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The 5 Main Symptoms Of Chronic, Major and Manic Depression

July 21, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Depression continues to soar to epidemic levels. Today, look at the three most common types: chronic, major, and manic depression.

The above statement is not hyperbole. Indeed, even the World Health Organization agrees:

“Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. (It) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.” – The World Health Organization

Frustration and Bafflement

When a person experiences the symptoms of depression, they’re scared, frustrated, and baffled at the same time.

So consider this explanation of the causes of depression from the World Health Organization (WHO):

“Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors.”

In other words, depression can originate from societal factors and underlying brain and body problems.

So this doesn’t tell us much.

However, one thing scientists have come to a consensus about is people who experience an “adverse life event (unemployment, bereavement, psychological trauma)” are at a higher risk of developing depression. Sadly, depression’s effects on a person’s mind are far-reaching. Every thought seems cloudy. Furthermore, life seems pointless.

And people don’t know why the hell it’s happening to them.

As a writer, it’s never a joyous occasion to write about depression. However, there is comfort in knowing that this article may provide some answers to someone who desperately needs them. On that note, we will have a series of articles about depression types, including the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type.

This article focuses on the three most prominent kinds of depression.

The 5 Main Symptoms Of Major, Chronic, and Manic Depression

1. Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, is a constant feeling of hopelessness and despair. MDD patients commonly report that the disorder makes it difficult for them to eat, sleep, study, work, or participate in once-enjoyable activities.

Although many cases exist, there is a genetic component to MDD wherein a person develops the illness with no family history. Environmental factors and life events like those described above can trigger MDD.

The five main symptoms of MDD are:

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Feeling overwhelmed with sadness or despair
Impaired concentration and decisiveness
Diminished pleasure in once-enjoyable activities
Fatigue or lacking energy nearly every day

Furthermore, the culmination of severe symptoms may result in suicidal ideations (please see the end of the article for more information.)

Additionally, the common triggers of MDD include:

Loss of a loved one through death, divorce, or separation
Social isolation
Major life changes, such as graduation, job change, moving, or retirement
Personal conflicts in relationships
Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse

Treatment of MDD (or clinical depression) usually requires one or more: antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, and holistic treatments, including intense therapy counseling, examining diet and lifestyle, etc.

2. Dysthymia (i.e. Chronic Depression)

Also called “mild” and “chronic” depression, dysthymia is a variation of depression lasting two or more years. Generally, people diagnosed with dysthymia are considered to be suffering from mild symptoms. In many instances, the symptoms last longer than other types.

The major symptoms of dysthymia include:

Loss of enjoyment in once-pleasurable things
Consistent sadness or depressed mood
Loss of energy or fatigue
Insomnia or excessive sleep
Problems with concentration and making decisions

Treatment of dysthymia is not as rigorous or problematic as MDD (and many other types). Talk therapy and antidepressants are by far the more common treatments prescribed.

3. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

Manic depression, which some call bipolar disorder, is a condition that causes the patient to experience “extreme highs” followed by “extreme lows.” The individual will often feel extreme levels of energy that cause severe adverse effects.

Known as a state of mania, the patient can experience “sleeplessness [sometimes for days], along with hallucinations, psychosis, grandiose delusions, or paranoid rage.”

Of all depression types, manic depression is the most difficult to treat. The illness is also thought to inflict the most distress on the patient. More than 90 percent of individuals with bipolar I disorder, the most serious, have at least one psychiatric hospitalization.

The depressive symptoms of manic depression mirror those of MDD. The manic symptoms distinguish the disease and differ between the two types (bipolar I and bipolar II.)

Bipolar I manic depression symptoms are:

Detached and racing thoughts
Grandiose beliefs
Irregular elation or euphoria
Irregular irritability
Random (very high) energy spikes

Bipolar II, the less-serious form of manic depression (“milder periods of elation” and “an absence of psychosis [delusions or hallucinations]”), includes the following manic symptoms:

The decreased need for sleep
Extreme focus on projects at work or home
Exuberant and elated mood
Reckless behavior
Increased creativity and productivity

Treatment of manic depression by western doctors involves using mood stabilizers such as lithium). In place of lithium, the physician may prescribe an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure), antipsychotic, or benzodiazepine (to induce relaxation).

Seven tips on how to beat depression

Help others

You need to take care of yourself but don’t forget to reach out to others. When you help others, it gives you a sense of purpose and a feeling of being useful. Try reaching out to others at a homeless shelter, food kitchen, tutoring center, or animal shelter. You’ll be surprised how much it helps you when you help others.

Be sure to get enough sleep

Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. Staying up too late at night and then sleeping all day adds to your depression. Create a regular bedtime to help your mind and body relax before sleep.

Get some exercise

It’s important to get exercise every day to help you fight depression. But you don’t need to belong to a gym to exercise. You can do many activities to get your blood flowing to improve your mood. Here are a few physical activities you can do:

Walking
Hiking
Bike riding
Gardening
Dancing

Be sure to read

Reading can reduce your depression symptoms. A study found that students who read daily had better overall mental health and fewer feelings of distress. When you read you escape into the novel, you learn about people’s trials and how they overcame them. It gives you courage and hope for your own life. Other benefits of reading a book, include:

Helps you relax at bedtime: Many people swear they sleep better when they read before bedtime. It’s a great way to wind down and relax. Try adding book reading into your regular bedtime routine to see if you sleep better and feel happier.
Reduces your stressful feelings: Reading calms the mind and body. It lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, similar to meditating. Fiction books are the best genres to provide relaxation.
Brain exercise: Reading exercises your mind. It keeps your mind active and alert.

Schedule some fun

Scheduling fun things is a simple way to help lift your mood. Don’t wait until you’re feeling better-take that mini-vacation to the beach this weekend. Get a friend or two to go with you. It’s easy to put off fun, but improving your mental state is necessary.

Play a video game

Researchers say individuals who struggle with depression may find relief from regularly playing video games. An NIH study found that by when they played a fast-paced action video game, depressed patients experienced better cognitive abilities. While puzzle-like video games were better suited for improving the moods of depressed individuals.

Own a pet

A cuddling little companion could be what you need to help ease your depression. Pets give you purpose and a sense of security. If you own a dog, you’re apt to meet people in your neighborhood while walking your dog. Plus, you’ll get more exercise because your pooch needs to go out regularly. Whether you choose a sweet pup or a cuddly kitty, getting a pet could help chase away your blues.

Final thoughts on depression

Having extreme depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Get help right away. If you or someone you know have thoughts of suicide, don’t hesitate to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, which is available 24 hours daily. The website is https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

7 Signs Someone May Be Harming Themselves

July 21, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Self-destructive behavior can be easy to fall into, and hard to climb back out of. This is especially true for those of us who may suffer from mental illness such as an anxiety or depression. Sometimes, you don’t even notice when your life has become overrun with self-destructive behaviors.

And when you do notice, you have no idea how to make them stop. Getting a full understanding of self-destructive behaviors is the first step to realizing how to make them stop. If you, or someone that you love, is exhibiting this behaviour, it may be time to take a step back and see what there is to be done.

7 Signs someone may be harming themselves

“Unless we learn to know ourselves, we run the danger of harming ourselves.” Ja A. Jahannes

1. A lost feeling of purpose and motivation…

Feeling lazy is natural. Many people deserve to have some time where they can just indulge in being lazy. The issue arises when you find yourself unable to delegate this behavior to a short amount of time, or you’re letting yourself be lazy when you know you should be doing something productive. It can be hard to keep yourself motivated, but the answer isn’t to let yourself put off things that need doing.

If you find putting yourself to work overwhelming, try breaking up your tasks into manageable chunks, and then allow yourself a quick rest between each bout of work.

2. Often making excuses for irresponsible actions…

Someone could make excuses for anything and everything – from still smoking even though you know it’s bad for them, to still being at the same job they hate, to giving up on dreams. Self-harming behavior starts with justification. To break out of the habit of making excuses, people must confront the hard truths of what is wanted out of life, and how to achieve them.

This may mean stepping out of a shell and making decisions that may not be easy…

3. A frequent default to linger on emotion/self-pity

When bad things happen, it’s hard not to feel pity for ourselves. This isn’t the same as grief or mourning. When people grieve and mourn something bad that’s happened, the point is to release emotions and eventually move on. Self-destructive people will continually feel bad for themselves but refuse to take action. They’ll justify these feelings with the idea that ‘Bad things just happen to me’.

The best course of action is to move on after something bad has happened, and don’t dwell on all the negative things that have gone wrong.

This behavior will only ensure that you spend time wallowing in self-pity that could be used to rectify or better a situation.

4. Increasing isolated behaviors

This doesn’t have to be an intentional act. Sometimes, people just tend to always break plans with the excuse that they’re too tired, or they’ll check in with someone later. The issue is that later never comes. Other times, this can be a very intentional thing. People will isolate themselves by intentionally alienating their friends and family. They’ll justify this to themselves by thinking that everyone always leaves them anyway. People who are isolated don’t have a support network of people who can help them.

If you find that you’re suddenly all alone, you need to reach out to someone and make a connection.

5. Neglecting needs…

People who are self-destructive aren’t particularly good at taking care of themselves. This is to say, they often don’t have healthy eating or exercising habits, they don’t get enough sleep, they don’t shower regularly and they don’t bother to pick up the house. This can be an easy pattern to fall into, especially when they are living with depression. Taking care of yourself just seems so hard, and it’s easier to let things go.

The best way to combat this is to do just a little each day. Pick up one corner of your apartment, or just wash your hair. Dealing with the overwhelming task of readjusting your life after letting it go for so long can be daunting. The best course of action is to go slow and you’ll eventually see an improvement.

6. Signs of substance abuse…

Using drugs and alcohol can help someone feel better for a little while. But in the end, it can become a crutch, and an unhealthy one at that. Drugs and alcohol can cause addiction, and addiction can hurt you and everyone around you. It’s a self-destructive habit that will only lead to feeling good while either drunk or high, and you’ll continue to need more and more to feel better.

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of drugs or alcohol, reach out to friends and family for support, or find a support group that can help you get everything back on track.

7. SELF-HARM

The hallmark of a self-destructive person is intentional self-harm. This can be from cutting the arms or legs, to intentionally refusing to feed themselves, to having intentionally unpleasant or violent sex. Self-harm comes in all sorts of shades, and the first thing you need to do is seek help.

A professional will be able to help you cope with your feelings and the stress you face in your day-to-day life so you won’t have to seek out these behaviors. If you know someone who is exhibiting signs of self-harm, the best thing to do is to make sure they know that you’re there for them for support. You can’t force them to get help, but you can be there for them when they’re ready to seek it.

Self-destructive behaviors come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Maybe you think you’re just treating yourself to a day off, or you’re just a messy person who lives in a messy home. You may not know that your behavior is making your life worse before it’s become out of control. But there’s always a choice to turn your life around and to make your self-destructive behaviors into constructive habits that allow you to lead a more fulfilling and happier life.

Never be afraid to reach out to a support system of family or friends for help with have one of these behaviors.

References:
Emory Ann; 3 Classic Signs Of Self-Destructive Behavior (And How To Overcome Them); http://thoughtcatalog.com/emory-ann/2014/09/3-classic-signs-of-self-destructive-behavior-and-how-to-overcome-them/
Matt Duczeminski; 12 Signs Of Self-Destructive People; http://www.lifehack.org/289458/12-signs-self-destructive-people

How Often Should You Eat Dessert If You Want to Lose Weight?

July 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“It’s not realistic to tell people to never eat dessert; that’s not something I expect of my clients, or myself.” – Metltzer Warren, R.D.N. and nutritionist

We all know what’s supposed to be the best way to lose weight. How many times have we heard “Eat a well-balanced diet,” “Eat breakfast,” and “Eat (x) and drink (y) in moderation?” Some diets even propose the elimination of all types of sugar; with some (e.g. the Atkins Diet) requiring dieters to count the grams of natural sugars in fruits and vegetables.

And we wonder why diets are, by and large, a terrific failure – with between 80 to 90-plus percent of dieters regaining their weight within a year (90-plus percent regain their weight within three years.) Such statistics, which are widely published in scientific journals, may evoke a sense of discouragement – but this would be a misinterpretation. We’ll expand a bit more of the reasons later on.

Perhaps the old cliché, “It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle,” was born out of the grand failings of the weight loss industry.

Moderation

At this juncture, we’ll reintroduce and expand upon the oft-quoted diet advice of “Everything in moderation,” which has plenty of merit – when understood in the correct context.

The word ‘moderation’ is somewhat vague in certain respects. The Oxford Dictionaries define moderation as “The avoidance of excess or extremes.” Merriam-Webster has a similar definition: “Avoiding extremes of behavior or expression; observing reasonable limits.”

Moderation can be interpreted, then, as one extreme or the “other.” When consuming alcohol, provided that an individual possesses common sense, such an interpretation is quite useful. There’s “falling down drunk” and “a beer or two,” for example.

Concerning food, moderation is something a bit more abstract in nature. Let’s use a piece of cake as an illustration. Does moderation mean one piece of cake? If so, is one piece of cake daily okay? A beer or two daily, after all, has been shown to possess certain health benefits – something that remains true even when dieting.

Surely, one piece of cake per day is cool, right? Most “dieters” or other individuals trying to maintain a healthy weight will answer this question with a resounding “no.” Science, as it turns out, is a collective “no” on this, as well.

Not-so-accidentally, the word “moderation” is a favorite of junk food companies. Consider this reporting published by health and science reporter, Beth Skwarecki:

“…look at the Back to Balance Coalition, made of 18 “leading food groups” that have signed a statement of principles promoting moderation. Their motto: “All foods fit in a balanced diet.”

“(the 18 groups) include the Sugar Association, the National Confectioners Association, the Corn Refiners Association (makers of corn syrup), the National Potato Council ([most potato consumption in America is through chips and fries]), the Grocery Manufacturers Association (members include Coca-Cola and Hershey), and the Snack Food Association.”

What does the alcohol vs. cake example in Ms. Skwarecki’s reporting have to do with losing weight? Simply this: the theoretical has no place in weight loss or maintaining health.

When it comes to what you put in your body, scientific consensus is everything.

Health Experts Explain The Relationship Between Dessert And Losing Weight

Eating dessert is a good thing

No, you did not misread the above statement. Eating dessert is a good thing – when the flimsy “everything in moderation” advice is replaced with real data and information. (And not some “Back to Balance” members who represent corporate interests in various fast food, soda, and candy companies.)

Quantity

First thing’s first: for those losing weight, it is recommended to limit your favorite treats to 1-2 times per week. According to nutritionists, this rate shouldn’t interfere with your progress, provided that you are consuming no more than the recommended serving amount on the nutrition label.

(The only exception to the “1-2 times per week” recommendation is dark chocolate. A 2011 Harvard University study found eating a couple “chunks” of dark chocolate is beneficial for lowering blood pressure, as an anti-inflammatory, and strengthening the immune system.)

Here are some other reasons why indulging a couple of times per week can be healthy:

It may boost weight loss

Mindfully eating your dessert; through counting your bites and focusing on the taste, may help slim your waistline. According to an article published in Readers Digest: “One study asked participants to first choose a healthy or unhealthy snack, and then count how many times they swallowed while eating it. Researchers found that (dieters) who chose the unhealthy snack … felt satisfied more (quickly).” Satiety, of course, is a key element of weight loss.

Eating treats may curb your cravings

Nyree Dardarian, director of the Center for Integrated Nutrition and Performance Coordination at Drexel University, told Time Magazine: “When you put rules and restrictions on something, you’re only going to want it more.” Instead, focus on portion control – with desserts and every other food.

Eating treats may ignite activity

For some healthy folks, having a treat occasionally provides some motivation to get moving. “The number one thing I love about dessert is that what you see is what you get. (I’m) making a conscious decision to have a treat,” says registered dietitian Jaclyn London. This conscious decision, for her and others, is added incentive to get to the gym.

It’s a wonderful reward

Most of us work at least one-third of the day. The idea of going to the gym or doing something else that requires additional effort is overwhelming at times. A dessert can serve as an excellent reward for our hard work

6 Behaviors That Boost Your Sex Appeal

July 17, 2017 by Sarah Barkley

Your sex appeal goes well beyond your physical appearance. While the way you look does play a role, there is much more to it.

Each time you interact with someone, your personality and behavior boost your attractiveness just as much as your appearance.

People become attracted to your behaviors and mannerisms, boosting your sex appeal. Your level of attractiveness doesn’t depend on luck or anything else. Anyone can increase their appeal by implementing a few new habits in their life.

Behaviors That Enhance Your Sex Appeal

The best behaviors that boost our sex appeal are ones that allow us to remain classy. You don’t have to modify your physical appearance or compromise your comfort to be more attractive. Instead, things like selflessness, confidence, creativity, openness, and other aspects play a role.

1. Showing a Sense of Selflessness is Sexy

Each time you do a selfless act, you boost your sex appeal in the eyes of others. Studies show that helping others increases attractiveness and inspires a good mood within. Since happiness increases attractiveness, being in a good mood will quickly boost your appeal.

Plus, when others see you being selfless, you instantly become more attractive to them. Helping others lets potential partners know that you have a nurturing nature, which most people consider a sexy attribute. Selfless behavior also shows people that you will be caring towards your partner as well.

If you aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to helping others, consider things you are good at. You can help an older person with grocery shopping, mentor children, or volunteer at a homeless shelter or hospital. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do, as long as you practice selflessness and help others.

2. Be A Sexy Stranger

Research shows that familiarity is less desirable in a mate than unfamiliarity. Being more attracted to a stranger is because of the unconscious effort to have genetically diverse children. Being a sexy stranger requires a little mystery and emotional control.

When you hold back a little, it creates a fantasy in the minds of others, heightening the experience and emotions. In the early stages of attraction, over-revealing things about yourself and your feelings can decrease your sex appeal. Some of the things you can do to be a sexy stranger include:

avoid posting everything on social media
stay active with your own goals and hobbies
don’t reveal your feelings too soon
take things slow so that the sexual tension simmers
practice indifference if you feel rejected
encourage the other person to talk
avoid talking about negative topics at the beginning
don’t send too many selfies
avoid texting more than once if they didn’t respond

3. Tapping into Your Creative Side

Creativity is one of the best ways to boost your sex appeal. Your creativity can be focused on art, music, film, dance, or any other creative outlet, and it’ll help in many ways.

First, creativity is linked to intelligence, which is something many people find attractive in a partner. Creative people tend to have deeper and more meaningful conversations, which is an ideal trait.

Creativity also indicates good genes, which most people subconsciously look for. Plus, creative people can express their feelings and desires better than other people. Find a creative outlet and let your mind flow as you boost your appeal. For those interested in exploring their desires further, Cock Cages Australia can provide a unique avenue for creativity in personal expression and intimacy.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Like an Open Book

You can be open without revealing too much about yourself in the beginning. When you’re around others, maintain positive body language that makes you open to others. Keep your arms uncrossed, stand up straight, keep your chin up, and your shoulders back.

Maintaining good posture and positive body language will make you approachable and boost your sex appeal. Plus, an open body posture will subconsciously convey your romantic interest. Think of it as adjusting yourself to take up more space than you typically do.

Don’t look at your phone too much, either, as it makes you seem closed off and unavailable. The more approachable you are, the sexier you seem to others.

5. Take Control of Yourself

Being in control of yourself boosts sex appeal because it makes you seem powerful, mysterious, and independent. Start by taking control of your emotions by not lashing out when someone has a different opinion. You can also show emotional control by not repeatedly texting someone when they aren’t texting back.

Striking up a conversation with someone and breaking the ice is a good way to take control, too. You can also develop strong plans rather than wait for the other person to come up with something. When you can take control instead of waiting around, you’ll instantly seem sexier.

Additionally, you can make yourself feel sexy by wearing something that you feel confident in. Taking control of your appearance is a sure way to boost your sex appeal quickly. Spend time grooming each day, too, focusing on hair, skincare, and oral hygiene.

6. Confidence Is Key

Confidence stands out more than any other characteristic, making it an effective way to boost your appeal. If you’re comfortable in all situations, other people will notice and be attracted to your confidence.

If you want to flirt with someone, do it boldly while keeping eye contact. Practice self-assurance and make yourself stand out. Speak confidently to let the other person know you are interested without saying it directly.

Making decisions with confidence is a way to boost sexiness, too. Trust your instincts while listening to input from others but remain confident with the decision you think is best. When you know what you want, others will be sexually attracted to you.

Eight Things That Might Hinder Your Sex Appeal

While there are things you can do to boost your sex appeal, things make you less attractive. Many of these traits and behaviors will surprise you, and you might even realize you’re guilty of some.

1. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Research shows that sleep-deprived people are less attractive than those that get an entire eight hours of sleep. People that don’t get enough sleep experience pale skin, red eyes, and drooping eyelids. Additionally, lack of sleep causes dark circles under the eyes and can make someone look sad.

2. Stress

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol make people appear less attractive, giving you plenty of reason to relax a little. Researchers explain that it’s because people with low cortisol levels indicate fertility and health, which potential partners subconsciously look for.

3. Lacking a Sense of Humor

Researchers at the University of California at San Diego determined that not having a sense of humor makes someone less attractive. Even an average sense of humor makes you less attractive if someone with a great sense of humor is nearby. Making people laugh increases the likelihood that they will like you.

4. Being Lazy

A lazy person is less attractive than those that work even an average amount. Researchers asked students to rate their peers, and those that were uncooperative, not hardworking, or lazy were deemed less attractive. Even if an individual was considered sexy or good-looking at first, they were rated as unattractive in the end if they were lazy.

Being lazy also typically means someone doesn’t have a passion in life, contributing to their lack of appeal. Potential partners want to know that you have goals and strive for self-improvement.

5. Lying

Dishonesty has a major effect on perceived attractiveness and likability. Research from the University of Western Ontario shows that lying has more of an impact than unintelligence and dependence. Many people find it hard to respect someone that lies, making it impossible for attraction to occur.

6. Drinking or Smoking too Much

Research shows that people who drink alcohol and smoke frequently are less attractive than those that do it occasionally. This evidence was more prevalent in those considering long-term partners.

7. Being Mean

Mean or spiteful people are less attractive than nice ones, and this surprising fact is backed by research. People want to feel respected and appreciated, and mean people can’t offer that kind of behavior.

8. Bad Grammar

This trait is often overlooked when someone wants to boost their appeal, but it plays a role. Studies show that bad grammar, both online and in-person, reduces levels of attractiveness.

Not only does incorrect grammar indicate a lack of education, but it also indicates a lack of interest. Some people even consider bad grammar to be lazy behavior.

Final Thoughts on the Six Behaviors That Boost Your Sex Appeal

Your sex appeal is so much more than your physical appearance. While physical attractiveness does play a role, you can boost your sex appeal in quite a few ways. Practice these behaviors, and you’ll become more comfortable with them, naturally increasing your attractiveness.

Not only will other people find you sexier, but you’ll feel better about yourself, too. When you feel better, you’ll be happier and more confident all the time. It’ll take practice and self-control, but it’ll become easier the more you do it.

Dying Army Veteran Has One Final Wish – He Wants to Hear From You

July 16, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Lee Hernandez, an army veteran who has served 18 years, is dying. Despite this, he only has one final wish: he wants to talk to you.

Living on hospice care in his home in New Braunfels, Texas, 47-year old Lee Hernandez has come out on the other side of three separate brain surgeries and numerous strokes. It’s taken a while, but Lee’s wife, Ernestine Hernandez, has finally found a way to make her husband’s passing days a little bit happier.

Phone calls and text messages brightened Lee Hernandez’ day, something that Ernestine discovered after her husband became depressed one day when he asked her to hold his phone, just in case someone were to call. Lee Hernandez lamented, “I guess no one wants to talk to me.”

Because of his brain surgeries and strokes, Lee now has a difficult time speaking. People often have a hard time understanding what he’s saying, and Ernestine believes that many people don’t want to speak with him because of that.

Dying Army Veteran Has One Final Wish – He Wants to Hear From You

Determined to find someone who would put aside Lee’s speech problems and contact him to make his dying days better, Ernestine contacted Caregivers of Wounded Warriors, and made a plea out into the world for someone to contact her husband and keep him in high spirits and in good company. She was determined to find someone out there who would take the time out of their day to contact her husband, and make him see that there were still plenty of people who were interested in what he had to say, even if sometimes he had a hard time saying it.

The Arizona Veterans Forum advertised his wishes on Facebook, which immediately resulting in an outpouring of support towards the Hernandez family. Ever since then, Lee has been in no shortage of calls and text messages. Many of the people who call are doing so to pray for him, though others are just reaching out for a conversation to brighten his day. People are reaching out to let Lee know he isn’t alone, and that his service as a Veteran is appreciated. Ernestine reads him the text messages, while Lee takes the calls.

Lee Hernandez had served 18 ½ years as a soldier in the Army, which included a tour in Iraq. He had lived through those eighteen years, and is now battling a terminal illness. He has been struggling with his health for the last five years, something Ernestine has been by his side through the entire time.

Unfortunately, in the past year, Lee’s health has begun to plummet, and despite the many odds that he’s already beaten, he’s no longer winning the battle. In hospice care, Lee Hernandez knows he’s dying, and wants to simply live out the rest of his days in contact with the world outside his home. Reaching out to people, knowing he’s not alone, has been a tremendous help to him, and has kept Lee Hernandez in good spirits.

Ernestine is incredibly grateful for the show of support from everyone. She’s doing her best to give her husband the best care – both physically and emotionally – that she can while they both travel the end of this hard journey together.

LET’S HELP FULFILL THIS BRAVE VETERAN’S WISH

To contact Lee Hernandez and be a part of making this veteran’s final wish come to fruition, simply call or text: 210-632-6778.

Ernestine Hernandez has commented that those who wish to contact Lee can do so during the late afternoon or early evening, Central Daylight Time, between 2:00 pm and 6:00pm. This is when Lee is alert and awake.

For anyone who would like to send a postcard to Lee Hernandez please send to: PO BOX 10066, Glendale AZ 85308 C/O Salute Media

Ernestine Hernandez has warned that they may not pick up the phone every time, but that it’s not because they don’t want to hear from you. However, some days, Lee is in a lot of pain, which makes talking much harder and the medication he takes to manage the pain can make him less alert.

If you want to make sure your message reaches him, send a text. Any amount of support is welcomed by the Hernandez family.

All it takes is a simple text or a five minute to call to reach out and make someone feel a little less alone, and a little more connected to the world.

10 Incredible Traits of Truly Successful People

July 15, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever asked a successful person about how they surpassed their goals?

Many of the answers are the same.

“Work hard.”
“Study more.”
“Know the right people.”
“Follow your dreams.”

Of course, to achieve any modicum of success requires hard work. Hitting the books is necessary to accomplish for some. “Networking” may lead to the right opportunities. All of this is good advice, but it’s not extraordinary. Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Edwin Hubble, Leonardo Da Vinci, and others didn’t get their names etched into the history books by following “good advice.”

“We don’t want to theorize about successful people. We went straight to the source, finding the most amazing people in all fields and asking them, ‘How do you do what you do?’” – Josh Gosfield

So, what is so special about these “super-achievers?”

What historically-great artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, political activists, and business leaders have that rare? In their book, co-authors (and married couple) Camille Sweeney and Josh Gosfield sought to answer this question.

Sweeney and Gosfield interviewed a total of 36 super-achievers and had this to say:

“In the beginning, our goal was to uncover what was unique about each one of the dozens of super achievers we interviewed. But after months of research and over 100 hours of conversations, we were often surprised to discover how much a tennis champion (and) a rock band think alike, or how a racecar driver and an extraterrestrial hunter share similar traits.”

In other words, there are common characteristics that great achievers embody.

Here are ten success rules that will change your life:

These then things can place you on the path to becoming more successful.

1 – Adaptability

According to a National Institutes of Health study, adaptability enables a person to be willing to change or develop a different task when necessary. People with a high adaptability rate have more psychological resources than people with a low level of adaptability. Successful people can adapt. Indeed, they do not allow problems or setbacks to dissuade them. They commit to the day-to-day struggle without wavering.

Although they will stick to their dedication to the project, they can do that without giving up if the project needs to change. Find ways to incorporate adaptability into your life. Be flexible at work or home. Find ways to do things in a new way or allow someone else to step forward to lead on a project. You’ll be surprised at how adaptability will give you a new fresh perspective in your life.

2 – Passion

Successful people have the drive to get things done. They do what they love and love what they do. Their passion doesn’t come and go according to their feelings. It remains solid and purposeful so that they can finish well. Many people suggest that grit or perseverance is the main ingredient for successful people’s accomplishments. Still, studies found that along with perseverance, a person must have the passion for having a higher level of performance and success.

It’s what separates highly successful people from other mediocre individuals. If you’re persevering in your dreams or projects, but the project doesn’t have meaning to you, then it’s a chore to you. You must care about what you’re doing and feel passionate about it for its worth and value.

If you have a passion for something, tap into it in the things you’re pursuing. Perhaps you’re passionate about teaching kids or finding a way to solve a problem. Allow your passion mixed with determination to guide you and help you stay on course to meet your long-term goals.

3 – Persevering

Great artists are constantly working on their craft, the essential innovators are learning and tinkering, and the best journalists are constantly researching and editing. These individuals have to stick to their goals. Successful people are tenacious and drive themselves hard. Plus, they don’t sit back and wait for others to initiate.

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, perseverance is defined as “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” These successful individuals weren’t born with perseverance. No doubt they learned it, growing from parents who cultivated tenacity and hope in them. They were allowing struggle and sometimes fail with the hope that they could succeed if they kept trying.

If you’re not great at persevering, you can begin to learn it through trial and error. When you start something, try to finish it. Find ways to persevere in your life, whether finishing household organizing or a project at work you need to complete. Start small and work up. Don’t give up when you face setbacks. Keep going.

4 – Patience

Highly successful people work patiently through their frustrations and failures without wavering. They are strategic in their ability to wait for their competitors to make a move. They wait until they know the time is right rather than getting irritated that things are moving faster. It’s thought that patience helps you control yourselves, which enables you to succeed. You aren’t given to responding to something out of impulse or urgency, but because you’ve thought it out and know when it’s time to react. You don’t get emotionally caught up in the moment but can step back and patiently choose when to respond. Patience can accept some trouble or delay without getting upset, angry, or frustrated. It can wait it out, knowing the right moment will come when you should act.

5 – Control your emotions

When successful people step out to make their dreams happen, they don’t allow their emotions to dictate. Feelings come and go depending upon the difficulty of the journey, but staying in control of your emotions keeps you from giving up or doing things you’ll regret. Whether it’s feelings of loneliness or frustration, it’s best not to get emotional about these feelings but deal with what you can deal with and let go of what you can’t.

Some suggest that those who are incredibly successful manage their emotions even when they’re stressed to be in control and calm. When you’re in the middle of a stressful circumstance, be sure to keep your emotions in control. Take a deep breath and remember, whatever is broken can be fixed or changed. Getting upset or angry never solves problems but creates more problems.

6 – Good listeners

Very successful people, like SOL Global Chairman Andrew Defrancesco, listen and show interest in others’ opinions. They realize that they can’t possibly know everything related to what they’re striving for, so they glean from other’s knowledge and experience. They want to hear what other people have to say. They’re curious to want to know as much as possible, and they know that people are great resources of information.

Plus, they want to be successful and know that happy employees mean listening to their complaints or ideas to make things better. Listening is a learned skill. It takes patience and humility to listen. It’s an important trait of a successful person. Being a good listener includes practicing these things:

Look at the person who is speaking.
Don’t get distracted while someone is speaking.
Do not try to think about what you’re going to say in response
Repeat back to the person what you think you heard
Ask questions to clarify, if needed
Engage with what they’re saying

7 – Give back to their community

Successful people know they are blessed and want to give back to their communities. Whether it’s donating money to build a park, or helping military families that are struggling, or creating a foundation for kids from poor neighborhoods, countless successful people find ways to help those around them. Those companies that gave back to their communities are more successful. Their generosity inspires their employees and makes them feel more loyal to the company. If you want to be successful, don’t forget to give back to others. Be generous and find ways to share with others who are in need. You’ll be surprised at how giving to others can be a blessing to you.

8 – Get up early

Believe it or not, being an early riser is a trait of many successful people. They know the value of sleep and getting an early start on their day. This habit of getting up early enables them to do things without distractions and maximize their day.

They say it helps with their organization, thinking, and planning. There’s a long list of well-known successful people who attribute getting up early to contribute to their success. There are good benefits to having a routine every day.

Routines keep you moving without trying to figure out what you’re supposed to do every day. A pattern of getting up early is a great habit to emulate in your life to be more productive no matter what you’re doing.

9 – Can inspire others by becoming an excellent storyteller

Elon Musk, a visionary in the commercial spacecraft and clean energy industries, pursued turning his dreams into reality. Two of his companies, SpaceX and Tesla Motors, were nearly bankrupt when Musk sold investors (and saved his companies) using nothing other than good ole’ storytelling.

His ability to inspire investors was a powerful gift. Musk and others like him feel emotionally love passing their passion to others who can join them. They inspire other people by their life and character. They gain others’ trust and admiration because they possess a character worth following.

Learn the value of inspiring others, whether at home, at school, or work. People will follow you if you possess the energy to engage them with your excitement about what you’re doing.

10 – Test their ideas

Successful people are willing to take risks to test their ideas. They aren’t afraid of failure because they know that sometimes failing can lead to something better. The great inventors of the past failed and failed again but never gave up. These individuals do these six things:

Ask questions
Assess responses
Get feedback
Listen to advice
Think outside the box
Are open to learning from constructive criticism

Final thoughts on the ten shared traits of successful people

Successful people don’t worry about what people say about them because they’re busy pursuing their dreams. They refuse to bog themselves down when life gets hard but continue to push through. If they fail, they learn from it and continue on a new path if necessary.

They’re disciplined with good habits that often include getting up early. Generosity is another trait of most successful people because they know they are blessed. They see the importance of building up their communities and others.

If you are inspired to become a successful person, begin cooperating with some of these traits in your life.

Help others

Be sure to get enough sleep

Get some exercise

Be sure to read

Schedule some fun

Play a video game

Own a pet

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The 5 Main Symptoms Of Major, Chronic, and Manic Depression

1. Major Depressive Disorder

The five main symptoms of MDD are:

Additionally, the common triggers of MDD include:

2. Dysthymia (i.e. Chronic Depression)

The major symptoms of dysthymia include:

3. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

Bipolar I manic depression symptoms are:

Bipolar II, the less-serious form of manic depression (“milder periods of elation” and “an absence of psychosis [delusions or hallucinations]”), includes the following manic symptoms:

Seven tips on how to beat depression

Help others

Be sure to get enough sleep

Get some exercise

Be sure to read

Schedule some fun

Play a video game

Own a pet

Final thoughts on depression

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1. A lost feeling of purpose and motivation…

2. Often making excuses for irresponsible actions…

3. A frequent default to linger on emotion/self-pity

4. Increasing isolated behaviors

5. Neglecting needs…

6. Signs of substance abuse…

7. SELF-HARM

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1. Showing a Sense of Selflessness is Sexy

2. Be A Sexy Stranger

3. Tapping into Your Creative Side

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Like an Open Book

5. Take Control of Yourself

6. Confidence Is Key

Eight Things That Might Hinder Your Sex Appeal

1. Not Getting Enough Sleep

2. Stress

3. Lacking a Sense of Humor

4. Being Lazy

5. Lying

6. Drinking or Smoking too Much

7. Being Mean

8. Bad Grammar

Final Thoughts on the Six Behaviors That Boost Your Sex Appeal

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Here are ten success rules that will change your life:

1 – Adaptability

2 – Passion

3 – Persevering

4 – Patience

5 – Control your emotions

6 – Good listeners

7 – Give back to their community

8 – Get up early

9 – Can inspire others by becoming an excellent storyteller

10 – Test their ideas

Final thoughts on the ten shared traits of successful people

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