Music Therapy Treatment Options and Resources
https://onlinemftprograms.com/music-therapy-treatment-and-resource-guide/
https://onlinemftprograms.com/
Music is a wonderful art form that has been enjoyed across the globe since the beginning of time. Music brings out our creativity, but not just for recreation. Over the years, professionals have discovered how to use music to treat people who are struggling with certain mental health issues, ailments that come all along with aging, or other struggles that people may experience in their lifetime. This is called music therapy, and it has been strategically used a number of ways to promote the health and well-being of people of all ages.
The article from Online MFT Programs highlights the therapeutic benefits of music therapy across various populations. For seniors, music therapy can enhance cognitive functions, speech clarity, reduce stress, and promote social engagement. In individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia, it may slow cognitive decline, improve communication, and assist with memory recall. Additionally, for those on the autism spectrum, music therapy can bolster communication skills, reduce anxiety, and enhance social interactions.
Music Therapy Treatment Options and Resources
Community Mental Health Worker & Case Manager
Music is a wonderful art form that has been enjoyed across the globe since the beginning of time. There are many ways in which music is used, whether it is to enjoy the benefits of dancing, bonding with others over a favorite song, learning a new skill by playing an instrument, and many other activities. All of these have their own unique qualities that have made music beloved by humans.
Music brings out our creativity, but not just for recreation. Over the years, professionals have discovered how to use music to treat people who are struggling with certain mental health issues, ailments that come all along with aging, or other struggles that people may experience in their lifetime. This is called music therapy, and it has been strategically used a number of ways to promote the health and well-being of people of all ages.
Music therapy is clinical and evidence-based. The way that it works is that qualified therapeutic clinicians develop individualized goals with a client to help them address their needs. These needs may include alleviating pain, enhancing their memory, managing stress, improving communication, and more. The goals can vary greatly, as the clients receiving music therapy can be very diverse.
This article will review the types of music therapy available to treat a variety of conditions, as well as what conditions are most benefited by music therapy. Additionally, this article includes resources for those interested in seeking more information about music therapy for themselves or a loved one.
Types of Music Therapy
There are multiple types of music therapy, each of which have their own benefits.
- Analytical Music Therapy is an approach to music that allows one to discover themselves and reach therapeutic change by improvising freely and verbally to analyze and interpret the music. The idea is that, by doing so, the client will discover their unconscious thoughts, which they can discuss with their treatment professional.
- Benenzon Music Therapy focuses on the unconscious mind. The goal is to create a “musical sound identity” of the individual who is receiving the therapy. Then, the therapist uses that identity to look for sounds that match with the internal psychological state of the client and help them heal using cues from those sounds.
- Cognitive Behavioral Music Therapy (CMBT) is a strategy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and music. CBT is an effective type of therapy that seeks to modify negative thoughts and behaviors and reinforce positive and productive ones. This strategy is more structured than others.
- Community Music Therapy is a format that is intended to make change on a big-picture, community level. It makes this change because it acknowledges the struggles that a community and the individuals in the community may be facing with their health and relationships. The goal of this treatment model is to eliminate feelings of isolation within societies.
- Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy is an improvisational form of music therapy where the client creates music with their therapist by playing a certain instrument while the therapist plays another. This encourages self expression. This form of music therapy is based on the idea that everyone can utilize a sensitivity to music for their own personal development and growth.
- The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music helps clients access and identify a wide range of emotions, memories, and sensations by listening to classical music. Goals may influence the music that the therapist selects for the treatment session.
- Vocal Psychotherapy is a form of music therapy that involves using singing, natural vocal sounds, one’s breathing, and vocal improvisation to help one’s internal growth and sense of connection with themselves.
Within each category of music therapy, there are different ways to practice, which may include
- Singing songs
- Dancing to music
- Listening to music
- Drumming
- Practicing relaxation techniques to music
- Playing music
- Writing music
- Creating art with music
- And more.
Music Therapy for Seniors
Seniors can benefit from many kinds of music therapy. Seniors may experience a variety of health conditions or feelings of loneliness or isolation. However, receiving music therapy is a powerful tool to help them tap into positive feelings and restore their health. Music therapy can help seniors with:
- Improved cognitive skills: This is beneficial towards helping seniors maintain memories, which is helpful for also maintaining a positive mood, even when they can no longer communicate.
- Improved speech: Music therapy has been proven to help seniors with speaking clearly, making decisions, and answering questions. This can be a part of helping slow the decline of certain skills that often occurs when a patient develops Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Reduced stress: Music therapy is effective for reducing stress for many populations, including seniors, and can help them adjust to changes to routines or other stressful daily events.
- Physical benefits: Certain music therapy involves dance, which is beneficial in the sense that it gives seniors physical exercise. Physical exercise, especially when it’s fun, provides endorphins and healthy blood flow.
- Improved social skills: Music therapy can decrease feelings of isolation, which can in turn decrease the chance of mental health issues like depression, as music therapy may encourage seniors to seek each other out due to increased confidence.
Resources
- The Music Therapy Center: Music Therapy & Older Adults Fact Sheet
- MultiCultural Caregiving — This resource is a list of ideas that seniors who may not be able to access a formal therapist can try for a little music therapy at home. Family members can take a peek at this list as well if they want to encourage their senior loved ones to try it out.
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Music Therapy for Alzheimers and Dementia
Well, there is no official cure for Alzheimer’s, music therapy has a number of benefits to help those with this condition. Music therapy can help improve and Alzheimer’s patients focus and also improve their ability to communicate. If needed, it may also lower their dependence on psychiatric medication with a doctor’s supervision. There are several stages to Alzheimer’s and music has benefits at each stage. When music therapy has been applied for Alzheimer’s patients, visible changes are often seen. When they may have appeared disinterested in their surroundings before, they perk up and dance or hum to the music.
Music therapy may even slow cognitive decline, especially in those who previously played an instrument, as they may remember parts of the knowledge they used to carry. Interestingly, in later stages of Alzheimer’s, playing music can also help patients improve their walking balance. Additionally, music therapy can help a patient’s memories, because it can be easier to remember certain melodies over past events or a person’s name.
Sometimes, music can be a more effective tool than medication or physical therapy. In fact, music is so powerful, that a Finnish study found that listening to music daily helped recovering stroke survivors improve in the areas of attention, mood, and memory. They were also less likely to be confused and depressed. Strokes have some connections to dementia, so there are likely benefits to both.
All of these benefits are because music affects the brain in many different areas at once. It increases mood, and also encourages movement, which is good for the body. Music is also good for communication, which may be difficult for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Resources
- Music and Memory is a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with cognitive and physical conditions through the use of music. They provide education and work to create a network of “Music and Memory certified organizations” to make personalized music therapy standard across the world of healthcare.
- Songs and Smiles strives to work with families who have a loved one experiencing Alzheimer’s. Their goal is to “teach people how to creatively connect” with an individual with Alzheimer’s, which includes music therapy.
Music Therapy for Autism
Autistic people of all ages can benefit from music therapy. Autism spectrum disorder can cause issues with communicating. ASD can also cause issues with transitions of all types. Autistic people may not be able to verbalize how they are feeling, which may cause difficulty and expressing what they need and they may not know how to ask for it. Music therapy is beneficial in the way of improving communication for autistic people in general. Additionally, music therapy can also improve their social skills. While autistic people have their own way of seeing the world and communicating that works for them, the world is unfortunately built in a way that is sometimes overwhelming or difficult to navigate for people with ASD, as others around them might not understand them. Music therapy is a way to communicate nonverbally.
Autism presents in many different ways, and can be very complex. Therefore, there isn’t just one right way to go about music therapy treatment for people with autism. The benefit of music therapy, however, is that it is intended to be very individualized to each person receiving the treatment. Music therapy can help build skills of focus, sharing, personal expression, physical coordination, and more. Autistic adults in particular may benefit from the stress management and personal expression aspects of music therapy.
Resources
- Pathfinders for Autism is a resource that provides information on different types of therapies for autistic children, including music therapy, and compiles additional information to go with it. This can be helpful for parents looking into music therapy for their autistic child.
- MusicTherapy.org is a website that has information on music therapy for all populations and has a finder for music therapists in all areas of the United States.
Music Therapy for Depression
Music therapy can be helpful for improving symptoms of depression when used alongside psychotherapy and prescription medication. Studies show that patients report being less depressed with the inclusion of music therapy alongside their normal treatment. While research is still examining the types of music therapies that work best for those with depression, it’s clear that music therapy may be a treatment that may be included more and more in the future. This is because brain scans have demonstrated that music therapy activates the part of the brain that regulates emotional states. Additionally, music therapy can decrease tension in the body as well as decrease feelings of anxiety. Music therapy also has the benefits of increasing motivation, self-esteem and even personal relationships. All of these factors can also play a part in how one feels about themselves, which may help one’s depression.
Resources
- Positive Psychology — This page discusses music therapy activities and tools that are accessible to many people as well as the benefits that these tools can have. Accessibility is important in therapy as many people can’t afford a formal therapist due to a number of factors.
- Good Therapy — This page goes over the benefits of music therapy and how it can help various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, hypertension, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and more. It can be a good resource to review if music therapy is right for you, as it includes the training that music therapists undergo and what happens in a music therapy session
Protect Your Retirement:
https://digitalmarketingdegree.org/seniors-safety-online-scammers/
Protect Your Retirement: How Seniors Safeguard Against Online Scammers
Master’s in Public Administration – DePaul University | Senior Transit Planner (DRCOG)
Retirement is a time meant to be enjoyed—a time to travel, pick up new hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones. After decades of hard work and saving, seniors should be able to enjoy their golden years without worrying about losing their hard-earned savings. Unfortunately, online scams targeting older adults have become an ever-growing threat. Unfortunately, online scams targeting older adults have become an ever-growing threat.
The article "Protect Your Retirement: How Seniors Safeguard Against Online Scammers" from DigitalMarketingDegree.org highlights the increasing threat of online scams targeting seniors. It outlines common scams such as phishing emails, fake tech support calls, and fraudulent investment schemes. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags, implementing protective measures like strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and staying informed to safeguard personal and financial information.
Introduction
Retirement is a time meant to be enjoyed—a time to travel, pick up new hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones. After decades of hard work and saving, seniors should be able to enjoy their golden years without worrying about losing their hard-earned savings. Unfortunately, online scams targeting older adults have become an ever-growing threat. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), seniors are particularly susceptible to online scams. In 2022 alone, Americans over the age of 60 lost nearly $3 billion to online scammers.
The increase in scams targeting older adults is more frequent than ever and continues to increase at a concerning rate. According to the National Council on Aging: “Scams of all kinds are increasing, and older adults are a frequent target for scheming crooks. In 2023, 101,068 over the age of 60 reported losses totalling $3.4 billion to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This represents an 11% spike in losses compared to 2022”.
In this blog post, we will explore how seniors can protect themselves against online fraudsters and ensure their retirement nest egg remains secure. We will cover common types of online scams targeting seniors, red flags to watch out for, practical strategies to safeguard personal and financial information, and what to do if you fall victim to a scam. As you read through this article, always remember these important components when encountering a potential scam:
Stop and Stay Financially Safe
You never have to make a financial decision immediately: If an encounter with a stranger via phone, email, or text is making you feel anxious or uncertain, do not take any further action. Do not provide personal information to anyone over the phone: Verify whether the company or agency trying to contact you is legitimate. You can’t rely on Caller ID for this. Legitimate entities will never ask for your personal information: Financial institutions, law enforcement, and government agencies will generally never call, email, text, or contact you on social media to ask for personal information or money.
Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Fraud is an intentional act of deception designed to secure unlawful financial gain or benefits. It often involves manipulation or deceit to trick individuals or organizations into making financial transactions or revealing sensitive information. Online scammers have developed increasingly sophisticated techniques to conduct fraud, specifically to exploit seniors. Understanding the most common scams is the first step in protecting you or your loved ones:
Phishing Scams: Designed to trick individuals into disclosing personal information. These scams often come in the form of emails or text messages that appear to be from banks, government agencies, or retailers. They ask a recipient to click on a link, provide account details, or verify personal information.
Technical Support Scams: In a tech support scam, fraudsters impersonate well-known technology companies, such as Microsoft or Apple, claiming that the victim’s computer has been infected with a virus or malware. They may ask for access to “fix” the problem or demand payment for unnecessary repairs.
Medicare and Social Security Scams: Involve fraudsters pretending to be government representatives who claim there are issues with the victim’s benefits. These scams often result in the victim disclosing sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, which the scammer then uses for identity theft or financial fraud.
Family Emergency Fraud: Preys on the concern seniors have for their grandchildren. The fraudster will call the victim, claiming to be a grandchild or an authority figure (such as a police officer), and say the grandchild is in trouble and needs money immediately. The scammer will pressure the victim into wiring money or sending gift cards.
Relational Scams: Exploit the emotional vulnerabilities of seniors who may be seeking companionship or friendship online. Scammers create fake online profiles on dating websites or social media platforms, often posing as attractive or successful individuals. They establish a relationship with their target, then ask for money.
Lottery or Sweepstakes Scams: Fraudulent outreach to victims by phone, email, or even social media, claiming that they have won a large prize. However, the recipient must first pay taxes or fees upfront to claim their winnings. Of course, no actual prize exists, and the victim loses their money to the scammer.
Online scams targeting seniors are varied and sophisticated, ranging from phishing and tech support fraud to more emotionally manipulative schemes like romance and grandparent scams. By being aware of these common tactics, seniors can better defend themselves and their retirement savings from fraudsters. The next section will delve into the red flags to watch for in potential scams, offering practical tips on how to identify warning signs early and avoid falling victim to online fraud.
The Warning Signs: Identifying Red Flags
Identifying the warning signs of a potential scam can help prevent seniors from falling victim to online fraud. Here are some common red flags to be aware of:
- Unsolicited communication: If you receive a message, phone call, or email from someone you don’t know or a company you don’t recognize, it’s best to be cautious. Scammers often initiate contact without prior communication. Scammers use this approach to impersonate companies, government agencies, or loved ones, making their messages seem urgent or important.
- Requests for personal information: Legitimate companies and government agencies will never ask you to provide sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, via email or phone. Scammers frequently request sensitive details, such as your Social Security number, banking information, or login credentials. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for this information through unsolicited messages.
- Urgency and pressure tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is needed to avoid negative consequences (e.g., losing your Social Security benefits or having your bank account frozen). This pressure is designed to make you act quickly without thinking.
- Too good to be true offers: If something seems too good to be true—such as winning a lottery you didn’t enter or being offered a large sum of money—it probably is. Scammers use these to prey on emotions, hoping people will act without thinking rationally. If the offer seems excessively generous or doesn’t match your expectations, it’s likely a scam.
- Uncommon requests for payment:Scammers often ask victims to pay using untraceable methods, such as wiring money or buying gift cards. Legitimate organizations do not request payment in these forms. It’s crucial to avoid clicking links or giving information when you don’t initiate contact. Always verify the source independently.
- Message quality: Many phishing emails or scam websites contain spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing. Pay attention to the quality of the communication; legitimate companies typically have professional communication standards. Additionally, fake emails or texts might have unusual URLs or generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of using your name.
Above all, if you feel as though you are being targeted by a potential scammer, do not hesitate to reach out to someone you can trust. Cybercriminals target seniors because they assume they aren’t as informed about schemes or technically savvy as younger people. Asking questions is not something to be embarrassed about. In fact, conversations about potential scams with friends, family, and loved ones can provide tools to fight back against scammers.
Preemptive Strategies to Protect Personal Information
With a clear understanding of the types of scams and their warning signs, seniors can take proactive steps to protect themselves from online fraud. Here are some strategies to consider:
Strong Password: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts, and avoid using easily guessed information, such as your birthdate or a pet’s name. A strong password should contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Enabling 2FA for important accounts, such as email, online banking, and social media, makes it much harder for scammers to access your information, even if they manage to obtain your password.
Source Verification: Always verify the authenticity of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages before responding. If someone claims to be from a bank, government agency, or tech company, do not provide any personal information. Instead, hang up or delete the email and contact the organization directly using the contact information from their official website or documents.
Reviewing Financial Statements: Reviewing your financial statements regularly can help you detect unauthorized transactions or fraudulent activity early. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute the charge and secure your accounts.
Maintaining Updated Security Software: Installing reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer and mobile devices is essential for protecting against cyberattacks. Make sure your software is always up to date, as new threats and vulnerabilities emerge regularly. Additionally, keep your operating system and web browser updated with the latest security patches to prevent hackers from exploiting outdated software.
Credit Protection: A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. This is an effective way to protect yourself against identity theft, especially if you don’t anticipate needing to apply for new credit cards or loans in the near future.
What if You Have Been Scammed?
If you or a loved one believes they are being, or have already been, the victim of a scam, there are several critical steps to follow to protect your personal and financial well-being. These steps range from identifying the specific type of scam, reporting the fraud to the appropriate authorities, securing financial assets, and seeking emotional support if necessary. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do in such a situation:
- Stop all communication with the scammer: Scammers often use psychological manipulation to keep victims engaged, making it harder to break free from the situation. Whether it’s through email, phone, social media, or any other platform, cutting off communication prevents further exploitation.
- Notify your financial institutions: If a senior provided financial details to the scammer, such as bank account numbers, credit card information, or even Social Security numbers, they must notify their financial institutions immediately. Banks and credit card companies can take steps to freeze accounts, reverse fraudulent charges, and issue new cards.
- Secure your devices: Any passwords shared or used during the scam should be updated. Seniors should also change passwords for other accounts, particularly financial or email accounts, to ensure their safety.
- Recover stolen funds: Many banks offer fraud protection that reimburses customers for unauthorized transactions. Seniors should contact their bank as soon as possible to dispute any fraudulent charges. Credit card companies often offer stronger protections against fraud than debit cards. Seniors can contact their credit card company to initiate a dispute and potentially reverse the charges.
- Monitor your credit: After a scam, seniors should regularly monitor their credit reports for any signs of identity theft. By law, individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus, which can be accessed through www.annualcreditreport.com.
- Consider legal action: In severe cases of fraud or identity theft, seniors may need to consult with a lawyer who specializes in elder law or consumer protection. Legal professionals can offer advice on recovering lost assets, handling identity theft, or pursuing legal action against scammers.
Above all, remember that the most important step you can take is to reach out and seek help from a trusted source immediately. Withholding, delaying, or avoiding an uncomfortable or embarrassing conversation regarding a potential scam is common. However, this can only make the situation worse.
Reporting a Scam
Seniors should report the scam to both local and federal authorities. Reporting scams is essential not only for investigating the individual case but also for helping authorities track patterns of fraud and prevent future scams. Here are some key agencies to contact:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC handles fraud reports and provides helpful resources for dealing with scams. Reports can be filed through their website at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
- The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): IC3 handles internet-related fraud. Filing a report with IC3 helps authorities investigate and track cybercrime patterns. Visit www.ic3.gov to submit a complaint.
- Local Law Enforcement: Seniors should also report the crime to their local police department. In some cases, local law enforcement can help recover stolen assets or initiate legal proceedings against the scammer.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: AARP provides a helpline (1-877-908-3360) to assist seniors in reporting scams and getting advice on what to do next.
- State Attorney General: Many states have dedicated consumer protection divisions within their attorney general’s office that investigate and address fraud. Seniors can visit their state attorney general’s website to find resources and file complaints.
Always Stay Educated
It’s crucial for seniors to stay informed about new and evolving scams. By continuously educating themselves and staying aware of the latest scam tactics, seniors can reduce their risk of falling victim to fraud in the future. Here are some resources to consider:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Federal Trade Commission Scam Alerts
- National Council on Aging
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker
- AARP Workshops and Seminars
Being scammed can be a devastating experience, especially for seniors. However, by acting quickly, gathering evidence, reporting the scam, and taking the necessary steps to secure personal information, seniors can minimize the damage and protect themselves moving forward. With ongoing education, support, and the right resources, seniors can continue to safely navigate the online world and enjoy their retirement without fear of fraud.
Mesothelioma Support
https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-support/
Mesothelioma support is essential for people living with this aggressive cancer. Patients and their caregivers often struggle emotionally and benefit from help in the form of therapy, counseling, and mesothelioma support groups. Financial support is also available to help cover costly treatments and other expenses.
Mesothelioma Support
Receiving a cancer diagnosis, especially for a rare and aggressive disease like mesothelioma, can be emotionally overwhelming. Patients often face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Uncertainty about the future, complex treatment decisions, and significant lifestyle changes can add to the emotional strain. Physical symptoms, financial concerns, and disrupted family dynamics may intensify distress, making mental health support essential for building resilience and coping effectively.
Mesothelioma.net has over 20 years of experience supporting mesothelioma patients and their families. We offer one of the most comprehensive online resources for mesothelioma-related medical and mental health information. Understanding that stress and depression are common after a diagnosis, we provide guidance on counseling, therapeutic practices, and end-of-life care discussions. Seeking support can improve emotional well-being and help patients and caregivers navigate the challenges of this life-altering diagnosis.
Visit Mesothelioma.net to learn more about mesothelioma support and how we can help.
College Mental Health Resources
https://www.perlego.com/knowledge/info/college-mental-health-resources/
To have a healthy body, you will need to have a healthy mind. Placing a priority on your psychological and emotional well-being affects how you think and feel. College is a challenging time for most students, and reaching out for help when you need it is a vital part of your long-term success.
This article addresses some of the problematic situations college students face and provides resources for finding help while keeping most students' financial and logistical limitations in mind.
Common Mental Health Issues College Students Might Face
While every person is different and deals with unique circumstances, some issues can occur when facing specific challenges. College is a time of transition for students and their families back home and speaking with a licensed mental health counselor makes the process easier for everyone concerned.
Anxiety
Anxiety rates have historically been higher among college students for many reasons.
Recent studies indicate rising anxiety levels across the board among college students. Due in part to the pandemic but also to more common struggles with everyday stress. Stress and anxiety are not the same things, but they are related. Stress is a normal part of life, and it comes from things like preparing for an important exam or finishing up a research paper. But anxiety is sometimes the way we respond to stressful situations that we are finding overwhelming or difficult to cope with.
Neither stress nor anxiety is inherently bad but when you have too much of either for sustained periods of time you need to take action.
Anxiety always lives in the future and tells you that something terrible is going to happen even if it won't say what. When you start avoiding or turning away from the situations that make you feel fear you make anxiety stronger so do seek out help if you feel that anxiety is making your life "smaller" and harder to navigate.
Unsurprisingly, the most common mental health diagnosis among college students is anxiety, affecting nearly one out of four students. Symptoms might include a feeling of general unease, uncontrollable worry, inability to focus, and sleep disturbance.
Anxiety can also lead to episodes of panic where physical symptoms such as rapid breathing, increased heart rate and light-headedness might appear.
Depression
Much like anxiety, depression rates among college students are also rising, with many institutions seeing double-digit increases in the past year alone. Depression presents with different symptoms than anxiety, making it more challenging to spot in ourselves and our peers.
Learning how to navigate a new environment without a familiar support system can be unbelievably challenging. It is also a significant reason for depression among students. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be overwhelming. Spending substantial time around others dealing with the same issue can exacerbate the problem.
Depression is not experienced the same way by everyone. Some people struggling with depression may have insomnia, while others sleep too much. Some people may lose interest in eating while others begin to overeat. But a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and unrelenting feelings of sadness and hopelessness are much more common, and aches and pains that don’t get better with time.
If you do feel you are suffering from depression, it's really important to try and keep doing the things that used to make you feel joy even though it might feel like a challenge. So do your best to stay in touch with friends and family, get outside for a walk every day, and try and keep eating healthily and getting enough rest.
Addiction
Addiction is a complex study on its own, but when added in with the unique demands of college, it can be particularly formidable. For many students, early experimentation with drugs and alcohol can appear to have few, if any, negative consequences. With seemingly no adverse outcome, this behavior can lead to feelings of invincibility and lowering of inhibitions.
Many colleges and universities have regulations that ban alcohol and similar substances on campus. Still, the effectiveness of these bans is usually less than desired for both school administrators and parents alike.
According to the National Institutes of Health, current alcohol and illicit drug use trends on college campuses reveal mixed results. Binge drinking and illegal drug use appear to decline, but marijuana and opioid use are increasing.
While the occasional legal consumption of alcohol is typical among college students, knowing the signs of addiction to alcohol and other substances is essential for identifying problem behavior.
If you find yourself thinking about drink or drugs to the extent that it absorbs your focus and overshadows your study and relationships it might be a sign that you need to take action.
If you notice in yourself or others mood swings, defensiveness, agitation, inability to focus, signs of tiredness, weight loss, or general indications of poor health without any clear reason it's important for you to seek help.
Self-Harm
Despite common misconception self-harm is unlikely to be indicative of an attempt to commit suicide but rather a strategy for dealing with emotional pain that the sufferer feels unable to process in any other way, and an attempt to take some level of control in a situation in which they feel totally without it.
College students are at increased risk of engaging in self-harm or self-injury behaviors as they may feel overwhelmed with adjusting to a new environment with fewer restrictions. Loneliness, perfectionism, a need to be in control and an absence of any obvious opportunity to talk about or express powerful and uncomfortable feelings, are common traits in individuals engaging in self-harm.
Frequent straight parallel cuts on the arms or legs, frequent scratches or bruises along wearing long sleeves in warm weather are behaviors that could indicate self-harm engagement.
Eating Disorders
The pressure of being constantly surrounded by peers in unfamiliar circumstances and less-structured circumstances can lead many young people to an eating disorder in a quest to regain control over their environment. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the two most common eating disorders in 18-25-year-olds, and rates of eating disorders among college students have reached alarming levels.
The diagnosis and treatment of an eating disorder tends to be complex work, but it is absolutely critical that anyone suffering gets proper professional help because the risks of long-term eating disorder are so devastating.
Eating disorders take a tremendous toll on a person's emotional and physical health. Add Severe damage to the teeth and mouth are typical among those suffering from eating disorders. With binging and purging, a person causes long-term damage to the delicate linings of the throat and sphincter muscles that regulate food volume in the stomach.
Despite being aware of the dangers people who suffer from an eating disorder are unlikely to be able to change their behavior without help.
Learn where to get help and other resources:
https://www.perlego.com/knowledge/info/college-mental-health-resources/
The Nation's Most Trusted Mesothelioma Resource
https://www.asbestos.com/cancer/senior-cancer-guide/
Since 2006, The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has been helping connect people impacted by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure with reliable information, world-class treatment, legal services, and so much more.
People 65 and older comprise 60% of all cancer patients. To raise awareness, we recently published a Seniors Guide to Cancer that covers topics like wellness tips, the importance of seeing a doctor, and preventive measures:
Written by Sean Marchese, MS, RN | Edited by Walter Pacheco
Seniors are living longer and having to face more challenges than before. A healthy lifestyle can help you deal with aging, protect you from cancer and keep you at your best.
As average life expectancies increase, older adults are learning more about the cancers and other health risks that might affect them. In fact, age is the most significant risk factor for developing cancer.
People 65 and older comprise 60% of all cancer patients.
While age is the primary factor affecting your cancer or treatment, your physical lifestyle, treatment decisions and mental fitness determine your overall health.
As the senior population rapidly grows across the U.S. and around the world, researchers are developing new methods for treating the older population.
Cancers of the prostate, lung and colon represent half of all diagnosed malignancies among men 65 and older. Studies show prostate cancer is 22 times more likely in elderly men than in younger men.
Breast, colon, stomach and lung cancers are the most prevalent cancers affecting women 65 and older, making up nearly half of all malignancies in this population.
In younger age groups, cancers are almost evenly divided between men and women. However, in seniors, men have almost double the cancer incidence rate of women.
Seniors Cancer Guide to Cancer Treatment and Wellness (asbestos.com)
Mesothelioma
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the thin tissue lining internal organs. This thin tissue is known as the mesothelium. The most common form, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lining around the lungs (pleura). This causes symptoms affecting the respiratory system.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin protective lining (mesothelium) around the lungs, abdomen, heart or testes. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. As this rare cancer progresses, mesothelial tumors can spread or metastasize to the lining of other organs and lymph nodes.
Doctors classify mesothelioma based on where it forms on the mesothelium throughout the body. Symptoms, treatment and prognosis depend on where the cancer develops.
Ozempic Side Effects
https://www.drugwatch.com/
Drugwatch; a free web resource committed to ensuring the safety of families and providing vital health information.
Ozempic, a semaglutide created for those with Type 2 Diabetes, has gained popularity over the past year due to its off-label use for weight loss. the misuse of Ozempic for weight loss may foster unrealistic expectations regarding outcomes and sustainability. While some individuals may experience initial weight loss, the effectiveness of Ozempic as a long-term solution for managing weight remains questionable. Without addressing underlying lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity, weight regain is a common concern.
In an effort to share more information about using Ozempic for weight loss, drugwatch recently published a guide highlighting side effects, precautions, and important information to know about this. Please take a look:
https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ozempic/
https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ozempic/side-effects/
Elderly Slip and Fall Guide
https://www.brownandcrouppen.com/elderly-slips-and-falls-guide/
Elderly fall victims are susceptible to a wide range of debilitating injuries, including brain injuries and fractured hips, wrists, knees, and other broken bones. Sadly, many elderly fall victims don’t survive their injuries. Nationwide, 34,000 fatal falls among the elderly were recorded in 2019.
In 2019, more than 3 million elderly Americans visited the emergency room because of fall-related injuries. That breaks down to five or six falls every minute. Data suggests women are hospitalized after a fall at twice the rate of men. Many of these falls are quite serious.
Falls can have serious physical, emotional, and financial repercussions for elderly fall victims and their families. The CDC estimates that falls cost about $50 billion in medical bills annually.
So, why are seniors slipping and falling at such alarming rates? And what can be done to limit the chances of you or someone you care about falling and getting hurt? Brown & Crouppen in Kansas City tackles these important questions and others in our slip-and-fall guide for the elderly.