Author: Kathy Marshack

According to studies performed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), adults with depression are more likely to smoke than those with no symptoms of depression. They also tend to smoke more heavily. Click here to view the entire study.

Overcoming depression and an addiction to cigarettes are two different challenges that can be tamed with proper help. First, address the depression. There are many factors that contribute to depression. A very effective way to treat depression is by therapy with a mental health professional. They will be able to give practical assistance to help overcome the issues that are causing your depression. Click here to read more about Overcoming Depression.

Another part to overcoming depression is to make lifestyle changes. That is when the issue of smoking can be addressed. To be a successful at becoming a non-smoker, you must take two steps:

First: Change your environment at work and at home so that smoking is not as easy to do.

Second: Recognize that most of your smoking is done to take care of other emotional needs. When you desire a  cigarette, ask yourself, “What do I really want instead?” Then take care of the real need.

The emotional work you are doing to overcome your depression will also help you to recognize why you are smoking in the first place. A mental health care professional will be able to add further assistance to you in this area. Visit my website for more information to help you stop smoking.

It’s been one year since the Asperger
Syndrome: Partners & Family of Adults with ASD Support Group was formed
in Portland. Thanks to all who have been a part of the group and helped it to
develop into a productive and upbuilding environment.

Since the support group has been so successful, we have decided to form a new
group in the Lake Oswego area. Two members from the Portland group will be facilitating the new group. The group will meet
on alternate Saturdays to the Portland group. If you currently attend the
Portland group, you are welcome to join the Lake Oswego meetings as well. The
location and exact start-up date have not been confirmed. I will be sure to
include all details in a blog as soon as they have been decided upon.

This Saturday April 17, the Portland group will be meeting in at 1 pm. The
theme of this month’s discussion is “Learning to laugh again.” Come
join us to begin the process of reclaiming your life. If you are already
laughing, share the laughter. If you are still numb and in survivor mode come
along and see what is possible by hearing the stories of others. If you are somewhere
in between then you know that you are growing toward freedom and that feels so
good.

Our goal is to start a group in the Vancouver, Washington area in the near
future. For more information, please visit
Meetup.com.

ADD is not something that only affects children. Adult ADD is a common disorder.  Symptoms of ADD include problems with following through on instructions, paying attention, poor listening, disorganization, lack of attention to detail, trouble with tasks that require planning or long-term effort,  easily distracted, or forgetful. In addition, some with ADD can be fidgety, verbally impulsive, unable to wait their turn, and act on impulse regardless of consequences.

 

If you are married to someone with ADD, it is realistic to expect that there will be additional challenges in your marriage due to your spouse’s disorder. What are some simple things you can do to minimize problems in your marriage?

One key is to be organized. Making lists and keeping an up-to-date schedule will help the spouse with ADD to stay on track. You may have to kindly and tactfully remind them of important details just to keep the information fresh in their mind. We have so many handy organizational tools today. Things like sticky notes, cell phone alarms, and Google Calendar are all good aids to keep your life together organized. Another tip is to keep life simple – avoid filling the home with unnecessary things that will distract them.

Remember that mistakes and miscommunication are all part of life, regardless if ADD is present in your marriage. It is important to understand what your spouse is capable of and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Understanding on your part will help you to gain a greater appreciation for them and their disorder. Professional help may be necessary at times. A marriage counselor or a mental health care professional can help you and your spouse by giving you direction in dealing with one another and the disorder.

For more information, visit ADD in Adults on my website.

The term “mompreneur” has been popping up everywhere. What does it mean? Entrepreneur.com defines “mompreneur” as, “a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.” According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, in 2008 “10.1 million firms are owned by women, employing more than 13 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales.” No wonder mompreneur has become a popular term – they are everywhere.

Being a mother and a business owner is no easy task. But when done right, both areas can be a success. Here are a few things to help keep a mompreneur in balance:

1. Stick to a schedule. Scheduling will help you stay focused on the most important tasks without getting distracted with nonessentials

2. Get the family on board. A supportive spouse is key to running a successful business. Also, involve the kids when appropriate. They can help you with things around the house or even get involved with some of the business aspects.

3. Take time for self-care. If you don’t take care of yourself first, you can’t take care of your family or your business. Take a few moments everyday to relax whether that means exercising, reading, or chatting with a friend on the phone.

I have written many articles about women business owners over the years as part of my Families In Business column. I invite you to learn more about how to be a successful business woman leader.

The
Autism Society Canada has proudly announced that April 2nd, 2010 will be
designated as the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in Canada. Their goal is to
spread awareness about autism and lend assistance to those living with ASD. It
has been estimated that 1 in 150 Canadians have some form of ASD. Since Canada
is without national surveillance, those numbers can only be viewed as an estimate.

Michael Lewis, President of the Autism Society Canada is hoping for a change in
how autism is monitored in Canada. He said, “All autism stakeholder
organizations agree that Canada must establish accurate surveillance and
reporting on ASDs. This information will help us to determine the prevalence of
autism to help develop policies needed regarding treatments and services for
all Canadians living with an ASD.”

For more information about the Autism Society of Canada and WAAD, visit their website or join their
Facebook page.
Let us all continue to work towards more awareness of ASD in whatever country
we live in!

Recent studies show that optimism can have a powerful impact on your health. It
seems that those who have a positive view of their health often fare better. It
has not be proven “how” this works in the body, but studies show
interesting results. For a more detailed look at a recent study, read Skip
the Vitamins, Use Optimism to Lift Immune System.

If you are not a naturally optimistic person, don’t be discouraged. Here are a
few tips to help you adjust your thinking to a more positive perspective:

1. Start off each day with a positive thought. It will help you set the
tone for how you will choose to think for the day.

2. Smile, smile, smile. Smiling will draw others toward you creating a
positive exchange and will guarantee to lift your mood.

3. Live one day at a time. Stop worrying about the past and the future.
Focus on the present and make that day the best it can be.

4. Find a good support system. Pick associates that are going to
encourage positive thinking and will help you work through your negative
feelings.

If optimistic thinking still feels difficult, seek professional help. A mental
health care professional will be able to help you uncover the cause of your
negative thinking and provide working tools to guide you through the change.