Portable Hugs
Brian Mullen, a doctoral mechanical engineering student at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, has developed a portable hug vest - also known as a "deep-pressure” vest.
The vest, available for children and adults with sensorimotor issues or mental illness, delivers a “portable hug” via Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation (DPTS).
DPTS has been around a while, helping to reduce anxiety and harmful behaviors by providing a calming sensory experience. It has been shown to improve the lives of individuals with Autism, Alzheimer's, Asperger's, ADHD, PTSD and other neuropsychological illnesses. And FYI, blankets, sleeping bags, other clothing and accessories are available in weighted forms.
It's always so cool when technology enhances lives.
Social Anxiety & "Lars & The Real Girl"
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.
The anxiety can occur in limited situations — such as a fear of speaking in front of others - writing on a blackboard in front of the class - eating in front of others, just to name a few. It can, however, be quite broad in its scope, leaving an individual so anxious around other people that they seek to be alone. Total avoidance.
Lars & The Real Girl explores aspects of Social Anxiety Disorder and other mental illness in a meaningful way. It is a beautiful, sensitive and smart movie about the origins of mental illness and how to work them through.
If you get the chance, check it out. And if you've seen it, let me know what you think.
Subconscious Motivation
Psychological Science reports that reading motivational words can really help you reach goals. The subtlety of these positive subliminal messages register in the subconscious mind. When absorbed, these motivational cues can help to create positive change.
Make sure the words or phrases you choose are within view- so that you can subconsciously keep your motivation going, even when you may not be on task. Be it sticky notes, motivational pictures, doodles or music, keep the communication upbeat and nurturing.
I am working on a big project, so my inspirational words would be Dream Big. I made the photo above with Flickr Toys , and use it as my screen saver. I have a few Post Its in neon colors around the home and office with the same phrase. And I have an iTunes playlist with dream themes!
So, what would your motivational words be?
High Heels for Babies?
I enjoy a good chuckle.
But this new item didn't make me laugh: High Heels For Babies
Apparently, others feel like I do as well.
In fact, the American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls reported that sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media are harmful to their self-image and healthy development in the areas of:
"Cognitive and Emotional Consequences: Sexualization and objectification undermine a person’s confidence in and comfort with her own body, leading to emotional and self-image problems, such as shame and anxiety.
Mental and Physical Health: Research links sexualization with three of the most common mental health problems diagnosed in girls and women—eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression or depressed mood.
Sexual Development: Research suggests that the sexualization of girls has negative consequences on girls’ ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image."
I guess new studies will have to include infants, not just girls and women, if this high-heel-baby-shoe-thingy catches on.
What do you think?
Reference:
http://www.apa.org/releases/sexualization.html
Adam Duritz of "Counting Crows" Addresses Mental Illness
Adam Duritz, lead singer-songwriter for the band Counting Crows, has recently disclosed that he experiences a type of Dissociative Disorder and severe depression. In my armchair opinion, it appears that Duritz is describing Depersonalization Disorder, a category within Dissociative Disorders.
He writes about his experience here - naming the article "The Lonely Disease." The Counting Crows' new CD "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings" is a double album. The first half focuses on Duritz's decline into illness and the second half about his recovery.
He writes about his experience here - naming the article "The Lonely Disease." The Counting Crows' new CD "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings" is a double album. The first half focuses on Duritz's decline into illness and the second half about his recovery.
Below is the 1996 song "A Long December" and yes, it's Courtney Cox featured in the video.
The Power of "WHAT"
Sometimes the question "Why" is a good one.
Why can't we live in a more peaceful world?
Why did I eat *all* those cookies?
Why don't we call mustaches "mouthbrows"?
But there are times, especially during a crisis, when "Why" is not the best question to ask oneself.
In my work, I always feel that "What" helps to move you out of a difficult moment.
What has a directionality. Why keeps one stuck in circular thinking.
What offers solutions. Why offers no game plan.
So, the next time you find yourself in a bad place, experiencing a difficult moment or overwhelmed with so much, ask yourself, "What can I do to make things better? not "Why is this happening to me?
Once the crisis is over you can search for the psychological or behavioral "Why".
Hat tip: Queen