Tag Archives: Mental Illness Education

The Scoop on ODD

1 comment Children's Mental Health, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , , , ,

Typically first diagnosed in elementary-aged youth, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is a psychiatric condition characterized by a chronic pattern of disruptive behavior. Estimates suggest that anywhere from 6 – 10% of children have ODD. Core features include negativity, anger and hostility, verbal aggression, and behavioral outbursts. While all children periodically display developmentally appropriate oppositional behavior and test limits, those with ODD have frequent anger outbursts and repeatedly refuse to comply with rules and instructions.

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The Scoop on ADHD

0 comments Children's Mental Health, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , ,

In an effort to educate parents and families about mental illness, I have decided to write a series called, “The Scoop.”  Every week, I will feature a different psychiatric disorder and discuss 5 facts about that illness to promote awareness and improve understanding of the condition.  This post focuses on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 11% of children ages 4 – 17 years old have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

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My 3 New Year Wishes for All Moms

0 comments Faith, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , ,

A new year often ignites a desire for change, a fresh approach. For the last several years, I have had the same goals – to get my “fine on,” incorporate more healthy parenting strategies, and to improve my financial position. And, every year I start off strong and then fizzle out by the spring. This year I still have those same goals, and I will continue to plow and toil to meet those goals; but, I also wanted to share my wishes for this new year in 2018 for all the moms.

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6 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

0 comments Healthy Living, Mental Health , , , , , ,

1) Raise endorphin levels Endorphins are brain chemicals that create feelings of euphoria. Exercise releases endorphins as well as sex, certain foods (chocolate, chili peppers), stress, and pain. 2) Decrease stress and anxiety Exercise triggers the release of endorphins which generate happy feelings. Physical activity also increases norepinephrine, a stress hormone that strengthens the mind and body’s response to stress. 3) Improve memory and cognition Exercise raises levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in learning and memory. Exercise also increases the production of new nerve cells (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in forming […]

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