PTSD-Yes, It's Real Part 2

In children, PTSD looks a bit different. Have you ever seen the movie or read The Client by John Grisham? Ricky, the main character's little brother, is a very good example of what can happen to a child who has witnessed a traumatic event. In this story, he was hiding in the bushes when he heard a gunshot come from a car and thought that his brother had been killed. His brother was fine, but Ricky didn't know that and was so traumatized that he was 'frozen'; he could not speak or move, and would scream bloody murder anytime someone came near him. This is *one* way PTSD looks in children. Another way is bedwetting or forgetting toilet training, behavioral problems or being particularly 'clingy' with a parent or other adult. They might not call it PTSD, but adoption agencies-public or private-warn of these problems when it comes to adopting older children. The state agencies may help pay for the treatment, but it's hard to say exactly what the child will need because every child-and every trauma-is different.

Speaking of treatment, sufferers of PTSD have a variety of options. Psychotherapy-"talk therapy"-in its many forms has proven very helpful in helping a person adjust. One such technique is called "exposure therapy". Basically, the counselor finds out what a person's particular triggers are and gradually reintroduces them into their daily lives. The same technique is employed for patients with bipolar disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and has been very effective. 

Cognitive restructuring therapy is also helpful because it teaches the person to see what happened in a more realistic light. Sometimes we remember things differently from the way they actually happened, or focus more on some parts than others. It's not uncommon for someone to feel guilt over having survived something while others didn't or not having done more to prevent whatever it was from happening. In a lot of cases, though, there was really nothing that could have been done because the situation was completely beyond the patient's control. By helping them see the event-and their reactions-in a more straightforward way, this therapy can go a long way in relieving unfounded feelings of guilt. Support groups are also very helpful because hearing the words, “It wasn't your fault” or similar from people who have “been there” can help drive the point home.

Sometimes doctors will prescribe antidepressants to help alleviate overwhelming feelings of sadness that can get in the way of working through things effectively.

For more information about PTSD from a professional perspective, visit

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml.

Working Out With Your Kids

Being a parent has endless challenges, but one thing you can always count on is that your kids will always have more energy than you. With that thought in mind, why don't you utilize that energy they bode in a positive manner? If you are seeking to get into better shape and have some little ones around the house, then everyone can get together for some fitness fun!

Start by looking at the ages of your children and what their athletic abilities really are. If they are still toddlers, do not become discouraged as they can easily get your butt in shape just by chasing them around! Believe it or not, taking your toddlers out to an open field somewhere and letting them chase after a big ball can be exhausting when you have to chase them! The calories one can burn is endless! Take smaller kids swimming, cycling where you pull them along in a wagon in the rear. Gymnastics classes for little ones can be excellent also, they do have classes that where the child and the parent can learn tumbling, and various movements together. Get a parachute and take it to the park, play with your kids doing this fun activity, have them toss a small ball on the parachute or hide under it.

For older kids, such as ones that are from the ages of six to eleven, get busy as they can handle a bit more exercise and their growing bodies will crave it! Take them hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, kayaking, or to some form of dance classes. It may take a few times before you all can get into the swing of things, such as what types of sports your children enjoy playing. Ask them to make a list of those activities and then go from there. Older kids such as teenagers can also engage in actual games of sports. This can be a game of racquetball, tennis, basketball or volleyball. Teens need activity as well as little kids, the issue is they seem to no/ t get enough of it. This is a great bonding time for you and your teen as well. Use it to your advantage and take these active times to reach out to your teens by asking them how things are at school and with their friends. It could make a difference in your future relationship with your kids and the best part is, you both get to stay active and get fit together! Get their friends involved for a twist if the routine begins to get a little boring, and this goes for your kids of any age. Allow them to bring one or more friends along once a month to keep their attention and not lose interest.

Teen-aged Eating Disorders, Is Your Child in Danger?

In these times of economical upheaval many parents are working full-time and even additional side jobs to make ends meet for their children. While parents are so busy trying to properly provide for their children, often times, their teenagers are getting pulled into eating habits that are definitely not in their best interest. Teen-aged eating disorders are one of these dangerous eating habits.

Current Eating Disorder Research

The best way a parent can help their child to stay away from teen-aged eating disorders is to be aware of what they eat and to be a good role model where eating is concerned. When you call, text or touch base with your teen, ask them if they have eaten and what did they have that was good sort of thing? It not only shows them how much you love and care about them but it teaches them to become responsible for the food choices that they make on a daily basis.

A lot of parents that have children with teen-aged eating disorders often will say that they did not know this was happening with their teen. So, that all parents learn from this, it is time to become more aware of what is going on in your home and kitchen. Trying to schedule family dinner meals is also helpful because you can then actually see what your teens are eating.

Anorexia Nervosa is one of the top teenage eating disorders followed closely by bulimia. There are also teens that are compulsive exercisers and/or teens that will only eat certain foods with hardly any calories in them. Doing any or all of these things on a regular basis will result in your teen dropping a lot of weight in a short period of time. Boys have also been known to suffer from the same disorders, just not at the same high rate as the girls, however, boys can become compulsive about working out excessively to gain a more athletic build.

Some signs of these teenage eating disorders are weight loss, mood swings, secret activity, change in behavior, distancing themselves from you and any activities regarding food. Watch out for your teen if they are skipping meals a lot or if you have not seen your teen eating lately. Even though everyone is busy, you should still notice your teen in the kitchen eating or hunting through the fridge or pantry. If they are not, it’s time to find out why. Unfortunately, if your teen should have one of these eating disorders, chances are very good that they have gotten really clever about hiding it from you on a daily basis. A good test is to plan to take that one teen out to her favorite place for a lunch with just you. If things are normal, that child should be ordering their favorite menu item there and eating and enjoying just about all of their meal. Watch out for teens that are layering their clothes to a crazy level and not walking around your home in just a tee shirt and pj bottoms because they may be hiding this awful illness. If you suspect any of this is a problem in your home, always check with your doctor for care and advice.