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Tips

Daily Medicos provides good tips for living a better lifestyle. These Tips can relate to doing your daily tasks better, having look at your life from a positive angle.

Phobia Test : What Phobia do you have?

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how to deal with social phobia

You can overcome Phobia if you understand it. Before you jump to conclusion of Phobia test, start with a basic understanding of what a Phobia actually is and how one should respond to it.

What is Phobia?

“A phobia is an excessive or irrational fear of something i.e object, situation or living specie which can affect your daily routine, relationships, work etc”

Fear felt by the person suffering from phobia is intense and exaggerated than a normal person. They try avoiding situations or objects that are the source of their phobia. If they come in contact with the source, they act in an unusual and strange manner, can experience extreme anxiety and can sometimes faint. However, being aware of their uncommon behavior, they can not control their reaction. 

A person could have more than one phobia at a time. 

How are Phobias Developed?

Phobias can either be inherited or can be developed by experiencing traumatic events and long-term stress. Children can also learn phobias by watching their family members being afraid of something.  

Let’s learn about some different types of Phobias, before you finally determine, which Phobia you have.

Phobia Test Step 1: Learning About Types of Phobia

Different Types of Phobia:

Phobias can not be accurately estimated as there could be as many phobias as many situations in the world. But the three major types of Phobias are:
1. Complex phobia
2. Specific phobia

COMPLEX PHOBIA

Complex phobias affect your life more than specific phobias. They can limit your normal, everyday routine. People suffering from such phobias avoid going out and stay at home. This type of Phobia usually develops in adulthood. Complex Phobia is associated with deep-rooted circumstances or the situation that one may have faced, which deeply impacts his life.

Phobia Test: Have you Ever Faced a situation which deeply effected your feeling, which you cant stop thinking about?

If you have, then you have found some success at the first step of Phobia test. But Wait! These are two types of complex phobias as well.

Two common types of complex phobias are:

  1. Social Phobia
  2. Agoraphobia

SOCIAL PHOBIA

Social phobia is also known as Social Anxiety Disorder. Social phobia is a condition where a person is afraid and nervous when attending gatherings and blushes extremely when talking to new people. A person is unable to act normally and freely when he meets new people. Therefore, the person tries to avoid interacting with people he isn’t familiar with, which might become a barrier in his success. People with social phobia have a fear of being negatively judged or criticized.

People with Social Phobia are mostly perceived as being shy, introvert, unconfident, quiet and reserved. People suffering from Social Phobia can face extreme anxiety when:

  • Talking to someone he/she likes
  • Attending a meeting
  • Communicating with people he/she doesn’t know
  • Talking on a phone call
  • Calling a waiter at restaurant
  • Going to a doctor
  • Talking to his/her teacher, etc
  • Making eye contact

Phobia Test : Do you have any symptoms of Social Phobia?

If you also face difficulty in talking to people, and communicating with others, you might be facing social phobia.

 Social phobia is a curable disorder. It can be cured by active behavioral therapy or by medications, depending on the seriousness of the disorder.  

AGORAPHOBIA

Agoraphobia is a disorder in which a person feels distress in bad situations and where escaping is not really easy. People prefer staying at home to avoid such situations. People may suffer panic attacks when they are in: 

  • Public places
  • Large open spaces
  • Being outside alone
  • Small places

Phobia test: Do you have Agoraphobia?

Wait for a moment and think, do you fear public places and large gatherings too? Have you ever faced panic attack to such stressing situation?

LIST OF SPECIFIC PHOBIAS

Specific Phobias are caused by particular animals, insects, heights, water, darkness, etc. There are numerous kinds of specific phobias.  Some common types of phobias are defined under:

  • Acquaphobia: Fear of water
  • Acrophobia: Fear of heights
  • Astraphobia: Fear of lightning and thunderstorms
  • Gerascophobia: Fear of aging
  • Claustrophobia: Fear of small places
  • Nyctophobia: Fear of darkness
  • Hemophobia: Fear of blood
  • Trypanophobia: Fear of medical procedures
  • Aerophobia: Fear of Flying
  • Zoophobia: Fear of animals
  • Ornithophobia: Fear of Birds
  • Thanatophobia: Fear of death
  • Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking 

Phobia Test: How will you know if you’re suffering from a phobia?

 If you feel the following symptoms in the above mentioned situations, it means you are suffering from a particular phobia: 

  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased breathing
  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Panic attacks
  • Chest pain
  • Trembling
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Secretion of saliva and mucus decreases
  • Blood sugar level increases
  • Pupil dilates
  • Adrenal gland release stress hormones
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Digestion slows
  • In case of wound, the blood clots more quickly
  • Confusion

MEDICATIONS

Your doctor may suggest following medication to treat phobia based on your symptoms. Do not use any medication without proper prescription from your doctor. Most common medicines prescribed to a person suffering from phobia are:

Antidepressants: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIIs) are mostly prescribed. They help in the betterment of moods.

Beta Blockers: They help to reduce the signs of anxiety.

Tranquilizers: Benzodiazepines are mostly prescribed. They also help to reduce the physical signs of anxiety.

THERAPY

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: It is used to change the way of thinking of a person to cope with the phobia. 

Exposure Therapy: The person suffering from this phobia is exposed to the source of phobia with the intention of not causing any danger, to help him overcome the phobia.  

General FAQs on Phobia

What causes phobia?

 Mostly genetic and some environmental factors cause phobias. Those children with a relative suffering from an anxiety disorder can be at a higher risk of developing  phobia. Some distressing event, that can deeply impact ones feeling, can also cause phobia.

How can you get rid of Phobia?

Almost all phobias can be treated and cured. Some phobias can be cured by counselling while others need to be treated through medications. The person suffering from phobia knows what fears him which makes it easy to diagnose. It is good to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist if you find the above mentioned symptoms in particular situations. Some phobias are normal which do not disturb your daily life and can be ignored by avoiding the situations which create panic attacks. But in severe cases you need to go for therapy or prescribed medications by your psychiatrist. 

Is Agoraphobia Curable?

Agoraphobia is curable. It can be cured by Cognitive behavior therapy or by medications. 

Is Social Phobia Curable?

 Social phobia is a curable disorder. It can be cured by active behavioral therapy or by medications, depending on the seriousness of the disorder.  

How many types of Phobia are there?

Phobias can not be accurately estimated as there could be as many phobias as many situations in the world. But the three major types of Phobias are:
1. Complex phobia
2. Specific phobia

Take Away!

Many people suffer from phobias. There is no shame in admitting if you’re having one. Keeping it to yourself will worsen your phobia, so it’s better to speak up to a psychologist. 

Did you find this article helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Modern Parenting tips to raise an admiring generation

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modern parenting techniques for families

Why is Modern Parenting essential today? Modern parenting helps you raise a child who is able to compete and survive in his society. Most of you are trying to raise your child the way you were treated. Is this right? Since there is a huge difference between the time in which you were raised and the time they are living in today. Modern parenting requires:

  • Less judgment yet more acceptance
  • Understanding
  • Awareness of the present

Are you satisfying these requirements? If not, here are some tips that’ll help you raise a successful, kind, courteous and confident child.

Are you ready for Modern Parenting?

Although you become parents when a child is delivered by his mother, the process starts when you are planning to have a baby. Becoming a parent means taking a responsibility. A responsibility of someone’s life! Therefore, when you plan to become parents, you are agreeing to take a responsibility.

However, you must take this responsibility when you are mentally prepared and ready for it.  

Ways to raise an admiring generation

Children are a gift from God. Not every couple is blessed with this gift. Take a minute and think what if you were infertile? That would be so hurting, right? Now if you are blessed, just don’t neglect and maltreat that blessing. 

Here are some undisclosed tips that will help you become good parents in modern times: 

Do’s for Success in Modern Parenting

The following tips will help you in modern parenting and raise an admiring generation:

  • Make him sleep: Babies vary considerably in their sleeping pattern. Don’t just panic if your baby isn’t sleeping at night and disturbing your routine. Firstly, calm yourself down. Then take a deep breath. Now think this will not last forever. These tough nights will pass soon and everything will be back to normal. Make their habit of sleeping without you as soon as possible. 
  • Make him eat: Breast-feed your child for a maximum of 6 months then gradually make him eat solid things. Most children are very picky in eating food. That doesn’t mean you cook them their desired food everyday. Make him eat things he doesn’t like by rewarding him.   
  • Set a routine: As the child grows you must set a routine. There should be a proper bedtime schedule, when to play and when to study. Once he is used to that routine, it’ll be easier for you to manage time for him and for yourself.  
  • Reward him: Reward him for the good things he does. This will encourage him to continue doing those in future. Such as asking him to put his toys back when he is done playing. When he does this, reward him. Reward him when he shows better progress in studies. Or when he respects elders. This will build discipline in his personality. 
  • Time, attention and love: Children crave for love and attention. Spend time with your children, love them, play with them. Take notice of their activities and encourage them to achieve better day by day. Guide them when they are wrong, explain them politely. Teach him things that no educational institution can. This will help in better nurturing of your child. 
  • Make him independent: Try to make him independent as he grows. Show confidence in his abilities. Guide him and let him make his own decisions. Make him take a stand for himself. This will help you become redundant before time. 
  • Health: You are responsible for taking care of your child’s health; both physically and mentally. Everyone knows what can harm their children physically. But your parenting skills are measured by how well you can take care of your child’s mental health. Don’t pressurize him to do what he can’t. Remember, a great IQ makes a good engineer, but a good EQ (emotional quotient) makes a leader of those engineers!
  • Understand: Every child is different from the other. Don’t just compare! Understand the condition of your child. Don’t expect what he can’t give you. Support him in tough times and encourage him. Ensure him that you believe in him and that he can achieve anything in life. 
  • Live in the present: It’s your duty to be aware of yours and your child’s surroundings. By this you can guide him what’s right and wrong, where he is making mistakes and what could harm him; mentally and physically. 
  • Listen: Nowadays competition has extended to a great deal where your child might face lots of problems. By listening you provide your child an environment where he can freely express his thoughts and emotions. Remember, having a good listener is a luxury these days; be your child’s luxury!  
  • Accept: Stop living in a fantasy world. Reality is much more frightening and exhausting. Accept the potentials of your child. What is clearly IS! It’s nothing to worry about, if your child isn’t progressing in his studies. He might be incredible in something else, for which he has been sent to the world.
  • Role Model: Children absorb 10% of what you say and 90% of what you do.  Children are your reflection. Your words, action and feelings (spoken and unspoken) shape the behavior of your child. Be the person you want your child to become!
  • Independent: Make him independent as soon as possible. 

The goal of a good parent is to raise a gentleman who can make a positive contribution to society.

You’re doing it all wrong if you’re not fulfilling these requirements. 

Don’ts to avoid in Modern Parenting

Stop doing the following things if are doing them. These habits will destroy your modern parenting. Let’s see what should be avoided in modern parenting:

  • Aggression: Think before you react! Nurturing a child doesn’t always mean scolding and punishing. If your child cries in a store and demands a certain toy, don’t feel embarrassed because others are staring and don’t just get out of the store angrily. Instead, understand his state of mind. Children can’t control their emotions when they see a toy or candies. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy that 100$ toy. No, not at all! 
  • Fulfilling all his desires: The biggest mistake modern parents make is to fulfill all the desires of their children. This makes your child dependent on you for his entire life.  
  • Punishing: Stop punishing your child for every small mistake he makes. Instead, explain him politely. Punishing or scolding him always makes him stubborn and ill-mannered. It can also put a bad impact on his mental health.  
  • Fear: Parenting is a difficult task. You are not a good parent if your child is afraid of you. A good parent provides a friendly environment where his children express their thoughts and emotions, problems and mistakes, achievements and success freely.  
  • Discourage: Never discourage your child. I repeat NEVER! You’re his biggest strength and support system. Encourage your child in everything, whether it be a game or his homework, his class test or a final exam. Even though he isn’t performing well, encourage him that he can do better. Be proud of him and he’ll show better progress day by day.  
  • Judge: Never compare or judge your child. Society is doing that job perfectly! Instead, accept what he has, his potential and abilities. Guide him well and ensure that you believe in him. 
  • Media: Another important mistake modern parents make is making their children habitual of the media. Stop doing this! It’s ruining their childhood. Instead, make them play and learn. Spend time with them, take them out. This will make them creative. 

Stop if you’ve been doing this all long! It can ruin your modern parenting.

Before you Leave! 

Daily medicos help you do better in your life. These tips for modern parenting will help you raise a child that’ll make you proud one day! Just believe in your child, let him make his own decisions but remember, it’s your responsibility to guide him where he’s making a mistake. 

Feel free to comment and discuss your problems with us.

Tips that’ll help you Overcome Depression

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depression dealing

What is Depression?

Depression is a condition of extreme sadness that provokes negative thoughts and feelings.  When you suffer from depression even small things feel like a huge problem. You try to stay alone. You feel tremendously low. The things which were the source of joy no longer make you happy. Thus, it is also known as unipolar depression.

Usually people use the word ‘depression’ to describe a tiring or a stressful day or an unpleasant event. Although depression in the real sense is so much more than this, in reality, only those suffering from this condition can feel the actual meaning of this word. 

Additionally, women suffer from this condition more than men.  

What is MDD (Major Depressive Disorder)? 

Though, sadness, grief, loneliness, stress and guilt are the natural parts of our lives and last for a short period of time. When these emotions become immoderate and you experience them persistently for extended time (more than two weeks), it means you are suffering from MDD (Major Depressive Disorder).

You are unable to function properly at work or school. Life seems to be worthless. Luckily, it can be treated and you can become normal like you used to be.

How would you know that you’re suffering from Depression?

You experience at least five symptoms for more than two weeks. You must seek medical help when:

  • Feeling sad or irritable for no obvious reason
  • You no more enjoy the activities you once did
  • Your appetite changes
  • Abrupt lose or gain in weight
  • Insomnia or urge to sleep too much
  • Feeling tired 
  • Difficulty while thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • You are willing to harm yourself or commit suicide
  • Feeling of restlessness

Females:

You could experience following noticeable symptoms if you are a female:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • fatigue
  • Negative thoughts

Males:

Males can experience following noticeable symptoms:

  • Excessive intake of alcohol 
  • Anger
  • Risk-taking acts
  • Not engaging with families or social situations
  • Continuous working
  • Difficulty in taking the responsibility of work and family
  • Abusive behavior

Teenagers:

You might notice some physical changes in your body if you are a teenager. Thus, other symptoms are:

  • Avoiding friends and family
  • Difficult to concentrate on studies
  • Experience a feeling of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
  • Restlessness

College Students:

As college students get over burdened by syllabus and studies. As a result, they become depressed and might experience some of these symptoms: 

  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping too much
  • Decreased or increased appetite
  • Difficult to concentrate on studies
  • You no more enjoy the activities you once did

Children:

You can notice these symptoms in your children:

  • Crying
  • Low energy
  • Difficulty in concentrate on studies
  • Vocal outburst
  • Obstinate behavior
  • Difficulty expressing emotions 

What causes Depression?

The real cause of MDD is unknown, but here are some factors that can make you depressed:

  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Drugs and alcohol
  • Illnesses (such as cancer or hyperthyroidism)
  • Genes
  • Personality, such as people who take too much stress or have low self-esteem
  • Environment, like continuous violence, sexual abuse
  • Persistence stress 

How is Depression diagnosed?

There are many mental health professionals and doctors that can help you deal with your depression. Usually a doctor may conduct the following:

  • Blood test, to ensure that the depression is not due to a medical condition (such as thyroid problem)
  • Evaluation, to know your family history, environmental factors and your symptoms. He might provide you a questionnaire for this. 
  • Physical Exam

Is Depression treatable? 

Fortunately, you can treat your depression with the help of:

  • Medications
  • Psychotherapy
  • Changes in lifestyle

Medications:

Your health professional might recommend some antidepressants to deal with this condition. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are mostly prescribed which increases the level of serotonin in your brain. 

SSRIs include drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citalopram (Celexa), which have low side effects. 

Besides SSRIs, other medications are also used such as Tricyclic antidepressant and atypical antidepressants if other medicines aren’t effective. Moreover, these medicines can cause many side effects like sleepiness. 

In addition, you must inform your doctor if you’re breastfeeding, pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Some medicines aren’t safe that treat depression. 

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy means to talk to your doctor daily to discuss your condition and similar problems. It can help you:

  • Cope with your stress
  • Replace negativity to positive thoughts and feelings
  • Boost communication skills and self-esteem
  • Become normal again
  • Get preferable techniques to solve problems
  • Cope with the challenges

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is effective as it helps to solve problems. CBT helps to alter thinking and replace negative thoughts with positivety.

Electroconvulsive Therapy:

If other therapies and medications aren’t helping you then doctors prescribe this therapy. There are a total 6-12 treatments, out of which, you receive 2-3 ETC in a week. 

Changes in Lifestyle:

Despite taking other medicines and therapies you must make certain changes in your lifestyle to reduce depression:

Diet:

Are you taking a sufficient amount of the following? 

  • Vitamin B
  • Magnesium
  • Omega-3 fatty acid

You must avoid alcohol, processed and deep-fried foods.

Proper Sleep:

Taking a proper sleep is very important in our life. You must sleep properly for 7-9 hours. Do you take a proper sleep?

Regular Exercise:

Although depression makes you feel tired, making yourself active is very important. You must exercise daily for 30 minutes. Do you?

Positivity:

Cut off the sources that make you stressed. Avoid negative thoughts and replace them with positivity. Keep yourself busy and moving. 

Before you Leave!

You might feel hopeless and want to commit suicide. But remember, depression can be treated and you can become normal again. Just don’t skip therapy sessions and medicines. Add positiveness in your life. If you feel depressed even though you are taking medicines on time, discuss it with your health professional. 

Firstly, accept your condition. Secondly, give time to it. It takes time to overcome. There is nothing that can be cured instantaneously. Thus, seek medical help.

Altogether, you can find a way out. Several people go through this condition and become normal with the passage of time. Lastly, keep in check, try to deal with your condition and never lose hope!