse, and this is especially true when it comes to children. When they feel ignored, they will wonder why they aren’t good enough to gain your attention.

If they had done something wrong, and the silent treatment is a form of punishment, it is still detrimental. They will not learn how to self-regulate their emotions or talk problems out. This will negatively impact their mental health and self-esteem well into adulthood.

Final Thoughts on 15 Emotionally Abusive Phrases Parents Say (That They Don’t Realize Are Hurtful)

Knowing that emotional abuse is a form of child abuse can help you remember to avoid these emotionally abusive phrases. Emotional abuse has severe consequences for children, and studies show that these consequences could last a lifetime. Parents aren’t perfect, however, and everyone says things they shouldn’t have.

You may not realize that the things you are saying are emotionally abusive phrases. It’s essential to think about what you say to a child before you say it, though, to avoid emotional damage. Since children are still emotionally developing, it’s essential to prevent these negative phrases and stick with positivity.

Psychology Explains 15 Effects Narcissistic Parenting Has On Children

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

While Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) only affects around 5% of the general population, most people show narcissistic traits throughout their lifetime. However, just because someone exhibits disorder characteristics doesn’t mean they have severe enough symptoms to warrant a diagnosis.

NPD is an actual mental illness that causes an over-inflated sense of self-importance and can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life. It requires ongoing treatment, usually through long-term therapy and medications.

What are the common symptoms of NPD?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for NPD includes the following behaviors:

having an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement
needing constant admiration and praise
expecting special treatment due to perceived superiority
exaggerating achievements and talents
reacting negatively to criticism
being preoccupied with fantasies about power, success, and beauty
taking advantage of others
having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of other people
behaving in an arrogant manner

These harmful family dynamics can cause mental illness in children that sometimes remain hidden until adulthood. Below, we’ll go over how narcissistic parents influence their children in ways they sometimes don’t even realize.

Here’s how narcissistic parenting can impact children in ways parents may not understand:

May cause NPD in children

While having NPD yourself doesn’t necessarily guarantee your children will develop the disorder, it does increase their chances. However, as we said above, not everyone who displays characteristics of narcissism has a full-blown disease. Parents with some of the traits may influence their children to mimic them, and they may have NPD themselves. Not surprisingly, parents who tend to “overvalue” their children may cause them to develop narcissistic traits.

A study from researchers at Ohio State University and the University of Amsterdam in Holland found that praising children too often resulted in higher scores of narcissism. For example, parents telling children they’re “more special than other kids” may give them an inflated sense of self-worth. Children should have good confidence, but too much will lead to arrogance.

Could lead to low self-esteem

Narcissistic parenting can also cause children to lean toward the opposite end of the spectrum and have low self-worth. Narcissists love to make everything about themselves, and children may grow up feeling that they have to tiptoe around their parents to please them. They may not feel comfortable sharing their needs with parents who are preoccupied with their self-image and desires. Therefore, the child grows up feeling neglected and without a voice.

Narcissistic parenting can make it hard for children to connect with others.

Parents who are narcissists can make children withdraw from social connections and events. They may have difficulty reaching out to others because they haven’t had examples of healthy relationships in their life. Children need a safe, welcoming environment to develop social skills and maintain bonds with people. Children raised by narcissists may grow up feeling like they have to protect themselves from others, viewing them as a threat.

May lead to feelings of isolation or rejection.

Narcissistic parenting can cause children to feel rejected by their peers. They may not feel good enough compared to other children their age because of early experiences of neglect at home. Children may feel emotionally deprived and not seem interested in getting to know other kids in their class.

They may feel inferior.

Narcissists have an overinflated sense of self-worth, so a child raised by parents who display symptoms of NPD will feel invisible in comparison. If parents make everything about themselves and don’t nurture their children, they will grow up feeling as though they have to work twice as hard to impress people.

They may become perfectionists and people-pleasers to fit in or gain the approval of different social groups. This feeling may carry into adulthood, as well.

Children who’ve been affected by narcissistic parenting could have a fear of abandonment.

Children who have been neglected emotionally from a young age may develop an intense fear of abandonment. This stems from not getting the attention or affection they needed as a child, and they may become codependent in relationships as a result. Because the child was raised to believe they don’t matter, they will latch onto others they perceive as wounded to feel self-worth.

May suffer in jobs and at school.

Being raised by narcissists may cause children to underachieve in the work or school environment. Their parents may have either overly criticized or given them too much praise, causing the child to underperform. If they have no self-esteem, they will feel they don’t have the skills to complete tasks; however, if parents have overvalued them, they may feel they don’t have to do much to receive praise.

Children may have trouble speaking up.

Narcissistic parenting can result in children not knowing when to speak up for themselves. They may become doormats for others because of low self-worth and poor boundaries. They may do whatever it takes to fit in, and possibly end up hanging with the wrong crowd just to have friends. Children raised by narcissists may not feel they can defend themselves because they don’t want to cause any drama or tension.

Being raised by narcissists could increase the risk of developing a mental illness.

Studies show that children raised by narcissists have a higher risk of developing some type of mental illness, though not necessarily narcissistic. Because narcissistic parenting may cause children to live in a constant state of anxiety due to unstable relationships, this can result in long-term psychological damage. Children may experience the following types of mental illness:

Anxiety
Depression
OCD
CPTSD or PTSD
Personality disorders such as NPD or BPD
Bipolar disorder

They may not feel worthy of love or respect.

Being raised by a narcissist may cause children to seek relationships that mimic their childhood. In other words, they may choose someone familiar to them and repeat the unhealthy patterns laid out by their parents. Because they weren’t shown unconditional love, children of narcissists may choose relationships with someone emotionally unavailable or overly critical because they feel “safe.”

Narcissistic parenting can cause children to have poor boundaries.

These children often fail to learn how to set boundaries. Their parents condition them to bend over backward to please their parents, so they’re likely to repeat this behavior in other relationships. They may put others’ needs above their own to feel a sense of self-worth.

May increase risk of substance abuse in children

Studies have shown that when parents have a mental illness, children have an increased risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Children may not have healthy coping mechanisms for their emotions, so they look to substances such as drugs and alcohol to ease their suffering. Narcissistic parenting may make children feel they have no healthy outlet for their feelings, and this makes children vulnerable to getting involved in dangerous lifestyle habits.

Could lead to problems with relationships

Because children raised by narcissists feel they have to walk on eggshells around their parents, they may carry this behavior into their adult relationships. They may have problems getting close to people and feel they can’t trust others. Children with narcissistic parents may view others as threatening. Thus, they seek to protect themselves from further harm by opting out of friendships or relationships.

Children of narcissists may feel they need constant attention.

Some children may withdraw from others, while others show the opposite behavior, looking for constant validation and attention. Narcissists make themselves the center of attention, so children may respond by copying this behavior to feel seen and heard. These kids act out simply a survival skill in the chaos of their home environment. Therefore, they see nothing wrong with their behavior.

Increases impulsiveness and anger or hostility

Children of narcissists may have trouble regulating their emotions, so they may engage in dangerous behaviors or become aggressive. They have difficulty listening to others’ needs or emotions and may quickly become angry. These children come from a chaotic environment. Thus, they may seek very stimulating activities such as reckless driving, gambling, drug use, heavy drinking, or compulsive shopping.

Final thoughts on how narcissistic parenting affects children

This childhood trauma can impact children well into adulthood. Indeed, sometimes these children grow up to require years of therapy or medication. Narcissism can cause severe trauma for family members and result in long-lasting psychological damage. While the parents may not recognize their harmful behavior, it’s still their responsibility to create a loving, safe environment for their children. If you’ve been the victim of narcissistic abuse, please consider seeking help from a licensed therapist or counselor.

10 Secret Phrases People Say When They’re Asking for Help

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Those who struggle with mental illness don’t like asking for help. A mentally ill person often fails to speak up when they are struggling and need some help, but they may hint at it.

Research sourced from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that nearly one in five adults has mental illness. With this being the case, it is undoubtedly possible that someone you love struggles.

When they hint at it, they’ll use secret phrases that they hope others pick up on. Saying they need help can be hard for them because it’s difficult to admit to a struggle. They may also be afraid of how those around them will act if they ask for help.

Knowing these secret phrases is essential because you’ll be able to pick up on the hints. Since asking for help is so difficult for some people, those who love them will need to know these phrases.

Phrases People Say When They are Asking for Help

1. “I can’t sleep.”

When someone is struggling with their mental health, they often cannot sleep at night. They lie awake while their thoughts run wild. It is not for any specific lack of trying that they can’t sleep, but it’s that they are so overwhelmed inside.

This phrase is a good indicator that they are asking for help. They need someone to help through hard times. Or, it may be that they need someone who can listen to them as they talk.

2. “I’m really tired.”

Similarly to the “I can’t sleep” phrase, people who need help may also say, “I’m really tired”.

The person may not truly be tired. Indeed, the narrative could be a way that they are letting you know they are struggling. It could also be their excuse to stay home instead of heading out for social interaction.

Other times, they really might be exhausted. When they weren’t able to sleep all night, they will be drained during the day.

If you notice someone is often tired during the day or they tell you they are tired, pay attention. It could be a first indication that they need help but don’t want to ask for it. Show them kindness during this time, because they need it.

3. “It’s one of those days.”

This saying secretly means that they could use some help today. The person’s thoughts and feelings are getting the best of them, and they need a way to alleviate some of it.

Those individuals who struggle with mental illness know that not all days are great. There are many days that you can tell are going to be negative.

When this happens, it will be the only thing on the person’s mind. It can make them seem quiet, distracted, irritable, or sad. This confusion can also make things difficult as they try to go about their daily tasks.

4. “Can I call you?”

Sometimes, even if they don’t talk about what’s bothering them, people who want help will call to speak. They need to hear someone’s voice and know that someone is there for them. It also helps them get their mind off of their struggles.

By answering the phone when they call, you’ll be showing them that they aren’t alone. The person needs to have someone in their life that they know will always be there when they need someone.

5. “I’ll deal with this later.”

Even when something should be dealt with right away, someone who needs help may give up, instead. It means that they are getting overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or depressed about it. When they say this phrase, they’d love it if you could help them out.

Sometimes, they say they’ll deal with something later when they can’t think about it right then. When the mind is preoccupied with negative thoughts, they will struggle to keep their thoughts straight. This mindset can lead to giving up on what they are trying to work on.

6. “I don’t feel good.”

When you can tell that something is wrong and you ask about it, this may be the response you get. It doesn’t always mean they feel sick.

It could mean that they are depressed, anxious, or any other negative feelings. For them, it’s easier to say they don’t feel good than it is to ask for help. This moment would be a good time for you to sit with them, and no words or entertainment will be necessary.

7. “I have a headache.”

They may use this secret phrase in the same way that they use the last one. It’s how they explain their demeanor being off, and it’s how they let you know something is wrong. If you know someone who often uses this as an excuse, it could be their way of reaching out for help.

Of course, if the person doesn’t generally say this, it could genuinely be a headache they are suffering from. If this secret phrase happens on multiple occasions, however, it could be a sign.

8. “I need to lay down.”

Sometimes people get so overwhelmed by their emotional responses that they need to lay down. It may seem impossible for them to do anything else, and they feel safe and secure lying down. When this happens, they likely could use some help, even if you can’t do anything to fix it.

Your aid could come in the form of finishing up whatever they were working on. Or, your support could be that you spend time with your friend, so they know they aren’t alone. Sometimes knowing someone who cares about you is nearby can help relieve some of the feelings.

9. “I’m OK.”

When someone says this, it generally means they are not alright. This phrase is an answer someone will give when they don’t want to come right out and say that something is wrong. It doesn’t mean that things are going well for them, and they likely have something on their mind.

10. “I can’t think right now.”

With thoughts and emotions overwhelming their brain, they will have trouble focusing. The task at hand could be one they do every day, and they will struggle when they need help. This response is because they aren’t able to think clearly.

They need a distraction, which you could offer them by talking about other things. Maybe what would be best, however, is to talk about how they are feeling. While you shouldn’t force them to talk, encourage them to do so and make sure to listen attentively.

How to Respond When Someone Is Asking for Help

Often, the person who needs help doesn’t want you to fix their problem. They also aren’t looking for reassurance or encouragement. Instead, the things that tend to help them include:

listening as they talk
an empathetic listener
someone to validate their emotions
a home-cooked meal
someone to sit in silence with them
a hug
a patient person to be there for them
compassionate support
show kindness

Things You Should Avoid Saying to Some Who Needs Assistance

“I know what you are going through because it happened to me.”

When you say this, it is turning the conversation to you and your problems. While you may be trying to be helpful, you have to remember that everyone’s situation is different. What techniques worked for you might not work for them, so telling them what you did to overcome won’t help, either.

It might also make that other person feel as if you don’t care about what they are going through. Plus, even if you don’t realize it, it shows that you aren’t listening to how the other person feels.

“Your situation isn’t that bad. There was a time…”

When you respond to their conversation with a story about someone who had it worse, it invalidates their feelings. It diminishes what they are going through, and makes it seem like you aren’t being compassionate. The stories you might tell won’t help the situation, and they aren’t exactly an act of kindness, either.

“Get it together.” or “It’s not that bad.”

These types of comments show that you don’t understand how the person is feeling. It only makes them feel more lonesome and unsupported. They’ll be more likely to withhold their opinions in the future, too.

“I’m worried you’ll never get through this.”

This statement is the worst thing you could ever say to someone who needs help. If you tell them that you are worried about this, they’ll give up on themselves. They will stop trying to get through hard times and live in misery, instead.

Instead, stay positive and supportive while showing confidence in them. If they know you believe in them, they’ll believe in themselves, too.

Other things you should avoid when talking to them include:

explaining their situation or feelings for them
saying that everything will be alright
changing the subject
trying to fix their problem
not allowing them to show their emotions
analyzing the situation
pushing spiritual beliefs on them

Final Thoughts on the Secret Phrases People Say When They’re Asking for Help

People who struggle with mental health challenges do not like asking for help, but they sometimes need it. Remember these secret phrases people say when they’re asking for help and do what you can to help them. Sometimes all someone needs in life is a friend to be there for them and show them extra kindness and compassion.

Sometimes, those in our lives need more help than we can give. When this situation is the case, it’s essential to seek professional advice. For more resources and information, you can visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.

15 Symptoms of Flu That Mean It’s Getting Worse

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Being sick is never a good thing but the symptoms of flu are some of the worst ones to experience. If you are ill with influenza, you may already be experiencing symptoms. There are some symptoms, however, that indicate the flu is getting worse.

The length and severity of the illness and symptoms differ for everyone. Not everyone who catches the flu will experience the same symptoms. You may only experience a few of the symptoms on the list when you get sick.

The symptoms of flu are already bad enough. Knowing what may be coming next is essential to preparing for it and taking care of yourself. The flu goes through a set of stages, though, and progresses as the days go on.

Symptoms of Flu That Mean It’s Getting Worse

You’ll want to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Otherwise, the symptoms will only get worse. If you think your flu is worsening, these symptoms may help you confirm and plan for your days ahead.

1. Trouble Breathing or Shortness of Breath

With anything in life, if you are having trouble breathing, something bad is happening. Whether it is the flu worsening or something else entirely, it is scary and alarming.

If the difficulty breathing occurs only when you are laying down, there could be a less-serious explanation, however. When you lay down, your diaphragm pushes up and your lung capacity decreases.

Since your respiratory functioning is already at a disadvantage because of influenza, those movements make it difficult to breathe. You don’t have to overly worry unless the trouble breathing comes along with a fever or severe cough.

Additionally, if you have difficulty breathing while laying on your side, you may need medical attention. You should also consider seeing a doctor if the trouble breathing lasts for more than a few days.

2. Chest Congestion

Congestion is caused by inflammation, which is one way the body tries to get rid of viruses. When your body realizes there is a virus present, it sends out an inflammatory response. This causes your sinuses to become inflamed, which then leads to congestion.

If this happens to you when you have the flu, it may be getting worse. You will likely start to feel worse and your symptoms may flare-up.

Once the inflammation begins, you may find it more difficult to breathe. You will likely have a difficult time eating, and you’ll have trouble sleeping.

A natural remedy for congestion is to sit in a steaming shower or bathroom. The steam will help relieve the inflammation, which will then ease some of the chest congestion.

3. Weakness, Unsteadiness, or Dizziness

Having the flu can wreak havoc on your body. You’ll be stripped of nutrients, fighting off a virus, and feeling defeated all at the same time. Oftentimes, dehydration results from the symptoms of flu, which can cause you to become weak, unsteady, or dizzy.

The key to overcoming these symptoms is to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Walking or standing will only make it worse, so it is best to give in and lay in bed for a while. Keep in mind that if you are feeling weak, unsteady, or dizzy while standing, it could cause a painful fall.

4. Confusion

If your case of the flu gets bad enough, it can get into your brain, causing inflammation. When this happens, it can affect your memory, clarity, concentration, and ability to focus.

5. Muscle Pain or Body Aches

If you experience body aches, they will likely begin in your head, back, arms, or legs. They will quickly spread and make you feel like your entire body hurts.

Some people describe this as bone pain or body aches, while others believe that it is muscle pain. Either way, it is uncomfortable and is a likely symptom of flu.

Another form of body aches you may experience is a pain in your joints. They tend to become inflamed when your body is fighting a virus, which can cause them to ache. You’ll notice it when you bend your knees, move your fingers, sit down, or walk around.

6. Fever That Goes Away and Then Comes Back

The flu often causes fevers that are above 100F. If your fever starts to go down or goes away completely but then returns, your illness is likely getting worse.

7. Cough That Starts to Improve and Then Returns

As with a fever, this is a bad sign. A cough may not be alarming initially or by itself. If it begins to go away and then returns even worse, however, it’s likely a problem.

A cough is the body’s way of getting rid of invading viruses. Drink lots of water or caffeine-free tea to help ease the coughing and sore throat that is sure to follow.

8. Headaches

Headaches may be one of the first symptoms to appear and one of the last to go away. With the flu, headaches are often caused by the inflammation of the sinus cavities.

Other times, you may feel a headache that seems to be behind or around your eyes. When this happens, it is a sign that you are also dehydrated.

9. Chills or Sweats

You may experience chills or sweats even if you don’t have a fever. It’s oftentimes a good indicator that you have the flu or that it’s getting worse.

10. Pain or Pressure in Your Chest

If you have the flu and chest pain or pressure occurs, you likely have a bad case of it. While sometimes, chest pain is caused by congestion or coughing, it could be an indicator that things are worsening.

It could indicate that you are developing bronchitis or pneumonia. Another thing it can indicate is that the infection has spread to other parts of your body.

If you think the chest pain is related to coughing or congestion try home remedies to ease the flu symptoms. You can drink warm liquids such as warm water with honey mixed in or a hot caffeine-free tea.

On the other hand, if you think your chest pain is something more severe, call your doctor. They can rule out other causes or offer other remedies for getting through it.

11. Gastrointestinal Issues

Not everyone who gets the flu experiences gastrointestinal problems. Those who do, however, can be sure that their illness is only getting worse. This could be in the form of nausea, stomach pain, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If you are experiencing these symptoms of flu, remember to drink extra water. Dehydration can quickly follow gastrointestinal problems, and that will only make you sicker. Avoid caffeine and sweetened juices, as those can lead to further dehydration.

12. Fatigue

While it is normal to feel abnormally tired when you are sick, the flu will have you feeling even worse. If you suddenly become fatigued or the fatigue just won’t go away, it is an indicator that it’s getting worse.

Fatigue is also a symptom of a common cold, but it’ll be worse with this virus. It is often one of the first symptoms that you will experience.

You should give in to this feeling, even if you have other things you want to do first. Getting rest and allowing your body to recover is essential to getting better. Rest helps improve the immune system, allowing your body to fight off the virus more effectively.

13. You Lose Your Sense of Smell

When you are sick, your white blood cells release natural chemicals that kill viruses. These chemicals cause increased mucous production and nasal inflammation. When this occurs, you will likely lose your sense of smell altogether.

14. Having a Metallic-Like Taste in Your Mouth

To properly taste your food, you have to be able to smell it. This is because 80% of taste is directly related to smell.

So, when you have the flu and can’t smell anything, you will likely notice your food having a weird taste. If this symptom of flu is just beginning for you, it’s a sure sign that the illness is getting worse.

15. Unable to Keep Food or Water Down

When you are sick, you may not feel like eating much. It’s important to keep food and water in your body, however, so your body can fight off influenza. A sign that your illness is getting worse, however, is the inability to keep anything down.

If you vomit every time you drink or eat something, your flu is getting worse. It can be dangerous and lead to severe problems if it persists. You will want to consult a medical professional if your illness gets to this point.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Symptoms of Flu That Indicates It Is Getting Worse

Many symptoms of flu mean it’s getting worse. Getting ahead of them and making a plan for dealing with it and getting through can make all the difference.

Oftentimes, the only thing that can make it better is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Influenza is a difficult illness to deal with, so knowing what to expect is essential to getting through it.

3 Ways to Make The Voice In Your Head Be Quiet (For Good)

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The voice in your head can either empower or tear you down, and it can sometimes feel like you’re fighting a battle with your brain. While some people actually don’t have an internal monologue, most people have some self-talk going on inside their head during the day. New research reveals that humans have, on average, around 6,000 thoughts per day. Apparently, the voice in our head stays quite busy!

Some experts estimate that around 80% of our thoughts are harmful, and 95% are repetitive. With that said, we need to use our brains in order to solve problems and complete daily tasks, so it wouldn’t serve us to silence our thoughts completely. However, figuring out how to eliminate or reduce our negative, repetitive thoughts would improve our lives and give us a better outlook. So, how do we go about doing this?

We will give you a few ideas, backed by science, that will allow you to cut through the static in your mind.

Here’s how to quiet the voice in your head for good:

Understand that you are not your thoughts.

Just like everything else in existence, thoughts are simply energy vibrating at a particular frequency. Thoughts are representations of matter, and everything you see around you started as an idea. What we think, therefore, can shape reality and actually transform how we perceive things. Science reveals that many different realities exist at any given time based on the person observing it.

With that mind-blowing piece of information, you can see why two people may perceive an event or object differently, even though they’re looking at the same thing. However, some advanced yogis have found a way to transcend the mind altogether and go beyond all these different realities to experience higher consciousness. How do they do this? By meditating.

Meditation allows you to quiet the voice in your head and unite your soul with superconsciousness, or universal intelligence. Meditation is a form of yoga, and yoga actually means “union with the soul.” Our minds often vacillate from one idea or stimuli to the next, and we can’t accomplish anything like this or even figure out what to achieve. We alternate between different thoughts and emotions and can’t see reality clearly.

However, when you practice meditation, you slowly start to witness your monkey mind becoming more natural to control. Your worries and constant mental chatter begin to dissipate, and you actually connect with your soul and higher consciousness. We have such a limited perception of reality when we experience it through our senses. But, by expanding our knowledge beyond our mind and body, we start to understand that we are much more than just our thoughts.

We are consciousness experiencing itself as a human being.

If you want to begin a meditation practice, start with a few minutes per day until your mind and body get used to being still. Then, once you’ve gotten comfortable with it, try to meditate for 15-30 minutes each day, preferably in the night or morning. Make sure you choose a quiet area of your home and focus on your Breathing.

Try to focus only on the task at hand.

Many times, our monkey mind shifts from one thought to the next, and we don’t actually give our full attention to what we’re doing. However, you can train your mind to remain in the present moment so you can feel more peaceful. You’ll notice much better mental clarity and productivity when you focus entirely on the task at hand.

Shockingly, a 2010 study performed by two Harvard psychologists found that people spend around 47% of their time awake thinking of something other than what’s going on. In other words, they spend almost half their time thinking about what they’re not doing. This makes for a miserable, scattered mind that doesn’t know what it wants.

To correct this, try single-tasking instead of multitasking, which doesn’t even exist anyway. Multitasking confuses our brains since we’re essentially switching quickly between one task and another, but accomplishing much less. With single-tasking, you’ll finish work faster and do a better job since you won’t have as much to think about at one time. Doesn’t this make so much sense?

While this won’t quiet the voice in your head completely, it will significantly help with feeling frazzled or overwhelmed by your thoughts. Not to mention, you might get done with work or school assignments faster if you practice giving your full attention to whatever you’re doing.

Practice breathing techniques.

Our minds can get the best of us sometimes, especially when we have a lot on our plate. If it feels like you can’t keep your head above water lately, try some breathing techniques to help you feel more peaceful. Here are a few to start with:

5-4-3-2-1 technique

Before beginning this exercise, take a few deep breaths to let out any frustrations or worries about your day. If you feel anxious or upset, your Breathing will probably be shallow and fast, so the exercise works best if you can slow it down a little. Once you’ve done this, practice these five steps, which gives the technique its name:

5: Acknowledge FIVE things you can see in your environment. Even if it’s something small, like a blade of grass or a bug on the wall, take note of your surroundings.

4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can physically touch near you. Perhaps you have a cup of coffee at your desk or a book on your nightstand. Then feel four things near you to connect you to the present moment.

3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. Focus on sounds outside your body, such as the coffee brewing in your coffeepot, the wind blowing in the trees, or someone turning the pages of a book.

2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. Hopefully, you can focus on pleasant smells in your environment, such as a field of wildflowers or dinner cooking on the stove. If you need to, walk toward these smells and take a second to breathe them in.

1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. If you have a snack near you or a cup of coffee, take the time to experience the flavors. This will reconnect you to your body if you feel anxious or stressed.

The idea of this exercise is to reconnect you to the present moment and help alleviate anxious or intrusive thoughts. Noticing stimuli in your immediate environment is a form of mindfulness, and this will keep your mind peaceful when you feel overly stressed or upset.

4-7-8 Breathing

If you want to feel more peaceful, try this breathing technique developed by Dr. Andrew Weil to help you relax your mind. You can practice this either lying down or sitting up, but make sure to have good posture if you choose an upright position. First, rest the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, right behind your two front teeth. Keep your tongue here throughout the exercise, even when you exhale. It may take some practice, but this step is essential.

In one breath cycle, follow these steps:

First, move your lips apart and make a whooshing sound as you exhale.
Then, close your lips, inhaling through your nose as you count to four silently.
Then, hold your breath for seven seconds.
Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds, once again making the whooshing sound.

Practice this for four cycles of breath to start. Once again, the idea behind this exercise is to focus on the breath, so you don’t replay distressing events in your head. It takes work to master the monkey mind, but it can be done with consistent practice.

Final thoughts on how to quiet the voice in your head for good

In today’s demanding, fast-paced environment, keeping on top of our mental health often gets put on the back burner. However, it makes life much more comfortable and more fulfilling if the mind remains calm and under control. It takes practice, but doing things such as breathing techniques, meditation, and focusing your full attention on the task at hand can make a huge difference. We all want to feel more peaceful, and luckily, we can achieve this state by making a few adjustments.

Keep in mind that our brains tell our bodies what to do, so you have an immense amount of power within you. You have to learn how to wield it so you can master your thoughts and not allow them to control you. Many people struggle with getting their minds to calm down, feeling overwhelmed with life’s constant pressures. However, you have to remember that no one else but you get to direct your life.

If you can win the ultimate battle, the one with your mind, then you can overcome anything life throws your way.

11 Things Cold Feet and Toes Can Reveal About Your Health

September 15, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

You may think it is not a big deal that your feet and toes are always cold. But chilly toes and feet aren’t something to ignore. You might chalk the chill up to nothing, but you could be making a mistake. Indeed, you could find that you have the first symptoms of an underlying health problem. Knowing the early signs of trouble can help you manage a previously undetected disease and prevent further consequences. Here is a handy list of eleven common health conditions associated with cold feet and toes.

11 Health Conditions Revealed by Cold Feet and Toes

You might find your cold feet and tingly toes annoying. But the truth is, they could point to a more severe underlying cause. Take a look.

1 – Diabetic neuropathy

Tingling in your hands and feet is a common complication of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can happen if you have diabetes. It usually develops slowly, even over a decade before it’s found. The most frequent first symptom of this condition is the feeling of numbness or a sense of “pins and needles” in your feet. Other symptoms can include those on this list:

Hypersensitivity to touch or loss of touch
Hard time walking
Burning feeling in your feet, mostly at night
Feeling weak in your muscles
Feeling bloated
Stomach problems-nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dizzy when you stand up
Can’t empty your bladder
Vision problems

See your primary care physician if you experience these symptoms. They can help get your blood sugar levels down with mediations. They will also give you recommendations for diet and exercise to control diabetes.

Know the causes and symptoms of neuropathy–and how to care for yourself at home.

2 – Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that causes hardening or restricting of the arteries. Over time, you might plaque can build up inside the walls. This blockage prevents proper blood flow, so your arteries get blocked. Arteriosclerosis is at the top of the list of causes of death in the United States. Having cold feet or weird nerve sensations could be a sign your circulation is blocked due to a lack of proper blood flow due to arteriosclerosis. You can prevent fatty deposits from accumulating in your arteries by following the healthy tips listed below:

Stop smoking
Eat a healthy diet
Get exercise
Keep a record of your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, BMI, and weight

3 – Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease or phenomenon impacts your blood vessels, causing them to not send blood to your feet or hands. The phenomenon happens when you’re out in the cold or when you experience stress. Other symptoms include numbness and coldness in fingers and toes. It’s caused by narrowing or restricting in your blood vessels. Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is most common in women aged 15 to 25, who live in a cold climate. Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs in people who are 35 to 40 years of age who have connective tissue diseases like the following list:

Scleroderma
Lupus
Sjogren’s syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Blood vessel diseases

Some medications have been known to cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, including high-pressure medications, migraine medications, over-the-counter cold medicine, and narcotics. Specific jobs can put you at risk for Raynaud’s phenomenon, such as working with chemicals, using certain tools all the time like a jackhammer.

4 – Vascular disease

Your vascular system includes your veins, capillaries, and arteries, which circulate blood throughout your body. When you have vascular disease, it affects your circulatory system, causing blockages and restricting your blood flow to all body parts. You’re more prone to vascular disease if you have any of these risk factors:

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Injury to your veins
Infection in your veins
History in your family of heart disease
Take certain medications
Overweight
You’re older, the older you get, the more prone you are to vascular diseases
Don’t exercise
Smoke
Sitting a lot

5 – Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism affects about five percent of the adult population in the United States, and it’s more common in women than men. Sometimes called an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones for your body. It can be fatal if left untreated. The thyroid gland impacts nearly every organ in your body, including your heart and metabolism. Because your thyroid gland controls your heart and body temperature, if your thyroid gland is not working correctly, you’ll have circulation problems such as cold feet and toes. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following:

Feeling cold all the time
Tiredness
Puffiness if your face
Joint pain
Extra dry skin
Slow heart rate
Depression
Irritability

Talk to your doctor if you have some (or all) of these signs. They will give you a simple blood test to check thyroid hormones. You can take thyroid replacement medication if your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly.

6 – Poor circulation

Poor circulation is usually due to other health problems. The most common reason for poor circulation is being overweight, heart problems, blood clots, diabetes, or artery disease. Symptoms of circulation problems include these:

Tingling
Numbness
Stinging pain in your legs or arms
Muscle cramps

If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor circulation, talk with your doctor immediately. Your doctor can do tests to find the cause. The typical tests include the following:

Blood pressure checks
Test for Raynaud’s disease
CT scan or ultrasound for blood clots or blockages
Blood sugar test for diabetes

7 – Peripheral neuropathy

This is another condition that can result due to complications related to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that affects your legs and feet. It’s prevalent. About one half of those who have diabetes get peripheral neuropathy.

Common symptoms include

Tingling in feet or hands
Pain
Weakness in your hands and feet
Lack of feeling in your feet
Sharp or burning pains in your feet
Pain to any touch

Having peripheral neuropathy puts you at risk for infection and injury since you lose the ability to feel correctly. In the most severe instances, it can lead to amputation.

8 – Frostbite

It’s easy to get frostbite and not realize it. If you’ve been outside in cold temperatures too long, you’re at risk for frostbite. In the right conditions, frostbite can happen in less than 30 minutes. You feel frostbite mostly in your extremities, such as your toes and fingers, but you can also get it in your nose, ears, cheeks, or chin. Your feet may feel numb and tingly. Other symptoms of frostbite include these signs:

Prickly feeling in your toes
Numbness
Gray-colored skin
Stiffness in your hands and feet

Dress appropriately in cold weather. Don’t stay out too long in frigid weather.

9 – Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes you extreme fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include these additional red flags:

Cold feet and hands
Temporomandibular joining dysfunction (TMJ)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Cystitis
Endometriosis
Mood issues
Memory problems
Brain fog
Insomnia

10 – Vitamin B deficiency

If you’re not getting enough B vitamins, you may experience tingling in your feet. Your deficiency may be due to other health problems or a diet lacking enough B vitamins. Other symptoms of having a vitamin B deficiency include the following:

Feeling extremely tired
Tingling in your hands and feet
Constant headaches
Nausea
Gut problems like IBS
Dizziness
Intermittent shortness of breath

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can run tests to determine if you have a vitamin B deficiency.

11 – Anxiety

Did you know that stress, panic attacks, and anxiety can cause your feet and toes to feel cold? You may have experienced that odd feeling in your gut or gotten a stress-related headache. When you get stressed, it causes your blood flow to get redirected, so it doesn’t go to your extremities but towards the larger organs in your body. When you get stressed, it’s a “fight or flight” system your body goes into. Even if you are not in a life-threatening scenario, your body may react to the stress as if it were life-threatening.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing When Cold Feet and Toes Might Point to a More Significant Problem

It’s easy to put off health issues when life is busy, but it may be time for a check-up if you’re experiencing chilly toes and feet. Many of these conditions develop slowly over time. That is all the more reason to get an early diagnosis to control the disease. These are eleven common ailments that affect women more than men. So, if you’re a woman, listen up. Let your cold feet and toes motivate you to explore what’s happening with your body. It could be a disease or condition, or it could be the way your body deals with stress. Whatever the cause, your health is worth it. Plus, you’ll enjoy having warm toes and feet again. Take care of yourself, and be well.

Doctors Explain Causes and Symptoms of Screen Fatigue (And How to Help It)

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You’re on your computer, tablet, or smartphone all day long. You get migraines, neck pangs, and sometimes feel exhausted after a short session. You assume you didn’t sleep right, but it could be that you’re fighting screen fatigue. Did you know that being exhausted from being on a computer is a legitimate medical condition?

It wasn’t until recent years that computer vision syndrome became a problem. With people using computers at home and work along with other smart devices, the folks affected by this medical issue has increased. Did you know that staring at a computer for long periods in specific positions will cause eye strain, visual problems, and even physical pain?

If you think it sounds a bit dramatic, you should know that it’s happening to people across this country every day. The most common symptoms are headaches and eye strain, but there are issues with neck and shoulder pain too.

What causes these problems? Well, many people don’t have their computer and desk at the right height for their bodies. Poor posture and sitting too close or too far away from the screen can cause pain.

Many people have uncorrected vision problems that they try to complement by sitting closer to the screen. However, sitting closer only worsens the strain on the eyes. While work brings burnout issues, other concerns stem from screen fatigue.

Zoom Meetings Increase Computer Vision Syndrome

Recently Zoom meetings have increased in popularity. Online discussions and video calls are replicas of in-person communication, and while it’s convenient, it’s not the best option for your health. When you have a meeting face-to-face, you can easily read body language, facial expressions, and have a sense of how the other person thinks and feels.

While virtual meetings are a good alternative, there is a break in communication with technological pauses and the inability to see someone as well as you can in person. All the non-verbal cues you pick up on when you’re with someone are missed when the meeting is online. Have you participated in these meetings and thought that people look irritable, sleepy, and tired?

Another problem is that people try to do more multitasking. Since the meeting is virtual, they are working on other documents, answering phone calls, and supportive staff questions, and they don’t give the meeting their full attention. All these things will affect your energy level as well as your focus and mood.

Ten Useful Tips on How to Beat Screen Fatigue

It’s evident that computer time in America has increased. Now, it’s time to do something about it. Here are some easy tips that can help you to combat the problem you have with screen fatigue.

These seven “text neck” remedies can alleviate the back pain that comes from spending too much time on your cell phone.

1. Practice Good Posture

Your parents and teachers knew what they were talking about when you were a child, and they always reminded you about your posture. Bad posture not only makes you appear sloppy and less confident, but it can also hurt your body.

To fix your posture, raise the screen, and adjust your chair to sit in a good position. If you feel any neck strain or have problems seeing the computer, you need to adjust to correct the issue.

2. Alter your lighting

Is the room that you work in too dark, or is it too bright? Check the brightness on your screen and make sure it’s in the perfect position to prevent strain. It would help if you had it somewhere in the middle to avoid problems from neck pain and eye strain.

Another factor to consider is the natural light of a room. The more natural light you have, the less artificial light you will need. Remember that the lighting of your room makes a big difference.

3. Take Breaks for Your Eye’s Sake

Even if you have fantastic posture and the best lighting possible, you still can’t sit on your computer all day long. Your body and mind need time to rest. Did you know that your eyes need exercise too? After you’ve been on your computer for a couple of hours, take time and go outside.

Try focusing on vivid and colorful things to refocus your eyes and give them a workout. Screen fatigue is a real thing, and it can affect you. Your work lifestyle must be adjusted to combat the fatigue and stress you feel from being on your computer all day long.

4. Alter Your Work-Life Balance

If you notice that you have more neck pain and headaches than average, it might not all be about screen fatigue. Did you know that if you’re working more than 30 hours a week and not engaging with your family, it can cause your body great distress? The average workweek is five days a week, with nine hours each day.

Sadly, American’s work more than any other country in the world. The average person will work around 46 hours each week, which is 499 more hours a year than the French, and 137 more than those in Japan. It’s staggering when you consider that the most significant part of your life revolves around work.

Your neck pain may be from stress, and those migraines may come from just working too much. It would help if you had a healthy work/life balance to avoid stress.

5. Purchase Blue Light Glasses

Your computer screen emits blue light rays that are very damaging to your eyes. If you notice that your vision isn’t what it used to be, can it be related to how much time you spend on the computer? Sadly, something that is necessary for work can cause so much damage.

Many people praise blue light glasses because they block those harmful lights that cause damage. It can help relieve some of the strain and issues associated with computer vision syndrome.

6. Don’t Negate Self-Care

One of the reasons you may feel so exhausted when you’re working on a computer all day is that you have neglected your self-care. It might not be the computer’s fault at all. If you’re not getting enough sleep, don’t have time to engage in the things you love, it will cause you problems like stress. Make time for yourself, even if it’s only 30 minutes each day.

7. Never Demand an Eight Hour Day

Why do Americans believe that you need to work at least eight hours each day? People in the Netherlands only work four days a week, while the people in Denmark have a workweek that is 33 hours a week. There’s no reason that you can’t get the things done that you need to with six hours a day versus eight, or maybe even less.

Other Things to Consider About Too Much Technology

Screen fatigue is a group of disorders caused by the fact that your eyes must continuously refocus, and in the meantime, it causes damage. Millions of people are affected by this condition because of their smartphones and laptops.

The fatigue usually starts when someone has problems with their vision. It’s the first symptom and the most serious. The symptoms are blurry vision and a hard time seeing far away even if you are wearing your corrective lenses. While the problem is not permanent, the strain can build up over time and be harder to recover.

Another problem that people have is double-vision, and it’s never something you want to experience. You often hear about seeing double after head injuries, but it can be caused by eye exhaustion. Your eyes are exhausted when they are always trying to refocus, and the strain can cause them to have times when they are blurry.

Bloodshot eyes are another common problem, and it means that a blood vessel is about to break. Thankfully, taking a screen vacation can help tremendously. However, if this problem happens time and again, it can lead to complications and permanent damage.

Lastly, scrolling through your phone or laptop can make your neck stiff if you hold it in the wrong position. Have you ever had a crick in your neck that doesn’t seem to go away? The muscles tense up, and you can develop “text neck” Being stuck in awkward positions can strain the muscles and even affect your spine.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Screen Fatigue

Being hunched over a computer is no way to spend the day. If you notice that you have constant neck and back strain, you need to watch being locked in weird positions. You should never stare at a computer for more than 20 minutes without a break. If you don’t abide by those rules, you will undoubtedly have pain that reminds you of the much-needed breaks you should take.

Do you notice any of the signs of screen fatigue or computer vision syndrome? The good news is that you don’t have to suffer when there are things that you can do to prevent this problem from occurring or worsening.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

May cause NPD in children

Could lead to low self-esteem

Narcissistic parenting can make it hard for children to connect with others.

May lead to feelings of isolation or rejection.

They may feel inferior.

Children who’ve been affected by narcissistic parenting could have a fear of abandonment.

May suffer in jobs and at school.

Children may have trouble speaking up.

Being raised by narcissists could increase the risk of developing a mental illness.

They may not feel worthy of love or respect.

Narcissistic parenting can cause children to have poor boundaries.

May increase risk of substance abuse in children

Could lead to problems with relationships

Children of narcissists may feel they need constant attention.

Increases impulsiveness and anger or hostility

Understand that you are not your thoughts.

Try to focus only on the task at hand.

Practice breathing techniques.

5-4-3-2-1 technique

4-7-8 Breathing

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!